All children will identify with Bear – cuddly, bemused, well-meaning, he makes an ideal picture book hero. There are only four sleeps until Christmas, and he still hasn’t got a present for his best friend Squirrel. It’s got to be something extra special, but all Bear’s attempts to make something end in disaster, until at last he has a brilliant idea. Bear’s earnest efforts to make the perfect present are both comic and touching, and the resolution to the story will have everyone smiling. A warm and appealing little Christmas adventure. ~ Andrea Reece
It's Christmas and Bear has forgotten to get his best friend Squirrel a present. Oh no! He'll have to make something instead. Except Bear isn't very good at making things. A badly knitted jumper, a terrible painting and a broken rocking chair. They're not exactly the best Christmas presents ever ...Or are they? The perfect gift for Christmas - not just for squirrels!
Ben Mantle began his illustration career early, picking up his first award in a local library colouring-in competition aged seven. He went on to study Animation at the Surrey Institute of Art and Design before working as an animator. Ben illustrated Callum's Incredible Construction Kit for Egmont which won the 2013 Bishop's Stortford Picture Book Award. He is also the illustrator of Giggle, Giggle What's So Funny? as well as Bigger Digger and Rocket Racers. The Best Christmas Present Ever! is the sequel to Ben's Macmillan debut, The Best Birthday Present Ever! Ben lives and works in Brighton where every year he holds a Christmas cheese party very aptly called 'Merry Cheesemas'..
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