Santa Bruce

Reach for this book when your child is having a case of the holiday 'grumpies' or feels overwhelmed by the expectations of the season. It is an ideal choice for the child who identifies with being a bit of a curmudgeon, or for the parent who wants to show that kindness can exist even in a bad mood. The story follows Bruce, a bear who just wants to hibernate but is instead mistaken for Santa Claus by the local forest animals. Through hilarious misunderstandings and Bruce's reluctant participation in Christmas festivities, the book explores themes of community, boundaries, and unintentional heroism. It normalizes being a grump while showing how helping others can lead to unexpected joy. Best suited for ages 3 to 7, this secular holiday story offers a refreshing break from overly sentimental seasonal tales, proving that you do not have to be perfect to be a hero.