Once he overcomes his initial fear, Bear has fun playing with his new baby sitter, Mrs. Duck.

It's one week before Christmas! When Nora leaves Bear home with Mrs. Duck so that she can do some last-minute shopping, he promises not to hunt for presents. Bear tries to be good, but he happens upon his gifts during a game of hide-and-seek. All Bear wants is a train, but none of the boxes seems the right shape. Soon Bear begins shaking and snooping, poking and peeking at his presents. Now Bear is worried. Won't Nora be sad that he broke his promise! What will happen on Christmas morning?

The story of Mr. Zebra and Mrs. Duck is about friendship; in which, Mr. Zebra helps Mrs. Duck find her way home.

"When Bear rescues Duck from a thicket one late winter day, an unexpected friendship begins. Months go by as they tell stories, swim in the river, and explore the forest. But as spring turns to summer, and summer turns to fall, what changes might the seasons bring?"--

"Marmaduke's shop was a well-loved store. Customers came by the dozen and score. From near, from afar creatures ran, flew, swam ... for a mouthful of masterful marmalade jam. Then along comes big bad Bernadette Bear, who opens a Honey Boutique, and nobody wants marmalade any more. Poor Marmaduke Duck!" Suggested level: junior.