December Holiday Books 2004
Reviewed by: Eva Mitnick, chair; her colleagues at the Los Angeles Public Library, Mara Alpert, Linda Israelson, Susan Patron, and Maureen Wade; and Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles -- School Library Journal, 10/1/2004
Anyone looking for Christmas picture books shouldn’t be disappointed by the plethora of offerings this year. The story of the Nativity is told from just about every perspective imaginable, and Santa’s secrets are exposed in a variety of funny books. Rounding out the Christmas offerings are several independent readers and a lovely collection of carols that includes a CD recorded by the Boys Choir of Harlem. Kwanzaa is represented by only a handful of books as is Hanukkah, although in the latter category there are several delightful choices for story time or lap-sharing. Librarians will even find two fine books about Three Kings’ Day among this season’s outpouring. With more than 80 holiday books to choose from, there should be something here for everyone.–Eva Mitnick
ADLER, David A. The Kids’ Catalog of Hanukkah. 218p. illus. photos. further reading. index. score. CIP. Jewish Pubn. Society. 2004. pap. $16.95. ISBN 0-8276-0805-5. LC 2003027949.
K-Gr 5–This large volume includes the history of the holiday and how it is celebrated; stories and reminiscences from many different contributors, including Chaim Potok; and a section of games, mazes, math riddles, crafts, and recipes. Much of the material is both interesting and valuable, but children are unlikely to be attracted to the jumbled layout. This is an amateurish-looking hodgepodge that will probably find its best use as a teaching tool for adults to use with children.–E. M.
ANAYA, Rudolfo. The Santero’s Miracle: A Bilingual Story. tr. by Enrique Lamadrid. illus. by Amy Córdova. 32p. glossary. CIP. Univ. of New Mexico. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8263-2847-4. LC 2003028247.
Gr 1-4–Andrés’s grandpa Don Jacobo is a master santero, a carver of wooden saints, and the 10-year-old helps him make a statue of San Isidro during his holiday break from school. When a New Mexico snowstorm blocks the roads, a miracle involving the wooden saint allows an ambulance to get to a sick neighbor and the boy’s parents and sister to arrive in time for Christmas. The story is presented in both English and Spanish, and the Spanish terms sprinkled throughout the English text are explained in a glossary. The plot is a bit thin, but the creative Don Jacobo is a wonderful character and his relationship with Andrés is strong and warm, a good match to the gorgeous paintings in the blue, turquoise, and red clay colors of the Southwest.–E. M.
AUER, Chris. The Littlest Magi: A Christmas Tale. illus. by Bruce Eagle. unpaged. CIP. Zonderkidz. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-310-70663-7. LC 2004000493.
K-Gr 2–When young Jacob, a lowly palace servant, overhears the three Wise Men telling King Herod about following a star in search of the “new king,” he stows away in a rolled-up carpet and goes off with them. Awestruck by his meeting with the holy family, he later helps them escape Herod’s soldiers. The text is quite wordy, but the message of Jesus being the herald of a new kingdom “where the great and the small will stand side by side” comes through clearly, if dully and didactically. The cartoon illustrations have that glitzy Disney look that children seem to appreciate.–E. M.
BLEDSOE, Karen E. Hanukkah Crafts. 32p. (Fun Holiday Crafts Kids Can Do! Series). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2004. PLB $17.95. ISBN 0-7660-2238-2. LC 2003012074.
Gr 3-5–This workmanlike series entry provides instructions for 10 projects. Colorful photographs illustrate some of the numbered steps as well as the final result. The crafts range from a “Dreidel Mobile” to “Embossed Place Cards.” Most of the materials can be found around the house (pencil, glue stick); others may require a trip to the supply store (pony beads, glitter glue). A brief history of the holiday is included.–S. P.
BROWN, Margaret Wise. Christmas in the Barn. illus. by Diane Goode. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-052634-3; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-052635-1. LC 2003017481.
PreS-Gr 2–Originally published in 1952 (HarperCollins) and illustrated by Barbara Cooney, this simple and lovely interpretation of the Nativity story is now large enough to share with a good-sized audience. Brown’s text remains unchanged–a lilting rhyme filled with snippets of familiar carols (“Away in a manger, no crib for his bed/What child is this who lays down his sweet head?”). Although the narrative clearly describes an “ancient” barn, Goode’s light-filled illustrations depict a relatively modern, snowy farm, making it uncertain if this is actually the holy family, or another man and woman who happen to be giving birth in a barn. Despite this quibble, this is a worthy addition to holiday shelves.–M. A.
BUTLER, M. Christina. One Snowy Night. illus. by Tina Macnaughton. unpaged. Good Bks. Oct. 2004. Tr $16. ISBN 1-56148-452-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Normally, Little Hedgehog would be asleep at Christmas, but the cold wind wakes him up. From out of the blue (literally) comes a gift from Father Christmas–a red woolly hat, just the perfect size, except for his pesky quills. When the hat is all stretched out, Little Hedgehog rewraps it and leaves it on Rabbit’s doorstep. He in turn gives it to Badger, who then passes it on to Fox. Heading out one evening, he comes across poor Little Hedgehog, unconscious in the snow. Fox wraps him in the hat and takes him to Rabbit’s house, where Rabbit and Badger are having dinner. Little Hedgehog wakes up long enough to admire his nice warm blanket, and the other animals decide that the hat is perfect for him. Macnaughton’s illustrations are simple and charming and the red hat has a touchable velvety texture, making this a good story for both intimate and large settings.–M. A.
CALHOUN, Mary. Henry the Christmas Cat. illus. by Erick Ingraham. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-688-16560-5; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-688-16561-3. LC 00-054041.
PreS-Gr 2–When everyone gathers for the outdoor Christmas pageant, Henry the cat befriends a lamb that has been loaned by a farmer for the night. When she runs off during the pre-pageant caroling, Henry goes after her, saves her from a mean cat, and leads her back to the outdoor crèche. The plot is thin but Henry is as plucky as ever, portrayed in all his Siamese glory against the backdrop of a snowy, moonlit town. The spectacle of Henry standing on his back legs to lead the lamb is a little jarring, given the realistic style of the paintings. However, Henry’s fans will take it in stride and will welcome his appearance during the holiday season.–E. M.
CAMPBELL, Rod. Dear Santa. illus. by author. unpaged. S & S/Little Simon. Oct. 2004. BD $7.99. ISBN 0-689-87415-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS–This board book follows the format of Campbell’s Dear Zoo (Little Simon, 1986); Santa tries to fill an unnamed narrator’s request for something “special,” but keeps changing his mind as his offerings seem too “bouncy,” “scary,” and so on. Each present has a sturdy flap that can be opened, revealing the contents. The gifts themselves are not particularly exciting, and children won’t be able to guess from the wrappings what might be hidden inside, but they will still enjoy opening the flaps. The artwork is colorful and crisp against a white background, and the final purrfect present has a patch of soft fur that kids will love to touch. A surefire hit for toddlers.–E. M.
CLARK, Emma Chichester. Merry Christmas to You, Blue Kangaroo! illus. by author. unpaged. Doubleday. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-74682-2; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-385-90918-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Lily and Blue Kangaroo are getting ready to celebrate the toy’s first Christmas. In fact, the youngster is absolutely convinced that the entire holiday is being organized primarily in honor of her friend. Blue is confused by all the fuss, and more than a little concerned when he realizes that he doesn’t have anything to give Lily. Never fear. Father Christmas appears in the fireplace and has just the right gift in his bag. Any child who has ever been overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season will relate to Blue’s dilemma. Attractive scenes of various holiday activities enjoyed by Lily’s loving and creative family abound in this tale of friendship touched by a little bit of magic.–M. A.
COOPER, Alexandra. Spin the Dreidel! illus. by Claudine Gévry. unpaged. S & S/Little Simon. Oct. 2004. BD $7.99. ISBN 0-689-86430-2. LC number unavailable.
PreS–In this board book, a family plays dreidel while a simple rhyming text explains the meaning of each letter in turn–“nun,” “gimel,” “hey,” and “shin.” Each letter is shown on the four corners of the spread on which it is featured, along with the Hebrew word it stands for, although the meaning of “Nes Gadol Hayah Sham” is never explained. A paragraph at the end provides a simplified version of the Chanukah story. A section of the book’s spine has been cut away, allowing room for an unremovable plastic dreidel, which children will have fun spinning as they read the book. The charming, warmly colored illustrations make this an appealing, if additional, selection.–E. M.
COOTS, J. Fred & Haven Gillespie. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town. illus. by Steven Kellogg. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-688-14938-3; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-623849-8. LC 2003001821.
PreS-Gr 2–A little bear has just returned from visiting Santa at the North Pole. Armed with insider information, he uses the familiar words of this upbeat Christmas standard to warn the children that they had best behave themselves. Readers will find it difficult to keep from bursting into song rather than simply following the text, and Kellogg’s fans will relish the colorful, high-energy illustrations. Each page is packed with interesting details as the entire North Pole staff prepares for the big day and the youngsters cease their malicious snowball fights in favor of more constructive behavior–like singing and writing letters to Santa. This pays off in the end, when the gifts they’ve dreamed of appear beneath the tree. Sure to fuel the fires of anticipation, this visual feast will be most effective as a lap-sit.–L. I.
CROSSLEY-HOLLAND, Kevin. How Many Miles to Bethlehem? illus. by Peter Malone. unpaged. Scholastic/Arthur A. Levine Bks. Oct. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-439-67642-8. LC 2003009622.
K-Gr 2–“I am Mary. Tight as a drum. Round as the lady moon calling out to me. We’re so far from home, and my baby will be born tonight.” So begins this telling of the Nativity story, in which one character after another contributes a small nugget, each one leading seamlessly to the next. Readers hear from the innkeeper, the Wise Men, King Herod, and even a small lamb; only Joseph never gets to speak his piece, although he is certainly present, smiling enigmatically. The language is both colloquial and lyrical, with the shepherds describing “the tent of the sky swaying, the earth’s bones shaking” as they head toward Bethlehem. Malone’s illustrations are reminiscent of early Renaissance and medieval Eastern art in their wealth of detail and color. From the ornate patterns in the Wise Men’s robes to the sparse foliage and rocks spread over the arid land, the paintings evoke both sumptuous glory and a serene stillness.–E. M.
DEPAOLA, Tomie. Guess Who’s Coming to Santa’s for Dinner? illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2004. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24271-6. LC 2003026638.
K-Gr 3–When Santa invites his family and his friend Lars for Christmas dinner, things get a little raucous. Children will find funny details to appreciate in dePaola’s signature drawings–executed here in a red and green palette–and lively narrative, with dialogue-balloon asides. The result is a fun celebration complete with Lars’s pet polar bear and a flaming plum pudding.–V. W.
DOHERTY, Berlie, retel. The Nutcracker. illus. by Ian Beck. unpaged. Corgi, dist. by Trafalgar Square. Oct. 2004. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-385-60437-8; pap. $7.95. ISBN 0-552-54834-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–E. T. A. Hoffmann’s fantastical tale about a girl and a wooden nutcracker has been retold and reinvented countless times since it first appeared in 1816. This version, based on the 1891 Tchaikovsky ballet, is told from the viewpoint of an elderly Clara. The story unfolds very slowly and rather unevenly, with a number of pages at the beginning devoted to the children waiting for Godfather Drosselmeyer to arrive, and only one page near the end mentioning the celebration in the Kingdom of Sweets. Doherty also makes some distracting word choices–describing the Sugar Plum Fairy’s dress as “spiky” for example. Beck’s delicate watercolor-and-ink illustrations and borders invite second and third looks with their wealth of detail. However, Geraldine McCaughrean’s retelling of the ballet story (Oxford, 1999) or Sarah L. Thomson’s version combining the original and the ballet, illustrated by Michael Hague (SeaStar, 2003), are better choices.–M. A.
EDWARDS, Michelle. Papa’s Latkes. illus. by Stacey Schuett. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 2004. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-0779-7. LC 00-069801.
K-Gr 2–This is the first Chanukah since Selma’s mother died, and she and her younger sister carefully follow all of Mama’s traditions as they polish the menorah and tell Papa exactly how the latkes should be made. When they turn out fat, brown, and lumpy instead of light and crisp, Selma can’t be brave anymore and begins to cry. After a comforting “Skolnick family hug,” Papa and the girls continue their evening with candle-lighting and prayers. The poignant text with touches of humor is nicely matched with warm and richly colored oil paintings. Papa is an especially appealing character; his efforts to be jolly don’t keep him from offering heartfelt comfort and love to his daughters when they need it. A touching and uplifting story.–E. M.
FERGUSON, Sarah. Little Red’s Christmas Story. illus. by Sam Williams. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Oct. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-85561-3. LC 2003024413.
PreS-Gr 1–Little Red returns, along with her friends Little Blue, Roany the Pony, and Gino the Dog. Their expedition to Christmas Tree Wood is interrupted when they encounter Santa Claus with a sick reindeer. Little Red saves the day by sprinkling magic dust on Roany so that he can fly and help to pull the sleigh. Young children may be drawn to the cutesy illustrations, but the treacly story is far from compelling. The overly long narrative is sprinkled with such awkward neologisms as “yippeedoodledan” and “fantabuloso.” This is only for the most avid Anglophiles or hard-core fans of the Duchess of York.–V. W.
FOREMAN, Michael. Cat on the Hill. illus. by author. unpaged. Andersen, dist. by Trafalgar Square. 2004. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-84270-282-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Winter brings cold and hunger to a cat that lives alone in a chapel on a hill until a kind boy and his companions bring it a Christmas feast. The cat talks to readers directly, matter-of-factly describing its pleasure in the view and the difficulties in finding food down in the town, where mean cats prowl. Several references to a pesky pup as “that damned dog” may raise some eyebrows, but kids will warm immediately to this feline and sympathize when it is envious of the horses that get rubbed and fed every day (“lucky beggars!”). Foreman’s signature watercolors are a delight in any season. The only hint of the holiday is in the art, which shows harried shoppers and colored lights, and even a glimpse of Santa–and of course the little shelter that the boy sets up for the cat, complete with straw and friendly animals, will remind kids of another Christmas. Quiet and satisfying.–E. M.
GLASER, Linda. Mrs. Greenberg’s Messy Hanukkah. illus. by Nancy Cote. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. 2004. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-8075-5297-6. LC 2004000527.
PreS-Gr 1–Although it’s the first night of Hanukkah, Rachel’s parents tell her there won’t be any latkes until the relatives come to visit next week. Undeterred, the child goes over to the exceedingly tidy house of her neighbor, Mrs. Greenberg (whom readers might remember from The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes [Albert Whitman, 1997]), where she convinces the woman to make latkes with her. Rachel proceeds to spill the grated potatoes, drop the egg, and more, resulting in a terrible mess. Her parents arrive home in time to help clean up, and they all celebrate the first night of Hanukkah together. The energetic, cheerful illustrations and the simple and satisfying story make this a good book for holiday sharing.–E. M.
GNOJEWSKI, Carol. Kwanzaa: Seven Days of African-American Pride. 48p. (Finding Out about Holidays Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2004. PLB $18.95. ISBN 0-7660-2209-9. LC 2003006849.
Gr 3-5–This book offers an overview of the history, symbols, and activities surrounding this quintessentially American celebration, created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to pay tribute to African-American culture and identity. Swahili words are defined and include pronunciation guides. Descriptions are clear and offer simple, creative ideas to children and adults to help them plan displays and gatherings without spending a lot of money. The layout is attractive, but many of the full-color photographs seem arbitrarily chosen and do nothing to enhance readers’ understanding of the holiday.–M. A.
GREENE, Rhonda Gowler. Santa’s Stuck. illus. by Henry Cole. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. 2004. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-525-47292-4. LC 2003062613.
PreS-Gr 2–When Santa eats so many sweet treats that he can’t get back up the chimney, a family cat and dog and all the reindeer push and pull, to no avail. Finally, a mouse with a toy bulldozer provides the power needed to release St. Nick from his tight squeeze. Told in a rhyming text with lively cartoon illustrations in bright, bold colors, this is an adequate addition for libraries with readers who have an insatiable appetite for holiday books.–V. W.
GRINDLEY, Sally. Home for Christmas. illus. by Karin Littlewood. 32p. Frances Lincoln. Nov. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-84507-071-2. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–A homeless boy who works at various jobs in the marketplace has been sleeping in the very barn where Mary and Joseph have come to spend the night. There’s a terrible storm and then the cry of a baby and the unearthly light of a star. The unnamed child creeps out of his hiding place, takes Mary a cup of milk, and is invited to admire the infant. He stays and watches as visitors of all kinds bring gifts, and “he knew at last what it felt like to belong.” There is no mention of what happens to him after everyone goes home–and certainly, nothing to indicate that his status has changed in any way. Littlewood’s watercolor paintings are lovely, giving a real sense of the bustle of the marketplace and the joy of the new mother with her child, but the lack of a satisfying resolution makes this an unnecessary purchase.–M. A.
HALEY, Amanda. I Wish Santa Would Come by Helicopter. illus. by author. unpaged. Sterling. 2004. Tr $9.95. ISBN 1-4027-1708-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS–As Maxie eats dinner and gets ready for bed on Christmas Eve, he keeps making wishes (that Santa would come by helicopter, that Santa could help trim the family tree) and his mother has a ready response each time (“Then, Maxie, who would drive his sled?” “Who would trim Santa’s tree?”). Although the illustrations are cheerful and childlike, the boy’s wishes and his mother’s replies are uninteresting, and the sight of Santa flying by in a helicopter on Christmas morning does nothing to liven things up. An uninspired offering.–E. M.
HÄNEL, Wolfram. Christmas for the Snowmen. tr. from German by Marianne Martens. illus. by Uli Waas. unpaged. North-South. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1965-3; PLB $16.50. ISBN 0-7358-1966-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Three snowmen learn that while it is cold and lonely outside on Christmas Eve, it is way too warm for them indoors. Then, the village children turn out and quickly make 20 more snow people, which seems far more festive. Appealing, childlike illustrations enhance the slight, ephemeral story.–V. W.
HELLER, Daryl. Hanukkah. reprods. ISBN 1-4042-2525-0. LC 2003-009023.
––––. Hanukkah/Jánuca. tr. by Tomás González. reprods. ISBN 1-4042-7525-8. LC 2003-009375.
––––. Kwanzaa. map. ISBN 1-4042-2528-5. LC 2003-010276.
––––. Kwanzaa. tr. by Tomás González. map. ISBN 1-4042-7528-2. LC 2003-010274.
HOUGHTON, Gillian. Christmas. reprods. ISBN 1-4042-2524-2. LC 2003-010263.
––––. Christmas/Navidad. tr. by Tomás González. reprods. ISBN 1-4042-7524-X. LC 2003-010264.
ea vol: 24p. (My Library of Holidays Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2004. PLB $16.
PreS-Gr 1–Each holiday is described in the simplest and broadest of terms, with a few specific aspects highlighted. Readers are told, for instance, that there are seven Kwanzaa ideas and seven symbols, but only one of each is even named. There are no pronunciation guides for the Swahili or Hebrew words. Visually, the books are appealing, small in size with clean layouts, large type, plenty of white space, and good-quality color photographs. All three titles are available in English/Spanish editions, which could be useful for students just beginning to learn either language. Julie Murray’s Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa (all ABDO, 2003) are better choices.–M. A.
HENNESSY, B. G. The Attic Christmas. illus. by Dan Andreasen. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 2004. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23497-7. LC 2001048728.
PreS-Gr 1–In the attic, beloved Christmas tree ornaments, some of which Grandma Lily has had since childhood, wonder why the woman doesn’t take them down and hang them on the tree, as she always has. When it becomes clear that Lily is gone, the ornaments hold their own celebration in a dollhouse, but it just isn’t the same. Luckily, Lily’s son arrives with his own children, and the ornaments are part of a family once again. The oil paintings, which depict each ornament in careful and loving detail, are the strength and heart of this book. Despite some flaws (Jack seems to grow from a little boy to a man with kids of his own in just one year, and the tenses switch from past to present and back again), the simple story has quiet, old-fashioned charm.–E. M.
HILLENBRAND, Will. Asleep in the Stable. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1824-3. LC 2003059142.
PreS-K–When Baby Owl asks, “WHOOOO… is that baby sleeping in the nest below?” his mother gives more of a theological explanation than is normally included in a Nativity story for young children. Mama Owl tells the curious youngster that this Holy Child has a Heavenly Father as well as an earthly father. She also tells him that “God, his Heavenly Father, has given him the warmth of his love instead of feathers.” The mixed-media illustrations are sweet and appealing. However, while Baby Owl is satisfied with the details provided about this Child, human parents may find that this story raises more questions than it answers with their youngsters.–V. W.
HOFFMANN, E. T. A. Nutcracker. retold by Susanne Koppe. tr. from German by Anthea Bell. illus. by Lisbeth Zwerger. unpaged. North-South/A Michael Neugebauer Bk. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1733-2; PLB $16.50. ISBN 0-7358-1734-0. LC number unavailable.
Gr 4-8–After illustrating The Nutcracker and the Mouse-King (Picture Book Studio, 1983; o.p.), Zwerger has taken on the challenge of creating a completely different set of images almost a quarter century later. She has succeeded admirably. This version features somewhat surreal, almost theatrically presented tableaux, delicately and darkly rendered in pen and ink and watercolor. Readers are far removed from the action–sometimes back in the nosebleed section, as opposed to the earlier edition, in which readers were right in the middle of everything. The 2004 Marie is a china doll of a girl, unlike the more realistically presented character of the past. This would be a hard version to share with a group, though Koppe’s retelling is more accessible and detailed than the earlier title. This Nutcracker dramatically illustrates the growth and evolution of an important illustrator.–M. A.
HOPKINS, Lee Bennett, sel. Christmas Presents: Holiday Poetry. ISBN 0-06-008054-X; ISBN 0-06-008055-8. LC 2003049513.
––––. Hanukkah Lights: Holiday Poetry. ISBN 0-06-008051-5; ISBN 0-06-008052-3. LC 2003018901.
ea vol: illus. by Melanie Hall. 30p. (An I Can Read Bk.). index. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99; PLB $16.89.
PreS-Gr 2–These lovely collections are just right for beginning readers. Each book features a dozen tiny gems. The poems are simple, evocative, and rhythmic without lapsing into a singsong cadence. Hall’s expressive artwork creates an appealing contemporary tone with vivid pastels and a smattering of collage. Colorful shapes seem to dance on the page with their own poetic rhythms, conveying dreamlike images, both whimsical and haunting. The opening poem in Christmas Presents, Maria Fleming’s “Waiting,” evokes the intensity of anticipation inherent in the holiday. Likewise, Hanukkah Lights enthusiastically invites readers to revel and celebrate using all of the senses. The centerpiece of this book is Hopkins’s own “First Candle,” which with exquisite simplicity encapsulates in nine words the essence of the holiday.–L. I.
HOYT-GOLDSMITH, Diane. Three Kings Day: A Celebration at Christmastime. photos. by Lawrence Migdale. 30p. illus. map. glossary. index. CIP. Holiday House. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1839-1. LC 2003067625.
Gr 2-4–In many countries with a strong Catholic tradition, Three Kings Day, celebrated on January 6, is as important as Christmas Day itself. It is the day when gifts are exchanged. In some communities, including the Puerto Rican barrio of New York City depicted here, it is also a time for parades, fancy dress, and parties. This photo-essay looks at El Día de los Tres Reyes through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl and her family. Informative sidebars, a glossary of Spanish terms, and evocative full-color photos add to the straightforward, readable text. An essential purchase for multicultural collections and libraries serving Latino communities, this is also a good resource for students doing research on Christmas customs.–V. W.
IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE KWANZAA! illus. by Rex Perry. unpaged. (Jump at the Sun Holiday Classics Series). Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. 2004. pap. $3.50. ISBN 0-7868-0924-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–This slender paperback is a takeoff on the popular Christmas song, but readers will have to know the tune really well, and maybe practice a few times, to make it work. The text describes the activities of a grinning African-American extended family as they celebrate Kwanzaa. It’s not great literature or great artwork, but it may feel immediately familiar to youngsters raised on sugarcoated cartoons.–M. A.
JÄHNERT, Tina. A Gift for the Christ Child. tr. from German by Sibylle Kazeroid. illus. by Alessandra Roberti. unpaged. North-South. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1957-2; PLB $16.50. ISBN 0-7358-1958-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Miriam, the daughter of an innkeeper in Bethlehem, is tired of being too little and unimportant to help out, so when a man and his pregnant wife arrive at the overcrowded inn, she is happy to lead them to the stable. Later that night, the girl is one of the first to give a gift to Baby Jesus, her own blanket, making her feel important after all. The lovely illustrations, soft and smoky with touches of bright warmth, are full of child appeal. Each event, whether small or earthshaking, is seen from the perspective of the winsome heroine, which gives this familiar story a new immediacy and charm.–E. M.
KIMMEL, Elizabeth Cody. My Penguin Osbert. illus. by H. B. Lewis. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 2004. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-7636-1699-0. LC 2003040981.
PreS-Gr 2–After several years in which his Christmas wishes have gone awry, Joe gets smart and writes Santa a detailed and exact description of the present he wants–a real live penguin. He gets what he asked for, but providing his new friend with meals of creamed herring and taking cold baths with him turn out to be more than he bargained for. Written with lots of tongue-in-cheek humor, this quietly quirky tale is accompanied by expressive watercolor-and-pastel illustrations depicting the determined-to-make-this-work Joe and his irrepressible pet. This holiday story will make kids laugh all year long.–E. M.
KINSEY-WARNOCK, Natalie. A Christmas Like Helen’s. illus. by Mary Azarian. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. Oct. 2004. Tr $16. ISBN 0-618-23137-4. LC 2003022883.
K-Gr 4–The author tells contemporary children what Christmas would have been like for her grandmother, living on a farm in Vermont before there were cars, electricity, or telephones. The engaging narrative and Azarian’s fine, hand-colored woodcuts combine to raise the story above many similar nostalgic accounts of holidays past. Best suited for reading aloud, this gorgeous book might inspire grown-ups to share their own family stories with the children in their care.–V. W.
KLISE, Kate. Shall I Knit You a Hat?: A Christmas Yarn. illus. by M. Sarah Klise. unpaged. Holt. Oct. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8050-7318-3. LC 2003022497.
K-Gr 2–A sweet tale of gift giving and friendship. When Mother Rabbit hears that a blizzard is expected to hit on Christmas Eve, she knits Little Rabbit a hat that shows off his long, beautiful ears. He loves it, and suggests that they give their animal friends hats as Christmas presents. Mother Rabbit agrees, and the two set off to take stealthy measurements, then carefully craft the hats to suit the personality and physical attributes of each animal. The finished products are, well, creative; the expressions on the animals’ faces as they view their gifts in a mirror are priceless. However, when the snow begins to fall, the recipients quickly realize that their presents are just what they needed. This is a good selection for holiday sharing, but the detailed acrylic illustrations cry out for close inspection and would work best one-on-one or with a small group.–M. A.
KNIGHT, Hilary. A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice. illus. by author. unpaged. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Oct. 2004. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-06-000991-8; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-000992-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–In a newly illustrated version of a tale originally published in 1963 (HarperCollins; o.p.), two mice offer their own version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” giving one another 2 silver (straight) pins, 3 thistle dusters, and finally 12 bees a-buzzing. The illustrations, in Knight’s usual goofy and endearing style, take the form of “family photos” tacked onto each page, each with its own caption. As the gifts accumulate, the tiny house (furnished in Borrower style with thimbles and funnels and such) gets more and more crowded. Kids will be pleased to note that every single one of the 78 gifts is visible in the very last illustration. Energetic fun.–E. M.
KOONS, Jon. A Confused Hanukkah: An Original Story of Chelm. illus. by S. D. Schindler. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. 2004. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-525-46969-9. LC 2003023632.
K-Gr 3–The simple people of Chelm are in a dither. Their rabbi is mysteriously absent, Hanukkah is drawing near, and they’ve forgotten how they are supposed to celebrate. A mirthful adventure ensues when the town’s wise men (an oxymoron, if ever there was one) send the naive, yet likable Yossel to a nearby village in hopes of reclaiming the traditional customs. However, Yossel unwittingly visits the Big City, where preparations are being made for a different holiday than the one he has in mind, and when the rabbi returns, he finds the villagers decorating trees and cavorting with a fat, bearded man in a blue velvet suit named Hanukkah Hershel. After the rabbi reminds the villagers about the miracle of the Festival of Lights, things are quickly set right again, with the requisite latkes, songs, dreidels, and gelt. Schindler’s charming, comically detailed watercolor-and-ink illustrations portray the characters endearingly and provide cultural insight that will appeal to children of all faiths. Suitable as a read-aloud or a lap-sit.–L. I.
KOONTZ, Dean. Robot Santa: The Further Adventures of Santa’s Twin. illus. by Phil Parks. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-06-050943-0; PLB $20.89. ISBN 0-06-050944-9. LC 2003022307.
Gr 2-5–In this sequel to Santa’s Twin (Morrow, 1996), the big man’s brother Bob tries to help out by building a robotic Santa and reindeer, and trains a gorilla to drive the rocket-powered sleigh. Sure enough, things go wrong; by the time the surrogate St. Nick reaches his first house, he’s having major software trouble and is downright scary. Meanwhile, the gorilla takes over the kitchen and starts cooking up a storm. Luckily, Emily and Lottie (stars of the first book) restore order and sanity, with some help from their dog Woofer and the real Santa. The tale is told in many, many rhyming stanzas, which can be rather exhausting to read, but there are enough laughs, wordplay, and clever twists to hold the interest of most kids, especially if they hear it read aloud. The illustrations are slick, smooth, and rather stiff, which works well with the robotic characters but not so well with the real ones; Emily and Lottie look as though they are made of plastic. If Santa’s Twin is popular at your library, this title will be a hit as well.–E. M.
KROPF, Latifa Berry. It’s Hanukkah Time! photos. by Tod Cohen. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2004. PLB $12.95. ISBN 1-58013-120-4. LC 2003026443.
PreS–A class of preschoolers prepares for a Hanukkah party by sending invitations to their grandparents, making decorations and gifts, and mixing the batter for sufganiyot (donuts). When their guests arrive, everyone dances, sings, lights Hanukkah candles, and eats the treats. The text is short and simple, and the kids and grandparents are clearly having fun (even if the photos look staged). A recipe for the donuts is included, as well as the English and Hebrew texts for the Hanukkah candle blessings.–E. M.
LAYNE, Steven L. The Principal’s Night before Christmas. illus. by James Rice. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58980-252-7. LC 2004008657.
K-Gr 2–Principal Swell has all sorts of problems to solve involving paperwork, naughty students, and complicated field trips, and it seems that he’ll never get back home to his own family for Christmas–until Santa appears and takes care of everything. Written in the same rhyme scheme as Clement C. Moore’s poem, this is a lifeless recitation of mundane problems, accompanied by folksy, almost awkward illustrations that lack child appeal. Rice has illustrated many takeoffs of Moore’s work, and this is one of the least successful.–E. M.
LEE, Stan. Stan Lee’s Superhero Christmas. illus. by Tim Jessell. unpaged. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-056559-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-056560-8. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–The evil Ice King and his trolls have captured Santa! It takes the superpowers of the Protector, his wife (the Protectress), and their two children–soon to be the Young Protectors–to save the day. One might expect the story to be told in comic-strip panels with conventional cartoon illustrations. However, this tale is related in a straight narrative with realistic paintings rendered in pastels and mixed media. Ultimately, this is a contrived and forgettable story that young readers can easily skip.–V. W.
LIN, Grace. Robert’s Snow. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Viking. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-670-05911-0. LC 2003025417.
PreS-Gr 1–A little mouse resides with his family in a leaky, old, leather boot that constantly needs repair. As winter approaches, the others are all for sealing themselves inside to shut out the cold. Robert has always yearned to play in the snow, so when he accidentally slips out of his window, he is delighted. Soon, however, he becomes lost and must be saved by a “big animal” with red fur and blue eyes. He delivers the little mouse to his home, and when the snow melts, Robert’s family is mystified and delighted by the appearance of a brand-new boot right next to their old one. Like Robert, young readers will guess who left this thoughtful gift. Cellophane tape, postage stamps, and spools of thread are used to good effect inside Robert’s crowded home, and these colorful domestic scenes contrast well with the patterned blue-and-white world outside. This is a cozy book for young children, with only a tiny hint of Christmas in it to add some holiday spice.–E. M.
LITTLE, Jean. Pippin the Christmas Pig. illus. by Werner Zimmermann. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-439-65062-3. LC 2003022486.
PreS-Gr 1–When the animals in the barn boast about the important roles their ancestors played during the first Christmas, Pippin the pig is so upset to learn that her ancestors didn’t give a gift that she runs off into the snow. Miraculously (and a bit jarringly), she meets a homeless mother and her baby and leads them to the stable, where she convinces the other animals to help them. The point about the best gift being kindness and love may be lost on small children, who will like this book for the interplay among the animals and for the sweet portrayal of the endearing Pippin. The atmospheric watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are full of child appeal, with Pippin (who looks like a cross between Wilbur and Olivia) standing out pinkly against the dark barn and snowy fields.–E. M.
MCWILLIAMS, Amanda. Ozark Night before Christmas. illus. by James Rice. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58980-056-7. LC 2003027738.
Gr 1-4–When a boy wakes up on Christmas Eve and goes outside to investigate, he sees Saint Nick paddling down the creek in a boat, dressed in overalls with a pet raccoon on his shoulder. After the boy helps “Santy” carry his sack of goodies to the cabin, he and his parents receive instruments and they all play music and dance a “fine backwoods jig.” Adults may struggle to wrap their tongues around the thick-as-butter dialect (“I foller’t ’im down the holler, whar a-paddlin’ the crick,/Well bedog m’ cats, iffen it wharn’t ol’ Saint Nick!”), but kids will savor this exotic version of the classic poem. Although a bit stiff, the illustrations have a scratchy, folksy quality that works well with the text.–E. M.
MILGRIM, David. See Santa Nap. illus. by author. unpaged. (The Adventures of Otto Series). CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 2004. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-689-85928-7. LC 2003022937.
PreS-Gr 1–After a long night of gift giving, Santa tries to snooze at the beach–but the animals all have new toys, such as a drum and a water gun, and keep disturbing his slumber. Finally, Otto the robot uses his own present to rescue Santa and let him nap at last. The short sentences and simple words make this a good choice for early beginning readers, and the illustrations of Santa trying to relax in a lounge chair with a tropical drink will tickle their fancies.–E. M.
MURAIL, Marie-Aude & Elvire Murail. Santa’s Last Present. tr. from French. illus. by Quentin Blake. unpaged. CIP. Peachtree. 2004. Tr $12.95. ISBN 1-56145-319-6. LC 2003027470.
K-Gr 2–Although he no longer believes in Santa, Julian writes a letter to him in order to placate his parents. He receives the wished-for video-game system, but ends up preferring a little wooden steam engine that mysteriously appears under the tree. Because he isn’t certain if the train is really meant for him, Julian becomes worried that Santa will take it back the following Christmas. However, the next year, Santa not only lets him keep the toy, but provides four shiny boxcars as well. The story is charmingly told, but some children may be a bit puzzled by Julian’s adoration of the train. Blake’s colorful cartoons are as appealing as ever. The small trim size and cream-colored pages go well with the quiet story, making this a good choice for libraries that have plenty of big, jolly Christmas books and want some more thoughtful fare.–E. M.
O HOLY NIGHT: CHRISTMAS WITH THE BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM. illus. by Faith Ringgold. unpaged. with CD. CIP. HarperCollins/Amistad. Oct. 2004. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-06-000979-9; PLB $19.89. ISBN 0-06-051819-7. LC 2003001820.
PreS Up–The lyrics for “Silent Night,” “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “O Holy Night,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and “Joy to the World” are accompanied by richly colored paintings depicting a dark-skinned holy family and a multiethnic cast of shepherds, angels, and Wise Men. Deep purples and blues, highlighted by gold lettering and halos, emphasize the joy and mystery of this special night. The book begins with the text of Luke 2:1-20 from the King James Version of the Bible (in very small font) and is accompanied by a compact disc of the five carols, sung by the Boys Choir of Harlem. A lovely holiday choice.–E. M.
O’KEEFE, Susan Heyboer. Christmas Gifts. illus. by Jennifer Emery. unpaged. CIP. Boyds Mills. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 1-59078-083-3. LC 2003026792.
PreS-Gr 1–A simple rhyming text in large print presents a white middle-class family preparing for Christmas with relatives and friends: “Tree is trimmed,/lights are dimmed.
/Prayers are said/and carols hymned.” The focus is on togetherness and appreciation of the true meaning of the holiday as the real gifts. Attractive, boldly hued watercolors frame each page with a different seasonal motif, perfectly complementing the text. A comforting, cozy lap or bedtime read-aloud.–M. W.
PATTERSON, James. Santa Kid. illus. by Michael Garland. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. Nov. 2004. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-316-00061-2. LC 2004000770.
K-Gr 3–From the best-selling writer of books for adults comes a tale of corporate greed. Young Chrissie, daughter of Santa and Mrs. Claus, describes her enviable life at the North Pole–until Christmas is bought out by Exmas Express and Santa’s workshop is run like a business, with predictably disastrous results. When her father becomes dispirited and can’t make his usual rounds, Chrissie takes over and saves the day. This is a sprightly and entertaining tale that begs to be read aloud, appropriately accompanied by slick digital illustrations. This modern-looking yet ultimately charming book should appeal to many kids.–E. M.
PIERCE, Chonda & David Pierce. Tales from the Manger. illus. by Matt LeBarre. 93p. CIP. Zonderkidz. 2004. pap. $9.99. ISBN 0-310-70849-4. LC 2004000191.
PreS-Gr 1–In a series of short chapters, farm animals with personality or behavioral problems (a rooster who stubbornly refuses to crow, a terrified cat) find themselves transformed for the better by the birth of Baby Jesus in their stable. The small, square shape; the glowing, energetic paintings; and the well-spaced lines of text make this an attractive book. However, the stories themselves are somewhat long-winded and dull despite some attempts at humor, and both the animals’ problems and their sudden conversions are unconvincing. This book may work in a Sunday school or parochial-school setting, but otherwise it’s an unnecessary purchase.–E. M.
POLACCO, Patricia. An Orange for Frankie. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. 2004. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-399-24302-X. LC 2003025073.
Gr 2-4–The author/illustrator has turned again to her family history for this story of a Christmas long ago in rural Michigan. The plot is predictable, revolving around Pa’s late return from Lansing with the traditional nine oranges, one for each child; 10-year-old Frankie’s generosity to a hobo; and the boy’s subsequent loss of his orange. Polacco’s watercolor-and-pencil illustrations are well rendered as always and appropriate for this slight but wordy, nostalgic tale.–V. W.
POYDAR, Nancy. Brave Santa. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1821-9. LC 2003056618.
PreS–A simple and satisfying story about what can be a scary event for some children. A shy preschooler is apprehensive about talking to Santa, so his parents suggest that he practice asking for what he wants. On a visit to the mall, Jack accidentally bumps into Santa, who is hiding from the kids “because he is not feeling brave” about meeting them. Jack suggests that the big man role-play with him and both overcome their fears. The bright, expressive watercolor cartoons reinforce the excitement of the holiday and set just the right mood for the text. Not a first purchase, but a solid holiday read-aloud.–M. W.
ROTH, Susan L. Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah. illus. by author. unpaged. score. CIP. Dial. 2004. RTE $10.99. ISBN 0-8037-2843-3. LC 2003013165.
PreS–In this illustrated version of the song, a family of mice and their assorted relatives eat latkes, read stories, dance the hora, light the menorah, and spin dreidels. Cloth and paper collages done in many different patterns and textures add interest to the cozy tableaux of expressionless mice with extravagantly long whiskers. The lovely colors and the appealing tune make this a good holiday choice.–E. M.
RYAN, Cheryl. Christmas Morning. illus. by Jenny Mattheson. unpaged. Scholastic/
Cartwheel. Oct. 2004. Tr $6.99. ISBN 0-439-41425-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–This cumulative tale, fashioned after “The House That Jack Built,” takes place on Christmas Eve (“This is the snow/that fell on the house/where the children slept”). The story line is predictable, until the halfway point, when Saint Nick delivers his presents to a sleeping family. The artwork then draws attention to an eye peeking out of a package. A turn of the page reveals that it belongs to the Rat King from the Nutcracker, who leads his pack and kidnaps the Christmas doll in the stocking next to them. A Nutcracker and other toys come to the rescue, so that all is back to normal by Christmas morning. This is a clever way to introduce some classic stories, and the narrative has enough action to hold children’s attention. The warm, fuzzy ’50s cartoon watercolors complement the text. Use this title for preschool storytime or as a lap-time read-aloud.–M. W.
RYLANT, Cynthia. Henry and Mudge and a Very Merry Christmas. illus. by Suçie Stevenson. 40p. (Ready-to-Read Series). S & S. Oct. 2004. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-689-81168-3. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–In three chapters, Henry and his 180-pound behemoth of a dog bake cookies for their relatives, go caroling with Uncle Ed and Annie, and open presents and eat breakfast together on Christmas morning. The scene at the table, in which all of the adults “accidentally” drop pancakes, muffins, and ham for Mudge, is priceless. Rylant’s words and Stevenson’s pictures work together to create a charming and funny holiday title that beginning readers and their grown-ups will savor year-round.–M. A.
SMYTHE, Theresa. Snowbear’s Christmas Countdown. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holt. Oct. 2004. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-8050-7244-6. LC 2003023527.
PreS-Gr 2–On December 1, Snowbear begins his preparations for Christmas by making a wish list for Santa. Each of the next 24 days finds him engaged in a new activity–stringing lights, arranging his snow-globe collection, sending cards, making ornaments, wrapping presents, watching his favorite holiday movies. The simple text and appealing cut-paper collage illustrations provide a complete iconography for a warm-and-fuzzy celebration for this winning character and his animal friends.–V. W.
SNOW, Alan. How Santa Really Works. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-85817-5. LC 2003019370.
Gr 3 Up–Snow’s clever and ever-so-slightly subversive exposé will answer all the FAQs, and some new ones. Intricately detailed pen-and-ink, computer-colorized illustrations will keep viewers endlessly amused. The text is aimed toward sophisticated readers, and actually offers a nice overview of the steps that companies take to produce a product–brainstorming, research and development of prototypes, etc. There’s a subtle British feel to the language and illustrations. Large quantities of homely little elves swarm over the last two-thirds of the book; they are young and old, with diverse skin tones; some use wheelchairs, and a few seem to be aliens from another galaxy. They talk to one another via speech bubbles, which, along with the crowded (sometimes chaotic) layouts, make this a book much more suited to personal perusal than sharing with a group. Even youngsters who don’t believe in Santa or Father Christmas will find much to admire in Snow’s creative take on a beloved holiday icon.–M. A.
SOLHEIM, James. Santa’s Secrets Revealed: All Your Questions Answered about Santa’s Super Sleigh, His Flying Reindeer, and Other Wonders. illus. by Barry Gott. unpaged. CIP. Carolrhoda. Oct. 2004. PLB $15.95. ISBN 1-57505-600-3. LC 2003017461.
Gr 1-3–When a cynical boy named Stevie appears on national television denouncing that Santa is a fake, he is swooped up by the jolly old gent and given a grand tour of his operations, including Santa Industries (headquartered in Cleveland), where they “track worldwide naughtiness,” and the North Pole. After witnessing the high-tech tools that allow Santa to shrink and to travel backward and forward in time, Stevie finally can’t help but believe what his eyes tell him. Even more amazing is when Santa demonstrates true magic by knowing (without being told) exactly what the eight-year-old has been hoping for. Kids who have grown out of warm-and-fuzzy Christmas books will enjoy this wisecracking approach to the holiday. The cartoon artwork is loaded with funny, if not hugely imaginative, details.–E. M.
SPURR, Elizabeth, adapt. The Peterkins’ Christmas. illus. by Wendy Anderson Halperin. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-83023-8. LC 00-069981.
Gr 2-5–An illustrated, oversized version of a story from Lucretia P. Hale’s The Peterkin Papers (1880). The elder Peterkins want to surprise their children with a Christmas tree, but all kinds of difficulties arise. No problem; these folks are nothing if not inventive. The tree is too tall? Why not raise the ceiling of the parlor? The piano keys are facing the window? Play the piano from outside. Fortunately, the family has a guardian angel, in the form of their good friend, the “Lady from Philadelphia.” Obviously no stranger to their way of thinking, she comes to their rescue with a box full of ornaments for their very tall tree just in the nick of time. Spurr’s adaptation is a fine introduction for younger readers and listeners to this quintessential “Noodlehead” family. Halperin’s distinctive and charming watercolor illustrations, with their Dickensian attention to humorous detail, add just the right touch of whimsy and warmth. A sweet and silly addition.–M. A.
STOHNER, Anu. Santa’s Littlest Helper. illus. by Henrike Wilson. unpaged. Bloomsbury. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58234-964-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–In a northern village, the tiniest of Santa’s Helpers (a miniature version of the red-suited gent himself) takes great pride in making toys and baked goods, but he is never allowed to accompany the big man and the other Helpers on Christmas Eve because of his small size. Overhearing some forest creatures complain about being left out of the festivities, he gives all of his homemade gifts to them and officially becomes “Santa for the Animals.” The paintings are both dramatic and appealing, with thick, dark lines setting off the reds, whites, and browns of the snowy scenes. A simple, satisfying tale.–E. M.
STRASSER, Myrna. Silent Night, Holy Night: The Story behind Our Favorite Christmas Carol. illus. by Guy Porfirio. unpaged. (Traditions of Faith Series). CIP. Zonderkidz. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-310-70672-6. LC 2004000318.
K-Gr 2–When Grandpa Strasser comes from Germany to visit his grandchildren in Chicago, he tells them the story of how their family was involved in the creation of the famous Christmas carol. An Austrian pastor named Joseph Mohr wrote the poem, and his friend Franz Gruber set it to music. An organ repairman heard the song, memorized it, and played it at his church, where two singing families, the Rainiers and the Strassers, heard it and began singing it everywhere, helping to make it the popular carol it is today. The grandfather’s telling of this tale, interrupted by quaint comments from his grandchildren, is long and not very interesting. The accompanying full-page illustrations glow with warm colors but the people in them look stiff and staged. There isn’t much to appeal to children here.–E. M.
SYKES, Julie. Bless You, Santa! illus. by Tim Warnes. unpaged. Tiger Tales. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-58925-041-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS–When Santa starts sneezing on December 23, he tries to soldier on, but is finally put to bed with hot tea and medicine, while his cat, various reindeer, and an owl clean up the workshop and get all of the toys wrapped and packed. Will Santa be well in time to make his rounds? Of course he will, and when he returns, he has presents for all of his animal helpers. The illustrations are bright and clean and will carry well with large groups, and audiences will gleefully chime in with the “achoooos!” A treat for holiday storytimes.–M. A.
THOMAS, Dylan. A Child’s Christmas in Wales. illus. by Chris Raschka. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 2004. RTE $17.99. ISBN 0-7636-2161-7. LC 2003065274.
Gr 3 Up–Raschka’s illustrations will surely enhance children’s enjoyment of this nostalgic, bittersweet memoir. Executed in ink, torn paper, and gouache on sensuously textured paper, they are full of tiny details that beg for closer inspection. Some libraries may still have copies illustrated by Fritz Eichenberg (New Directions, 1997), Edward Ardizzone (Godine, 1980), or Trina Schart Hyman (Holiday, 1985). Of these earlier editions, Hyman’s probably succeeds best at capturing the story’s time and place. Raschka, however, finds the universal elements that a contemporary child can relate to–the eccentric aunts, the joy of pretending to smoke candy cigarettes, the classification of gifts into “Useful Presents” and “Useless Presents.” This is a handsome book that most libraries will want.–V. W.
THOMAS, Garen Eileen. Santa’s Kwanzaa. illus. by Guy Francis. unpaged. Hyperion/Jump at the Sun. 2004. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-5166-X. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–After an exhausted Santa (who is black) completes his last deliveries and returns home, he is greeted by his wife and elves. He immediately dons his kente and celebrates Kwanzaa with his household–although wouldn’t the day that Santa arrives home from his gift-giving be December 25 and not 26? The illustrations of this generously sized book are filled with warm Kwanzaa colors and wide-grinned elves. Unfortunately, the rhymed text, which is similar in rhythm to Clement C. Moore’s “’Twas the Night before Christmas,” is clunky, with awkward word choices and non-scanning lines. The book assumes some knowledge of Kwanzaa, as its symbols and meaning are barely touched upon. The cheerful, energetic art makes this an adequate choice where picture books on this holiday are in high demand.–E. M.
TOLAN, Stephanie S. Bartholomew’s Blessing: A Christmas Story. illus. by Margie Moore. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-001197-1; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-001198-X. LC 2001051737.
PreS-Gr 1–A little mouse wants to take presents to the “newborn Prince,” but he accidentally loses the barley head, the seed pod, and the special stone he finds on his way to the stable. However, when Baby Jesus smiles at him, he becomes “the biggest creature in the stable.” The illustrations, rendered in soft colors and full of sweetly rounded animals and angels, will appeal to young children. The story itself is rather bland, with an ending that may strike readers as anticlimactic. Gentle but disappointing.–E. M.
VIDAL, Beatriz. Federico and the Magi’s Gift: A Latin American Christmas Story. illus. by author. unpaged. glossary. Knopf/Borzoi. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-82518-5; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-375-92518-X. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–It is January 5 and 4-year-old Federico is worried that the Magi, the Three Wise Men, won’t fill his shoes with gifts because he has been naughty. He stays awake to watch for them, and the sight of the colorful Magi sailing through the sky laden with gifts, including his yearned-for toy horse, reassures him enough to lull him to sleep. This story takes place in an unnamed country in the southern hemisphere, where the kids frolic in summer clothing and lush, exotic plants are in bloom. Vidal’s meticulous watercolor-and-gouache paintings bring Federico’s world alive and make his nighttime garden a truly magical place, beneath a sparkling, star-spangled sky. Federico is so sweet that children won’t believe for a moment that his shoes will remain empty. An author’s note explains Epiphany Day as it is celebrated in Latin American countries.–E. M.
WADDELL, Martin. Room for a Little One: A Christmas Tale. illus. by Jason Cockcroft. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Oct. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86841-3. LC 2003017841.
PreS-Gr 1–On a cold winter night, Kind Ox invites one visitor after another into the shelter of his stable–Old Dog, Stray Cat, and Small Mouse, who rest together in harmony. When Tired Donkey appears, he brings with him Mary and Joseph, and all of the animals welcome Jesus when He is born. The slightly fuzzy yet realistic acrylic paintings are dappled with multicolored blurry dots that add a touch of magic to the scene, although young children may simply assume that it’s snowing. The very short and simple text, the catchy refrain, and the lovely illustrations make this title a fine choice for young listeners.–E. M.
WALTON, Rick. Bunny Christmas: A Family Celebration. illus. by Paige Miglio. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-06-008415-4; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-008416-2. LC 2002005941.
PreS-K–Various uncles, aunts, cousins, and grandparents come together to prepare for and celebrate the holiday season. The first sentence on each page of the rhyming text begins with “Christmas is coming,” welcoming readers into idyllic Victorian scenes of bunnies playing in the snow, making presents, and decorating cookies. The beautifully detailed, pen-and-ink watercolors convey a heartwarming atmosphere and will carry well at storytime. An appealing and comforting addition to any collection.–M. W.
WARD, Helen. Finding Christmas. illus. by Wayne Anderson. unpaged. Dutton. 2004. RTE $16.99. ISBN 0-525-47300-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–Late on Christmas Eve, a little girl is still seeking the perfect present for her baby brother. She finds a mysterious shop overflowing with toys, but before she can get someone to assist her, another shopper (whom children will realize is Santa Claus) scoops every single item into a sack and hauls it out the door. She is told, “Not to worry, sometimes the best presents are the ones that find us.” Instead of despairing, she decides that her brother would love the newly falling snow, but then a stuffed animal miraculously falls from the sky, a gift from Santa. The images of the little girl wandering alone along dark streets and the Dickensian toy shop with its elf-eared shop assistants give this large picture book a surreal, almost eerie quality. Despite the vagueness of the moral (did Santa give the bear to the girl because of her tenacity or because of her resignation?), the spectacle of the toy shop with its fabulous array of strange and wonderful playthings will entice young children.–E. M.
WEIGELT, Udo. Santa’s Lucky Charm. tr. from German by Marianne Martens. illus. by Rolf Siegenthaler. unpaged. North-South. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1955-6; PLB $16.50. ISBN 0-7358-1956-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–One night, Bear, Porcupine, Raccoon, Fox, and Rabbit are awakened by a flying sleigh driven by two reindeer. When a gold coin on a chain tumbles down through the air, they pick it up and begin to argue about who should keep it. They receive some wise council from Owl and decide to give it to the old woodcutter who lives nearby. Even young children will immediately guess who that woodcutter really is, and when Santa returns from his busy night, he is thankful to the animals for returning his lucky charm. There are a lot of words for such a slight story, and the illustrations, while bright and cartoonish, won’t do much to hold listeners’ interest.–E. M.
WEIGELT, Udo. Sleepy Bear’s Christmas. tr. from German by J. Alison James. illus. by Cristina Kadmon. unpaged. North-South. Oct. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1851-7; PLB $16.50. ISBN 0-7358-1852-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–When Baby Bear crawls from his cave in spring, he hears all of the animals talking about the wonderful Christmas they celebrated while he was sleeping. He is disappointed when his mother tells him that bears always sleep through the winter holiday. The next year, however, the animals shake him awake for an evening of stories, songs, and presents. A little text-heavy for storytime, this book with its sweet acrylic illustrations is best suited for family sharing.–V. W.
WENINGER, Brigitte, sel. The Angel and the Christmas Rabbit: And 24 Advent Stories. 109p. illus. notes. Minedition. 2004. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-698-40005-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Originally published in German, this is a collection by various authors, including half a dozen “connecting stories” by Weninger. They are loosely bound by the concept of an angel and a rabbit discussing ideas for a perfect Christmas present. The offerings range from a retelling of the “Gingerbread Man” to the tale of a little girl whose wish for snow comes true, and they vary in quality and interest. Most of the paintings, contributed by various artists, are compelling, but they are few and far between. The conversations between the angel and rabbit have an arbitrary feel, but the illustrations of these characters are among the most appealing in the book. Not a necessary purchase.–E. M.
WHEELER, Lisa. Uncles and Antlers. illus. by Brian Floca. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum/A Richard Jackson Bk. Oct. 2004. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-689-86469-8. LC 2003012803.
PreS-Gr 2–In bouncy, rhyming text, a young reindeer tells of the yearly visit from her seven uncles. Eccentric and unique, they range from her speedy Uncle Uno to her literary Uncle Sven, and each one says that she is his favorite niece. It turns out that they all gather together in order to pull Santa’s sleigh, a surprise ending that is a fine climax to this vigorous tale. Adding to the energy are the madcap cartoons depicting brave Uncle Sy showing off the six scars caused by his six crashed-up racing cars and strong Uncle Four-eyes twirling four lassos at once (yes, this is also a counting book). This saga of a wild and crazy reindeer family is guaranteed to fly off the holiday shelves.–E. M.
WHYBROW, Ian. Harry and the Dinosaurs Make a Christmas Wish. illus. by Adrian Reynolds. unpaged. CIP. Random. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-375-83111-8. LC 2004001361.
PreS–After seeing some baby ducks on a farm, Harry and his bucketful of tiny, live dinosaurs (well, live to Harry anyway) wish for a duckling for Christmas, but they are enthralled by the baby Pterodactyl they receive instead. The story is very slim, and the cartoon creatures are rounded and cute almost to the point of unrecognizability, but very young dinophiles will probably like it anyway.–E. M.
WHYBROW, Ian, sel. The Kingfisher Book of Classic Christmas Stories. 144p. illus. CIP. Kingfisher. 2004. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-7534-5732-6. LC 2004007504.
Gr 1-4–This handsome collection of 14 stories includes selections that were previously published and new renditions of old legends and traditional tales. There is a nice balance of well-known classics, such as “The Cratchits’ Christmas Dinner” from Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, with lesser-known tales, such as William Dean Howells’s 1892 “Christmas Every Day.” Other authors include Fiona Waters, Vivian French, and Saviour Pirotta. Whybrow provides a foreword and a cheerful introduction to each selection. While not an essential purchase, the bright illustrations by a variety of artists make this a fine choice for libraries needing another Christmas anthology.–E. M.
WILSON, Karma. Bear Stays Up for Christmas. illus. by Jane Chapman. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Oct. 2004. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-85278-9. LC 2002151867.
PreS-Gr 2–It’s the day before Christmas, and Bear’s friends have gathered in his lair to wake him up to celebrate the holiday. They get a tree, pop corn and bake fruitcake, and hang stockings and hum songs. The others doze off, but Bear keeps busy wrapping presents, baking cookies, and decorating, unaware that a certain plump, red-suited gentleman is watching from outside the cave. The rhyming text sings, shouts, whispers, and crows, and the appealing acrylic illustrations are dear. This is an exuberant tale of friendship and perseverance, and holiday storytimes will be the brighter for it.–M. A.
YEE, Wong Herbert. A Small Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Houghton. 2004. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-618-32612-X. LC 2003017467.
PreS-K–After a busy day helping Mayor Mole obtain and decorate the town Christmas tree, Fireman Small (a one-man fire department) returns to Station 9 for a well-earned rest and is awakened by Santa, who has fallen in the coal bin. Fireman Small washes and dries his red suit, but finds that it has shrunk and that Santa is fast asleep in his bed. The resourceful helper hops into his fire truck to finish delivering the last of the presents, saving Christmas. Readers will enjoy the same easy-flowing, rhyming text, nicely paced tension, and comical, charming watercolor cartoons found in the previous “Fireman Small” titles (Houghton).–M. W.
ZIEFERT, Harriet. Twelve Days of Christmas Presents. illus. by Emily Bolam. unpaged. Sterling. 2004. Tr $9.95. ISBN 1-4027-1700-8. LC number unavailable.
PreS–In this retelling of the traditional song, various relatives and friends give a child presents (three hula hoops, two storybooks, a puppy under the tree, and so on) throughout the 12 days of Christmas. There isn’t anything particularly new or interesting about the changed wording, and because a different person is giving each day’s gift, it doesn’t make sense for all of the previous days’ offerings to be repeated. However, young children might be attracted to the bold outlines and bright colors of the art, as well as the use of a rebus to illustrate each new item. Attractive but unnecessary.–E. M.
