December Holidays

By Staff -- School Library Journal, 10/1/2006

ABBOTT, Hailey, et al. Mistletoe: Four Holiday Stories. 222p. Scholastic/Point Oct. 2006. pap. $8.99. ISBN 0-439-86368-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 9 Up–This confection serves up a quartet of satisfying selections chock-full of relationship drama and perfect party dresses. With settings from New York to Hollywood, and from high-end department store to the neighborhood mall, these fast-paced stories contemplate the meaning of “that special someone” at Christmas and Hanukkah, be it a boyfriend, a best friend’s boyfriend, a sibling, or a ghost. Laced with a liberal sprinkling of love, lust, and longing, this collection will leave readers seeking out the mistletoe themselves. Sparkling good fun for the holidays.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-5–Santa tours the world every year, but Mrs. Claus never goes anywhere. Fed up, she hitches a reindeer to the sleigh, promises to be back by Christmas Eve, and heads off on her own world tour. Santa is filled with anxiety (“Mrs. Claus isn’t used to warm weather. She’ll get sunburned!”). Meanwhile, Mrs. Claus and a reindeer are having a splendid time. But she begins to miss her husband, and when she starts seeing signs of Christmas everywhere, decides to head home. After a lovely reunion, it’s time for Santa to start out on his yearly rounds, and this time he invites her to come along for the ride. From the postcard-inspired cover to the sweetly romantic finale, Alsenas’s acrylic illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the tender tale. Mrs. Claus is plump and jolly, and her adventures exuberantly fill entire spreads. Santa, whose pictures are framed with holiday symbols, is a little smaller and sadder. All of the characters have wonderfully expressive faces, and there are plenty of fun details. A great addition to any seasonal storytime.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–A last-minute accident keeps Santa from doing his job, so Mrs. Claus calls the only other figure capable of making the round-the-world trip in a night: the Easter Bunny. But the substitute has a hard time. He feeds the fussy reindeer jellybeans instead of candy canes and wants carrot cake instead of milk and cookies. He gets cold, and doesn’t understand Santa’s instructions on where to put the presents. The reindeer finally understand he’s trying to help, not to replace, Santa, and with their assistance, the job is completed. Some children will enjoy the idea of the Easter Bunny helping at the wrong holiday, as well as the visual jokes in the bright watercolor illustrations, but this is an additional purchase because of the predictable story and lackluster writing.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–An easy-reading, rhyming text highlights cheerful holiday scenes on sturdy, heavy-stock pages. A child enjoys street carolers and is anxious for Christmas to come, imagining the pleasures of the celebration at home with her family. The somewhat dark palette provides a foil for small cutout holes on every page through which twinkling lights can shine when a button is pressed. Battery replacement instructions are included on the back cover. A special treat for a preschool storytime.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–A favorite Hanukkah song is given new life in this charmingly illustrated variation. Following the traditional first verse (“I have a little dreidel; I made it out of clay…”), the rhyming text depicts a convivial family gathering to make latkes, light the menorah, and play a joyful game of dreidel, with each new stanza followed by the familiar chorus. Distinctive, folk-art-style illustrations feature a mix of patterns and vibrant solids, thick lines and simple shapes, while the bottom third of each spread frames the text in a bold blue-and-white woodcutlike design. Although the text runs a bit long, the brilliant look of this book is sure to please readers.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Little Bear eagerly awaits Santa’s arrival–in fact, he’s so excited that he can’t sleep. He catches Big Bear drinking Santa’s milk and eating Santa’s blueberry pies, and then catches his mother putting presents in the stockings. The furry, cuddly bears fall asleep together by the Christmas tree. They all miss seeing Santa, even though he sees them. The family’s warmth and love are evident through details in Warnes’s illustrations. Rendered in yellows, browns, and greens, they convey the coziness and really carry the appeal of this title.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-5–Essentially an abridged and annotated book of Bible stories having to do with the Nativity, this is an informative and easy-to-understand elaboration on sections of the Gospels by Luke and Matthew. Sidebars to each main narrative are in question-and-answer format, addressing religious concerns (“What does 'Messiah’ mean?” “Who are angels?”) and practical inquiries (“Why was incense burned?” “Who would have helped Mary give birth?”). While some issues are neatly clarified, others become fuzzier, such as the explanation of the date of Jesus’s birth. This lack of concrete answers is used to encourage readers to learn more by reading the Bible. The colorful illustrations aptly depict the main action in each tale and are laid out in a decorative manner. A nice supplement for patrons seeking religious materials.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–This straightforward retelling of the Hanukkah story is textually unremarkable yet interesting for its “stepped-page” format, in which a tableau of the temple in ancient Jerusalem is overlaid with a succession of pages that begin small and increase in size with each page turn. The simple graphic images are flat and almost comiclike, utilizing a lively pastel palette. While the format is unusual, the ending feels rather abrupt. Still, young readers will enjoy turning the pages and watching as more and more of the story is revealed.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–A little green crocodile arrives in the city on Christmas Eve to visit Santa at a department store; alas, the jolly old man is no longer there. Meanwhile, a little yellow dog named Melrose is new in town and depressed because he is all alone. Luckily, they find one another and spend a fine Christmas together. There isn’t much plot here, and the scenes are somewhat disjointed, but the artist’s watercolor illustrations carry the day. The sweet-looking animals wandering about a snowy, joyous city that’s bustling with holiday activity will strike a chord with children, who will instantly guess that Croc and Melrose are meant to become friends.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–When a wacky extended family converges on one house for all eight nights of Hanukkah, chaos ensues. This is not a warm and fuzzy holiday story, though traditional elements appear throughout. Here the kids play poker instead of dreidel, put chocolate gelt in the VCR, and listen to Grandpa Dave recount his eight-day toilet-paper miracle. Yet, in spite of the ruckus, the candles continue to glow, one added for each successive night. The amusing rhythmic text carries the action along from one crazy night to the next, supported by a busy cast of characters whose antics are illustrated on crowded spreads rich in color. By the end, the menorah is fully lit up, and the family has survived another celebration. An enjoyable, if irreverent, offering.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K–This lovely picture book combines beautiful artwork and a seamless, thoughtful “The house that Jack built” style to tell the story of the Nativity. The rhyme is sweet but never forced. Bettoli uses a mixture of pastels, primary colors, and earth tones to create pictures that are bright and imbued with fanciful elements such as winglike clouds and a face in the star of Bethlehem. A sense of place is well established by sand dunes, desert shrubs, and palm trees. The variety of animals and the multiethnic cast of people and angels are all rendered with lifelike energy and expression. A gentle, comforting selection.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–Ameer is a poor, third-assistant kennel keeper traveling in his king’s caravan to visit the Christ child. Arriving in Bethlehem, he feels ashamed of having no gift to give and decides to wait outside the stable instead of going in to view the newborn. In the chaos of the moment, however, he is swept along by the crowd and into the presence of the holy family. Inspired by the serenity he feels, he resolves to give the only thing that is precious to him–his dog and best friend, Ra. The king advises against it, but Mary praises Ameer for his sacrifice, calling it the most precious gift of all. As a result, the boy’s life is blessed, Ra sees Jesus and his family safely to Egypt, and, over time, the Christmas star fades and is replaced by the Dog Star. This touching story is simply yet elegantly told. Cooper’s artwork is finely rendered and evocative. The grainy textures complement the desert scenery and provide a fitting dreamlike quality that is well suited to the text. This lovely book will help balance collections heavy with holiday frippery.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3 Up–These nine stories are a series of anecdotes and reminiscences about the author’s family and childhood, and they all invoke an earlier and more innocent time, when kids yearned for Lincoln Logs and Erector sets instead of iPods and Game Boys. Dating as far back as 1910, the nostalgic selections are quietly funny and would probably charm any adult listening to the author read them on NPR, but it is unlikely that many modern children will be attracted to them, well-written though they are.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–This carol was originally written in Huron and French around 1640 by a Jesuit missionary, and sung to the melody of a traditional French carol. The English-language version, written in 1926 by Jesse Middleton, sets the traditional Nativity story in a Huron lodge. Although the earth-toned watercolor illustrations are pleasant, depicting Canadian wildlife, spiritual scenes, and the Huron people, this book will probably only have regional appeal. The music and verses in English, French, and Huron are appended, as is a history of the song.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3 Up–The beloved children’s author/illustrator shares Christmas reminiscences, beginning in 1937, when he was three, and continuing through his adult years. Youngsters familiar with dePaola’s autobiographical books, such as 26 Fairmount Avenue (Putnam, 1999), will recognize some of the family members and settings in the childhood anecdotes. However, the most compelling narratives are the memories of the author’s adult years as a monk in a Vermont priory, a Brooklyn art student, a young man in San Francisco, and a visitor in Santa Fe. Their child appeal is limited, but adults will enjoy these glimpses into the personal life of a creative member of the children’s literature community. The border decorations and occasional paintings capture the color and nostalgia of Christmas past and present.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 5 Up–Over the years, Dickens’s holiday classic has been embellished by some of the finest artists around. Michael Foreman, Trina Schart Hyman, Greg Hildebrandt, and Lisbeth Zwerger are just a few of the luminaries who have taken on the challenge originally set by Arthur Rackham in 1915. Joining the list is Lynch, whose watercolor-and-gouache illustrations lavishly enhance this handsome edition, which includes the complete text. Ranging from spot art to full spreads, with something to savor on almost every page, they offer a real flavor of Victorian England and make the most of the inherent drama of the story. The gold-embossed spine and thick, textured paper contribute to the appeal of the package.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–When Simon goes out to try to find something special for Christmas Eve dinner for his wife and children, he comes across a tiny white goat. The family can’t bring itself to eat the creature, so they raise it instead and use the money they make from selling its winter coat to buy a billy goat. Thus, the supersoft, snow-white fleece is passed through the generations until the whole village becomes known for its herd of white, soft-fleeced goats. This isn’t much of a Christmas story, but the full-page paintings are bright and appealing.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 3–In this jolly rhyming celebration, the creatures are stirring, and all of them are mice–even Santa and his elves! This warmhearted, holiday alphabet book is an attractive and worthy selection. The lyrical text has a nice flow, although the rhyme scheme is not always perfect. The emphasis is on simple joys such as singing, skating, and creating homemade treats and decorations. “P” is for presents, but the children take great delight in having wrapped them to give to others. Cheery and secular, this title will work well as a read-aloud for large groups, but the intricacy of the artwork makes it even more suitable for one-on-one or small gatherings. The colorful pictures are full of tiny details worth poring over.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4-7–The leader of the Great Christmas Council, one Gerold Geronimus Goblynch, has outlawed all of the old, magical ways. Snowmobiles have replaced reindeer, elves and angels are banned, and noncompliant Santas are turned into chocolate. Niklas Goodfellow is the last “real” Santa. He and his ramshackle companions–two fat angels named Matilda and Emmanuel, an invisible reindeer, and a bunch of foulmouthed elves (“steaming reindeer poo!”)–are hiding from the Council. Luckily, local children Ben and Charlotte and Charlotte’s dog, Mutt, join forces to save Niklas from a chocolatey fate. Funke’s holiday fantasy, originally published in Germany in 1994, appeals on many levels and is surprisingly fresh. Howard’s charming drawings, many full page, add just the right touch. Wonderfully imaginative details, adventure, danger, and a brave young Santa who fights to preserve all that is magical and special about Christmas make this a perfect read over a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Curious George goes Christmas tree shopping with the man in the yellow hat, and climbs into a tree that gets delivered to a children’s hospital. Although lost, the little monkey makes the best of the situation by decorating the boughs with such items as gauze, X-rays, and crutches and by changing the name tags on all the presents. All ends well as the young patients are entertained and the man with the yellow hat arrives to collect his companion. The text is stilted, and both the plot and illustrations owe a great deal to Margret and H. A. Rey’s Curious George Goes to the Hospital (Houghton, 1966). Still, the illustrations capture the look, if not the flavor and charm, of the originals, and so this book will likely be popular with young Curious George fans.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–Written to honor the 60th anniversary of the film by the actor who played Tommy Bailey, this “original” story places his character in the limelight while merely rehashing the plot of the movie. As a young boy, he, like his father George, intervenes in a few situations to improve the course of people’s lives. Then, at 11, Tommy misplaces the money that his sixth-grade class collected for the library fund and, feeling desperate, runs to the town bridge, wishing he’d never been born. Magically, a novice angel appears to show him how many lives he has touched, and the rest is predictable. The film’s charitable themes are adequately transposed to the book, and the illustrations nicely convey the tale’s old-fashioned wholesomeness. However, with a film as beloved and widely available as this one, it is hard to imagine why anyone would need this rather superfluous book. Gathering up the family and watching the holiday classic has sufficed for the last 60 years; it might be just as good a choice now.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–This version of the Clement Moore poem takes place on a U.S. Army base in the desert. The narrator wakes up when he hears a crash, and sees a Blackhawk helicopter giving the all clear to nine Humvees and a jeep, all loaded with gifts. Sergeant McClaus calls the drivers by name: “Now, Cohen! Mendoza! Woslowski! McCord! Now, Li! Watts! Donetti! And Specialist Ford!” When the caravan leaves, the sergeant calls out, “HAPPY CHRISTMAS, BRAVE SOLDIERS! MAY PEACE COME TO ALL!” Cartoon illustrations help to make this a lighthearted, even humorous, retelling that will probably be most appreciated by military families who already know the original version.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

K-Gr 2–Midnight, the candle factory cat, is not enjoying the holidays because Elvis, a new kitten, is driving her crazy. He follows her around, knocking things over and destroying candles right and left. After he knocks the Christmas tree over for the third time and breaks every single ornament, Grady, the factory owner, bundles him off to the animal shelter. At first the older feline is pleased, but she soon begins to miss the rambunctious kitten. Fortunately for everyone concerned, Grady figures out what is making Midnight so miserable, and on Christmas Day there is a special gift for her–Elvis. Stich’s colored-pencil illustrations are flat and unattractive.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–This bright, spot-the-difference book features 13 (if you count the front and back covers) photo spreads of wreaths, Santa-filled dioramas, and Christmas cards, asking readers to find seven oddities and solve a riddle for each one. While nothing special, this title is challenging and colorful enough to hold the interest of most holiday fun seekers.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–The presence of Jews in the American Revolution is the subject of this fictional encounter between General George Washington and a Polish immigrant fighting with the Continental Army. As Washington surveys his troops on a cold winter’s evening, he stops at a hut to watch the soldier as he lights candles and murmurs a prayer. The man explains that it’s Hanukkah, and tells the general the ancient story of the fight for religious freedom against King Antiochus. Likening the Jews’ struggle and ultimate triumph against a powerful oppressor to the American fight for independence provides a bridge between these two men and broadens the scope of the tale. Quietly beautiful watercolor illustrations draw a visual distinction between the frigid blue Pennsylvania night and the golden light of ancient Israel, which is further reflected in the warm glow of the Hanukkah candles. An author’s note details the historical facts upon which this anecdote is based, providing an interesting perspective through which to view a familiar holiday story.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–A brief, rhyming text tells the story of a Latino girl in a Southwestern setting as her family and friends celebrate with a traditional posada, a procession that re-enacts the search of Mary and Joseph for a room at an inn. Spanish words and their English translations are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Spanish usage may vary in some parts of the United States; in California and New Mexico, for example, the little paper lanterns are called farolitos. Kroll refers to them as faroles. The cartoonlike illustrations are exuberant and colorful but not very attractive. This title may be most useful in libraries where there is a need to explain Latino holiday customs to non-Latino children or to start a conversation about Christmas observances among youngsters of any ethnicity.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 4-6–As in the author’s Christmas around the World (HarperCollins, 1995), this book features full pages of text opposite illustrations showing regional observances (Northeast, Southeast, Pacific States, etc.). Multicultural influences are included in a conversational, sometimes fragmented narrative. Useful and interesting end matter includes “Christmas at the White House” and at the post office, (genuinely) “Fun Things to Do,” crafts, recipes, and a time line of toys from 1859 (cap guns) to 1997 (PlayStation).–Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–In this slightly macabre parody of Clement Moore’s The Night before Christmas, readers are introduced to Mack and Zack, two monster boys preparing for “Santa Claws.” They hang up their smelly socks and blistertoe, decorate their dead pine tree, and make eggnog mixed with spider feet. Kids will eagerly pore over the vintage “monstrous” newspaper ads found on the endpapers. The rhyming text is clever and amusing but it falls a bit flat, leaving one wishing more would happen, especially at the end. The pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations are a bit too sophisticated for young children, but older kids will love Grimly’s quirky, Tim Burtonesque style art. An alternative for those who like a bizarre twist on a traditional tale.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS–Although the illustrations depicting Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem and the birth of Baby Jesus make clear that this is a Christmas story, the simple text sings a universal hymn of anticipation and love from a parent to a child. (“People were sleeping. We didn’t care./Good news, we sang, our baby is here!/Our baby has come, our darling one,/Oh, the day that you were born”). The sumptuous watercolor and gold-leaf illustrations, bordered with cherries, peacock feathers, flowers, and stars, portray an arid yet animal-filled landscape enlivened by the gloriously bedecked angels and kings. Of course, none of this finery outshines the little one, who easily holds center stage.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 4–McCaughrean provides a different twist on an age-old story. This quiet picture book imagines the thoughts and fears of Joseph as he reflects on the birth of the Christ child. How can he teach the boy any songs or games or jokes when He invented them all? How can he clothe, feed, or protect the youngster when it is He who made the Earth and everything in it? Despite his concerns, Joseph finally accepts his role, deciding that he can offer his child a helping hand, for “everyone needs an extra pair of hands from time to time.” The simple prose clearly elucidates Joseph’s plausible thoughts and puts into basic terms the mystery of Jesus’s human and divine natures. Joseph’s gentle tone is most appropriate, and the wonder he expresses will give readers the chance to ponder some of the great mysteries of life. Negrin’s pastel illustrations reinforce the tone of the text, and his use of color is well suited to father’s mood. However, while the background objects are well drawn, the quality of the human figures varies somewhat. Nevertheless, the story’s alternative point of view will have appeal. This is a good follow-up to the traditional story, especially for older children, who can appreciate some of the subtleties of the man’s concerns.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 2-4–In 1914, British and German troops were dug into trenches in France, facing one another across the barbed wire and barren ground called No Man’s Land. On Christmas Eve, the British soldiers heard the Germans singing “Stille Nacht” and joined in. Spontaneously, soldiers on both sides climbed out of their trenches and met in between the lines, sharing small gifts, food, and drink. They played a game of soccer. Then they went back to their trenches. The next day, the shooting resumed. McCutcheon’s account of this true event is based on a song he wrote about it in 1984. An accompanying CD includes that song, “Silent Night/Stille Nacht,” and a reading of the story. Sørenson’s illustrations sanitize trench warfare somewhat. Michael Foreman’s War Game (Pavillion, 2002) is a more sophisticated–and somewhat more cynical–presentation of this same Christmas truce.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 3-5–Nine-year-old Tess believes in Santa–truly believes. And on Christmas Eve, she gets to see the magic: the animals talk and Santa, the real Santa, arrives. But will he save Tess’s best friend’s father from dying of cancer? Tess learns about magic, miracles, and the power of hope in a satisfying story that mostly avoids sentimentality and an excess of Christmas sparkle. A full-page, decorative black-and-white watercolor painting opens each chapter.–Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 4–A timely and timeless holiday story. Pablo’s family works hard on their little farm in Mexico, but they have very little. When Mama announces that she is going to have a baby, Papa, a talented woodcarver, decides to find work in America, leaving young Pablo “in charge.” There is no money for a Christmas celebration, but the boy manages to find a tree and suggests they decorate it with popcorn. And on Christmas day, Papa returns with gifts, including a new wood-carving knife for Pablo, who has used his old one to carve dolls for his sisters. Chapman’s colorful folk-art illustrations are often touching, sometimes joyful, and sometimes comical. They are big enough to share with a group, but also contain interesting details that reward closer inspection. Neither art nor text gives a sense of when the story takes place–it could be today or a hundred years ago. But it’s a tale almost as old as time–a little boy trying to fill at least some part of his missing father’s shoes, and, in this case, doing so successfully.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4-8–With an eye-catching cover–Santa (aka “Manga Claus”) stands bare-chested wielding two samurai swords–and a ludicrous plot, this graphic novel is sure to attract manga lovers. ’Tis the night before the night before Christmas and all is well in the North Pole–until a disgruntled elf places an evil spell on a ninja nutcracker. He in turn infects a roomful of teddy bears, causing them to wreak havoc in Santa’s factory, threatening to disrupt the holiday. Only Santa and his “Blade of Kringle,” a gift from a displaced samurai a century and a half earlier, can slice the stuffing out of these terrible teddies, saving the factory and Christmas Day. Black, white, and red illustrations are action-packed and full of comic fun, making this a satisfying choice for kids who’ve tired of sugarplums.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–The forest animals are told to get ready for the arrival of a royal family and the birth of a baby who will be the greatest king of all. Meanwhile, the little mouse plays on his acorn drum, too small and insignificant to take part in the preparations. When nobody shows up but a poor man and woman riding on a donkey, the animals assume that the royal family have changed their plans and go back to their homes. The little mouse, however, follows a bright star and encounters three kings who are looking for the stable. The small creature directs them and finds the baby and his humble parents surrounded by adoring shepherds and animals. The shepherds play a tune on their flutes, and the little mouse accompanies them on his drum. This retelling of the legend of the little drummer boy is too long for most group read-aloud occasions. While fans of Mayer’s work will enjoy the anthropomorphic animals, Ezra Jack Keats’s The Little Drummer Boy (Puffin, 2000) is still the best choice for most library collections.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

K-4–With Moore’s classic poem on one side of each spread and humorous rhyming commentary from a modern young boy on the other, Goodrich gives a delightful new twist to this holiday chestnut. The colored-pencil and watercolor pictures, done in a cartoon style, are visually delicious. The artist’s use of moonlight hues and soft textures makes objects seem to glow from within. His dynamic, cinematic compositions lend suspense to the scenes and reflect his extensive work in film illustration. A first-rate adaptation that will enhance the enjoyment for all who love the original.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS Up–Spirin’s richly colored and ornate colored-pencil and watercolor illustrations opposite each page of text place this version of the classic poem in a nostalgic, 18th-century European town. Resembling medieval illuminated manuscripts, an embellished capital letter or a fanciful scene or figure in the first word of each verse sets the mood for each page. Readers are drawn into the magical wonder of the season through the artist’s skilled use of color, detail, and shadow. The traditional portrayal of Santa as a jolly old elf is more apparent in this rendition than in other current editions. Special notes on the last page give a brief history of the poem and reveal a minor dispute over its true authorship. A warm, inviting, and beautifully illustrated book.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS Up–Watson presents a modern, hip, and playful version of the classic poem with Santa cruising in a rocket-ship-style sleigh into an ordinary American ’50s town, dressed like a biplane aviator. Multicultural elves, including one with dreadlocks and carrying a boom box and another in an Asian jacket carrying an origami paper crane, decorate the text side of each spread. Watson’s imaginative style, dynamic composition, and use of perspective are stunning and exciting, and call to mind Chris Van Allsburg’s work. His use of blue hues in the realistic tempera-and-watercolor paintings makes one feel the chill of the night, while bright, warm patterns convey the coziness of three children snuggled in bed under their traditional American quilt. An additional bonus is the appended tongue-in-cheek interview between St. Nick and Watson where readers learn about how Santa got his reindeer and his customized Polaris sleigh. This imaginative version will be great for booktalks, storytime, and bedtime.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS Up–Moses continues in the tradition of folk painter Grandma Moses with his rendition of the poem. In the preface, he shares childhood memories about his family’s personal copy of the poem that she illustrated. Cozy and quaint oil paintings reflect the quiet beauty of 1800 rural New England. Playful details such as finding the same mouse throughout the book will be fun for children to explore and share. Full spreads interspersed between the verses give striking panoramic views of the sleeping town and the old-fashioned home. The artist’s style, echoing the primitive style of his famous great-grandmother, lends itself well to this very traditional version of the Christmas classic. Intended as a gift book, it includes a three-dimensional cardboard cut-out tree ornament of Santa in his sleigh.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Santa is not at his brightest in this succinct narrative describing pre-reindeer challenges. Nevertheless, children will delight in the ridiculous scenarios presented by different animals trying to pull the gift-laden sleigh. Skunks, kangaroos, giraffes, and even snakes are among the contenders for the important task, but each critter fails the test, until Santa finally realizes that reindeer are the answer. The colorful, computer-generated illustrations aptly convey the humor of each situation. The mice sweat and strain to no avail, and the monkeys goof off with antics sure to land them on Santa’s naughty list! A humorous addition.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-5–Another Christmas, another A Christmas Carol, this version stars animals in Victorian garb. Barton the pig, the rich orphan living in the mansion on the hill, hates Christmas because it reminds him of the parents he lost. He has plenty of toys and servants who obviously care for him, but he’s turned into a miserly brat. Then one night he’s visited by a magical mouse that shrinks him down to mouse size and takes him on a whirlwind tour of Christmas Eve past, present, and future. Needless to say, when Barton is faced with the possible consequences of his own miserliness, he wakes up and decides it’s time to make a change. He invites the orphans to celebrate with him and his servants, and later joins them in their caroling. Poulin’s oil-on-canvas illustrations are richly colored and lovingly detailed, his animal characters almost too charming. There’s nothing new here, but it is an attractive package, and certainly simplifies a classic tale for young readers.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K–A boy tells how his family’s Christmas tree farm requires yearlong work, from planting seedlings to weeding, pruning, measuring, cutting, and baling. Energetic, naive gouache-and-acrylic illustrations accompany the narrative, which will give children an inside look at the workings of a family-owned business.–Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–The endearing heroine of My Name Is Yoon (Farrar, 2003) is learning about Santa Claus and the North Pole at school. She is captivated, but her parents insist that “…we are not a Christmas family. We are a Korean family.” However, after Yoon points out that they are both American and Korean, her parents figure out a way to meld a Christmas tradition with their own New Year’s celebration. Yoon’s round and expressive face is depicted as captivated, joyous, and implacable by turns, and her holiday imaginings are rendered as sprightly, juggling Korean-looking elves and a surreal but childlike North Pole. Her parents are rather suddenly and easily convinced to let the tradition of Santa into their home, but children and parents alike will be charmed by Yoon’s yearning and determination to experience a bit of Christmas magic.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–Little Noelle is blasé on Christmas morning when she gets numerous presents including a computer and a pony. Her father grumbles at the abundant feast (“Turkey with chestnut dressing and mashed potatoes and carrots and peas and five kinds of pie again?”). As it turns out, their dissatisfaction is justified, for Noelle and her family live in a town where it is Christmas 364 days a year. They are grateful for the one day when the decorations get packed away, folks can relax and eat TV dinners, mail gets delivered, and children get to go to school–Un-Christmas! Catrow’s colorful, zany illustrations perfectly capture the tone for this tongue-in-cheek cautionary tale. Be careful what you wish for, indeed!–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Modern language and multicultural characters are featured in 10 short stories, many of which will be recognizable to children. Selections include “Good King Wenceslas,” “Baboushka,” and “Wise Men and a Star.” Cheerful illustrations in bold colors on white background will hold the attention of young listeners, and the large type will encourage beginning readers, although words like “myrrh” and “frankincense” will provide a challenge. No source notes are provided, and some of the selections are awkwardly written, making this an additional purchase.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–A new version of the author’s Crafts for Kwanzaa (Millbrook, 1994). Some of the projects are similar to those in the older title, but the introductory “Celebrating Kwanzaa,” which touches on the origin of the holiday and explains that the language of Swahili is used to name the symbols, has been omitted. Careless editing includes run-on words with no spaces between them and an isolated reference to kikombe cha umoja, whose definition appears much earlier. One cannot assume that children will read a craft book cover to cover. Additional.–Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–This long and rambling first-person narrative follows the travels of King Mazzel and his faithful camel, Chamberlin, as they attempt to join the Wise Men on their way to Bethlehem. Mazzel is waylaid by various people in need; helping them, he fails to arrive in time to meet the newborn child, but his Christ-like good deeds earn him happiness. The colorful cartoon art has a Seussian look, which adds to the book’s child appeal, but is at odds with its serious message.–Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-6–First published in Austria, this collection of 23 stories and one poem offers up small helpings of holiday spirit, one for each of the first 24 days of December. Each selection is a few pages long and deals with friendship and family, empathy and imagination–all good things to be thinking about in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Standouts include Sigrid Laube’s “Kidnapping Saint Nick,” in which a department-store Santa agrees to help two kids give a special treat to their ailing grandfather, and Andreas Schlüter’s “You Do Believe in Guinea Pigs, Don’t You?,” about a talking guinea pig with attitude who goads a child into creating just the right gift for her family. Leffler’s watercolor illustrations, ranging from tiny decorative flourishes to full-page paintings, supply additional charm and whimsy. These stories could be used effectively in a classroom as a special holiday treat or to spark creative-writing projects. Several blank pages are included for readers to add their own holiday memories, making this a less-than-ideal choice for libraries, and references to modern technology will date some of the stories rather quickly, but the emotions are timeless.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–After extensive research, Scrooge-like Alfie F. Snorklepuss tries to prove to his sister and the world that “There’s no such thing as Santa Claus.” However, on Christmas Eve, Santa whisks the boy off to his North Pole workshop where all is revealed, and Alfie returns home on Christmas Day a believer as well as a nicer brother. Children will relate to Noelle’s feelings when her brother tries to discourage her belief in Santa, and cheer when he is proven wrong. However, Alfie’s saying that he will be “a nicer big brother” at the end of the story seems overstated and a bit preachy, and there are also some confusing moments when scenes are not adequately described. Whimsical and expressive brush-and-ink color cartoon illustrations capture great emotion in the characters’ faces and body language. Björkman’s inclusion of details such as a laptop computer brings this story into the modern age, yet retains the old-fashioned sentiment. An additional read-aloud for storytime, sharing at bedtime, or independent reading.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–When an elk crashes through the roof of Billy and Kiki’s house in Germany, it hurts its leg and stays there in order to recuperate. It turns out that the articulate Mr. Moose (he speaks five languages) is one of the test-drivers for Santa’s sleigh, and he quickly wins over the whole family with his friendliness and charm. After he and the children rescue Santa from a psychiatric institution (after a bit of Grandma’s cherry brandy, he tells everyone he’s Father Christmas), the Boss is so grateful that he agrees to let Mr. Moose join the reindeer on Christmas Eve. Winsome watercolor illustrations, droll details, and a young narrator who relates both wild and everyday details in the same matter-of-fact tone combine to create a charming, if offbeat, Christmas fantasy.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Thompson’s Eloise, accompanied by Nanny and her dog, Weenie, prepares for Christmas in predictable fashion. Wearing her new holiday clothes, she “skibbles” through department stores, visits Santa, joins a group of carolers, and decorates her suite. Lift-the-flap pages add some interest, but this spin-off lacks the verve and charm of the original stories about this irrepressible child.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 1-3–These titles are decidedly uneven in their presentations. While all have the simple text and abundant color photos, two suffer notable omissions. In Chanukah, the generally thorough text is marred by a description of the menorah lighting that fails to make clear that one additional candle is lit on each successive night. The most disappointing of the three is Christmas, which focuses almost entirely on festivities (decorating, eating, presents), while basically ignoring the meaning of the holiday and why it is celebrated. Only Kwanzaa avoids these sorts of oversights, providing a balanced introduction to the holiday and giving children a sense of its purpose and traditions.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–This tender story takes place on the Nebraska prairie in 1880. When 10-year-old Emmie’s mother, a doctor, is called to the Van Der Meers’ home on Christmas Eve to deliver their third child, Emmie is upset–Christmas will be ruined! But when she sees how worried the Van Der Meer children are about their mother and the baby who is coming early, she puts aside her selfishness and calms their fears by helping them to have a real holiday. When the infant finally arrives, Emmie gives him the long scarf her grandmother knitted for her when she was a baby. This memorable tale is beautifully told in clear and simple prose, which is complemented perfectly by the uncluttered, colored-pencil and watercolor drawings. The gray-green hues of the outdoor scenes suggest the bleakness of a prairie winter, while muted yellows, greens, and browns bring warmth to the interiors. Both Van Steenwyck’s descriptive text and Himler’s well-drawn scenes contrast the poverty of the setting with the richness of the characters’ feelings. Christmas tales abound, but this one is a treat for eyes and ears.–Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI

Gr 4-6–A message-laden portrait of urban Canadian Cree children who learn about the culture and way of life of their elders. Going in search of fresh meat for Christmas, cousins Talon, Raven, and T-Bear find themselves and their dogsled team in a perilous situation, needing survival skills they only half-learned from their grandfather. Predictable plotting, leaden dialogue, and clichéd writing weaken this well-intentioned story.–Susan Patron, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–Beatrice’s friends don’t believe that Père Noël exists. When they ask how he could possibly brave the cold winds all night, she promises to bring them a button from his cape. Their doubts about his sleigh lead her to promise them a sleigh bell, and, last of all, she pledges to get a curl from his beard. The girl stays up late to meet the old man, and believes she has tricked him into letting her take the tokens, but readers will see that perhaps she is not the only clever one around. Fans of the character will undoubtedly welcome this North Woods tale with its richly colored watercolor illustrations, but libraries without a Beatrice following can safely skip it.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library