December Holidays

K-Gr 2–Anna tells her little brother how to know that Christmas is coming, since he wasn’t there last year. She talks about lights and trees and decorations and relatives visiting, and sugar cookies, of course. Conversational prose complements spreads that feature impressionistic pastel colors. Some pages also include vignettes, and all elements combine successfully to present an older sister’s perspective and love-filled explanations.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Small Camel follows his mother as part of the caravan of the three wise men journeying to visit the Baby Jesus. Instances of modern speech and complaints of the Small Camel seem jarring against the beauty and significance of the journey as depicted in the masterful, soft-edged illustrations. However, once he presents the bundles of frankincense, myrrh, and gold that he so carefully carried, he becomes awed by Jesus’s greatness as a king and is praised kindly by his master, Balthazar. The lovely art outshines the writing in this child-friendly version of a familiar tale.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS–As the book opens, a little girl is seen attaching a drawing of a Christmas tree to the refrigerator, and the text reads, “It’s that time of year again.” Ensuing pages show children enjoying a variety of seasonal activities such as caroling, trimming the tree, and putting out a snack for Santa, until “all that is left to do is wait…and wait….” On the last wordless page, readers see some familiar boots coming down the chimney. Burke’s soft, pastel and watercolor drawings are warm and inviting, capturing the magical anticipation and excitement that children feel waiting for the holiday. The round-faced characters call to mind those found in the art of Joan Walsh Anglund. This is a pleasant and comforting selection for a lap-sit, toddler storytime, or bedtime.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Various animals are mesmerized by a special star in the night sky. The rhythmic text flows easily and introduces a fox family, a hare, bear cubs, deer, an owl, a goose and her goslings, mice, a cat with her kittens, and, finally, a lamb. The last page has the star surrounded by twinkling lights above a babe in a manger surrounded by the stable animals. Pedler’s charming illustrations are a perfect mix for this calming depiction of Christmas Eve. While it may not feel as magical when the twinkling lights stop working, this simple Nativity story will still make a fine holiday read-aloud.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

Gr 4-7–Every year, the six-year-old trees on Faith Mountain are visited by the Christmas Deer, who touches each one with his starry antlers and promises that their life will bring the Return of Light to the humans. This year, five-year-old Treewing is surprised and excited to be told that he has a “special destiny.” He is to bring hope and joy to a fatherless boy, to the bereaved and embittered mother of a dead soldier, and to a large group of homeless people. His faith is tested many times, but in the end, the Christmas Deer is proven right. This book deals with timely topics, is reasonably well written, and is short enough not to intimidate reluctant readers. While a tad sentimental, it should find an audience among those looking for a Christmas fable.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–While visiting his cousin in Louisiana, Paul sends his parents a letter on each day from December 26 to January 6. The African-American cousins explore the Tchefuncte River and listen to jazz in Jackson Square. On the left side of each spread is Paul’s letter describing his day (a trip to the Tabasco factory, for instance). The right side features the paraphrased words to the traditional song–“On the eighth day of Christmas, my cousin gave to me…8 bottles of hot sauce, 7 secret treasures…” and so on. The vivacious cartoon illustrations bring to life the region’s diversity and character. This book could be useful throughout the year, as it is less a Christmas book than a fact-filled compendium of fascinating state lore.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4-6–Eleven-year-old Peiling Wang has mixed feelings about Christmas. Her family is from Taiwan and doesn’t celebrate the holiday, she’s sick of all the presents and trappings–but she also secretly yearns to participate in the festivities. Initially, her parents have a hard time understanding, but her sympathetic uncle and mother finally convince her father to agree. They even invite Peiling’s Jewish teacher to join their celebration. For Peiling, the day is a disaster. Misunderstandings abound, but things work out in the end. While the teacher seems like a stock figure, the other supporting characters are interesting, especially Peiling’s parents, who try so hard to give their daughter the experience she dreams of while remaining true to their own values, and schoolroom rival, Laura, who hides her insecurities under a mantle of know-it-all overachievement. Peiling learns that reality seldom resembles what you see in the media and that it’s okay to stand up for what you want–lessons that are good to learn at any time of the year.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-3–Brazen exploitation of the natural-gas phenomenon has now been extended to the beloved red-suited icon. In this takeoff on The Night before Christmas, Santa finds franks and beans instead of milk and cookies at one of his stops, which, of course, sets off a gastrointestinal debacle. As he places presents under the tree at another house, his loud emissions awaken the resident children, who figure out a way to control Santa’s symptoms. Their ingenuity saves Christmas, and Santa rewards them by promising to visit their house first in future years. Colorful, deft chalk drawings show reindeer, children, and pets in appropriate attitudes of disgust as large yellow clouds erupt behind the jolly old elf. But pretty pictures and poetry cannot disguise a repugnant tale. Is it any wonder that the author didn’t use his real name?–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–With a golden palette and a soft tone, this lovely story highlights a tradition overlooked in most Hanukkah literature. Isobel has gone to stay with her Aunt Luisa, an artist who has just arrived from Mexico. At her aunt’s house, everything seems both familiar and different, like a banner that reads “Feliz Januca” hanging over the fireplace, and a dreidel-shaped piñata. Lighting the hanukkiah, eating latkes, and exchanging gifts are familiar, but the story of Rosh Hodesh, the time of the new moon that occurs once a month, and always during Hanukkah, is not. It is the quiet yet meaningful impact that Luisa has on Isobel that makes this book so special, opening her eyes to different ways of seeing and of celebrating, much as this book will give young readers another perspective on ways that Jews from other countries and traditions celebrate familiar holidays. Soothing watercolor and crayon illustrations in shades of gold and purple beautifully convey the affectionate relationship that develops between the child and her aunt. An author’s note relates the traditional story of Hanukkah. A rare and worthy choice that will enhance most collections.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2 Up–A weary, somewhat disgruntled librarian is visited on Christmas Eve by a bookmobile-driving St. Nick who proceeds to restock the shelves, read to the children, and pay off overdue fines. The idea is good, but this spin on the classic poem lacks polish. In several instances, words that should rhyme do not. There are also numerous references to ideas and names that will be meaningless to most children (pork-barrel money, Jane Austen). Some good messages come through (“The best gift of all is a library card!” “Have a real Merry Christmas–teach someone to read!”), yet a bitter taste underlies the poem in its complaints against “the powers that be,” most notably in the couplet that reads: “For the book-budget cutters, Old Claus had no plan,/’Cause if they could read, they just read Ayn Rand.” The artwork, though sketchy, is colorful and engaging. Santa is appropriately jolly and the elves, exuberant. A library cat and mouse contribute to the antics. This book might be fun to read aloud at the staff holiday party, but it isn’t likely to be of much interest to kids.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–A young girl sets a goal and achieves it in this charming picture book. After seeing The Nutcracker for the first time, Kepley decides to try out for the next year’s production. She pays attention in class, does her very best at the audition, and is cast as a doll. She then participates in all the hard work and excitement of performing the ballet, even though her role does not actually call for her to dance. Kepley sets her sights on a dancing part for the following year. DePalma’s watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations are lively and realistic. Buy where ballet books are popular.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2-There is a significant subgenre of Christmas books revolving around a hibernating animal that can’t or won’t wake up for the festivities. This is a pleasant, if slight, addition to that body of literature. Here, the forest creatures promise to wake Hanna Bear. None is loud enough alone, but together they make a racket sufficient to rouse the slumbering bear, who marvels at sights she has never seen before, including a family celebrating the holiday in their snug cottage. The lively, textured illustrations add an element of humor that is not obvious in the text alone.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

K-Gr 2–Frances worries about the organ grinder and his monkey who stand across from her apartment all day, in all kinds of bad weather, and even sleep outside. On the day she is to perform in a Christmas play at her church, she impulsively invites him to come; it is only when he finally makes his appearance that she can call out her one line, “Behold! I bring you tidings of Great Joy!” The plotline is simplicity itself, and the text lacks any sentimentality or fluff, allowing the acrylic paintings, reminiscent of Norman Rockwell’s work in their warmth and realism, to enrich and expand the story. Although no mention of a time period is made in the text, the clothing, the cars, and a portrait of a young man in uniform in Frances’s apartment make clear that this is America during World War II. The organ grinder is entirely isolated on his street corner, despite being surrounded by Christmas bustle; it is Frances who shines a light on him and makes the tiny but vital gesture necessary to draw him into the life and light of the community. The last spread, unaccompanied by text, depicts the aftermath of the play, young actors and doting relatives and the monkey mingling and eating refreshments, while the organ grinder chats with Frances’s mom. His troubles aren’t over, perhaps, but for the moment, there is warmth, hope, and even great joy.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Cepeda’s lively paintings take a colorful, dynamic look at a warm Latino neighborhood celebration of the holiday season. The alphabet action is a little uneven, with the emphasis on simple Spanish words that are easily understood with the illustration and/or supporting text. The word choices are weakened with a jump to English, “W is for wise men,/tres reyes, three kings,’’ and “X is for excelente,/the feeling He brings!” ll and rr are bonus combinations to expand the reach of the alphabet. This book has potential to provide a springboard for discussion of holiday traditions while keeping children entertained visually. A glossary with pronunciation guide is attached.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Children who are familiar with this irrepressible pig will know what kind of help Olivia is likely to provide as her family prepares for the holiday. Her antics seem a little forced in this selection, but the dazzling illustrations, highlighted with green as well as Olivia’s signature red, are as charming as ever; and the ending–a snowy Christmas–is quite satisfying. This is a good bet for family sharing.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

K-Gr 2–This lovely collection beautifully conveys the physical aspects of the arrival of winter and the anticipation and celebration of Christmas. Like the poems themselves, Fox-Davies’s artwork focuses on the animals (rabbits and mice) and the natural winter world with humans relegated, for the most part, to the sidelines. The appealing watercolors capture just the right tone and provide a perfect accompaniment to Fisher’s poems, all of which are gathered from earlier collections listed in the front of the book.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2-A rabbit running from hunters on Christmas Eve falls into a cave inhabited by a hibernating bear. The bear awakes and tells him about the dream he was having, a dream that the rabbit recognizes as the Nativity story. The animals agree that Christmas Eve is no time for hunting, and the bear scares the hunters away. The watercolor illustrations are as soft and gentle as the story’s somewhat didactic theme. A little long and quiet for storytimes, this picture book might be appreciated by families looking for holiday stories that celebrate peace.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 1-3-Every Christmas, Mimí visits her extended family in Puerto Rico for a holiday that includes a parranda. She tries to explain the concept–a gathering of friends playing instruments, dancing, and singing to awaken the sleeping family on Christmas morning--to her American classmates, but they make fun of the idea. Then she learns that this year, she won’t be going to Puerto Rico because her baby sister is too young to make the journey. Luckily, her friends save the day; they transform the Christmas party they’ve been planning into Mimí’s very own parranda. Gil adroitly weaves together a well-paced, bilingual story of cultural identity, personal disappointment, and friendship. Combining realism and folk art, Sousa’s illustrations capture the changing moods of the narrative.–Daisy Porter, San Jose Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2–Harking back to the fools of Chelm, the Knoodle family ponders the meaning of the rabbi’s dictum, “It’s hard to give the perfect gift, one that will be treasured forever.” As Hanukkah approaches, each Knoodle draws a name out of a hat and attempts to give the perfect gift; unfortunately, the results are far from perfect. Everyone is thoroughly miserable, and it takes the rabbi to point out their error, that the perfect gift should be a treasure to the receiver, not to the giver. After a bit of reshuffling, they all end up with exactly what they wanted, making it the “best Hanukkah ever.” This is less a Hanukkah story than a book about giving, making it suitable for all occasions when a gift is appropriate. Watercolor and pastel illustrations are colorful and exuberant, and the over-the-top expressiveness of the Knoodles’ faces enhances the sense of fun.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–This long-winded and awkward mix of an established legend and a newly created fantasy never really gets off the ground. Green introduces an original crew of “Sleigh Team Leaders” (pre-Rudolph) such as Galloper, Twister, and Felix and explains the finer facets of reindeer life at the North Pole through brief info-bits. An odd and assorted selection of calligraphic fonts decorates the dark and undefined illustrations. An attempt to be quaint often falls flat with generic sentences such as “Reindeer look forward to a visit from Santa Claus even more than children look forward to him coming on Christmas Eve.” Santa’s Reindeer will not make anyone believe in the magic of Christmas.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–It’s Christmas time and the winter has been a harsh one for the Mouse family. With food scarce, Papa goes off to forage and is gone far longer than expected. Pip, the story’s tiny and thoughtful heroine, bravely faces many dangers to ensure that the family has a feast for Christmas. All ends happily in this gentle, heartwarming chapter book for beginning readers. The characters are well developed, dialogue flows smoothly, and the plot is sustained by plenty of action and suspense. Thematic stress is on the importance of optimism, creative problem solving, and family togetherness. Sheban’s detailed black-and-white pencil drawings have an appropriate old-fashioned quality and nicely complement the tale.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-5–Santa narrowly escapes getting lynched when a gruff old-timer finds him climbing into his remote cabin. With flying cows, a cussing and spitting cowboy, and the warming fireside “nip,” this is an unusual version of the classic poem. While the rhyming is almost as rough as the narrator, the expansive watercolors of the Rocky Mountain scenes and the odd subtle humor give this an appealing charm. Really more for adults, it will also be enjoyed by rough-and-tumble young cowpokes whose parents aren’t overly concerned about the earthier elements.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS–In this sweet board book, Bella helps her mouse family get ready for Christmas, continually asking when Santa will come. The answer is always “soon”–until finally it’s Christmas Eve and Santa is on his way. Minimal childlike text, soft and cozy illustrations, and a pop-up scene on the last page make this an adequate addition.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–Brief text accompanies captivating and colorful photographs that demonstrate customs around the world. The use of bonfires and candles, Nativity plays, Advent wreaths, winter solstice, Three Kings Day, and Yule logs are among the topics touched upon. A map shows where each photo was taken. A solid addition.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–The Littlest Tree on the lot anxiously awaits a real home, where its wish to be a Christmas Tree can become a reality. After being passed up by all the shoppers, the tree has a happy, dream-come-true ending when the proprietor takes it home for his son. Full-page illustrations and an occasional spread feature fuzzy-looking animal townspeople, while a soft watercolor palette adds charm to this simple tale. Youngsters will bask in the warmth and festive glow of the Littlest Tree’s wish fulfillment, which is effectively conveyed through images and words.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–After the old rooster retires, Harold, the small new rooster, can’t crow loud enough to wake the animals, throwing the farm (in the village of Bethlehem) into chaos. Then Mary and Joseph show up and take over the stable, much to Harold’s confusion. When he sees Baby Jesus, he is inspired to crow loudly, as all roosters do to this day, “Good news for you!” The text, matter-of-fact and unsentimental, reads like a folktale, making this an excellent story to read aloud, and the gouache, ink, and collage illustrations depict a humble but colorful farm. The animals all have personality but Harold is particularly winsome with his scrawny purple body and goggly yellow eyes. Sure to be a holiday favorite.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Youngsters will enjoy this loving paean to friendship and gift-giving. Toot and Puddle anxiously await the first snow while considering what to give one another for the upcoming holiday. The snow comes and provides the opportunity for a perfect day of fun–then it rains and the snow is washed away. That one perfect day provides the inspiration for gift-making for each character, resolving the main issue of the book. Single-page art and full spreads along with vignettes and plenty of white space move the story along while adding to readers’ understanding of the characters’ history together. A surefire hit for the holidays.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–An appropriate introduction to the story of the beloved ballet. The text is simplified, and the stylized illustrations are colorful and childlike with a contemporary feel. However, the elongated figures with exaggerated features will not be everyone’s cup of tea. An author’s note gives the history of the Tchaikovsky ballet and its origins in Hoffmann’s story. Readers who want to read a longer version that is closer to the original may prefer the one translated by Ralph Manheim and illustrated by Maurice Sendak (Crown, 1991).–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

PreS-Gr 1–Little Rabbit continues to charm children in this warm and fuzzy tale. When the Christmas Rabbit brings the red sled he’s longed for (the one that goes “Whoosh!”), the small animal refuses to let anyone else play with it. Instead he pulls it far up a hill, much too far, so that when he whooshes down again he crashes and the sled breaks. It takes his friends to fix both the sled and his attitude, and everything ends happily. The joy of this book is in its delightful visual and textual details. Simple and satisfying pen-and-ink and watercolor artwork draws the eye to Little Rabbit’s facial expressions, which include childish wonderment, frustration, and bravado. An enchanting holiday treat for all collections.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–As Gemma and her little brother unpack the Christmas decorations, he accidentally breaks her favorite ornament, a sparkly snow deer. Gemma at first sulks angrily as she remembers how she used to pretend to fly on its back, but then realizes that she has been mean to Ty, and makes up with him. The chalk pastel illustrations glow warmly and the deer actually glitters, but the story is too wordy and heavy-handed to make its theme of forgiveness effective.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Soft, dreamy, oil and digital illustrations are the strength of this counting book. Starting with 12 doves cooing in a stable, the simple text counts down in rhyming couplets. For example, “8 shepherds wrapped in woolen robes/watch over their flock by night./7 soft sheep are still awake/and see the stars grow bright.” Finally, “2 parents look with tender love/upon a manger bed/at 1 small baby lying there/with straw to pillow his head.” The sweet animals have a greeting-card quality, the rhymes are uninspired, and the stable looks like a nice little vacation cottage with its glowing windows and palm trees.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 7-10–Noelle has a crush on Charlie. Ryan has a crush on Noelle. Celia has a crush on Jake. Froggy has a crush on Celia. David has a crush on Shawna. Shawna has a crush on Connor…and it all comes to a head over an ill-conceived “Secret Santa” game in which the principal of North Ridge High School requires all students to participate. Of course, all the right guys end up with all the right girls, but it’s hard to keep them all straight, or to care. The book features sensitive nerds and evil rich girls–straight out of central casting–along with big misunderstandings and clichés galore, and labels and brands and performers so up-to-the-minute that it reads like an advertising supplement. The language is tame, the romance is limited to a few kisses, and other than extreme conspicuous consumption, the worst thing that happens is a shoving match between two girls at a dance. Not destined to be a classic, but there’s probably an audience for this out there somewhere.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K–Two cute kitties celebrate the joys of Christmas in this large-format picture book. Unfortunately, the derivative Rosemary Wells-like illustrations and the simple text don’t offer much beyond the sweet bouncy rhymes and images. “We like wreaths./We like flowers./We like finding the tree that’s ours.” The text scans (more or less) and the bright illustrations are cheery, but this offering won’t distinguish itself in any collection.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–Children who love the traditional Christmas ballet will enjoy this romantic illustrated edition. Jeffers sets the story in the Victorian period and keeps the familiar elements, yet only the Sugar Plum Fairies literally dance in this version. As a story, the cursory text is rather ho-hum, but the illustrations communicate the beauty and the emotional quality of the ballet.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

PreS–Excited mice fill the sleigh in this simple paean to the holiday song. Stiff cardboard spreads feature the first stanza and refrain of the song. The little rodents, wearing sweaters and scarves, celebrate during the ride with musical instruments, gifts, singing, and cheese, finally arriving at Grandma and Grandpa Mouse’s cozy abode. Perfect for a holiday sing-along.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–After finding a cave in which to spend his winter, a bear is awakened by a mysterious sound. Following it, he encounters and helps a crow cawing for food, a moose trying to get some weeds out of the frozen ground, and, finally, a pheasant family whose home has been smashed by snow. The bear takes the animals back to his den, and they all settle down for a winter nap. The rhyming text is overly long and a bit singsongy, but conveys the Christmas spirit of sharing effectively. LaMarche’s beautiful artwork, done in acrylic washes and colored pencil, truly captures the essence of the season.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–Using a similar format to Jean Cassels’s The Twelve Days of Christmas in Louisiana (Sterling, 2007), this title uses the formula of the familiar song to present facts about Wisconsin. A child writes to his cousin, telling her all about his state, and sends her related objects. Christmas is secondary to the state sights and lore–two roving Ducks (amphibious vehicles used to explore the Dells of the Wisconsin River), three huge fish (the 300-pound sturgeon found in Lake Winnebago), nine snowmobilers, and so on. The epistolary format is fresh, and the illustrations are childlike and appealing.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 4-6–Grouchy Sara, bored with her family’s Chanukah party, perks up when mysterious Tante Miriam arrives and doles out special presents. Sara’s gift of a large golden dreydl (a traditional Chanukah toy) kicks off a magical journey. The object is an enchanted princess in disguise, and she leads Sara on an adventure through an alternate world peopled with biblical characters. This story originated as a Jewish riff on The Nutcracker Suite, with narration by Kushner and Tchaikovsky-influenced klezmer music by Shirim Klezmer Orchestra. On CD, on Sound & Spirit (Kushner’s show on public radio), or in live performance, this is a lively and entertaining story. However, it falls flat as a novel. Cardboard characters, a convoluted plot, and a veneer of modern cool weigh it down. Neither Sara nor readers learn anything about Chanukah or Jewish tradition from this brush with Judaic symbols, and without the music the story feels random and uninspired. The twisty, mystical line drawings make intriguing decorations, but the illustrations showing human faces appear lumpy and unpleasant. An additional purchase for large collections.–Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children’s Library at Congregation B’nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Gr 2-5–In this well-written folktale retelling, a village is suffering from a drought, and there is no oil with which to light the Chanukah menorahs. Hayim begs the village scribe to write a letter to the Almighty asking for help, which he dispatches via a strong wind. The letter lands at the feet of a rich merchant who believes that the Almighty has chosen him to provide assistance to the poor, and he anonymously sends aid to the village. Nicely formatted spreads feature the illustrator’s signature palette of blues, purples, and black, with splashes of color in the villagers’ garb. Billowing clouds sweep over majestic vistas in an anonymous desert setting. Smiley-faced village houses are an odd choice, but do not detract from the overall success of the book.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–Based on the Gospels of Luke and Matthew, this story opens with the angel Gabriel appearing to Mary and ends with the Holy Family returning to Nazareth after King Herod’s death. Baboni uses vibrant jewel hues, drawing attention to the colorful, elongated figures. The stylized art is somewhat modern in appearance and has a dreamlike appearance. This rendition of Christ’s birth and early years will appeal to those wishing to share the spiritual aspect of Christmas.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–On Christmas morning, two mice wake to find it snowing. After thanking their mother for their presents of berries and nuts, Daisy and Sam rush out to play, only to see what they think is a Christmas angel soaring in the sky. It’s really a hungry goose who has been blown off course in the storm; after the mice feed it and the exhausted bird rests a while, it thanks them and flies away, leaving an armful of feathers in its wake. The youngsters return home to show their mother the gift. “'Goose feathers!’ she exclaimed. 'We’ll feel as if we’re sleeping on clouds!’” The appealing artwork features the adorable mice and a dazzling bird with glitter on its feathers. A sweet and charming selection.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

Gr 1-4–An uneven collection of seasonal fare. Several of the poems are quite clever and funny, while others are rather flat and uninteresting. Some of the humor may well be over the heads of young children. Each selection is accompanied by a dynamic full-page, full-color cartoon drawing and a bit of spot art. Overall, a mixed bag of treats.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–The Pulitzer Prize-winning author shares the story of how his mother, at the age of six, took the Baby Jesus from the church crèche because she feared that he was cold. Showing remarkable insight into the logic of childhood, McCourt chronicles the little girl’s struggle between right and wrong, her attempts to maintain secrecy, and her fear in the face of consequence. The interplay between Angela and her brother, Pat, is particularly touching, and the adults in the story react authentically to the youngsters’ innocence and compassion. Colón’s textured watercolor and litho pencil illustrations are exactly suited to the tone of the story. Their slightly grainy, etched quality blends realism with romanticism in a way that evokes distant Ireland as it might appear in a memory. This is excellent storytelling on every level.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-5-Fans of the Moodys will enjoy this holiday offering with its sparkly cover and full-color illustrations. All Stink wants for Christmas is snow, and that’s not too likely in Virginia. But things begin to look up when a new mailman named Jack Frost (looking amazingly like Santa) shows up at the door and encourages Stink to ''Think snow.” Predictably the plot revolves around Christmas lists, holiday plays, and lots of wishing, with a big show of heart from Judy Moody at the end. Most enjoyable is the fast-paced dialogue and witty sister-and-brother banter that readers have come to expect. A surefire hit for the “jolidays.”–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–When Naomi, a hungry beggar girl, goes to the inn’s stable to see “kings,” she finds a couple with a newborn child and steals a shiny coin. Instead of punishing her, the adults feed and befriend her. They introduce her to their child and give her a “blessed wooden flute,” which was given to him. She plays it so sweetly that people give her coins–a solution to her poverty. Cockcroft’s photorealistic and luminescent paintings are filled with a sparkling atmosphere and further heighten the miraculous feeling of the story. Unfortunately, the book is marred by grammatical errors and some awkward wording.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-5–During the Great Depression, the all-black town of Boykin, AL, was identified as “the poorest place in America.” “Santy” hardly ever showed up, but this year middle-child Laura Nell Pearson writes him a letter asking for a Baby Betty doll that she’s seen advertised in a newspaper. Her two sisters are scornful, but to their amazement, the doll appears on Christmas morning. Of course there’s a fight, and Daddy and Mama tell the girls to work it out. Laura convinces her sisters that the doll belongs to her, but soon discovers that playing with an inanimate object isn’t as much fun as it is to play with real live sisters, and in the end invites them to a tea party for Baby Betty. McKissack’s knack for combining historical detail with true-to-life family drama and language is shown to good effect, showcased beautifully by Pinkney’s evocative watercolors, which give a real flavor of the time period. An author’s note at the beginning gives the history of the story. Learning to appreciate what you have and to share what you get are two lessons that never go out of style.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-5–In this installment, sixth-grader Flora and her younger sister, Ruby, are getting ready for their first Christmas in Camden Falls with Grandmother Min. The mood is festive in their close-knit community, but friends and neighbors are dealing with such issues as poverty, abusive parents, and Alzheimer’s disease. There are no quick fixes to these tough problems, but the hard edges are sanded away, and the gentle, clear-eyed narration keeps readers focused on the positive. There is an old-fashioned tone to the story, reminiscent of Maud Hart Lovelace’s “Betsy-Tacy” books (HarperCollins); readers can expect plenty of feel-good moments and satisfying plotlines in this snowy Christmas tale.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4-7–Mattern provides a little more meat than is found in the average overview. She devotes several pages to the origins of Christmas, first as a pagan holiday, then as a celebration of Jesus’s birth, and its evolution into the holiday as it is observed today. Symbols of Christmas, important people, and traditions from around the world are explored, and there is a fair amount of discussion about the commercialization of the holiday. A list of volunteer suggestions to help others, “Spread the Spirit,” is appended. Full-color photos and reproductions appear throughout. There is plenty here for reports.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2 Up–Combining die-cut paper, pop-ups, and silhouettes with a lot of white space and a striking palette of black, red, and green with touches of gold, this is an elegant version of the Christmas classic. Windows and flaps reveal a detailed look into the sleepy Victorian home and its nighttime visitor; the art is accomplished and appealing, but somewhat remote. The finale–an elaborate and very delicate pop-up of the sleigh and reindeers flying over the town–make this more of an item for display than a book for circulation.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Tino and Teeny, the rabbit stars of Dear Bunny (Scholastic, 2006), return in another celebration of writing, friendship, and poetry. When winter arrives, the friends decide to make lists of their dearest wishes and pin them to a hollow log to see if they come true. Unfortunately, the lively baby mice get hold of the lists and, not realizing what they are, make them into hats and toys. Fortunately, Mr. and Mrs. Mouse create a beautiful tree-shaped poem out of the bits and pieces of the wish lists. Large, colorful illustrations, no reference to any one specific holiday, and a sweet, happy ending make this a charming addition to any winter storytime.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-5–Grandpa’s tale is a fondly remembered Christmas tradition, though as his grandchildren grow up it seems “too fantastical” to be true. The story he tells is of his boyhood recollection of being with the adult shepherds when the angel Gabriel appeared and told them of the Baby Jesus’s birth and directing them to follow the star in the East. The adults follow and leave the boy behind to mind the sheep. Gabriel then reappears and offers to fly him to the stable to see the baby for himself, while a band of angels watches the flock. The mysterious love of the baby, the angels’ voices, and the secret gift of a shepherd’s crook to the baby who will one day carry it as he shepherds a human flock are all conveyed through a simple, though sometimes jarringly modern tone. Gabriel says: “I could fly you to the stable. We could be there and back, lickety-split, and no one would ever know you’d been gone….Easy as pie.” Blake’s sketchy watercolors illuminate the spare story and hint at the wonder of angelic visitors. A read-aloud title for sharing at home, this probably isn’t destined to become a widespread holiday classic.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Written by a well-known Venezuelan poet, this is a simple retelling of José and María’s search to find shelter before their baby is born, focusing on their thoughts and emotions. Cáceres’s vividly colored illustrations, inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts and by the people, landscape, and animals of his native country, show people in modern dress for the most part, but the effect is not jarring. The art seems a bit surreal at times and is filled with symbols (spirals, phoenixes, etc.), which are described at the back of the book. Libraries looking for a slightly different approach to the Nativity might consider this pint-sized yet vivid book.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–The infamous trickster decides to con some people out of a hot meal on Christmas Eve. Posing as Santa, Coyote is invited in at a ranch house and royally entertained. While the charade unfolds, some unexpected magic takes place and he ends up delivering gifts all around. Sister Raven watches and has the last laugh. An author’s note offers insight on Coyote’s background and abilities. The splendid acrylic artwork captures the action, the humor, and the spirit of the tale. A nice addition for those collecting a variety of trickster tales.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

Gr 3-8–These 25 plays are mostly original but some have been adapted from well-known stories and novels, such as O. Henry’s “Gift of the Magi” and Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. The original plays are divided into two age groups–“Lower & Middle Grades” and “Upper Grades,” with no indication of what those grades might be. All require fairly good reading skills. The selections are serviceable and include brief production notes; all of them can be used for amateur productions with no permission needed. No sources are given for any of them. However, Christmas plays for children are hard to find, and so this collection might be useful where demand for this material is high.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 3–Rhyming text discloses how Santa Claus, after delivering toys in December, spends the ensuing months–working out at the gym in January, Sumo wrestling in May, being a super spy in July, and trick-or-treating dressed as the Easter Bunny in October. Some of Reiss’s scenarios are clever and humorous, while others fall flat. Montgomery’s full-color paintings showing expressive, energetic people in dynamic compositions are amusing and delightful. Unfortunately, they are not enough to save the book from the slight, uneven, and forced text.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–A well-loved carpenter lives with only his adopted orphan reindeer as company. After building homes for the townsfolk for many years, he is finally building one of his own in the woods, and the villagers help him finish it in time for Christmas. He invites them all to celebrate a Christmas Eve feast and takes them outside for a surprise that he has made–a handcrafted wooden crèche in the forest. The old-fashioned watercolor paintings, full of warmth and cozy details, far outshine the pedestrian text–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–This picture-book condensation of Ryan’s novel The Legend of Holly Claus (HarperCollins, 2004) has all of its baffling plot twists intact but none of its charm. In New York City in 1878, a little boy writes to Santa asking what he would like for Christmas, which somehow causes Holly Claus, Santa’s daughter, to be born. She is cursed by a nefarious warlock and blessed by her godmother at birth, escapes to New York City to help its poor citizens, falls in love, and saves Christmas. Although some readers may initially be attracted to the florid, glittery illustrations of Barbie-like Holly and her world, the pedestrian writing and cluttered plot will fail to hold their interest.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–The health craze hits the North Pole, and Mrs. Claus insists that Santa lose some weight. She has good reason–he’s having a hard time getting down the chimneys and can’t keep up with the workload. A visit to the doctor yields good diet advice, and Santa works hard to slim down. Everyone is happy–except the elves and reindeer. By trading their healthy snacks for Santa’s junk food, they’ve gained all the weight that he lost, and more. It takes another year for everyone to get healthy, but they’re all happy they’ve made the effort. The brightly colored, retro-inspired artwork might be a little old for kids (Mrs. Claus looks downright mean). Teachers and parents looking for a way to mix health and holiday might find this useful, but it’s a little too message-driven to be any fun.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Russell the Sheep is busy decorating for Christmas when Santa crashes his sleigh and breaks the Christmas Spell that makes him invisible. The not-so-jolly old man declares that “Christmas must be canceled,” but Russell, as goggle-eyed and inventive as ever, is ready and eager to help. A grateful Santa gives him a little bit of the spell so that he can go along and together they take off on their appointed rounds. In the blink of an eye, they are back in Frogbottom Field, and Santa gives Russell one last present. The artwork is familiar and fun, with characters leaping and flying into the white space. However, the plot breaks no new ground, making this a rather pedestrian addition to the holiday canon.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–In a rhyming text reminiscent of Moore’s The Night before Christmas, cows on a Texas ranch hope to be chosen to fill in for Santa’s sick reindeer. The smallest cow, Sugar Lump, is disappointed not to be selected, but gets to ride in the sleigh and call out instructions to save Santa’s voice. The rhymes don’t scan well, the story is rather nonsensical, and kids may wonder why Texas longhorns were the replacements and how they could fly. The illustrations are cheerful but uninspired. This mediocre offering never gets off the ground.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–On Christmas morning, Trevor discovers that the one thing he wanted most–a puppy–is the one thing he forgot to ask for. Not wanting to risk making the same mistake twice, he starts his next year’s Christmas list right away, and his imagination and greed know no bounds. By the time the holiday rolls around again, his list is literally too long to mail, and he finally realizes that he’s asked for too much. The humorous rhyming text reads like a revamped holiday classic, moving along smoothly to a satisfying conclusion. Computer-generated illustrations have a wacky animated look with lots of sharp angles and big-eyed expressiveness. This enjoyable holiday tale makes its point without being overbearing.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K Up–In this illustrated version of the well-known 1857 Christmas carol, three kings are journeying through the night, following a star toward Bethlehem. Riding on an elephant, a camel, and a horse, accompanied by impressive retinues, and sumptuously clothed in rich and exotic fabrics, the men are a striking sight, and the intricate watercolor and colored-pencil artwork does them full justice. Unfortunately, the spread used for the chorus (“Oh star of wonder, star of light…”) depicts a group of rather insipid, Victorian-looking angels and is repeated five times. This handsome book will suffice if a version of this carol is needed, but it is not Spirin’s best effort. Music and lyrics are appended.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS–Penguin wants to win this year’s “Santa’s Best Tree” award, so he and his fuchsia-colored fairy friend try decorating with a frog, a tire, a snowman, and so on before he finally puts the fairy on the tree and wins the award. The color-saturated illustrations are whimsical if a bit manic, but the story is too slight and disjointed to be satisfying.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–A bearded elf named Little Santa sets the forest animals on a treasure hunt searching for magical reindeer bells. The creatures have a rollicking good time and are rewarded with a beautifully decorated tree, music, and dancing. The story is a bit mysterious, but it’s refreshing to have a tale without the ordinary Christmas clichés. The text is simple and sprinkled with questions, exclamations, and fun sounds (“Ting-a-ling,” “scrabble, scrabble, dig”). The playful tone is accentuated by Melhuish’s charming illustrations. Birds and beasts are fuzzy and furry, with friendly, animated expressions. Should be a crowd-pleaser.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS–This colorful picture book features a family of cuddly terrycloth chicks with clay feet and features, adorned in knit caps and scarves. They play in the snow, sing, make cookies, decorate the tree, read, and hang up their stockings. Their excitement on Christmas morning is palpable. Though adults may wonder why the parents are chicks and not chickens, children will be charmed by the brightly bordered textural pictures and the lively, expressive family. The text is simple, rhythmic, and fun. A cheery read-aloud for the toddler set.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Fans of the endearingly naive hen will find themselves chuckling aloud. This time, Minerva Louise mistakes Christmas Eve preparations for a party, Santa for a farmer, and the reindeer for goats wearing fancy hats. Her confusion is satisfyingly resolved when Santa gives her a present and, true to character, she mistakes the box it comes in as a nest. Stoeke’s books are a mastery of simplicity; much is conveyed in her boldly outlined, full-color cartoon illustrations and minimal text. A delightful choice, perfect for storytime.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1-Santa’s Littlest Helper (Bloomsbury, 2004) is back. This time all of the other helpers get sick (Christmas Pox) so the Littlest Helper drafts his animal friends to help the Chief Helper deliver presents. The story is quite sweet, if nothing extraordinary; what will attract readers are the richly colored spreads depicting not just a snowy North Pole but also New York, Paris, London, and Venice. It’s a must where the first book is popular, and libraries needing more Santa books should also consider it.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–This Southwestern version of the popular song will have some regional appeal, but may be a stretch for those who have difficulty with the semi-scanning lyrics. It shows the gifts that “mis amigos” bring to a grandmotherly badger who repays their generosity with bizcochitos, a Christmas cookie said to be found in every New Mexican home during the holidays. As the gifts pile up around the piñon tree, a wild party ensues with kachina leaping, coyotes yowlin’, skinks a-skulking, etc. The lively animal-filled, full-color spreads offer many counting opportunities and will be enjoyed by Wolff’s fans. The cookie recipe and musical notations are included.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–Newbold’s engaging illustrations add whimsy to this reworking of Clement C. Moore’s poem. The use of light is excellent, and the expressive features of the barnyard menagerie are compelling. The tale is a familiar one. Santa’s reindeer are incapacitated, so the farm animals, who haven’t been getting along this year, rally to save Christmas and are duly rewarded. Becoming heroes and receiving presents take precedence over gaining any understanding of peace and brotherhood, but this lighthearted story should be well received at storytime.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–This seasonal favorite is enhanced by Barrette’s colorful, cheery watercolor-and-ink illustrations. Her depictions of a snowy village, populated by pink, pixielike people and cute animals, express joy and wonder as folks gather together for the holiday. Bundled up families trudge through the snow with puppies at their heels. Doves and cats coo and nuzzle beneath the mistletoe, and polar bears gaze with awe at Santa’s sleigh soaring through the air with miles of presents in tow. The text is arranged with short phrases on each page, inviting readers to sing aloud as each scene unfolds. This is a terrific selection for group sharing or individual reading.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Reproducing more than 70 images from old postcards, calendars, books, and so on, the book examines, in a droll, conversational narrative, the various aspects of Santa’s life: his clothing (as the images show, he doesn’t always wear red), his various methods of transporting gifts (everything from sleds to trains to air balloon), and his love of good food and drink. The vintage images may have more adult than child appeal, but some youngsters may find it amusing to compare the many ways in which Santa has been depicted throughout the years. A full listing of picture credits is appended.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4-8-Pervasive worry plagues young and old when labor unrest and an imminent strike threaten an Oklahoma coal-mining town during the 1957 Christmas season. The tale is told in alternating chapters from the point of view of 11-year-old Don Franklin, whose father works in the mine, and his nosy bloodhound, Frank, who has an uncanny ability to sense human emotion and behavior (including lies). Though the plot is slightly far-fetched, Wallace’s folksy tone deftly captures the sense of place and time right down to the tiny town’s switchboard-operated telephone. This is a satisfying feel-good story involving a protective pooch and a family Christmas miracle. Dog lovers are sure to enjoy it.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–When Kari’s family asks her what she would like for Christmas, she confidently retorts, “Santa knows!” After many creative but unsuccessful attempts to get her to reveal her wish, Christmas arrives and, to everyone’s surprise and relief, Kari mysteriously does get exactly what she wanted–a kitten. The well-paced story incorporates the family bloodhound’s thoughts and olfactory observations, adding a bit of amusement and making it appealing to children. The full-color, expressive cartoon drawings of a white middle-class family play an integral part in helping youngsters decode and understand the text. This should be a popular choice for newly independent readers.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–“Sharing is giving, and giving is what Christmas is all about!” That is the theme of this woodland story, featuring Clara, a young deer who is worried that the holiday won’t be merry due to the hard winter. Then the animals discover that children from surrounding farms have decorated a tree with nuts, berries, and seeds for them. The story is well meaning but overly long, and the dialogue is often stilted. The book’s charm lies in Tharlet’s endearing illustrations of sweet-faced animals and snowy forest settings.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1-Santa is missing and a variety of Arctic animals set out to find him. In bouncy rhyming couplets, they look high and low. “Clip-clop, clip-clop, two-by-two./Santa! Santa! Where are you?” They finally find him buried in a snowbank with just his snow-shoed boots sticking out. With a “Heave-Ho! Heave…Ho-Ho-Ho!,” they all help to pull him out. The simple rhymes and language and the wax-crayon-and-watercolor illustrations make this an appealing, but not essential, read-aloud.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Lively Miss Wire (aged 95) resides in a sleepy old-folks home, where the residents think that Christmas is just for children. She sends a letter to Santa via a little bird begging for help. He answers her plea by sending some very lively Christmas Mice and the little bird to seek out the “Unwanted Toys” of the world. Chemistry sets, bows and arrows, saws, swords, and BB guns (all seem to be vintage 1950s) are delivered en masse and the old folks have a grand time. Amazingly, no one gets hurt, and even the ever-prim nurse lets down her hair and plays pirate. As a result, everyone feels years younger and realizes that Christmas toys can bring joy to people of all ages. Clark’s soft and fanciful cartoons are a perfect accompaniment to Whybrow’s clear and easy text. A satisfying and quirky read.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library