December Holidays

PreS-K–On Christmas Eve, Baby Hare sees Baby Owl on his way home from sledding and becomes absolutely sure that he is Santa. Nothing Baby Owl says (“And I am not big and fat like Santa! I’m very fluffy like a Baby Owl!”) convinces the young hare. Frustrated, he begins to cry. Willing to try anything to get him to stop, Baby Owl admits that he is, in fact, Santa. Then Baby Hare begins to notice all the ways the owl is different from Santa, and starts crying because he’s NOT Santa, which causes Baby Owl, who’s been pretty patient, all things considered, to start crying, too. Never fear–all is smoothed over by the appearance of the man himself, and Baby Owl hurries home to tell his mama all about his experience. Large cartoon illustrations that will carry to the back of the room, and the opportunity for readers to express their inner toddler dramatically, will make this a holiday favorite.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 4-8–Rather than focusing on the principles and symbols of Kwanzaa, this book attempts to place the holiday within the context of worldwide harvest festivals and the Civil Rights Movement. Chapters on harvest festivals, Kwanzaa founder Maulana Karenga, and African-American culture provide a wealth of well-documented information on everything from Greek myths to Alex Haley to the 1968 Olympics to the 1997 Kwanzaa stamp. The last chapters provide details about the actual celebration. Average-quality full-color photos and graphics appear throughout. Although the range of subject matter and the wealth of chapter notes are impressive (if occasionally bewildering), there are a few missteps–for example, readers are told that the Kwanzaa colors of green, red, and black “come from the pan-African flag,” but it is never shown. Also, no source is given for the story “The Unlucky Boy.” Still, this is a useful look at the origins and greater context of Kwanzaa.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3 Up–This poem was largely inspired by the terrible natural disasters occurring throughout the world when Angelou was invited to read at the 2005 White House tree-lighting ceremony. Thus, the opening lines rumble and roil almost menacingly to illustrate the climate of doubt and anxiety into which the spirit of Christmas arrives. Hope enters as a whisper and grows until it is “louder than the explosion of bombs.” The harsher aspects of the world fade as people of all faiths and races join together in trust and brotherhood. Johnson and Fancher’s paintings, rendered in oil, acrylic, and fabric on canvas, elegantly depict a calm, snow-blanketed village where children play, families shop, and artisans ply their crafts. People gather at the Town Hall for sweets and cocoa, and then, in a candlelight procession, join again to sing beneath the stars. This is a comforting book that gets to the heart of what Christmas should mean. As an added treat, Angelou reads the poem on the accompanying CD.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–In her third beginning-chapter-book ghost story, Bauer weaves a suspenseful holiday tale told in alternating voices. In 1938, a girl named Lillian dreams of a perfect Christmas tree and sacrifices herself to the cold to save her younger sister. Her ghost appears to a present-day youngster, Kaye, and leads her to a long-forgotten perfect Christmas tree (which still has the saw stuck in the trunk) and asks that she bring Lillian’s younger sister, Elsa (who is now Kaye’s grandmother’s age), to see it. Elsa realizes that Kaye has seen her dead sister after the girl describes her beautiful green cloak–the very one that their father bought for Lillian to be buried in. Ferguson’s atmospheric black-and-white illustrations appear throughout this sweet and tender offering.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 2–Brett’s highly detailed, luscious illustrations do a fine job telling this story for nonreaders, while readers and listeners will enjoy Gingerbread Baby’s energy and enthusiasm. The roly-poly youngster lives in a gingerbread house in the bedroom of a boy named Mattie, but longs for fun and adventure. While Mattie is too busy in the kitchen to play with him, the Gingerbread Baby heads to the village to look for a friend of his own. He finds some good prospects at the bakery but ends up being chased by a mouse, followed by the baker and his wife, and eventually a red fox. The riotous run brings him back to Mattie’s house where he finds an elaborately decorated cookie and candy village with a lot of gingerbread friends for him. Sidebars offer instructions for making gingerbread friends to eat and enjoy. The special foldout adds an element of surprise and delight for storytimes or one-on-one sharing.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-6–A nostalgic look at a Christmas in a small Kentucky coal town in 1920, based on the author’s family lore. Ruble Cole, 10, doesn’t expect much for Christmas. Life is hard for a family with nine children. So she and her siblings are surprised when Mama tells them to look through the “Wish Book” (the Sears, Roebuck and Company catalog) to pick out one thing they really want. Will an unexpected snowstorm put a stop to what just may be the family’s best Christmas ever? Not if Mama and Papa can help it. These hardworking, loving, and forgiving parents possess an unusual understanding of all their children’s secret dreams. Despite a few moments of real charm, the writing is serviceable at best, and the illustrations are cartoonish and unattractive.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K–A simple rhyming text describes the holiday preparations of a large bear family (all dressed in human clothes), such as hanging a wreath on the front door, baking cookies, and sending out cards. It turns out that the seven cubs are Santa Bear’s children, and they help him try out the toys that he will deliver on Christmas Eve. Conover’s heartwarming artwork makes the bears and reindeer come alive; their fur looks almost touchable. Lap-sharing would work best for examining the many illustrated spreads with all their fine details. The attractive endpapers show a map of the world’s various bears and where they can be found. A sweet addition to any holiday collection.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

K Up–The traditional Christmas carol is illustrated with Rockwell’s heartwarming visions of holiday cheer. The art come from a variety of sources–magazine covers, advertisements, holiday cards–and matches the lyrics surprisingly well. While the pictures are best appreciated up close to see the fine details, this oversize book could also be used as part of a holiday program. Handsomely nostalgic, and sure to be popular with parents and grandparents.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K–Grandma Posey shares the story behind a faded ornament shaped like a wrapped present. A little mouse named Posey loved Christmas so much that she couldn’t resist the temptation to peek at all of her gifts while her family was caroling. Afterward, opening presents on Christmas Eve, the magic is spoiled because the surprise is gone. And the next morning little Posey decides to not open her last stocking present as a special reminder that “some things are better if you wait.” Kennedy’s mouse house and family are cozy and full of energy, her watercolors capturing the excitement and wonder of the holiday. While Posey isn’t actually punished for her curiosity with a lump of coal, her remorse makes a strong impression on readers. A sweet but purposeful storytime filler.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS–First-time readers and those already familiar with Dunrea’s goslings will be delighted by this simple story about anticipating the holiday. Seated in the snow with their beaks leaning forward and dressed in winter wear, Gossie, Gertie, BooBoo, Peedie, and Ollie await the arrival of Father Christmas Goose. While the others interrupt their vigil for holiday preparations, Ollie remains steadfastly in place. His reward is a personal greeting from Father Christmas Goose (who looks majestic wearing an aviator cap and goggles) and the important task of announcing to everyone that Christmas has indeed arrived. Remaining true to his uncomplicated watercolor style, Dunrea maintains an element of charm to Ollie’s waiting, depicting his impatience as sweet and subdued, rather than manic and obsessed. Parents and children will immediately relate to this youngster’s excitement.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-6-Nothing says “Christmas” like an alien-infested fruitcake that sucks the flavor out of everything it touches. Nate and Lunchbox, the superintelligent basset hound from Lunchbox and the Aliens (Holt, 2006), are back. Parker’s Power Pooch Pellets, the best dog food (froonga) ever made from garbage using alien technology, is a huge hit, but the family business is going to be in trouble if they can’t figure out how to make more machines. While the boy’s parents go off to a pet-food convention just before Christmas, Great-Aunt Nelly arrives to look after things and starts baking up a storm, intent on winning the local fruitcake festival. Meanwhile, Frazz and Grunfloz, the aliens who helped Nate build the original froonga machine, are also in trouble. They have been caught by old enemies who want to take over the Earth, and the froonga. Not that it matters, since they probably won’t survive Grunfloz’s grudge-match of lob-lock against Oogash, a game that includes shock-producing balls, zero gravity, and extra points for creative insults. Will Lunchbox be able to save the planet from the evil aliens and the even worse fruitcake? It takes careful readers to keep track of the weird and wacky names and insults, but the quick-moving plot, silly situations, and fun illustrations keep everything moving at a smart clip. Buy where the first book is popular.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5 Up–This volume offers a miscellany of advice, lore, and tips for those who either dread or have little experience preparing for Christmas. The author provides gift suggestions for children, teens, and adults; meal plans for dinners, including those where vegetarian guests are expected; possible hiding places for presents; ideas for gift wrapping; stories behind some traditions; and much more. Foster also includes jokes, trivia, and spoof thank-you letters, but the book is bound to hold more appeal for adults than for children. Only the most comprehensive Christmas collections need to consider it.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

PreS-Gr 2–Little Mouse asks his relatives about the magic of Christmas, and they all have different explanations, depending on their particular perspective. “'It’s sitting indoors,’ says Grandpa, 'where the fire will thaw your cold toes.’” “'It’s stringing the tree lights,’ says Daddy, 'that twinkle and glow through the night.’” Told in undistinguished rhymes and sweetly illustrated with an abundance of glitter, this book is more appropriate as a gift purchase for adults looking for a sentimental, secular holiday title than for most collections.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

PreS-Gr 2–An overabundance of glittering angels, warm and fuzzy pastel-colored scenes of fluffy animals living human lives, and saccharine rhyming text that doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue all add up to a holiday greeting card masquerading as a book. While the sentiments are positive (“When we help and care/for one another,/High above, the angels/see it too./Every little act of/love and kindness,/Makes the gentle angels/smile at you”), the whole package is more sparkle than story.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-4–This revision of a 1992 book presents the origins, days, symbols, principles, and activities of the Kwanzaa holiday. The text is simple and concise, remaining almost identical to the first edition, while crisp and attractive color photos replace that volume’s dated and muddy visuals. This title is a useful resource for most libraries; it should certainly replace the earlier edition.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Vincent, a young Texan, is spending Christmas Eve on his uncle’s farm near the Mexican border. When Santa shows up and asks Tío Pancho to help him out, he uses magic dust to transform an old mariachi outfit into a gold-and-silver sequined marvel and his old burros into lucha libre-masked Flying Burritos. Vincent tags along, helping “Charro Claus” deliver presents along the border. The text is in English and Spanish, and occasional Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the English version, but there is no pronunciation guide or glossary. The full-spread paintings are bright and energetic, depicting a brunette-bearded and caped Tío Pancho and brown-eyed Vincent enthusiastically distributing toys. A cheerful, if additional, purchase.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 9 Up–What do a Christmas Eve snowstorm, 14 perky cheerleaders, a Waffle House, and a guy covered in tin foil have in common? Answer: these romantic holiday stories. Through an interconnected cast of characters set in one small Southern town, each author reveals a serendipitous night in the life of a particular teen. In Johnson’s “Jubilee Express,” level-headed Jubilee experiences a traumatic day during which her parents get arrested, her train gets stuck in the snow, and she breaks up with her boyfriend, but in the end finds a new love. Green deftly portrays the teen male perspective with humor and wit in his “Cheertastic Christmas Miracle,” which starts with an urgent quest for cheerleaders and ends with an eye-opening experience of finding true love right before one’s eyes. In Myracle’s “Patron Saint of Pigs,” while agonizing over the pain of a recent breakup, Addie learns about herself and gains respect for relationships at the same time. Tender without being mushy, these carefully crafted stories of believable teen love will leave readers warm inside for the holidays.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Nathan wants to buy his own menorah, but when he goes shopping with his grandfather, he finds that they are either too expensive or not quite right. After the man reminisces about dealing with peddlers in the old days, they find a silver menorah in a junk shop. Although the ending is rather pat, the story has a straightforward appeal that many kids will appreciate, and Grandpa (who stands aside to let Nathan do the haggling himself) is a gem. The bargaining session itself is realistic and entertaining (Nathan “eyed the man coolly. 'It has a dent.’ 'Dent, shment,’ the shopkeeper mocked. 'It’s pure silver. It’s a steal at ten dollars’”). Although the facial features and expressions are sometimes a bit exaggerated, the full-spread illustrations do a good job of complementing the text. A short afterword explains the holiday and the role of the menorah. While this story is only tangentially about Hanukkah, it is a good intergenerational selection for larger or specialized collections.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 4–The pup from Grogan’s nonfiction title Marley: A Dog Like No Other (HarperCollins, 2007) returns in a picture book. This slight story records the yellow Lab’s destructive puppy antics. The repetition of “Bad dog, Marley!” seems antithetical to current, positive-reinforcement-based pet-training techniques, but one can understand the frustration as the pup ruins project after project for every family member. Cowdrey’s illustrations do their best to showcase Marley’s exuberance and joie de vivre, but only partially succeed. Better dog stories abound.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5 Up–An illustrated, unabridged version of the classic short story in which a young husband and wife each, unbeknownst to the other, gives up a most treasured possession to buy the other a wonderful gift. The gifts, of course, are useless as a result, but the couple’s love is presumably all the stronger. The sepia-toned watercolors have an authentic period look; the details present in the New York City street scenes and the couple’s rather shabby apartment add a strong feeling of time and place to the story. Very different in style from Lisbeth Zwerger’s lovely and delicate version (S & S, 2006), this is a fine choice for libraries needing another illustrated edition of this Christmas tale.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–Pink-clad Priscilla’s name is splashed across the cover in huge red glitter letters, and the kitschy cartoon artwork continues the red and pink overkill as the girl and her best friend head to the North Pole to meet Santa. Topknots and bows decorate the heads of these Kewpie dollish, always-fashionable little girls. They plan their trip, taking along their lapdog, tea set, and other necessities as they ski cross county due north. They meet some interesting creatures and endure a class-seven squall, but return home without a Santa sighting. The ever-effervescent duo seems satisfied with the hint of a reindeer-drawn sleigh in the background of one of the photos, but readers who have slogged through this journey described in singsong rhyme will be sorely disappointed.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 5-8–Tim Diamond, a clueless London private detective, and his intelligent 14-year-old brother, Nick, are down on their luck again. Surprisingly, they receive a job just before Christmas to protect a gorgeous Greek celebrity singer named Minerva from recent death threats. Turns out, she is a coldhearted beauty who only cares about two things–money and Minerva. When shots are fired and a body is found strangled, all kinds of trouble ensues between Minerva, her aging husband, her manager, the Diamond Brothers, and the police. There are a few suggestive references to Minerva’s appearance and “her silver-plated breasts” but nothing more racy or graphic. The witty banter between the characters keeps this short novel moving at breakneck speed. Tim’s literal misinterpretations of everything are absurdly funny, and Nick’s skill at solving the crime before anyone else, including the police, is entertaining. Horowitz is a master of tongue-in-cheek wit and groan-worthy puns that both sophisticated young mystery readers and older fans will enjoy.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–This funny book looks back at how the young Santa was a “major slacker” who delivered toys in a haphazard fashion and left messes behind before falling asleep on the job. After complaint letters come pouring in, Santa’s trusty dog takes matters into his own paws. Using a self-help video, he gets Santa to straighten up and fly right to become the icon he is today. The cartoon artwork, done in acrylic, watercolors, and colored pencils, captures the endearing pup’s antics and will give readers the giggles. An amusing, if silly, addition to most holiday collections.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

K-Gr 2–This plodding poem never manages to convey the “wondrous awe” to which the author alludes. “Then when we talk of wondrous awe,/no matter what we see,/let’s think back in wondrous awe, and/there will Christmas be.” Brown’s vibrant, if somewhat static, paintings show a multiethnic group of children and adults getting costumed and ready for the traditional pageant, while the leaden couplets try to coax readers into thinking about the true meaning of the holiday. The disconnect between the words and the more engaging illustrations limit the appeal of this offering.-Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 2–While a family of Big People enjoys a Hanukkah celebration with candle lighting and presents, a friendly mouse family shares in the fun by exploring the little girl’s first gift, a dollhouse. On each subsequent night, something new is added to the little house by its owner, whose smiling, moon-shaped face can be seen peering through the windows at her houseguests. Tiny dishes are laden with latkes and applesauce, Hanukkah gelt is piled on the petite dresser, and on the eighth night a miniature menorah appears on the mouse family’s table. The highlights of this book are the cheerful gouache illustrations featuring bold flat saturated colors and lots of open space, creating plenty of room for both families to celebrate the holiday. A pleasant choice for all collections.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–Jake, the canine protagonist in Jake the Philharmonic Dog (Walker, 2006), is introduced to a New York City ballet company as it gets ready for its annual performance of The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. Readers get glimpses of the beloved ballet as Jake interferes with the company’s rehearsals, but the book is really more about ballet in general than it is about The Nutcracker in particular. The stylish illustrations show the work of the improbably patient ballet master and the dancers as they try to resist the irrepressible pooch’s efforts to join them onstage.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

Gr 1-3–An Israeli girl wants to become an archaeologist like her father and has the opportunity to assist at a dig where Judah Maccabee fought against the Syrians. Braving darkness, spiders, and her own fear, Jodie volunteers to be lowered into a small underground cave where she discovers a literal piece of the past. However, aside from a brief reference to the brave leader featured in the Hanukkah story, there is nothing in this book to suggest that it belongs on the holiday shelf. It presupposes knowledge of Israel’s archaeological significance and the origins of Hanukkah by focusing solely on the facts of the dig. Watercolor illustrations give a good sense of the Israeli landscape both above and below ground. A reasonable choice for career day, but not for general holiday collections.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 3–This story, a riff on “The Little Drummer Boy,” tugs at the heartstrings and offers a few exciting moments, despite some improbable coincidences. However, the real star here is Long’s luminous acrylic art, which gives a real sense of scale and place. On a cold winter’s day, a little toy drummer boy in a snappy red uniform mysteriously appears on a child’s doorstep. The boy loves the drummer and spends a lot of time listening to him play, but a mishap sends the little drummer on a wild adventure all around town, where he plays his drum and brings peace to every listener he comes across. Finally, the toy ends up in a cemetery, where the boy finds it near his grandfather’s grave. He takes the drummer home and, filled with the Christmas spirit, places him at the feet of the baby in the Nativity scene on the mantel. A handsome, if not essential, purchase.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-5–“I’m being stalked by Santa–/it’s a feeling I can’t shake./He sees me when I’m sleeping./He knows when I’m awake,” reports a young boy to an unseen psychiatrist. Throughout the book, the wide-eyed child sees Santa disguised as a fast-food server, a biker, Elvis, and a host of other apparitions, making this a page-turner to see where he’ll turn up next. While the ending is predictable, it does not detract from this amusing parody of the song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” McCoy’s wacky cartoons are sprinkled with visual jokes that only adults or older kids will understand, including the front cover resembling Edvard Munch’s famous painting “The Scream” and a bust of Dr. Phil next to a bust of Freud. This fun read-aloud offers a humorous take on the holidays to be shared one-on-one or in storytimes.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 2-5–This basic craft book provides a brief explanation of the origins, principles, and symbols of the holiday and then offers eight projects ranging from a kinara pop-up card to an African-style hat to the ubiquitous woven mat. The crafts are attractive and easy to make with adult help, and they use common supplies like construction paper, tissue paper, markers, scissors, and glue. Reproducible patterns are included and must be enlarged on a copier. A chart that is supposed to show the symbols of Kwanzaa mistakenly calls them “principles” and misspells Kwanzaa.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–It’s the Depression, and Jack’s father in away from the family, in search of work. On Christmas Eve, a wonderful aroma momentarily lifts Jack’s spirits until he finds out that the cookies baking in the oven are for the needy. To ease his disappointment, Jack’s mother tells him about the origin of Christmas cookies. During the Middle Ages, a woodcarver and his wife made cookie molds to help them tell the story of the Nativity. Jack’s mother surprises him with an angel cookie on Christmas morning and, in the spirit of the story he’s been told, he gives it to a destitute stranger who comes to the door begging for food. While at times the prose is too precise in pointing out the parallels between the two eras (e.g., “Jack…wondered if times in the Middle Ages had been harder than they were right now, and if boys missed their fathers like he missed his”) and the appearance of the poor stranger at the door is contrived, the overall lesson of giving prevails. The atmospheric illustrations depict Jack’s kitchen as spare but welcoming. The mouthwatering cookies look as if they can satisfy both physical and spiritual hunger. Refreshingly stripped of holiday commercialism, this is an appropriate title for those who wish to introduce a new perspective to the Christmas story.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–A cheerful Christmas countdown is told in rhyme as 10 cuddly critters open presents from a secret source. Children will enjoy identifying the various woodland animals (Mouse gets earmuffs, Owl gets a vest, etc.) and reading the name labels on the different packages. One by one an animal is showcased on the left page and one less present is shown on the facing page. “Who’s our Secret Santa? The animals want to know./'’Tis I,’ says Santa Bear./'I was hiding in the snow!’” Marzollo’s watercolor and ink illustrations are appropriately soft and colorful. The last spread has a memory game for children to guess again which presents came in which boxes, adding to the fun of this simple satisfying story.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–After a newborn baby in a stable smiles, a small bird spreads the news of his birth throughout the countryside, and all sorts of woodland animals come to welcome the infant. He coos with glee, and the animals fall asleep all around him as his mother sings a lullaby. Although neither the baby nor his mother is named in the simple rhyming text, one assumes it is Baby Jesus. Anachronisms aside (the snowy, forested countryside; a mother looking more like a 19th-century Dutch peasant than a young woman of Galilee; a tortoise crawling through the snow), the gouache paintings have huge appeal–no young child will be able to resist the three kittens in mittens or the gift-bearing bugs wearing hats and scarves. Bethlehem this is not, but the story remains the same. Buy it if you are looking for sweet and cheerful books for holiday sharing.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–On December 24th, Nicholas Duck rushes out to find Santa to tell him what he wants for Christmas and is surprised to find a red coat and “a genuine, official Santa hat” on his doorstep. He happily puts them on, but is overwhelmed when all of the animals he meets corner him and rattle off their wish lists. Nicholas tries to get away and runs into Santa, at last. He relays the animals’ requests, forgetting to ask anything for himself, but later realizes that helping to give to others has made him happier than getting any gift. Nicholas’s silliness and frustration will appeal to youngsters as will the simple message. Milgrim’s charming digital ink and oil pastel illustrations use a successful mix of narrative text and cartoon balloons to move the story along at a brisk pace. A fun selection for storytime or one-on-one reading.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–One snowy evening, while distributing treats to the forest animals, two children and their grandmother come upon an exhausted and hungry deer. They escort the poor creature to their home, where he is fed and pampered by the cozy fire; before sunrise, he is gone. On Christmas morning, an extra present waits beneath the tree–a small wooden box with a note from Santa Claus himself. It turns out they’d helped one of his reindeer, and, in doing so, saved Christmas. Inside the box is “magic reindeer glow,” which will make a wish come true. The resulting wish brings this lyrical, rhyming tale to a satisfying and heartwarming close. The artwork, done in watercolor, instant coffee, and bleach, yields a pleasing shimmery effect. Warm reds, greens, and golds are dappled with creamy flurries of snow, creating a rich texture that complements the linear simplicity of Good’s scenery.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–In this wonderfully different Hanukkah book, an Israeli family harvests olives to be processed into the oil. The daughter provides a simple narrative, which is clearly written and accompanied by full-color photographs depicting each step in the process from gathering and sorting the olives to pressing them and using the oil to light the menorah. Resonating with familial warmth and a shared purpose, this is a fine offering.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–In this twist on a familiar theme, a family from “the Old Country” spends the holiday snowed in at their cozy cottage, but must make a small amount of cooking oil last long enough to cook all eight Hanukkah treats. Father tells the children the Hanukkah tale while Mother prepares the meals, using oil from the Miracle Jar over and over until the last night when it appears there is nothing left. On this night, Mother’s ingenuity is the true miracle, as she manages to find one more drop of oil for the final holiday treat. Watercolor spreads depict the family in muted colors and simple patterns. A satisfying holiday tale with a nostalgic feel.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–In this adaptation from an animated film, Caillou counts down the 12 days before Christmas using an advent calendar. Each day, the family enjoys a brief story that explains different customs such as why we have Christmas trees, the origin of the first Christmas cards, the legend of St. Nicholas, and how to say Merry Christmas in other languages. Although there is a countdown involved, only the numbers 12, 11, 10, 4, 2, and 1 are prominently displayed, giving the book a slightly disjointed feel. Multiple concurrent vignettes, such as Caillou’s visit to Santa, an explanation of a friend’s Hanukkah customs, and mysterious disappearing household objects tend to distract readers instead of advancing the plot. Still, the big bright cartoon illustrations might appeal to fans of the animated series.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–This newly illustrated title has been repackaged for the “I Can Read” series. The bright, full-color artwork is much more modern and appealing than the earlier edition’s static three-color version. It is interesting to compare the work of the same illustrator over the 27 years since the first edition was published; libraries should consider a fresh copy of this collection of poems for newly independent readers.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-K–Neither home remedies, a doctor’s prescription of funny movies and jokes, nor the antics of the elves help Santa recover his lost ability to laugh. News spreads and he receives funny pictures from kids around the world, including Holly. When he sees her picture of what she looks like on a bad day, he bursts into his jolly chortle and Christmas is saved once again. This is Rader’s third amusing and entertaining dilemma for Santa, filled with her delightfully animated, humorous pen-and-ink cartoons.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-5–Could a middle-aged woman and a five-year-old-boy plant and care for more than 600 trees? Perhaps that is one of the miracles of the holidays. Wilma is tired of growing petunias and sunflowers, but can’t decide what to cultivate next. Then she realizes that she has everything she needs to grow Christmas trees, including an enthusiastic helper–her neighbor Parker. She orders 62 dozen small starts of balsam, or five-year-old seedlings, and she and the boy plant them. Finally, after five challenging years, they have trees to sell. That Christmas, they think about the 566 families who have their trees and place an order for 83 dozen new seedlings to plant in the spring. This lovely tale celebrates intergenerational friendship and determination, growth and nature, and the joy of the holiday season. Root’s graceful watercolor and gouache illustrations beautifully capture these elements and more, and an author’s note gives additional information about Christmas trees and how they grow.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–An unusual mix of rosy-cheeked children and animals acting as humans engage in activities that define holiday words as they relate to cookies and cookie making–“Celebrate means/time to get out the sprinkles!” “Moderation means/at the party not having twenty cookies, and not having zero cookies, but having just enough cookies.” “Charitable,” “prosperity,” “perseverance,” and “reciprocate” are also defined. Stylized, stiff-looking illustrations bordered with white do little to rescue this underbaked offering.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Using a large, easy-to-read font and controlled vocabulary, this book describes the origin of Christmas and typical activities in two to three sentences per page. The commercial aspect is downplayed–although “we shop for presents,” there is no mention of opening them or of Santa bringing toys (“Santa is a symbol of the Christmas spirit. He reminds people to be giving all year long.” He does?). The text is accompanied by large, attractive photos depicting children and families of various ethnicities. This title will be most useful to teachers who need a simple nonfiction book for a holiday unit.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 3–On December 24, 1822, Papa Clement Moore is charged with a special task by his six-year-old daughter–to write a Christmas surprise for the family. As he ventures out into the snow for a long sleigh ride to the market, the man ponders the story he will tell and how he will write it to “bring the joy and wonder of [his] childhood Christmases to his children.” The slow measured text leads up to Moore’s classic poem and gently conveys the author’s imagined process while imparting some history of the holiday. Bettoli’s folk-art-style illustrations evoke the period with warmth and charm, and the bright colors and stiff poses are nicely placed with lots of white space and tiny borders to give a vintage feel to the narrative. The gentle story is strangely compelling and involving, especially since readers know just what the special surprise will be. The full text of the poem is included. While not essential, this charming work will appeal to teachers and others looking to extend holiday lessons in a creative way.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-4–Emily loves everything about Christmas, especially giving gifts. Her favorite kinds aren’t those that can be wrapped up and put under the tree, but are the true treasures of kindness and consideration. She sets the table and makes special place cards for Christmas dinner, helps Dad put up the lights; she pushes a girl’s wheelchair while waiting in line to see Santa and helps the little kids dress for a Christmas pageant. Her cheery do-gooder activities are conveyed perfectly via single- and double-page cartoon vignettes done in ink and watercolor. Emily’s willingness to be helpful offers an outstanding lesson about the true spirit of Christmas, and Björkman’s bright, engaging illustrations keep the lesson light and palatable.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–The farm animals from Clip-Clop (Boxer Bks., 2006) are back for another spirited ride, this time through the snow. Bedecked in festive red hats topped with jingle bells, Cat, Dog, Pig, and Duck hold on tight as Mr. Horse pulls them in his sleigh. At the top of a hill, he hops in to join his friends so they can all sled down as a group. With each page, the easy and brilliant partnership of text and illustration successfully conveys sound, movement, and the animals’ exhilaration. For example, a minor collision with a snowman prompts a glorious full-spread “Wheeeeee!” as the animals fly through the air and then hilariously dive into the snow. “That was SO COOL!” says Mr. Horse when he emerges. After experiencing this tailor-made read-aloud, children will agree.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 3-6–In this tale of Christmas miracles, Snicket chronicles the adventures of an anthropomorphic lump of coal with a dream. The “small, flammable hero” meets his share of naysayers and phonies on his quest to be an artist. He eventually becomes despondent and settles for something that is “better than nothing.” It is when he least expects his miracle that it occurs, enabling him to fulfill his destiny. Snicket’s trademark arch humor delivers plenty of laugh-out-loud moments en route to the happy ending. Longtime collaborator Helquist brings the characters to life with simplicity and charm. The lump of coal is sufficiently lumpy and elegantly dressed. Those who would stand in his way are ridiculed with appropriately subtle visual barbs. The entire saga is presented in a seven-inch-square volume that is thought-provoking and captivating, and sure to be in demand.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 4–Each holiday season seems to generate a new batch of picture-book versions of The Nutcracker. This edition adds little to the selections already in most collections. The relatively lengthy text tells the complete story of the ballet. Malone’s exquisite watercolors depict a late-18th-century household in which a generous godfather presents his rather odd gifts of life-sized dolls and a small nutcracker figure that come alive in Clara’s dream. An author’s endnote gives the history of the ballet. A CD of the score performed by the Utah Symphony Orchestra is included.–Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles

PreS-Gr 1–Millie, last seen in Millie Waits for the Mail (Walker, 2007), is asked by the mail carrier to deliver his homemade Christmas gifts to the farmer and the other animals at her farm. After a series of mishaps through the deep snow, the disheveled cow finally makes it home with the presents–but because the tags were lost, the gifts get mixed up to humorous but happy effect (the chicks use the dog’s basket as a toy castle; Millie uses the farmer’s coffeepot cover as an udder warmer). The full-page color illustrations are absolutely hysterical and filled with tiny details that will reward careful scrutiny; the animals in particular have complex and satisfying lives, to judge by all their activities and accoutrements. An absolute must for warm Christmas chuckles.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Despite the cold and snow, the chickadees are excited. “It’s Christmas!” they tell Little Bunny. Then they fly off before they explain what it is. A deer, a wolf, and an owl all know a tiny bit about the mysterious thing called Christmas, and decide to join Little Bunny in his search. Following a shining star, the animals come to a cheery, well-lit stable with smoke rising from its chimney, and of course the Holy Family is inside–clean, cheerful, cozy, and content. Children will likely not quibble over the geographical inaccuracy, or the motel-like stable. The real story here is in the animals joining together on a quest. Their dialogue is simple and natural, and the pictures will carry in a storytime setting. The furry creatures are charmingly depicted in softly textured pastels against bluish snowy backgrounds.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

K-Gr 2–Rhyming couplets convey an imaginative array of options for Mrs. Claus’s Christmas Eve. She could be doing anything, from hostessing a black-tie Jingle Bell Ball to overseeing a rather dreary, industrial-looking toy- packing plant. In another scenario, she acts as a black-clad, unseen, special Santa agent, shadowing Mr. Claus for the purpose of “watching his back.” Somewhat muddy-toned full- and double-page art depicts the lumpy Mrs. C. in any number of getups; in many of the pictures, her gray bun is the only hint that she is a woman. A slight offering.–Lisa Falk, Los Angeles Public Library

Gr 1-3–A sweet stuffed bunny comes to reside in the toy store owned by a Mr. Kringle, who prides himself on helping customers select the perfect gift. Bunny learns about Christmas from the teddy bear who sits near it on the toy shelf. A little girl makes an agreement with Mr. Kringle to come back with a dollar to purchase Bunny; sadly, when the girl comes back, the toy has been sold to another customer without Mr. Kringle’s knowledge. Bunny then has a bit of an adventure but, in a Christmas miracle, is found by the shop owner. A happy ending wraps up this story of love lost and found. The vibrant oil on masonite paintings bring life to this heartwarming tale.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA

PreS-Gr 3–This rollicking, seafaring version of Moore’s poem will give pirate fans a chuckle while not exactly establishing itself as a Christmas classic. The adapted rhymes scan fairly well: “’Twas the night before Christmas aboard the Black Sark./Not a creature was stirrin’, not even a shark!/The stockin’s were stuck to the bowsprit with tar,/In hopes that Sir Peggedy soon would be thar.” The pencil and ink illustrations have a vibrant, cluttered humor that is reminiscent of, though not as well executed as, those of Lane Smith. Sir Peg himself is a little hard to make out as a person, but this is a fun addition to the subgenre of wacky adaptations of the classic.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

PreS-Gr 1–Combining festive illustrations and a playful format, this title uses haiku to celebrate the eight nights of Hanukkah. While the selections address only the most basic ideas (“Four candles tonight./Grandma fries the latkes brown./We want applesauce”), each turn of the stepped pages brings fresh excitement as another lit candle and verse are revealed. Illustrations have a lovely folkloric quality in which Chagall-like figures, surrounded by richly colored flowers and stars, float across a fibrous tan background. Of particular note are the gorgeous patterned edges on the versos that mirror the tones of the newly exposed candle. Endnotes include an explanation of the candle blessings. A lovely addition.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library