Christmas, 2000
The following reviews were presented in our 2000 Christmas feature.
Reviews
Albert and the Angels
Leslie Norris
Pictures by Mordicai Gerstein
Albert and his dog Lucille sit in the backyard and think deep thoughts. Luckily, Lucille can answer Albert when he talks to her. Winter is coming, which means it will soon be Christmas. Albert goes on a quest to get the perfect present for his mother-a replacement for a gold medallion she once had but lost several years ago. Shortly before Christmas, Albert and Lucille are swept into a late night adventure and end up at Mr. Angel's warehouse of found property. As you can predict, all ends well. The illustrations are wonderful, colorful fantasies which, thankfully, do not rely on the typical green plus red palette used for most books with a Christmas theme. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, Ages 6 to 10, $16.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-374-30192-1
The Amazing Christmas Maze Book
Scott Sullivan
Entertain bored children with over 50 intricate mazes in the shape of various icons of Christmas, such as snowflakes, Santa, bells and carolers. The mazes are maddening, and thankfully solutions are provided in the back. 2000, PSS!/Price Stern Sloan, Ages 8 up, $5.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-8431-4398-3
The Animals' Christmas Carol
Jerry Smath
In this version of Dickens' classic tale, there are no ghosts-just the Spirit of Christmas, and no one dies, certainly not Tiny Tim. Ebenezer Scrooge is a gruff old goat, literally, and Bob Cratchit is a sweet-faced mouse. No explanation for Ebenezer's miserliness is given, and his change of heart doesn't quite have emotional punch either. The illustrations are marvelous. If you don't mind the homogenization of the original tale, the book may be a fun introduction to the idea of "Christmas spirit" for the youngest audience. 2000, BridgeWater Books/Troll, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-8167-6940-0
Arthur's Perfect Christmas
Marc Brown
Arthur imagines how perfect Christmas will be this year, with turkey dinner and a beautiful tree. His dream Christmas vanishes when his dad tells him the dinner menu and sister D.W. works on the tree. His friends don't have a perfect holiday either-Muffy is angry with Francine since she missed Muffy's Christmas party in order to celebrate Hanukkah with her family, and Buster's mom nearly ruins Christmas trying to overcompensate since she and Buster's dad are divorced. All ends well, of course. The story is a little forced, trying to work in Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Arthur fans will enjoy it nonetheless. 2000, Little Brown, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-316-11968-7
Bear's Christmas Star
Mireille D'Allancé
Bear wants to help Papa decorate the tree, but he is just too small. He cannot reach to string the garland, and he breaks an ornament when he tries to attach the candles. Papa sends him out of the way and Bear sulks, until Papa asks him to help with the most important part. On Papa's tall shoulders, Bear is just the right height to place the Christmas star on top. Luminous drawings help tell the story. 2000, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 6, $12.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-83826-3
The Bears' Christmas Surprise
Bruno Hächler
Illustrated by Angela Kehlenbeck
Adapted and translated by J. Alison James
If you can believe that teddy bears from all over town gather on Christmas Eve to replace gifts under the trees with little notes, then this is a heart-warming story of Christmas sharing for you. For when the disappointed children read the messages in the packages reminding them of the lost and lonely, they seek them out; "Not a single person in the city was overlooked." The presents the bears took turn up in the visited homes, adding to the holiday cheer. And on the next night, even the lost and neglected bears are called back for a party of their own. Such a warm-hearted tale needs a parallel comfortable visual setting, provided by Kehlenbeck in warm tones of orange and yellow, flooding her double-page paintings with positive emotions. The naturalistic scenes of the town and interiors have a misty look, encouraging readers to seek objects and events suggested in the brief text, while the bears are a cuddly crew, ready and eager to show humans the proper Christmas spirit. 2000, North-South Books/ A Michael Neugebauer Book, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-7358-1363-9
Bear Noel
Olivier Dunrea
For many, Christmas is a magical time, and to imagine that animals have their own celebration is heart-warming indeed. Hare, Wolf, Fox, Boar, Hedgehog, and others put aside their differences while tingling with holiday excitement. As they travel through the forest they gather others while proclaiming, "He is getting nearer," or "He is singing," or "He is jingling his bells." Who? Why it is Bear Noel! This huge jolly fellow carries a sack loaded with yummy treats for everyone. Bear Noel decorates a fir tree with berries, seeds, and balls of sugar and salt. The animals celebrate in harmony and joy, as Bear departs tramping through the snow ringing his bells. The double page watercolors shimmer with rich earthly colors and realistic animal drawings. The graceful snowy pictures capture the sweet spirit of Christmas Eve and children will enjoy chiming in with the repetitive phrases of the animals. 2000, Farrar Straus and Giroux, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Laura Hummel
ISBN: 0-374-39990-5
A Child Was Born: A First Nativity Book
Grace Maccarone
Illustrated by Sam Williams
The story of the nativity is told in a simple verse. Pared down to about 150 words, the story still contains all of the elements-Mary and Joseph were forced to travel and arrived to find no room except in the stable. "The Newborn cried, his mother sighed, Shepherds feared as angels appeared." Full-color pencil and watercolor illustrations fill the pages, including more detail than is usually provided for the youngest audience. The angels are rather cherubic, but the other figures and landscapes catch the flavor of the time and place. 2000, Scholastic, Ages 2 to 5, $10.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-439-18296-4
The Christmas Gift/El Regalo de Navidad
Francisco Jiménez
Illustrated by Claire B. Cotts
Panchito's family must move again. This time, he has only been enrolled in school for three weeks. Before they leave the migrant camp, a couple in even worse straits than they comes to their cabin, hoping to sell some of their belongings. Papá tells them there is no money. Panchito is worried-will there be enough money to give him a red ball for Christmas? When Christmas arrives, he receives a gift better than a red ball-he sees his mother's face full of joy. The story is culled from the author's reminiscences from his childhood in California migrant worker camps. The emotional truth shines through in this spare story. Acrylic paintings add to the mood. The story is told both in English and in Spanish; my Spanish consultant noted one grammatical error in the Spanish text, and that it is a direct, stilted translation of the English rather than more flowing language. 2000, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 10, $15.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-395-92869-9
Christmas Numbers
Sonja Lamut
This "Turn and Learn" book presents the numbers 1 through 10 depicted through the symbols of Christmas. The text has the word for each number, but the numeral does not appear until the child turns a wheel inside the page to the correct one-then the picture is completed and the numeral appears. For instance, the first page for "one" shows a Christmas tree, and when the wheel is turned to "1," an angel appears on top of the tree; "two" brings forth two carrot noses for snowmen, etc. The illustrations are cheery, colorful graphics. The wheel takes some dexterity to manipulate. 2000, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 3 to 6, $4.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-448-42027-9
Christmas Rhyme Time
Sonja Lamut
A "Turn and Learn" book, this volume presents 10 rhymes, with the last word left blank. The child enjoying the rhymes turns a wheel inside the page to bring the right word and picture into place at the end of the rhyme. The illustrations are cheery, colorful graphics. The wheel requires some dexterity to turn, so the very youngest children will not enjoy this. Emerging readers can manipulate the pages and read the ending words, although the lead-in rhyme will require adult help. 2000, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 4 to 7, $14.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-448-42026-0
Dean Morrissey
Dean Morrissey was a recipient of a New York Times' Best Illustrated Book Award and he continues to create illustrations that look more like photographs than paintings. The effects he achieves with lighting are what really capture the eye and create the focal interest on each page. In this holiday story, the Mayor wants to close Sam's shop because he hasn't made the required repairs. Sam, it turns out, is a friend of Father Christmas who needs his help to get all the presents delivered. A little bit of magic launches Sam's boat into the air and he and his toy helpers are off to make deliveries. The mayor observes and is himself imbued with the Christmas spirit. He removes the sign condemning Sam's shop. BIBLIO: 2000, HarperCollins, $16.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-06-028575-3
Christmas Tails
Robert X. Leeds
Illustrated by Marc Richards and Patrick J. Stoehr
The author founded the Pet Motel chain after one of his dogs died in a kennel. This book continues his life theme of devotion to animals. Santa's reindeer are ill, and Santa is afraid he may need to cancel Christmas. His faithful companion Snuggles gives him the idea to use dogs to pull the sleigh. The story is told in verse, which is occasionally strained and is longer than the attention span of the target audience. The illustrations are flat and cartoon-like. 1999, Epic, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-9674025-1-4
Christmas Trees
Kathryn Stevens
The text answers questions such as "what kind of trees make good Christmas trees?" or "how are Christmas trees cut and shipped?" The text pages have lots of white space and are faced by full color photographs, making the layout appealing. A short glossary and index conclude the book. This book could be read in its entirety or used as supplemental material for a classroom holiday unit. 2000, The Child's World, Ages 5 to 9, $22.79. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 1-56766-638-8
Christmas Trolls
Jan Brett
As Treva and her family prepare for Christmas, their favorite decorations begin disappearing. Finally Treva finds the culprits-two trolls who think they can steal Christmas. She shows them how to truly have Christmas, and it seems the two squabbling rascals learn the lesson. Jan Brett's signature artwork, replete with Scandinavian motifs, tells the story in split panels. The large illustrations follow Treva, and the narrow banners on the side and beneath follow the mischievous trolls and the hedgehog who does their bidding.1993, Puffin/Penguin, Ages 3 to 8, $6.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-698-11846-4
Corduroy's Christmas Surprise
Based on the character created by Don Freeman
Illustrated by Lisa McCue
Corduroy loves preparing for Christmas. He and his friends go caroling, wrap presents, and make a gingerbread house. Corduroy writes a letter to Santa, but revises it later to ask for gifts for his friends more than for himself. When Christmas arrives, there is something for everyone. A fairly pedestrian story. Many of the illustrations are recycled from a previous lift-the-flap Christmas book starring Corduroy. 2000, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 2 to 5, $3.49. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-448-42191-7
The Day before Christmas
Eve Bunting
Paintings by Beth Peck
Allie and her grandfather are going to have a special day together. They take the train into the city to see The Nutcracker, just like Allie's grandfather did many years ago when her mom was a young girl. Allie is afraid that remembering her mother will make grandfather sad, since she died when Allie was three. But her grandfather wisely reminds her that special days last forever in your memory. The evocative oil paintings show us the world from the train window and also capture the beauty of the ballet. 2000, (orig. 1992), Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00 and $5.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-89919-866-X
ISBN: 0-618-05150-3
Eric Carle
Eric Carle claimed that he would never write a Christmas book, but the ideafor a story pushed its way into his consciousness and resulted in Dream Snow. A farmer lived a very quiet life with his animals named One, Two, Three, Four and Five. He cared for them and then spent his evenings relaxing with a cup of hot tea and honeyed bread. One Christmas Eve he fell asleep and dreamed that he and all of his animals were covered with a blanket of snow. Acetate overlays with snow flakes and a blanket of snow cover each of the animals as the story progresses. When he woke up the world was indeed covered with snow. The farmer dressed warmly in his red jacket and black boots and proceeded to set out presents for his animals under a tree that he had decorated. On the last page, kids push a button and get a little tune to accompany the visual feast. A charming story filled with plenty of wonderful signature Carle collages. 2000, Philomel, Ages 2 to 6, $21.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-399-23579-5
Farmyard Tales Christmas
Heather Amery
Illustrated by Stephen Cartwright
This lift-the-flap story follows Poppy and Sam as they and their family prepare for Christmas on the farm. Each double-page spread has several flaps, and a yellow duck and ginger kitty are hidden on each spread. Several flaps are too small for the usual audience for lift-the-flap books. Older preschoolers will enjoy the simple story and the joyful illustrations. 2000, Usborne, Ages 3 to 6, $9.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-7460-4138-1
Froggy's Best Christmas
Jonathan London
Illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz
This is Froggy's first Christmas as well as his best Christmas, since he usually hibernates through the season. This year his friend Max wakes him up so he will have a chance to enjoy Christmas. Froggy and his friends find a Christmas tree (it helps that Max is a beaver who can cut the tree down), decorate it and prepare presents. They learn that Christmas is best when shared with friends and family. The colorful pencil and watercolor illustrations are full of expression. Froggy appears in many other books, so his fans will welcome this entry in the series, while readers meeting the character for the first time may be enticed into exploring the rest of the books. 2000, Viking/Penguin, Ages 3 to 6, $15.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-670-89220-3
Hallelujah! A Christmas Celebration
W. Nikola-Lisa
Paintings by Synthia Saint James
Spare, melodic text tells the Christmas story, with an emphasis on the colors that surround the scene: "A sprinkle of stars, a plume of smoke, a plum-purple sky, And a black baby Jesus - Hallelujah!" The paintings are stylized, bold graphics that perfectly complement the poetry, for instance, the illustration for the quote repeated above includes a plum-purple sky, a purple hillside, a sliver of moon, a sprinkle of white stars, and a campfire wafting blue smoke into the air. Yew-green hills, a cake-white wall, and a slate-gray donkey are some of the other colorful accompaniments to the black baby Jesus. 2000, Atheneum, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. REVIEWER: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-81673-1
Holly, Reindeer, and Colored Lights: The Story of the Christmas Symbols
Edna Barth
Illustrated by Ursula Arndt
If you have ever wondered why people burn Yule logs or hang mistletoe, this book will provide the answers. Where did Santa Claus come from? Who sent the first Christmas card? These and many other symbols of the season are explained. Many traditions were adapted from pagan ceremonies. The early chapters explain these original sources, and later chapters assume you will remember the earlier explanations. This somewhat limits the usefulness of the book, as few will want to read straight through. It contains a lot of information that could make it useful as a reference, but as the chapters cannot entirely stand alone it is a little limited. Black-and-white drawings are provided. 2000 (orig. 1971), Clarion/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 8 up, $16.00 and $7.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-618-06786-8
ISBN: 0-618-06788-4
How Murray Saved Christmas
Mike Reiss
Illustrated by David Catrow
Parents will howl with laughter reading this book. Unfortunately, their children may not get some of the humor, as the funniest lines in this picture book are pitched at folks who remember the '70s. The irreverent wit will seep through anyway, but the ideal audience is still older than the usual picture book devotees are. As the author is also one of the creators of the TV animated show The Simpsons, the iconoclastic approach to Christmas should come as no surprise. Santa is knocked out by a wayward toy, and one of the elves presses Murray into service as a Santa-substitute. Murray runs the diner where Santa packs in the cheesecake responsible for his bulk. Things do not go smoothly for Murray, and he is ready to quit until he meets a six-year-old boy who really wants to believe in Santa Claus. Once Murray gets a taste of the joy of giving, he goes all out. The kooky humor is never mean-spirited. The zany, colorful illustrations are perfectly wedded to the text. Suffused with colors from a tropical palette, the illustrations are very detailed and contain many visual jokes. 2000, Price Stern Sloan, Ages 6 to 10, $10.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-8431-7610-5
How to Draw Halloween, Christmas & Seasonal Characters
Christopher Hart
Artists learn by copying, and this is as true for young artists as for older students. This collection of holiday characters provides a variety of images to copy. A few preliminary concepts set the stage; such as pose and overlapping, and then the array of characters are introduced. They are shown as line drawings and as well as the finished colored version. The predictable witch, goblin, devil and the mummy are joined by a headless horseman and a ninja. All of the characters are very expressive, reinforcing the power and appeal of this kind of drawing. The Christmas characters are shown in the obvious scenes, concluding with some personalities from other holidays. This collection would be enhanced with a wider ethnic range of holidays. 1999, Watson-Guptill, Ages 6 to 10, $9.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
ISBN 0-8230-2377-X
Edited by Ann Keay Beneduce
Illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Opening this handsome book will bring joy to any reader. It is a wonderful compilation of excerpts from Biblical scripture, carols and songs, poems and stories, plus informative vignettes that tell the real story and give true meaning to the holiday and its customs and traditions. The symbols of Christmas-the star, the manger, the tree, and the gifts-are the major divisions of the book, with a closing section entitled Christmas Everywhere. Every page is handsomely decorated by Gennady Spirin to reflect the theme of the section and its specific content. There are full-page illustrations and two-page spreads that look like the work of classical master artists, and they make one feel as though he or she were taking a stroll through a museum. The pictures are not static-they are full of life and warmth and frequently humor, as in the illustration to accompany the retelling of "The Tailor of Gloucester" by Beatrix Potter. The Christmas season is a time of joy for those of the Christian faith-a time when giving and caring should be the watchwords of the day. This book exemplifies those ideals and is a wonderful book for a family to read and share. 2000, Atheneum, All Ages, $25.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-82113-1
Kipper's Christmas Eve
Mick Inkpen
Kipper the puppy can't decide which is better, Christmas Eve or Christmas. He and his friends, Pig, Pig's cousin Arnold, and Tiger enjoy the preparations--bringing home the tree, hanging decorations, and wrapping presents. Only Arnold is observant enough to notice that a little mouse has come in with the tree. A sweet tale for the youngest set about friends enjoying each other and the holiday, the book comes with a gimmicky flashing light on the last page. 1999, Red Wagon/Harcourt, Ages 2 to 6, $13.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-15-202660-6
Kit's Surprise: 1934 a Christmas Story (American Girls Collection, Book 3)
Valerie Tripp
Illustrations by Walter Rane
Part of the "American Girl" series, Kit represents the year 1934, during the Great Depression. This tale, the third installment of Kit's story, takes place during a bleak Christmas season. Kit's father has lost his job and the family may soon lose their home. Kit's best friend, Ruthie, tries to make things better but Kit's stubborn pride keeps her from accepting Ruthie's gifts. The friendship is threatened until Kit learns to see Ruthie's point of view. Kit also helps her family through a rough spot with determination and hard work. Christmas retains some of its glow after all. A description of life during the Depression appears at the end of the book. 2000, Pleasant Company, Ages 8 to 11, $12.95 and $5.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 1-58485-021-3
ISBN: 1-58485-020-5
A Letter to Santa Claus
Brigitte Weninger
Illustrated by Anne Möller
Translated by Sibylle Kazeroid
This heart-warming tale of how a Christmas surprise comes to poor, hard-working Oliver and his mother is a bit hard to believe, but it is full of the spirit of the season.. Oliver learns about Santa Claus, then sends a letter with his Christmas wishes off on a balloon. When grouchy old Nicholas finds it, the magic occurs, for Oliver and his mother. The heavily brush-stroked painting on the jacket/cover shows Oliver in a snow-covered mountain landscape watching his balloon and message float away. The human figures are all solidly modeled, while the double pages include just enough detail to support the text. We follow the balloon to the bearded Nicholas, who even looks like Santa, when he rides almost magically in a horse-drawn sleigh through a pinkish-purple, star-sprinkled landscape to the smiling mother and boy. 2000, North-South Books/ A Michael Neugebauer Book, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95 and $15.88. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-7358-1359-0
ISBN: 0-7358-1360-4
The Log Cabin Christmas
Ellen Howard
Illustrated by Ronald Himler
The family from The Log Cabin Quilt faces a grim Christmas in their cabin in the Michigan woods. With mother gone there will be no candy, toys, not even fruitcake for Christmas dinner. Sadly Elvirey remembers how Mam had always made Christmas special. As she determines to do her best to do the same despite the cold, snow, and quarreling family, the other members finally join her to bring the holiday spirit to the wilderness, Howard uses vernacular language to help us hear Elvirey's unspoken thoughts and feelings. Himler's full-page paintings reinforce the emotional yearnings of the characters in the setting of the past. He uses subdued tones, fire and candlelight casting deep shadows, and figures in fuzzy focus to enhance the spirituality of the holiday and the unity of the family in adversity. 2000, Holiday House, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-8234-1381-0
Madeline's Christmas
Ludwig Bemelmans
Bemelmans' tiny heroine is the only one in the old house covered with vines who still feels well this Christmas season; everyone else has a cold. A knock at the door isn't Santa Claus but someone equally welcome-a rug merchant. Madeline buys all of his rugs to warm her housemates' feet. Alas, the merchant is now cold and returns to be doctored by Madeline. It turns out he is also a magician, and turns the rugs into flying carpets to fly the girls home to their families for Christmas. The story is a little disjointed and is more concerned with the magic than Madeline. Diehard fans of the series will still clamor for it anyway. The tale first appeared as a book insert in the 1956 Christmas edition of McCall's and was restored with the help of the Bemelmans family. 1999 (orig. 1956), Puffin/Penguin, Ages 3 to 8, $15.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-670-80666-8
ISBN: 0-14-050666-7
The Miracle of the Myrrh
Marci Alborghetti
Illustrated by Hervé Blondon
The author spins a tale to explain the fate of the three gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the wise men. Upon her death, Mary bequeaths them to Mendel, the crippled child of Simon, a follower of Jesus (and supposedly the little drummer boy, all grown up). Mendel is wise beyond his years, and uses the gold and frankincense to help others. He doesn't know what to do with the myrrh, so he goes to Mary's abandoned cottage to pray. No answer comes to his mind, but as he begins to leave the myrrh spills and miraculously restores function to his legs. The illustrations are done in earth tones, and are embossed on the pages in a glossy finish that shimmers. Despite their beauty, they are stylized and somewhat sterile. 2000, Winslow Press, Ages 5 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 1-890817-16-3
More Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make
Kathy Ross
Illustrated by Sharon Lane Holm
Easy to follow instructions are provided for constructing 29 different Christmas ornaments. Each project fills a single two-page spread. Some of the projects require items that may not be easily acquired, such as old neckties, the pocket from an old shirt, a flip-top from a toothpaste dispenser, etc. Other projects, however, could easily be adapted for classroom use, such as the pipe cleaner pine boughs or paper strip ball ornaments. Each project begins with a list of required materials and illustrations depict several steps in production and the final project. 2000, Millbrook Press, Ages 4 to 10, $23.90. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-7613-1755-4
My Two Grandmothers
Effin Older
Illustrated by Nancy Hayashi
Lily has two very different grandmothers. One lives on a farm, one in the city. One hates winter, the other loves to go snowshoeing. One celebrates Hanukkah, the other, Christmas. Lily loves all of the traditions she shares with her grandmothers, and wishes she could share all of the special times with both grandmothers. Finally, she hatches the perfect plan-she invites them both over for a new holiday, the "First Traditional Grandmothers' Party." The pencil and watercolor illustrations invite us into Lily's world. 2000, Harcourt, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-15-200785-7
David Carter and Noelle Carter
Adapted from the original tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the Carters have digested the story and presented it with wonderful pop-up scenes. The story opens on Christmas Eve in Herr Drosselmeier's workshop and moves to the Stahlbaum's home and then to a land of enchantment. Marie saves the Nutcraker from the wicked Mouse King and is magically transported to the Nutcracker's kingdom-the Land of Sweets and just as suddenly returns home. Her mother convinces her that it was all a dream, but one day when Marie professes her love to the Nutcracker, the spell that has held him captive is broken. The prince is Drosselmeir's nephew and he and Marie marry and live happily ever after in Candytown. Each part of the story is told through the elaborate three dimensional scenes which are set up to look like stage sets. The paper engineering is delightful, but Marie and the Prince are not that appealing-they look like cartoon characters. 2000, Little Simon, Ages 5 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-83285-0 Ornaments
Mary B. Shepard
This kit includes a book that explains how stained glass was made in the Middle Ages and six silk-screened plastic-disk ornaments based on medieval windows found at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. There are paints in six colors, a brush and ties and all the budding artist has to do is get to work. The ornaments when completed can be hung on a Christmas tree or used as suncatchers. The mini book is filled with interesting information about stained glass, how it was used and assembled as well as two pages of instructions for making the ornaments. Most of what is known about the process of making Medieval stained glass comes from the records kept by a monk named Theophilus. Stained glass was used by the Romans, but reached its artistic heights during the 12-16th centuries when beautiful stained glass windows were created for some of Europe's magnificent cathedrals. 2000, Viking, Ages 8 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Charlie Wyman
ISBN: 0-670-89367-6 Oxford Treasury of Christmas Poems
Michael Harrison and Christopher Stuart-Clark
Illustrated by Nicolette Green, Clare Henley, Paula Knight and Mary Claire Smith
Harrison and Stuart-Clark have teamed up to produce another collection of poems that will appeal to kids of all ages. This Treasury is identified as a collection of Christmas poems and many of them do center on that holiday, but there also are quite a few that relate to winter weather-"Snowflake" and "The Snow" for example. Winter weather in the colder climes is the focus. They range from those that tell of the birth of Christ, as in "Gabriel's Message" and "Mary's Burden," to those that are more secular and contemporary, such as "The Christmas-tree Fairy" and "Santa Claus," and a few are positively irreverent like "Christmas Thank Yous" and "Xmas." There is a poem that should suit each and every taste and the same is true of the artwork by the four illustrators. There is plenty of kid appeal and this collection would be a particularly nice addition to a home or church library. 2000, Oxford, Ages 4 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-19-276224-9
Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas
Chet Williamson
Illustrated by James Rice
Yet another version of the Clement Moore poem recast in dialect. Santa is replaced by the "Belsnickel," and reindeer become cattle. The Belsnickel is dressed in a long black coat with the familiar white beard and flat black hat of the Pennsylvania Dutch. A guide to pronunciation and a recipe for shoo-fly pie are provided at the end. 2000, Pelican Publishing Company, Ages 6 up, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 1-56554-721-7
Raggedy Ann & Andy: The Christmas Kitten
Andrew Clements
Illustrated by Simon Galkin
Raggedy Ann and the other dollies decide to sneak out and go sledding one winter day. While they are out, they find a kitten and bring him home with them. Raggedy must think of a way to keep the kitten--she and the other dollies wrap him up as a present from Santa! Their owner, Marcella, is delighted with the present, so all ends well. This story doesn't have the charm of the original Raggedy Ann stories, and lacks the suspense the original tales always inspired as the dolls tried to evade detection during their forays away from the nursery. The illustrations stay fairly true to the original style. 2000, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 7, $3.50. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-83243-5
Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey
Robert Byrd
One day, Saint Francis encounters a donkey crying in the woods, bemoaning his lot in life. Saint Francis tells him the story about how donkeys came to be the way they are and what an important role a donkey played in the nativity. It seems an arrogant donkey made fun of the other animals until finally some monkeys pulled its ears and tail until they lengthened, and God took away his melodious voice and left him to bray. It is a bit of a stretch to imagine this man of God telling such a tall tale. Of course, donkeys came to be used to carry heavy loads, including the job of carrying a certain pregnant virgin to Bethlehem. Colorful illustrations are full of the flora and fauna St. Francis loved so well. There is an informative note to the reader at the end reviewing the life of St. Francis. 2000, Dutton Children's Books, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99.
Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-525-46480-8
Saint Nicholas
Ann Tompert
Illustrations by Michael Garland
Combining historical fact with legend, Tompert has created a dramatic and compelling biography of the patron saint of children, sailors, and scholars. Born around 275 to wealthy landowners who were kind and generous to others, Nicholas continued their charitable work when they died. He is often illustrated with three gold balls representing three bags of gold given to sisters as a dowry in order to save them from slavery. Nicholas became a priest at nineteen and went on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Hurrying home, he took a ship which was surely doomed by violent winds and huge waves. After praying for two days, Nicholas and the ship were safely delivered. When Nicholas visited the cathedral to give thanks, he became the bishop of Myra. It seems that a priest had heard his name in a dream. Nicholas was respected, loved, and an inspiration to others. Imprisonment at the hands of the Romans did not deter his faith. For ten years, he and his congregation suffered. For the remainder of his life Nicholas continued to perform miracles, do good deeds, and give to others. In his generous manner, many remember him in spirit at Christmas in various forms as Kris Kringle, Sinterklass, or Father Christmas. Garland's stunning mosaics and vivid palette reflect the grace of Nicholas and the beauty of the Mediterranean world. 2000, Boyds Mills Press, Ages 6 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Laura Hummel
ISBN: 1-56397-844-X
Santa's Wild Goose Chase
Gilbert Oscar Twyman III
Illustrated by Meg Cundiff
Willy and Nilly are two geese who live in a snow globe. They are very much in love, and love to dance in the snowflakes. Their one wish is to fly free. One Christmas, they get their wish. In a snowstorm, they run into Mr. and Mrs. Santa, who are lost and arguing about it. Willy and Nilly's love for one another are contagious, and soon everything is going OK with the Christmas delivery. The story is sweet. The illustrations are drawn in a wild, frenetic manner, spilling all over the pages. The type font changes with the story also. The drawings are intentionally child-like, and distract from the story. 1997, Addax, Ages 5 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 1-886110-32-8
Santa's Workshop
Sarah Wilson
Illustrated by Anne Thornburgh
Each page of this board book has successively smaller cutaways until the final page when Santa's sleigh is loaded with all the presents. The story follows Molly, Tommy and Catherine's letters to Santa from receipt in the elves' mailroom until the big delivery night. The illustrations portray a very traditional image of Santa's workshop. 2000, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 18 mo. to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-83138-2
Sarah's Bead
Caroline Garrett
Sarah is a packrat, and the humble stable in which we find her is one well-known in Christmas lore. Here is the story of the Holy Family told from the point of view of a small creature. Sarah watches in awe as the drama of the Nativity unfolds before her eyes, as wise men bring gifts, as she learns of the presence of a king. Sarah finally works up the courage to give the new baby a gift laden with the love in her little rodent heart. It's an intriguing notion, and it manages to carry the tale, even through text that is sometimes slightly unwieldy. Garrett's illustrations are charming and whimsical. 2000, Divine Mirror Press, Ages 7 to 10, $18.00. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami
ISBN: 0-9678780-8-X
Spot's First Christmas
Eric Hill
Spot and his mother, Sally, prepare for Christmas in this sturdy board book. Each page has a flap just right for little hands to lift. The busy little puppy gets into everything in his excitement. The format of this book is larger than the original "Spot" books, and the pages seem nearly indestructible. 2000 (orig. 1983), G. P. Putnam's Sons, Ages 3 mo. to 3, $7.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-399-23597-3
Truffle's Christmas
Anna Currey
On Christmas Eve, when their only blanket can't cover all his sister and brother mice, young Truffle decides to seek out Santa and tell him to substitute a new blanket for his requested hula hoop. Out in the menacing cold, brave Truffle is found by Santa and brought home fast asleep. The whole family wakes up on Christmas morning to a wonderful, magical surprise. A very appealing Truffle appears in a benign world even when he is threatened by a trio of hungry predators. The feeling of comfort is established on the jacket/cover with the mouse family preparing for Christmas and enhanced in the watercolor action vignettes and double-page scenes. Gentle, non-angular lines describe the characters with protective warming tones of orange, tan, and brown. The simply told story, set in large type, evokes warmth for the family and the reader as well. 2000, Orchard Books, Ages 3 to 6, $15.95. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-531-30266-0
Turtle and Snake and the Christmas Tree
Kate Spohn
Turtle and Snake are neighbors who go out to find the perfect Christmas tree. They cannot agree on any of the trees at the Tree Farm. Snake likes the tall, skinny ones and Turtle likes the short, wide ones. Finally they find the perfect tree a little closer to home. The illustrations are very flat and uninteresting, and the characters do not convey much personality or emotion.
BIBLIO: 2000, Puffin/Penguin Putnam, Ages 3 to 6, $13.89 and $3.99.
Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-670-88867-2
ISBN: 0-14-130968-7
Waiting for Noël: An Advent Story
Ann Dixon
Illustrated by Mark Graham
As the family lights the candles of the Advent wreath, one by one on the four Sundays preceding Christmas, the father relates the story of Noël's birth. Just as Advent is a time of waiting for the Christmas babe, the family waited through the seasons for their youngest child to be born. Finally she arrived, on Christmas Day. Luminous oil paintings follow the seasons as the family prepares for Noël's arrival and celebrates Advent as the tale is recounted. The association of waiting for this baby and waiting for the gift of Jesus each Advent may not be obvious to the youngest audience, but this parallel could be more pointedly drawn by the adults sharing the book with children. 2000, Eerdmans, Ages 3 to 7, $16.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-8028-5192-4
Where is Christmas, Jesse Bear?
Nancy White Carlstrom
Illustrated by Bruce Degen
Jesse Bear and his mother and father look for Christmas and find it through all five senses-the sound of Christmas music, the smell of Christmas cookies, the feel of prickly tree branches, tastes and sights. Simple, unforced rhyme tells the story and detailed, colorful illustrations bring the Christmas season to life. 2000, Simon & Schuster, Ages 2 to 6, $15.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-81962-5
Will's Christmas List: Tales of Christmas Past and Other Natural Disasters
John F. Mancini
William and Joey are brothers. To them, Christmas means presents, hopefully lots of them, and hopefully no Barbies. Each chapter in this book relates a family story associated with Christmas through the years, written by the author as Christmas gifts for his children. Many of the stories end with the sentence, "William punched Joey in the stomach." The boys finally get a little more into the spirit of Christmas in one of the later stories. The chapters are a nostalgic look at the family, but the ideal audience is probably parents rather than kids. 2000, Writer's Showcase, Ages Adult, $9.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-595-08869-4
A Wind in the Willows Christmas
Kenneth Grahame
Illustrated by Michael Hague
The text is drawn from Chapter 5 of The Wind in the Willows, with minimal omissions. Mole is returning to River Bank with Rat during the Yuletide season, when suddenly his nose is assailed with the scent of his home, the home he had to quickly abandon earlier in the story. He soldiers on with Rat, but is soon overcome with emotion. Ever the good friend, Rat immediately reverses course and helps Mole return home and set the place to rights. Soon they are joined by caroling field mice and an impromptu party ensues. The tale stands alone well, and reminds us all how strong the bond is between home and heart. The illustrations are sumptuous gouache paintings, full of detail and character. 2000, SeaStar/North-South, Ages 5 up, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 1-58717-006-X
The Winter Gift
Deborah Turney Zagwÿn
Change is inevitable and often painful, but in this story of change, the reader is shown how the threads running through the life of a family hold the generations together through the upsetting times. Clee's family always got together for Christmas at Gramma's house because Gramma's house was always full of decorations, delicious smells and music. This year is different. The house is almost empty. Only three boxes and the big piano and bench remain. Gramma is moving to an apartment where there will be very little room, so she is planning to sell the piano. The text almost brings alive the musical sounds and does capture the joy Gramma and her grandchildren experience as they play around that old brown piano. Appealing illustrations glow with the love that is apparent between Clee and her grandmother. A lovely book with a happy, yet poignant, ending meant to be shared by parents, grandparents and children. 2000, Tricycle Press, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Carolyn Mott Ford
ISBN: 1-883672-93-7
Who Was Born This Special Day?
Eve Bunting
Illustrations by Leonid Gore
The question "Who was born this special day?" is asked of many creatures-the lamb, the goat, the donkey, even a stone. They reply that it was not them. Finally, it is the child in the manger who was born this special day. The paintings are misty, suffused with light, mostly in blue. The book would be an excellent bedtime story during the Christmas season, as the overall tone is peaceful and the repetition is soothing. 2000, Atheneum, Ages 3 to 6, $ 16.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen
ISBN: 0-689-82302-9
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