Christmas, 2005

   The following reviews were presented in our 2005 Christmas feature.

Reviews

A Is for Angel: A Christmas Alphabet and Activity Book
Debbie Trafton O'Neal
Illustrated by Jan Bryan-Hunt
   Not relying on the "tried and true" symbols of Christmas as the frame work for this alphabet book, the author has given us the nativity story literally from "A is for the Angel who first shared the news." to "zzz's from the baby asleep in the hay." "T is for travelers who followed the light." allows the reader/listener to make the leap to "T is for Three Kings" as the illustration clearly shows them traveling, following "the Star shinning bright in the night." The text reads aloud well and has captured the essence of the season with great warmth without being overly sentimental. The unusually colorful illustrations are bordered with patterns of dots, stars, and swirls which give the book a sense of movement and celebration. In almost folk art-like renderings, Bryan-Hunt has created an especially appealing setting for O'Neal's lovely Christmas journey through the alphabet. The back matter includes instructions/suggestions for a Christmas tree skirt, personalized Christmas Stockings, home-made gift tags, and mantel blocks to tell the nativity story. 2005, Augsburg Fortress, Ages 2 to 8, $10.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8066-5121-0

Aaron's Secret Message
Marcus Pfister
   With the jewel-like tones familiar to readers of The Rainbow Fish, Pfister illustrates the story of Aaron, a young boy living in Bethlehem. For a few days, he has noticed a special star in the sky, a star that seems to be getting brighter. One night he has a dream about following the star to a stable. The next day--dream forgotten--he ventures to the market to watch all the people arriving for the census. By the well, he meets a man and a pregnant woman and pets their donkey. Later, as he sees the couple turned away while seeking shelter, he understands the meaning of his dream. He leads them to the stable and is one of the first to witness the new baby in the light of the special star. The book's cover is cut out as if Aaron is peering through a window at the stable; the window is framed with holographic gold patterns reminiscent of the scales in Rainbow Fish. Children accustomed to that book may be disappointed to learn that the gold shapes do not recur in this story. Despite this caveat, the story is well told and the illustrations are evocative. 2005, North-South, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7358-2020-1

Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas
Antonie Schneider
Illustrated by Maja Dusikova
   As little Benjamin Bear opens each door of the advent calendar that marks off the days until Christmas, Mother Bear tells him a short story that goes with the little hidden picture. Each story connects to the next as a young bear follows the Star of Bethlehem, encountering a variety of people and creatures along the way. Mother Bear uses each story as the springboard for a short affirmation. When the bear meets Santa Claus she tells Benjamin "that sharing with others brings us closer to God." In the story about two angels (each with just one wing) that help each other to fly to Bethlehem, she says "...it's nice to know the God gives us friends and loved ones to help us on our journey." All along the way the questing bear learns about what it means to be a good person and to love God. 24 stories later all of the characters arrive at the stable and are rewarded with the joy of the infant Jesus' laughter. The lovely, color-washed illustrations are nostalgic and magical without over-powering the story line. This would make a lovely family gift to share year after year--helping the little people learn some powerful messages about the season and to count the days until Christmas. 2005 (orig. 2004), North South Books, $17.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7358-1963-7

An African Christmas
Ifeoma Inyefulu
   Photographer Onyefulu has given us a look at Christmas celebrations in Nigeria. As she tells us in the informative introduction, she based the story on her own experiences of celebrating Christmas in Igboland (a part of Nigeria). For her, Christmas meant new clothes, a church service, presents of money, and watching Mmo (pronounced "moor") dancing-just like the boy in the story. Real photographs document a young boy's efforts to create his own Mmo costume so that he can participate in the traditional dancing that is a part of Christmas celebrations. Even though Mmo is not a Christian ritual, the "remembering" of ancestors in the "spirit" "masquerade" dance is a way of celebrating their achievements. Women are not allowed to participate in the dancing or creation of the costumes, but they can watch. Each costume requires several components. The young fellow in the story collects the things he needs (a fan, pieces of cloth, a cardboard box, string, a cane, and a feather) as he goes about helping his family prepare for the holiday. It seems that everyone else has plans for him that interfere with his preparations to become a Mmo dancer; but, as the straightforward text reveals, he finds (or is generously given) everything that he needs while completing all of the tasks set for him. In the end, he is very pleased with his costume and dances until his legs "hurt." Readers will learn a lot about daily life in Nigeria and the traditions connected with Christmas. In-set boxes give additional information on foods, clothing, costumes, and other aspects of the culture. 2005, Frances Lincoln, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-8450-387-8

The Angel and the Christmas Rabbit: And 24 Advent Stories
Selected by Brigitte Weninger
   Twenty-four tales are loosely knit together by the story of a small angel who tumbles to earth while on a quest to find the perfect gift. He encounters an old rabbit, and the two swap stories. Ten authors (from the editor to Leo Tolstoi) and fourteen illustrators are represented in the compilation. Most of the stories share similar themes relevant to the season, concerning the joy of giving, the grace of sharing and the warmth of family and home. All of the tales are fairly short, just the perfect length for a bedtime story. Reading these would be an ideal Advent activity, involving children in the expectant waiting of the season while gently teaching important lessons. The first page of each story overlies a large number from 1-24, so it is easy to keep track of progress through the book. The variety of artwork will also keep little ones interested in seeing what comes next. 2004 (orig. 2002), minedition/Penguin, $18.99. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-698-40005-4

Aunt Olga's Christmas Postcards
Kevin Major
Illustrations by Bruce Roberts
   During Anna's annual Christmastime visit to eccentric Great-Great-Aunt Olga's house, the two share their love of gingerbread cookies, tea and Aunt Olga's collection of Christmas postcards. But this year Aunt Olga dishes out a few surprises for young Anna. The first surprise happens as they are sitting around the kitchen table, enjoying their refreshments and looking at the antique postcards. Anna begins reading the postcards aloud and notices that many contain not only a cheerful holiday message, but also a poem. Aunt Olga makes up a few poems for some of the cards that do not contain poems, and then before she knows what is happening, Anna is writing some pretty good poetry herself. The day continues with the two making up stories and writing poems to go along with the pictures on the cards. Then they hear Anna's father honking the horn of his car outside, signaling their time together has come to an end. The second surprise is that Aunt Olga gives Anna the box of her prized postcards. This heartwarming story of the special bond between a child and an aging relative--who turn out to be very much alike--is enhanced by caricature drawings of their activities and actual antique postcards from Kevin Major's own personal collection. 2005, Groundwood Books, $16.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Terri Hoover Dunham (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88899-593-8

Away in a Manger
Thomas Kinkade
   Already well known for his luminous landscape paintings, Kinkade has translated his own love of the Christmas carol "Away in a Manger" into a beautiful glimpse of the birth of Jesus. Set in a picturesque, imaginary village the children in the window look out on a Nativity scene erected in front of the village church. The various scenes from the carol are illustrated as if the reader has been transported to the stable where Jesus was born. The interiors of village homes show children sleeping to the line "stay by my cradle till morning is high." The village carolers raise their voices to call out others to join them in singing about that long ago manger. We see the children skating on the frozen river that winds its way through the village. Even the local dogs tilt their heads up to the heavens on this starry night. The back cover shows the "three wise men" arriving bearing gifts. This one will make a special gift book. 2005, Harper Collins, Ages 3 up, $17.89 and $16.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-078733-2
ISBN: 0-06-078733-3
ISBN: 978-0-06-078730-1
ISBN: 0-06-078730-9

Baby Snoopy Santa
   Snoopy, made famous by Charles Schultz is taken back in time. Now we see him as a baby, but he is playing a grown up role. Baby Snoopy had purchased a pair of ice skates that he wraps and delivers to his friend Woodstock. It is a simple story, but one that generates a warm feeling by sharing the spirit of Christmas-giving a gift to a friend. This shaped board book will make an attractive stocking stuffer for the young ones in your life. 2005, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 6 mo. to 3, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-689-87768-4

The Bird in Santa's Beard: How a Christmas Legend was Forever Changed
Jeffery L. Schatzer with Mark Bush and Don Rutt
Illustrations by Ty Smith
   The illustrations are crisp photographs superimposed on colorful, geometric graphics, belying the parentage of this book-the flyleaf informs us that the creators hail from the worlds of business and marketing. The story answers the age-old question of why all those Santas in department stores and outside ringing bells look different. It turns out that one cold winter a bird neglected to fly south, and took refuge in Santa's beard. Once settled, the enterprising bird built a nest and laid eggs (quite a feat since any prospective mates had already skedaddled to warmer climes). So as not to disturb the young hatchlings, Santa asked his buddies to stand in for him before Christmas, meeting the children. By Christmas Eve, the baby birds were old enough to withstand moving their nest to a yule tree, so Santa was able to deliver the presents himself. A useful fable, but not entirely convincing. 2004, Mitten Press, Ages 4 to 8, $18.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58726-288-6

Can You See What I See? The Night Before Christmas: Picture Puzzles to Search and Solve
Walter Wick
   Taking inspiration from the classic poem by Clement C. Moore, Wick-- photographer of the "I Spy" books--has created scenes in which the reader is given a list of items to find. The title of the list for each spread is a phrase taken from Moore's poem. Much creativity has gone into the composition of each scene. In "New Fallen Snow" the objects are displayed on a white quilt with a Christmas snow globe in the center. The page of "visions of sugarplums" has gingerbread men and women and other cutout cookies, candy canes, ribbon candy and assorted sweets that appear to be floating in air. There is a rhythm and some rhyming to the list of items. Some objects are easy to find, others more difficult. The photographs of the toys and Christmas decorations are clear and eye-catching. Astute viewers might even find a toy just like one of their own. Fans of the "I Spy" books will be happy to spend Christmas afternoon with this book. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 4 to 9, $13.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-76927-2

Celebrate with Blue: A Book of Winter Holidays
Sarah Albee
Illustrated by Victoria Miller
   Lap readers of this board book can join Joe and Blue as the two television friends visit three families. At Purple Kangaroo's they are celebrating Kwanzaa, at Green Puppy's it is Christmas, and at Orange Kitten's it is Chanukah. The cheerful multi-media illustrations feature the cartoon characters, photos of Joe in various poses of amazement, and collaged items of the holiday. In addition, there are 45 flaps to open which reveal other accoutrements of the season. The little mystery of what Blue wants to build is solved in the end, as well: a snowman with bits saved from each celebration. It is a pleasant way to introduce young children to three winter holidays and then turn them loose to open and close all of those flaps while you enjoy a little time reading your own book. 2005, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 6, $8.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86837-5

The Christmas Tree Fairy
Marion Rose
Illustrated by Jason Cockcroft
   Meredith MacCauley loves her dress-up wings and wishes she could fly like a real fairy. Her dream comes true when she returns the dropped wand of the fairy ornament on the Christmas tree. As the now-miniaturized Meredith climbs up the tree to deliver the wand, she hears the wishes of three other denizens of the tree. When she reaches the grateful fairy, she grants Meredith three wishes so those wishes are granted. But so is Meredith's unspoken wish, as well. The illustrations are dappled with multicolored bits and hints of reflected lights on the close-ups of round ornaments the young girl passes as she climbs toward the fairy, another little girl. In the morning, "whizzery swishery," there is a new pair of dress-up wings which remind Meredith of her magical adventure. For those little girls who dream of fairies and magic, this sweet and sugary story may be just to their tastes. 2005, Bloomsbury, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58234-668-2
ISBN: 1-58234-688-7

Christmas Carols: Let's All Sing!
Illustrated by Grace Lin
   This is three board books, one carol per book, and a CD packaged together in a box with a plastic handle. "Silent Night" is the first song on the CD, and the illustrations show a little girl and her family going to school for the Christmas pageant where the little girl plays the part of Mary. In "Away in a Manger," the same little girl is setting up the crèche with her mother. The third song on the CD is "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and in the book the little girl and her parents are going to church where the little girl sings in the choir on Christmas. The lovely and reverent musical arrangements are by Paul Hodes and performed by Peggo and Paul with the Peggosus band. Children and adults will enjoy Peggo's clear soprano voice, and they are encouraged to sing along. With attractive characters and familiar settings, Lin's illustrations bring together these traditional carols with the family's activities. This is a nice little package for parents and children to share during Advent. 2005, Little Brown and Company, Ages 3 mo. to 5, $12.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-316-93988-9

Christmas Eve: The Nativity Story in Engraving, Verse, and Song
Engravings by Lezle Williams
Music arrangements by Robert J. Holub
   Inspired by a handmade book by Carole Taylor, this is a keepsake book for the Christmas holidays telling the nativity story through verses from the King JamesVersion of the Bible. The text is enhanced with classic engravings in black and white. The illustrations have enough detail to give a sense of presence but are beautifully striking in their stark simplicity. The book is handsomely bound and begins with the Christmas carol, "O, Come All Ye Faithful," which leads directly into the appearance of Gabriel to Mary proclaiming that she would conceive and "bring forth" a son named Jesus. Appropriate carols are interspersed among the verses and engravings, to make a wonderful presentation of the story for the auditory, as well as, visual senses. The inclusion of guitar chords with the music would have been most welcome but the arrangements are suitable for joining family around the piano for a sing-along session. 2005, Gibbs Smith, All ages, $19.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58685-830-0

Christmas Eve Blizzard
Andrea Vlahakis
Illustrated by Emanuel Schongut
   Nicholas and his Grandpa Santos plant an apple tree. During a blizzard on Christmas Eve, Nicholas looks out the window to check on the tree when he notices a red bird fall from a branch. He rescues the cardinal, a bird he had never seen before in his part of the country. It is given tender care given by Nicholas and his grandfather. The next day Nicholas takes it back outside and sets it free. As each year passes, more and more people come on Christmas Eve to see the tree full of red cardinals. The text is peppered with a few Spanish words which help to create the setting and give personality to the characters. The illustrations follow the story and convey the action. The back matter contains information that is useful all year long: a short Spanish/English glossary, bird trivia, how to create a backyard habitat, how to make simple birdfeeders, and what to do if you find an injured or orphaned baby bird. The very last page makes a connection between "Cardinal Numbers and Math Games." While this story takes place on Christmas Eve and there are references to the Christmas tree in the living room, the focus of the story is the bird rescue. The religious symbolism of Christmas is not presented in this story, which may make it accessible to more classrooms. 2005, Sylvan Dell Publishing, Ages 5 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-9764943-3-7
ISBN: 978-0-9764943-3-1

The Christmas Hat
A. J. Wood
Illustrated by Maggie Kneed
   With thick but not board book pages, this pleasant woodland story tells of an orphaned baby snowy owl adopted by Rabbit and Badger. While Little Owl is mischievous, they tolerate his pranks but worry about his getting lost from view in the white snow. So Rabbit knits him a bright red hat to wear. He loves his hat until it enables the fox to spot him and give chase. Once the red hat falls off, the white Little Owl can't be seen and avoids becoming dinner. Rabbit concludes that maybe the hat wasn't such a good idea after all. But Little Owl loves his hat and finds the perfect use for it all by himself-as a sort of sleeping bag at bedtime. The animal house interiors look just like a human's with many of the same holiday details. The heavy paper pages feature a raised surface which emphasizes features such as snowy footprints, the texture of Little Owl's feathers, and the fur of the hat. This is sure to attract young listeners who will want to pat the pages as someone reads aloud. 2005, Dutton, Ages 3 to 5, $15.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-525-47260-6

Christmas Mouseling
Dori Chaconas
Illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung
   A sweet Nativity story is told from the point of view of another mother, a mouse. Her newborn baby won't say "Mama" and shivers in the cold as their mouse nest blows apart. So Mother Mouse seeks a warm place and asks Sheep. Sheep volunteers his grassy bed because he is off to see the king. When that bed blows apart, Mother Mouse visits Dove, and Cow, who are also about to set out. Each journey is begun with a verse, printed in wintry swirls of snow: "The north wind blew. The snowflakes flew./And the mouseling sneezed, Ah-choo! Ah-choo!" When at last the two arrive at the manger, they finally are warmed in that mother's smile as they snuggle into the manger and the mouseling finally says "Mama." The quiet story is well served by Hartung's watercolors which depict the brown and grey animals against bluish snow scenes and the warm yellow light of the manger scene. 2005, Viking, Ages 3 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-670-05984-6

The Christmas Pop-up Present
Concept by John Rives
Illustrations by Susan Mitchell
   What appears to be one large box formed of eight colorful cubes decorated with Christmas scenes turns out to open up in various configurations. Magically, once the boxes are spread out, the two ones on the end open further to reveal two scenes, a little two-story houses in whose three-dimensional rooms a mouse family sleeps, and another house as viewed from the rooftop down. Some of the cubes feature take-out items, such as tiny books while others show toys, mirrored trick images, or toys. The cardboard is fragile enough that very young children may need extra assistance so as not to tear the windows and doorways that open, or force the pull-down boxes. But older children will be amazed at the paper engineering and eager to show the rest of the family all of the features on this unique block. 2005, Little Simon, Ages 2 to 8, $19.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86643-2
ISBN: 0-689-86643-7

The Christmas Story
Anita Ganeri
Illustrated by Rachael Phillips
   This is a perfectly serviceable retelling of the Biblical account of Christ's birth, beginning with the angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary and continuing through to the visit of the Magi and the flight to Egypt. Thus, this is a more thorough telling than appears in many children's books, and although embellished, it adheres well to the original story. The illustrations are watercolors. The Three Wise Men all appear Caucasian, whereas many legends mention that one of them was African. End matter includes a description of Christmas celebrations, a page about angels, the music and lyrics for "Away in a Manger," and a recipe for Christmas cookies. 2005 (orig. 2003), Smart Apple Media, $22.20. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5834-0489-9

Christmas Tree!
Wendell Minor and Florence Minor
   If you could be a Christmas tree, what kind would you be? In simple verse with colorful paintings, many options are presented. Fanciful decorations complement the theme of each illustration and verse; for example, a fire hydrant ornament appears on the page with "a tree just for dogs," whereas the next page has a fish ornament destined for the tree for cats. As the book concludes, the best tree is the one that is your own. The endnotes present the history of Christmas trees. The endpapers contain a geometric pattern of fir trees, which carries through the rest of the book as well. A handsome book but not compelling enough to become a new classic. 2005, Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 4, $15.99 and $16.89. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-056035-5
ISBN: 0-06-056034-7

Cricket at the Manger
Edith Hope Fine
Illustrated by Winslow Pels
   Cricket is trying to sleep in the early morning hours of Christmas Eve. How is he to know that the animals and people who have disturbed his sleep are special? These are the witnesses of the birth of baby Jesus, the child long awaited by the people of Israel. Cricket can only see that they are in his way, and that he can easily be stepped on. When the young shepherd girl picks him up and allows him to see the child in the manger, cricket stops thinking of himself and seeks to do something that will make the baby laugh. This is yet another angle on the Christmas Story, and although told from another perspective, it is true to the original story. This will make a nice gift book for the holidays, but it is difficult to see what would set it apart from the myriad of other re-tellings of this great story. The text in 17 pt. Papyrus font, and the sparkly, jewel-like stars add interest. 2005, Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin, $15.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5639-7993-4

Dear Santa: The Letters of James B. Dobbins
Bill Harley
Illustrated by R. W. Alley
   James wants a boatload of things for Christmas. He writes a straightforward letter to Santa requesting a huge aquarium, the whole 5,000-card set of Invader cards, a canoe, and other things including earplugs to block out his annoying sister's talking. He continues to tweak the list in subsequent letters. But this tale of greed quietly becomes one of generosity and more modest requests as the story unfolds. Pictures reveal he actually is kind to his annoying younger sister and some of his previous mischief last summer really had an explanation--really. And maybe he does act like a dumbhead sometime but he does not really mean it. (A lost hamster peeks out from several locations before being discovered with surprise.) By the time James posts his last letter to Santa, he has figured it out--giving is fun, his little sister is pretty cool, there are some treats in the freezer for Santa, and he really only wants some new skates and a hockey stick. R. W. Alley's winning cartoony pictures are rich in humorous wintry and seasonal detail. The author gets the story and the sound of the letters right and they are well served by Amelia May Anderson's neat hand-lettering. This is a great gift for readers. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $21.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-623778-5
ISBN: 0-06-623779-3

Dear Santa Claus
Alan Durant
Illustrations by Vanessa Cabban
   Lots of children write letters to Santa--but how many get letters back? Holly actually strikes up a correspondence and in this title youngsters can pull letters out of little envelopes and read comments from Santa like "P.S. It is so cold here that there are icicles in my beard!" Holly is building her nerve to ask for the one gift she really wants--a ticket for a sleigh ride--but Santa has figured it out from all her questions. The sparkling ticket is in an envelope, too, as is a tiny calendar with even tinier windows to open on the way to December 25. There are lots of small pieces that could get lost with this book, but children will likely enjoy the process of opening and re-opening each letter and finding the accompanying treasures. They might even be inspired to write their own full-length letters. The illustrations are glittery, bright and warm, with a feel of homespun holiday. There are lots of details for sharp eyes to find, especially on the page where the elves are preparing Santa's sleigh for its magical journey. This could become a holiday favorite for the youngest children in the house. 2005, Candlewick, Ages 3 to 7, $14.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2829-8

A Doll for Navidades
Esmeralda Santiago
Illustrated by Enrique O. Sanchez
   Esmeralda Santiago's memories of Christmas in Puerto Rico, especially the year she was seven, are perfectly paired with Enrique Sanchez's warm, colorful acrylic works on canvas. The traditions of the season--from strolling carolers through special treats to Three Kings' Day--are naturally woven through the story, which centers on Esmeralda's aching desire for a doll just like her cousin Jenny's. The children place their shoes under the bed, filled with tender leaves of grass for the Magi's camels. Esmeralda stirs in the night while the Magi leave their presents. In the morning, there is some disappointment, but the traditions of love and beauty continue. This book is a lovely addition to anyone's library of Christmas books, especially in areas where Christmas does not mean snow and sledding. It would be an excellent resource for cross-cultural lessons on holiday traditions, especially as it does not present the traditions as dry facts but as part of the fabric of life. A Spanish word glossary with pronunciation guide appears in the back matter. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 4 to 8, $16.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-55398-9

Dora's Starry Christmas
Christine Ricci
Illustrated by A&J Studios
   On Christmas Eve, just as Dora is telling the babies and her monkey friend, Boots, about Santa, he arrives at her house with a problem. The reindeer are sick and he cannot deliver presents. When he asks for help, Dora offers the Explorer Stars to fly the sleigh. Then, with the help of the stars--and Boots--they deliver presents to all of the whales, fish, turtles and animals in the ocean, the animals on the tallest mountain, and all of the children. Saltador, one of the stars, even delivers a present to the moon while Helada Star causes the trees to frost into beautiful patterns. Santa gives Dora a music box for her troubles. Cartoonish characters, in the style of the popular children's television series decorate the pages. Round-eyed children, Dora's Spanish family, and many animals are posed with the props of the season while a few Spanish phrases are simultaneously translated to give the book the bilingual flavor of the television series. This title is #17 in the "Dora the Explorer" series and also appears in Spanish under the title Navidad estelar de Dora. 2005, Simon Spotlight/Simon & Schuster, Ages 3 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-0249-2
ISBN: 1-4169-0249-X

Dumpy's Happy Holiday
Julie Andrews Edwards and Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by Tony Walton
   This entry in the "Dumpy the Dump Truck" series has the little truck collecting toys from the village of Apple Harbor to give to poor Africans. But how will they get the toys from the village to another continent? "Things have a way of working themselves out," states grandfather Pop-Up, which becomes a mantra for some of the problems ahead--problems like too many toys and running out of gas. But then there is bypassing a traffic jam, getting to the United Nations, meeting the Secretary General and conveniently meeting the African Children's Choir. In keeping with the other Dumpy books, this one has a message that charity begins at home and that just doing it is as good as thinking out the whole process. The illustrations border on saccharine, with long-lashed children's cherubic faces and ruby-red lips, the kindly old red-cheeked and red-nosed Pop-up with his angular glasses askew on his face, and of course, the bright red personified little truck loaded with toys. Fans of this series will welcome another one. Others can drive right on by this holiday story. 2004, HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 8, $15.99 and $16.89. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-052684-X
ISBN: 0-06-052685-8

La estrella de Navidad
Marcus Pfister
   The story of the Nativity is told in Spanish for a young reader. While the language is more complex than the usual board book, it also captures some of the elegance of the traditional retelling with child-pleasing illustrations. Watercolors appear to have been executed on wet paper so that the lines of the animals seen in the nighttime have a pleasant fuzziness. Pfister also uses foil to good purpose in creating the shining guiding star and the clothes and gifts of the wise men it guides. A pleasant version to read with a three-year old and a nice way to use the pictures to tell the story in your own words to a baby. 2004 (orig. 1993), NorthSouth Books, Ages 1 to 3, $6.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7358-2012-0

The Finest Christmas Tree
John Hassett and Ann Hassett
   Farmer Tuttle grows Christmas trees. Every year, he loads his trees up and sells them in the city. On the way home, after they are all sold, he stops and buys Mrs. Tuttle a new hat for Christmas. One year, the tradition is threatened by the burgeoning popularity of artificial trees. Heartbroken, Farmer Tuttle does not have enough money to buy a new hat for Mrs. Tuttle. They are offered money to sell the farm to a sawmill, to turn the trees into toothpicks and clothespins. The Tuttles wrestle with their troubles, but rescue comes from an unexpected direction. A special visitor chooses the finest Christmas tree from the Tuttles' farm, and after the tiny elves load the tree on the sleigh, Farmer Tuttle discovers a new Christmas hat left behind as payment. Luminous paintings illustrate the tale. 2005, Walter Lorraine Books/Houghton Mifflin, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-618-50901-1

The Finest Christmas Tree
John Hassett and Ann Hassett
   In this sweet little story, Farmer Tuttle is a Christmas tree farmer who has been selling his trees in the near-by town for years. Each year he does his shopping while in town-a new Christmas hat for Mrs. Tuttle. One charming illustration even shows him wearing the hat on his way home while the truck's radio plays "Jingle Bells." But one year no one in town wants a real tree "...Smart shoppers want trees made of plastic." Saddened, Farmer Tuttle returns home without his usual present for his wife. As he ponders this state of affairs, a businessman offers to buy all of the trees to make clothes pins and toothpicks. Farmer Tuttle does not want to sell his trees but is unsure just what to do. On the day before Christmas (I would have said "Christmas Eve") a mysterious letter arrives with the message that some factory workers will be visiting the farm to select the "finest tree" for their own celebrations. Readers are treated to the sight of red clad legs, a sleigh with reindeer, and little "people" (elves) harvesting a tree while Farmer Tuttle creeps up to determine who is making the chopping noises. Then he sees the tree-laden sleigh as it takes to the air. A hat box is left in the spot where the tree had stood-the perfect present for dear Mrs. Tuttle. Bucolic in its approach, this is just a gently simple story with a Santa Claus twist to bring a smile to little listeners. 2005, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 3 to 6, $16.00.Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-618-50901-0
ISBN: 0-618-50901-1

Geronimo Stilton: A Christmas Tale
Edizioni Piemme
Illustrations by Winny Rope
Translation by Lidia Tramontozzi
   Anyone already familiar with the Geronimo Stilton series will welcome this new holiday addition and those who have not yet met this "learned and brainy mouse, editor of The Rodent's Gazette" should rush right out and grab a handful of these delightful stories for early chapter readers. To facilitate the emergent reader, every page is illustrated with colorful cartoons and lots of different fonts, type sizes, and "little clues" to help the story along. The expressions on the mice faces are priceless and it is obvious that the author and illustrator have had a lot of fun creating these engaging stories. In this tale, Geronimo has been planning an elaborate Christmas party for his friends and relatives but discovers that none of them will be able to attend. Their excuses are very amusing and some children will guess early on that they intend to surprise Geronimo. Others will be as thrilled as Geronimo himself when they are already at his house as he returns home from a walk around the mouse town. The real strength of this story is that while on his walk (feeling sorry for himself--no one to share Christmas with) he meets a variety of mice who are in need of a friend. He invites each of them to share his Christmas dinner, which makes him feel very pleased with how his day will turn out after all. The surprise is on everyone as they tell Geronimo that being together is the best part of the celebration. The book includes suggestions for thoughtful gifts for family and friends as well as a pull-out panel with recipes and a real "mouse-o-mania" game to play. 2005, Scholastic, $6.99. Ages 6 to 9. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-79131-6

God Rest Ye Grumpy Scroogeymen: New Traditions for Comfort & Joy at Christmas
Laura Jensen Walker & Michael K. Walker
   The Walkers take turns dishing up advice for surviving Christmas, peppering the chapters with stories from their marriage. Laura is a writer, and Michael's skills with a glue gun apparently could put Martha Stewart to shame. None of the advice is especially startling or new (create new traditions together as a couple, tolerate important traditions from each other's childhood), but the personal spin elicits chuckles and tears alternately. This would be a great present for a new couple. Chapters on favorite Christmas movies and favorite Christmas recordings are sure to spark arguments, but it is all in good fun. 2003, Revell/Baker, Ages Adult, $10.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8007-3051-8

Good King Wenceslas
Illustrated by Tim Ladwig
   The text of the Christmas carol is introduced with an illustration of the statue of the patron saint of the Czech Republic which stands in a square in the city of Prague. Among the stories told and songs sung about him is Good King Wenceslas, sung to a traditional tune. In the story, the king takes pity on a poor man he sees out in the winter snow. He has his page collect food, drink, and fuel. And "through the rude wind's wild lament and the bitter weather" they bring cheer to the poor man, as we are encouraged to do as well: "ye who bless the poor shall you yourselves find blessing." Starting with the jacket/cover's watercolor, acrylic, and oil illustration of the king, page and dog forging through the windy night, Ladwig employs a rather romantically-naturalistic style which fills his double-page scenes with both pictorial events and emotional color. The red glow of sunset illuminates the king as he peers through a castle window. The heroic efforts through the deepening snow are emphasized in the blue-purple night. An orange interior lights the peasant's cottage for the final wordless double-page spread filled with the warmth and joy appropriate for the season. A historical note fills in the facts about both the king and the song, and the music is also included. 2005, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, $16.00. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8028-5209-2

Ho, Ho, Ho! 150 Hysterical Christmas Jokes
Illustrated by Tony Trimmer
   This entry in the "Sidesplitter" joke book series features enough corny jokes to drive the whole family crazy. What do you get if you cross a bell with a skunk? Jingle smells! That sort of thing. Jokes are spread out, three to a page, with pedestrian black and white line illustrations. New readers will be compelled to read so as to regale you with the humor. Why do people cry at Christmas? Because they get Santa-mental. This book will probably make adults who have to listen to children read these jokes Santa-mental, too, but elementary school age readers will love it. 2005, Kingfisher, Ages 5 to 10, $3.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7534-6849-7

Ho, Ho, Ho Tucker!
Leslie McGuirk
   Tucker is an active, precocious little white dog who is very excited because it is almost Christmas. Like a preschooler, he often gets carried away by his enthusiasm and curiosity. He builds a snowman for Santa but when he gets hungry, Tucker eats the carrot nose. He gets stuck in the box of decorations, and his nose is burned when he eats the Christmas cookies on the hot cookie sheet. When Santa sees that bright red nose he asks Tucker to help guide his sleigh alongside the reindeer. The brief text and simple illustrations are just right for toddlers and preschoolers who are just learning about the Christmas traditions. They will certainly relate to Tucker, and will laugh at his antics. The board book format allows little hands to turn the pages and follow the story through the cartoon-style illustrations. 2005, Candlewick Press, Ages 2 to 5, $7.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2582-5

Holiday Princess
Meg Cabot
Illustrated by Chesley McLaren
   A "Princess Diaries" book. In various voices of advisors, friends, relatives, and hangers-on of the Princess Mia, holiday information is conveyed. Readers can learn about manners (from the dowager, Grandmere, Princess of Genovia), some interesting ways to use makeup (Paolo, the palace cosmetician), and worldwide holiday traditions from the world-traveling princess herself. The giving of gifts rather than the receiving is emphasized and Mia's breathless and contemporary-sounding teenage voice makes the information slide down like a spoonful of sugar. Her offerings are set off in bracketed red type face for easy browsing. McLaren's grey watercolor illustrations with red touches lend a festive and feminine look to these pages and the handy size of the book is just right for a middle school girl to slip into her backpack to read on the long bus ride home. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 8 to 14, $12.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-075434-1
ISBN: 0-06-075434-6

How the Russian Snow Maiden Helped Santa Claus
Gail Buyske
Illustrated by Natasha Voronina
   When Santa Claus needs extra help to pull off his regular Christmas duties, Father Frost, the Russian Santa, is glad to help. Father Frost sends his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden, to Santa's workshop. She takes along a nesting doll (a matryoshka) to hold onto some of her Russian heritage and to comfort her in a new place. She is a good helper even though she does not have much confidence in how well she is helping. In the end, her influence helps Santa choose nesting dolls as the perfect gift to give. The tale is intriguing and well told. It presents a Russian tale in an entertaining manner and thereby offers readers and listeners the opportunity to learn about a different country. Charming, detailed illustrations are made by wood-burning and matryoshka painting. They enhance the story. As an overall package, this book is a winner and it will be read over and over again. 2005, Vernissage, Ages 3 up, $16.95. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-9725-0274-2

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas
John Rox
Illustrated by Bruce Whatley
   Even the Christmas cookies and the snowman look like hippos in this children's song turned into a picture book. If you know the illustrator's work (Looking for Crabs, Wait, No Paint, Diary of a Wombat), then you can already imagine the delightful blend of realistic people's faces and cartoon-like hippos, crocks, kangaroos (wrapped in Christmas paper), and a Christmas tree decorated with fruit and vegetables. "Teacher says a hippo is a vegetarian." The looks on the parents' faces is just how I would feel if my daughter's wish for a hippopotamus was granted by Santa. This little girl is convinced that no other pet will do, "No kangaroos or duckbill platypuses, I only like hippopotamuses." The last page is the best with the refrain "and hippopotamuses like me too" which shows her riding off in Santa's sleigh pulled by a flying hippo. If you can play an instrument then use the lyrics and musical score in the back matter to sing this with little people with a sense of humor. Otherwise, just read it aloud and enjoy the fun. 2005, HarperCollins, $17.89 and $16.99. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-052942-3
ISBN: 0-06-058549-8

I Want It All!
Barbara Ciletti
Illustrations by Cathy Morrison
   Cilleti's story is based on a homily and the tone of the book is slightly sermonic. The setting is Advent with a short introduction that focuses on Christmas and the coming of Jesus. The story then turns to Benjamin Getts, who is not a very likeable boy. He seems greedy and selfish from the moment he appears, and it's difficult to care what happens to him. Fortunately, the "Moresy Bug" arrives on page 19 and adds some whimsy to the tale-although, the author leaves the reader to wonder at the origin of the bug's name. This buzzing symbol of greed helps the book rise above any pointed messages to respect your elders and love your neighbor. The overall theme is "It is more blessed to give than to receive," (Acts 20.35) but in the end, the emphasis seems to remain on gift giving at Christmas rather than the true reason for Advent celebrations. 2005, Gingham Dog/School Specialty Publishing, Ages 4 to 8, $14.95. Reviewer: Tina Dybvik (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7696-4376-0

Jesus
Demi
   With text inspired by passages and verses from the King James Version of the Holy Bible, the artist has given us her usual deft treatment of a spiritual subject. Known for her biographies of other spiritual leaders such as Buddha, The Dalai Lama, Ghandi, and Mother Teresa, Demi has created a book to be treasured by families and those collecting books with inspirational or religious themes. Her fascination with gold in her art work is used to its fullest power in this telling of the life of Jesus. The paintings are reminiscent of antique icons, each one framed with elaborate borders-some of the pictures emerge from the frames or overhang the borders themselves. Brimming with angels and other symbolic designs this is a masterful homage to Jesus and the people in His life here on earth. This book has a halo all its own. 2005, Simon & Schuster, Ages 5 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86905-3
ISBN: 978-0-689-86905-1

Jingle Bells
Iza Trapani
   The popular Christmas song is expanded to include a one-horse air ride to six countries in addition to the U.S. The star sleigh riders are two happy children, based on real friends of the author. Accompanied by a dog, Dana and Danny visit and collect other children celebrating Christmas. They find Mexican kids breaking a piñata for candy, little Swedes receiving toys from a house gnome, Philippine families parading with star-shaped lanterns, a Polish family feasting by candlelight, young Italians spying on la Befana who puts presents in their shoes, and Kenyan children singing Christmas carols. The collection of children returns to the drivers' American home where they gather around a hearth, eat Christmas cookies, and drink cocoa. The diverse and happy picture shows that Dana and Danny are also different but the same--they sit in wheelchairs by the fireplace. The mostly two-page illustrations are beautifully done. The ride in the red sleigh, drawn by the white horse through a dark sky with thicker and thicker snowflakes, is magical. Detailed, colorful close-ups of the celebrations in each country make the cozy group scene at the end all the more meaningful. The text is entirely in verse (mostly the author's), which is repeated on a single page at the end of the book where the music of Jingle Bells is also printed. A page of information on each country's Christmas traditions provides background. Such a book would be a joyful addition to any family sing-a-long or read-a-long. 2005, Charlesbridge, $15.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5808-9095-4

Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May.)
Barbara Park
Illustrated by Denise Brunkus
   For those of you who are still stubbornly resisting reading children's books, you must at least give this one to every humbug on your Christmas list, or to the people who kind of make you think about fruitcake. This title by the incomparable Barbara Park is the perfect present for your doctor or the paperboy, or any seven-year-old you know or can borrow. In this laugh-out-loud book, Junie B. and her arch-enemy, May, are battling (as usual) and then along comes the Secret Santa thing in the classroom. Junie B. has her shopping list completed, including tattoos and a fart/burper hand-held device. May, of course, tells Junie B. she is enormously shellfish, and the story (I absolutely cannot give it away) ends up so great, you will cry. So go buy about ten copies of this for Emergency Gifting. It is far better than fruitcake. Junie B. is the "bestest." It even has a ribbon bookmark sewn into the binding. This is "A Stepping Stone Book." 2005, Random House, $11.95 and $13.99. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Gwynne Spencer (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-82808-7
ISBN: 0-375-92808-1
ISBN: 0-375-82809-5

Kringle
Tony Abbott
Illustrated by Greg Call
   Already well known for his "Droon" series, Tony Abbott was asked by his editor to write something "big." His editor should be extremely well pleased. This tale could easily be dismissed as yet another history of Santa Claus but it is much more and a good read to boot. Set in the fifth century AD, the Romans are leaving the country and dark times are descending upon the people of the hedges, wood, and hills. The story begins in an isolated hut with an orphaned boy hearing, yet again, the story of his own birth and naming. As he was born a sparrow appeared with a small bell which it leaves behind. The sound of the bell becomes Kringle's very name and we know that he has a very special destiny. Relying on lots of research the author adroitly weaves together many traditional ideas about Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, Sinterklass, etc., but he expands the story with incredible insight while creating a truly mythic hero. All of the elements are here for those hungry for tales of goblins (hideously ugly and truly evil), elves (committed to helping humans and have been repairing shoes during the night for centuries-you can guess their role), pirates (Viking invaders), magical animals (some can fly--you know which ones--some can talk, some will fetch food for humans), soldiers (the people do try to defend their homes) and a brave, plucky boy with an insight far greater than even he knows as he sets out on a journey that will give him a place in the hearts of children forever. The long, dangerous quest to rescue his beloved guardian involves Kringle in daring exploits of mountain climbing, fighting with the evil goblins, rescuing an entire race of elves, and creating a "flying sledge." His innate goodness is bolstered by the magic imbued in his being by the deeds of his parents on behalf of "the good." Kind, generous behavior is rewarded by forces that work for good in the world and Kringle is part of that magic as he finds a way to defeat the goblins and even to make time stand still--thus accounting for all that work in just one night. Nature and all of its forces aid Kringle along the way but it is his truly good heart and brave soul that wins the day--with a little help from his stalwart supporters who stand by him every inch of the way. Only a character of great personal strength and charisma could engender such faithfulness and Kringle is just that character. Guess you figured out that I loved this one. Readers will enjoy identifying and recognizing how the various explanations of the myth are presented as a natural part of this magical story. 2005, Scholastic, $14.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-74942-5

Little Donkey's Wish
Udo Weigelt
Illustrated by Pirkko Vainio
Translated by Marianne Martens
   Josie is so small that the other donkeys find it easy to ignore or make fun of her. However, for a little donkey, Josie dreams big. As the other donkeys discuss what they hope to receive for Christmas, Josie keeps her thoughts to herself. Her reverie is broken by the sudden arrival of Santa-one of his reindeer is ill and he is looking for a substitute. Josie is too timid to volunteer, but her friend, the barn cat, gets Santa's attention and he chooses the littlest donkey to help him make his appointed rounds. Josie has a wonderful adventure, flying with the reindeer, helping to deliver presents. Back in her barn, Santa asks her what she wants for Christmas and she remembers all of the other donkeys' wishes but asks for nothing for herself. She has received her biggest wish of all already--a chance to fly with Santa. 2005, North-South, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7358-2031-7

The Little Fir Tree
Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by Jim Lamarche
   This sweet Christmas story was written in 1954 and has now been given a new opportunity to touch the hearts of young and old. The beautifully glowing illustrations--all new in this 2005 edition--are perfectly matched to the endearing story. A little fir tree gets taken indoors once a year to help a very special little boy celebrate the Christmas season,--"a living tree" to bring the smell of the forest into the home of a little boy who has "a lame leg." Lamarche's faces are, as always, full of love and delight in life. The mother and father strive to give the little boy lots of experiences, even though he is confined to his bed. They share the season with neighborhood children and everyone is filled with obvious happiness. The seasons come and go and each year the father returns to dig up the tree for the holiday season and then to return it to its field to grow for the rest of the year. After several wondrous celebrations we see the tree standing in the snowy field all alone, longing to be part of the festivities yet again, but the "man with the long boots" has not appeared to collect the little fir tree. "The world seemed big and cold and empty" when the tree hears the sound of music and realizes that people are coming out into the field. To the tree's surprise and pleasure, the little boy is leading them in a joyful march to decorate the tree with bright red apples, berries, and cookies for the birds to eat. They surround the tree and sing the song the little boy had sung when he first saw the little fir tree "...your greenest branches live for me." This is a lovely family story to share during the Christmas season. 2005 (orig. 1954), Harper Collins, Ages 4 up, $15.99 and $16.89. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 978-0-06-028189-2
ISBN: 0-06-028189-8
ISBN: 0-06-028190-1

A Little House Christmas Treasury: Festive Holiday Stories
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Illustrated by Garth Williams
   This keepsake volume contains Christmas stories and scenes from six of the Laura Ingalls Wilder "Little House in the Big Woods" series so beloved by families. Here is Mr. Edwards crossing a raging river with Laura and Mary's presents on top of his head to keep them dry. And there is the wonderful Christmas when a church in the east sends a Christmas box full of gently worn hand-me-downs and Laura receives a fur cape and muff. Contrast this with Almanzo's more lavish Christmas on his New York farm when he woke his parents at 3:30 in the morning by mistake. The Garth Williams illustrations are gently tinted and holiday reds and greens separate each sections and include a small introduction to help children piece together the entire series of book excerpts. Readers will note the modest customs of a prairie family and the unusual language of a bygone era, such as a "sober" Laura and the arrival of a much-hoped for piece of clothing, a "fascinator." The excerpts are a fine introduction to the series without preempting the power of any of the entire books. 2005, HarperCollins, Ages 7 to 12, $12.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-076918-5
ISBN: 0-06-076918-1

Merry Christmas, Merry Crow
Kathi Appelt
Illustrated by Jon Goodell
   A crow flies through a Christmas scene of a city in the snow. Terse verse describes his travels through yards, past the zoo, gathering bits and pieces of shiny things as he goes. He even picks up a ribbon bow and mistletoe. The city's Christmas parade marches across a double page, folks go to church across another, as the crow continues his collecting. He finishes his flight, having decorated a "perfect Christmas tree" for all to gather around and enjoy. Opaque acrylic paints produce modeled forms, naturalistic detailed scenes crowded with typical seasonal activities. In each setting we see the crow busy at his scavenging, until he is finally joined by a group of carolers and other friendly birds enjoying the decorated tree. The simple story exudes the warmth of the holidays on each page. 2005, Harcourt, Ages 3 to 7, $16.00. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
ISBN: 0-15-202651-7

Merry Thanksgiving
Natasha Wing
Illustrated by Isidre Mones
   Have you ever thought that Christmas was much too close to Thanksgiving? Here is a story that puts Santa Claus at the Thanksgiving table and as far as the family is concerned, his arrival is none too soon. Joey is responsible, since he mistakenly sends his mother's Thanksgiving grocery list, instead of his own Christmas list, to Santa--before Thanksgiving. Mrs. Melvin is frantic when she cannot find her list, but Mr. Melvin persuades her to wait for their relatives to arrive so she can make another shopping list with their favorite recipes in mind. But when the guests arrive, it starts to snow and does not let up before Thanksgiving Day. Shopping is out of the question. Meanwhile, Joey continues with his favorite pastime--list-making. He lists all the relatives as they arrive and takes notes on what each cousin does best as they play games. He makes a list of the food they have in the house (sardines, peas, beets, pearl onions, etc.) and comforts his mother when she bursts into tears. As they set the table for a make-do meal, the sound of sleigh bells announces the arrival of Santa, who hauls in the Thanksgiving food on Mrs. Melvin's list. With the traditional meal prepared at last, Santa is a most welcome guest at this Merry Thanksgiving feast. The illustrations are brightly-colored and full of activity. Pre-readers and early readers can enjoy this one, along with their holiday-harried parents. The importance of keeping lists is underscored. 2005, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, $3.99. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-074111-2

Mortimer's Christmas Manger
Karma Wilson
Illustrations by Jane Chapman
   Mortimer is a wee mouse living in a big house. During one of his daily wanderings to find crumbs, he climbs up the furniture and topples the Christmas tree decorations on his way to a house that is just his size: a manger scene. Day after day, he lugs the small statues out and makes room for himself in the manger itself. Day after day, people return the small statues to their places. Finally, Mortimer hears the Christmas story and realizes that the Baby Jesus belongs in the manger. After praying to Jesus to bring him a home as well, Mortimer spies that home: a gingerbread house. The illustrations are large and colorful, rather like the pages of a child's coloring book. This Christian story has bits of humor and compassion with a specific focus on praying to Jesus. It would be most appropriate for a church Sunday school or Christian school as well as family reading with very young children. 2005, Margaret K. McElderry, Ages 3 to 6, $15.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0-689-85511-7

Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Christmas
Joy Cowley
Illustrated by Elizabeth Fuller
   The much beloved Mrs. Wishy-Washy, whom many first graders meet when they are learning to read, is back with her animal entourage. She tells them they need to take a Christmas scrub. But in the snow-covered New Zealand country side, neither cow, nor pig, nor duck want to jump into that big, ice-dappled tin tub in the farmyard. So when the apple-cheeked old lady heads into town, the animals break into the house and have a proper bath, emerging "shiny as tacks from head to toes/and smelling as sweet as a new pink rose." But when Mrs. Wishy-Washy returns, all is forgiven and the animals enjoy cookies and their holiday presents: bubble bath, soap, and a brush on a rope. While the story lacks the crispness and snap of the original, this one has the advantage of Fuller's delightful expressive black-line depictions of the animals and the cheerful bright colors which would show so well in story hours. The text features more challenging vocabulary than the original, too, but for those who are well launched into reading, this rhymed text will provide some fun for young readers to read aloud to the family. 2005, Philomel, Ages 3 to 7, $15.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-399-24344-5

Navidad estelar de Dora
Christine Ricci
Illustrated by A&J Studios
   With this title, #17 in the "Dora the Explorer" series--Dora's Starry Christmas-- appears in Spanish. On Christmas Eve, just as Dora is telling the babies and her monkey friend, Boots, about Santa, he arrives at her house with a problem. The reindeer are sick and he cannot deliver presents. When he asks for help, Dora offers the Explorer Stars to fly the sleigh. Then, with the help of the stars--and Boots--they deliver presents to all of the whales, fish, turtles and animals in the ocean, the animals on the tallest mountain, and all of the children. Saltador, one of the stars, even delivers a present to the moon while Helada Star causes the trees to frost into beautiful patterns. Santa gives Dora a music box for her troubles. Cartoonish characters, in the style of the popular children's television series decorate the pages. Round-eyed children, Dora's family, and many animals are posed with the props of the season while a few Spanish phrases are simultaneously translated into English, giving the book the flavor of the bilingual television series. 2005, Simon & Schuster/Nick Jr. Play to Learn, Ages 3 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-4169-1183-8
ISBN: 1-4169-1183-9

The Night Before Christmas
Clement Clarke Moore
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger
   A decorative if uneven edition of the classic Christmas poem, this volume features Zwerger's limpid watercolors against white space elegantly decorated with a snowflake or two. But wait, those six-pointed snowflakes are composed of elves holding hands, children dancing, and upright reindeer cavorting, an eye-catching feature that will gradually dawn on young readers as the pages turn. The images are all repeated in varying sizes on the gilt endpapers. Zwerger's quirky Santa, who looks more like an accountant than a right jolly old elf, is dressed in red, all right, but does not resemble in any way the Thomas Nast creations familiar to children. He is also depicted in the European manner walking with a crooked staff in two disparate pictures. He wears classes but in another has lost them. Presents trail from the sleigh on strings, and while the poem states he has a pack on his back, this Santa travels light down the chimney. Santa is depicted as a miniature against the household tree and the opening shot of someone in a bed turns out in the closing picture to be a mouse, another who awaits Santa's arrival. Literalists will be bothered by the way the pictures do not match the text, but those who love Zwerger's renderings will be especially delighted with her elegant reindeer, harnessed to nothing, dancing, striding, and leaping across one double page spread. 2005, Minedition/Penguin Young Readers Group, Ages 3 to 10, $15.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-698-40030-5

Noel
Tony Johnston
Illustrated by Cheng-Khee Chee
   The people of this small town are getting ready to celebrate Christmas. Artist Chee, through the use of saturated wet-paper technique, has given us a glimpse of the snow covered walks, the brass band, the dogs along the route, the birds in the trees covered with snow, and people holding mittened hands as they walk. This is a feel-good story about Christmas. The watercolors, using this special effect, give the pictures the appearance of being seen through a snowy night. This is not a recommended purchase for academic libraries on limited budgets. However, it is another choice for holiday gift giving. 2005, Carolrhoda Books/Lerner, $15.95. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Joyce Rice (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-57505-752-2

The Nutcracker
Karen Kain
Illustrations by Rajka Kupesic
   This version of the Nutcracker story is based on a production by the National Ballet of Canada and is written by Canada's prima ballerina, Karen Kain. There are significant variations from the stage version familiar to most Americans. There is a battle of stuffed animals rather than mice, the Nutcracker-Prince is actually a stable boy and Marie is accompanied on her dreamland journey by her brother. The illustrations--by an artist who is also a ballerina--combine gilded elegance with the flat, bright colors of folk art. While the expressions often seem wooden, the scenery is exquisite, especially when tiny ballerinas fill the glistening night sky around the Snow Queen. Even the edges of the pages are gilded and the endpapers have been painted to look like gold bas-relief sculptures. This is a lovely gift book which budding ballerinas will enjoy-as long as they are willing to let their expectations and traditions be tweaked a bit. 2005, Tundra Books, Ages 4 to 12, $24.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-88776-696-X

The Nutcracker
Karen Kain
Illustrated by Rajka Kupesic
   Based on the National Ballet of Canada's production of "The Nutcracker" ballet, this story features a dreamlike Russian setting. This less-familiar version has a battle between the stuffed cats and dogs in Marie's toy cupboard and the stable boy, Peter, as the initiators of Marie and her brother Misha's trip to the realm of the Snow Queen. The sumptuous feast comes alive and dances, so that the children do not get to eat it and the whole production ends with flowers as a promise of spring to come before the children awake in their own beds. Kupesic's elegant oil paintings depict elongated characters in a fanciful setting designed with swirls and curls of icy branches and lush frosted puffs of snow on the landscape. It would be helpful for readers less familiar with this tale to have some author's note or provenance setting the story in relation to the more familiar E.T.A. Hoffman's version but this version stands on its own as a story of dreams in the midst of harsh weather realities. 2005, Tundra Books, Ages 6 to 10, $18.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler
ISBN: 0-88776-696-X

The Nutcracker
E. T. A. Hoffman
Adapted by Janet Schulman
Illustrated by Renee Graef
   For many this book represents all that embodies the holiday season: gifts shared with family and friends, decorated trees, and magical moments to be cherished. In this adaptation there is the darker element of the conflict between the nutcracker man/boy and the King of the Mice. "Godpapa Drosselmeir" tells the story of the curse of the Queen of the Mice upon the first born child of the queen and king of Nuremberg. Angry over the death of her seven sons (in mouse traps invented by Drosselmeir himself) the Queen of the Mice causes the infant Princess Pirlipat to turn into a hideous baby with glassy-green eyes "that nearly popped out of her head" and an ugly mouth that stretched on her oversized head "from ear to ear." The King blames Drosselmeir for incurring the wrath of the Oueen of the Mice and Drosselmeir spends years finding a "cure" for the princess. The cure is a special nut that is extremely difficult to crack-you guessed it-Drosselmeir's own nephew has the ability to crack tough nuts with his extraordinarily strong teeth. Pirlipat is cured BUT the nephew is turned into an ugly nutcracker who is destined to fight the Seven-Headed son of the Queen of the Mice. This complicated story-line is not for everyone but for better listeners it will explain the enmity between nutcracker and the rodents. Naturally there are the magical scenes in the Land of the Toys after the nutcracker is returned to his natural state by the love of Marie. The happy-ever-ending with marriage and reign in the magical kingdom make this the thing of which dreams are made. The muted, nostalgically old-fashioned illustrations give this a "classic" look which will make it popular for gift giving. 1999, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $6.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-443790-6

Nate the Great and the Crunchy Christmas
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Craig Sharmat
Illustrated by Marc Simont
   Nate the Great sets out to solve yet another mystery. The charm of these early chapter books is that while the vocabulary is controlled and appropriate for the target audience, the story line is humorous and satisfying for young readers. While Nate and his dog Sludge are out shoveling snow, Fang and his owner, Annie, come along to ask for Nate's help in locating a missing Christmas card. Naturally Nate is quite willing to stop shoveling and start sleuthing. He dutifully leaves a note for his mother explaining why he has stopped his task and then he sets off to locate the long anticipated card. Every year Fang's mother sends him a special Christmas card. Nate discovers that many pieces of mail have become lodged in the catalogs that Annie has been collecting, but the missing card is not in any of them. It is only when Nate begins to "think like a dog" that he discovers that Fang had actually intercepted the card during its delivery (the mail carrier dropped it and ran at the sight of Fang running to greet him) and had buried it in the back yard. All ends well but Nate still has to finish shoveling the snow. As a bit of an aside, it is revealed that Nate and his family celebrate Hanukkah, giving children a glimpse of his traditions with the mention of potato pancakes. 1996, Yearling/Bantam Doubleday Dell, Ages 4 to 8, $4.50. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-440-41299-4

On that Christmas Night
Mary Joslin
Illustrated by Helen Cann
   In straightforward prose, Joslin retells the Nativity story for young listeners and readers. Focusing on Mary's point of view, the story effectively includes references to other, previous, events--such as the Roman Empire's requirements for defeated nations and the Angel Gabriel's visitation to Mary. Mixed-media illustrations feature marbleized paper used in tree shapes, some clothing, and in vivid red endpapers. Colorful watercolor borders and textiles--along with patterned and swirling shapes against which the figures are positioned--lend appeal as well. All in all, this is a nicely-realized story of the season. 2005, Good Books, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-56148-494-6

Once There was a Christmas Tree
Jerry Smath
   Mrs. Bear nags Mr. Bear because it is almost Christmas and they do not have a Christmas tree. He lumbers out into the forest and brings one home, but it is too big. He saws it in half, and realizes that the other half would serve as a perfectly good Christmas tree as well. Mr. Fox is delighted to receive the top of the bears' tree, which he and his son happily decorate. While admiring the tree, Mr. Fox remembers his friend Old Rabbit, who lives alone and does not have a tree. In turn, the Fox family cuts their tree in half to share. Old Rabbit continues the pattern, and saws off a portion for the mice who live under his floor. Four trees from one, and Santa knows to leave presents under all of them. The story is a sweet reminder of the joy of giving inherent in Christmas. Printed on heavy stock, the pages should withstand many readings. The book is packaged in a gimmicky manner, as a "Magical Snow Globe Book," with a gel-filled inset in the cover containing glitter and sequins. The snow globe has nothing to do with the story, and does not work very well to boot. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 3 to 7, $10.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-72499-6

Once Upon a Christmas Eve
Kathy-Jo Wargin
Illustrations by Bruce Langton
   Legend has it that animals have the gift of speech on Christmas Eve. And so Kate leaves the farmhouse just before midnight to go into the woods to hear what they will say. She waits under a pine tree and watches the snow come down. There are no animals talking. She decides to return home. However, the snow has covered her tracks and her lantern goes dark. Her spirits are revived when a bird lands on her shoulder and she hears an owl speaking in rhyme. She follows the animals to where the bear announces she will place a straw doll on a bed of hay. On Christmas morning, Kate awakes and wonders if it was all a dream. There, lying at the foot of her bed, is the straw doll. Langton masterfully draws the animals. There is a sense of wonder as Kate accompanies them through the forest. Having the animals speak in rhyme sets them apart from the narration and Kate's thoughts. However, the mother bear holding the straw doll symbolizing the Christ Child strains credibility. The text does not convey the tension and excitement of the story line. 2005, Mitten Press, Ages 5 to 8, $17.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-58726-290-6
ISBN: 978-1-58726-290-6

One Splendid Tree
Marilyn Helmer
Illustrations by Dianne Eastman
   Hattie and her younger brother, Junior, live in an apartment. Their father is in the military during World War II. Their mother works and money is scarce. They do not expect to have a Christmas tree this year. When Junior sees an old palm plant in the hall, he decides to decorate it for Christmas. He and Hattie make paper chains. Their mother shows Junior how to make yarn snowmen. Hattie makes foil stars. Someone moves the tree to the front hall. Each day more decorations mysteriously appear on the "tree." On Christmas Eve, the various apartment dwellers have a party. The children's daddy sends them a gold angel which gets placed at the top of the tree. A real Christmas is created by the children's efforts. The drab photo-collages capture the tenor of the times with the house furnishings such as the radio, refrigerator, and knickknacks--although Junior sports Harry Potter glasses. Children will enjoy making a yarn snowman by following the directions at the end. 2005, Kids Can Press Ltd, $15.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Carlee Hallman (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-55337-683-8

Pooch on the Loose: A Christmas Adventure
Steven Kroll
Illustrated by Michael Garland
   Bart is a small dog--probably a Yorkshire terrier--who lives in an apartment in Greenwich Village with his owner, Max. Bart longs to see more of New York City, especially during Christmas time when there are so many exciting things to see. One day he manages to dash off on an adventure, taking the subway down to the Staten Island ferry, then up to Radio City Music Hall and through many other familiar sights of the season. At the end of his adventure, Bart is cold and lonely so he heads home to the Village and his beloved Max. A spare tale, the story might appeal best to families planning a trip to New York or those with fond memories of Christmas in the city. A map of Manhattan tracing Bart's route appears on the endpapers. The dog's-eye-view illustrations are colorful and full of energy, with enhanced perspective lines and lots of activity. 2005, Marshall Cavendish, Ages 3 to 7, $14.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7614-5239-7

Princess Rosa's Winter
Judy Hindley
Illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain
   Hindley and Chamberlain (both from Britain) are very talented at what they do. Together they have produced an appealing story with delightful illustrations of medieval life in a castle, complete with accurate costumes and intriguing characters. Princess Rosa is bored with winter (frozen, too) and cannot think of one good thing about it. But a page boy thinks of sliding and snowballs, the Queen thinks of Christmas, while the King thinks of Hode the jester, who comes whirling in and begins to perform, his multicolored rags and patches flying. The court is transformed: we see servants fiddling and fetching food, lean dogs running, and everyone dancing through the night--Princess Rosa cannot wait till Christmas. Independent readers in grades one through three will be treated to lively dialog and witty, detailed illustrations showing what a snowbound castle might be like when life was ruled by the seasons. Part of the "I Am Reading" series of transitional chapter books, this very enjoyable story proves that books written with specific reading goals can strive for excellence, presenting engaging characters like Rosa, with her pigtails bouncing beneath her crown, and illustrations so entertaining that readers will want to go back and pore over them alone or with a friend. The princess's court could easily inspire further research into medieval life, castles, and costumes. As the King cries excitedly, "It's time to celebrate!" 2005 (orig. 1997), Kingfisher, $3.95. Ages 5 to 9. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7534-5859-4

Richard Scarry's The Animals' Merry Christmas
Kathryn Jackson
Illustrated by Richard Scarry
   Glitter adorns the cover and Richard Scarry's illustrations fill the pages with fun and lively action as the animals prepare for and celebrate the Christmas season. Eighteen individual stories are collected here, ranging from "The Singing Christmas Tree" to "A Very Big Christmas." Each story is several pages long so the book can be spread over the course of several readings, although some children will demand "just one more." The stories have the sensibilities and mores of the fifties, messages of sharing and goodwill abound. Grandmas and Grandpas who remember this one from their childhood will be very pleased to see this old favorite reissued so that they can share its joys with the little people in their lives. Children can spend hours pouring over the detailed pictures. 2005 (orig. 1950), Golden Books/Random House, Ages 3 to 8, $14.95 and $16.99. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-83341-2
ISBN: 0-375-93341-7

Santa and Me
Erik Jon Slangerup
Illustrated by Joshua Janes
   Designed as a scrapbook produced by Mrs. Claus to detail her years with Santa, the book is a collage of newspaper clippings, mementoes and gift tags with notes penned by Mrs. Claus. It turns out that they moved to the North Pole because warm weather makes Santa sleepy, and if they lived in Florida he would never get the toys delivered in time. This page includes an ad from the realtor who sold them the plot, a picture of the actual Pole with a "sold" sign on it, and results from a scientific study proving that cold climates result in more alert lab rats. Tongue-in-cheek humor studs each spread, including an explanation of the origin of Christmas caroling in groups--turns out folks are trying to drown out Santa's off-key singing. The book design is engaging, but as an ardent scrapbooker I must take issue with the illustrator's use of transparent tape to attach all of the items to the pages--such tape would turn quite brown and ruin the memorabilia. Hopefully the readers will not follow this example. 2005, Gingham Dog Press/School Specialty Children's Publishing, $14.95. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1577684117

Santa Baby
Janie Bynum
   The lyrics of the 1950s song, "Santa Baby," are adapted here and illustrated with sweet drawings of an infant dressed in Santa pajamas. The baby is fascinated with the Christmas tree, and gets covered in tape while assisting mom in wrapping presents. Mom and baby bake cookies and snuggle to read books, but the baby still resists falling asleep. The line "Santa Baby, let's snuggle close and cuddle tonight" is repeated when daddy finally comes home. The score for the song appears inside the back cover. The book would probably be most enjoyed by folks who remember the tune of the song and can "sing" the book as they go, or by those lucky enough to be able to sight read the music. 2005, Little Brown, Ages 2 to 4, $10.99. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-316-00067-1

Santa Claus: The World's Number One Toy Expert
Marla Frazee
   Of course Santa has to be "the world's number one kid expert" as well as toy expert. Frazee's delightfully-appealing Santa works really hard at his job all year round, trying out the toys, and matching them up with the right kids. So it almost always works out just right on Christmas morning. Then Santa can enjoy the perfect gift he has picked out for himself. The spare text is merely an amusing frame for the detailed black-pencil and gouache illustrations: some double-page scenes of massed presents and wrapping papers, others flooded with vignettes of Santa and others in action. He deals with kids in his lap; he tries out the toys for quality check. The great double-page series of action vignettes as he tries out a pogo stick has 32 images snaking over and across the pages until the ultimate break-down. Previewed on the jacket (note the contrasting cover) this romp displays the artist's observational talents and the visual sense of humor that pervades the story. 2005, Harcourt, $16.00. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewers: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 26, 2005; Cahners; United States
   School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-15-204970-3

Santa's Christmas Train
Joseph J. Caro
   A forgettable offering features Lionel, an elf who nearly ruins Santa's Christmas trip by his errors. He has made one long hundred-foot train rather than a hundred one-foot long trains and Santa is exasperated. Some of the reindeer are ill or missing and how will Santa deliver presents? Easy. He can use the one long train. Problem solved. It is implied that this is how the Lionel trains got their names which is certainly not endorsed by the notable toy train makers. The story is ill-served by heavy black-lined, static illustrations with weirdly contorted images, as if cel art had been skewed. The text has not been well edited. Missing punctuation, grammatical howlers (something "won't hardly fit in the sleigh"), odd spacing, and lengthy conversation poorly arranged on the page make this one to leave on the spin rack. 2005, CCN Publications, Ages 3 to 7, $9.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-9628078-2-6

Santasaurus
Niamh Sharkey
   The dinosaur siblings, Ollie, Molly, and Milo write to Santasaurus just before Christmas. Ollie wants a dinobot, Molly wants a dinocycle, and Milo wants a ride in Santa's sleigh. With Momosaurus and Dadosaurus, the three little dinos wrap presents, decorate the tree and bake sugarplum cakes. On Christmas eve, they leave cookies for Santa and carrots for his dinodeer. Soon, everyone is sleeping, except for Milo. He creeps downstairs and meets Santasaurus who takes Milo around the world with him. Sure enough, on Christmas morning, Ollie, Molly and Milo are happy to have their wishes come true. Sharkey cleverly combines two preschool favorites: Christmas and dinosaurs. Her illustrations show friendly purple, yellow-striped and green dinosaurs going through the preparations for Christmas, and playing with their new toys. The dinodeer are clever combinations of dinosaurs and reindeer, and Santa's sleigh looks like a large red bowl. There are many other creative touches in the illustrations, from the shapes of the houses to the statue of liberty who is--what else--a dinosaur. Sharkey has carefully selected the words for her text. It is just long enough to convey the story line yet still conveys the excitement and wonder of Christmas. This is a jolly good time. 2004, Candlewick Press, Ages 3 to 5, $15.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7636-2671-6

Santa Fun
Salina Yoon
   Santa in his red suit and big green sack of presents looks out at readers from this plush covered board book. The rhyming text is pretty simple-it describes the elves busy preparing gifts that Santa will take in his reindeer led sleigh for distribution on Christmas Eve. If you are looking for a stocking stuffer, this may be just the right fit. 2005, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages, 6 mo. to 3, $5.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 978-1-4169-0537-0

The Three Bears' Christmas
Kathy Duval
Illustrated by Paul Meisel
   A charming revisit to the home of the Three Bears has just enough of the old familiar patterns to jog young readers' memories. But this entirely new take on the old tale has the three setting out gingerbread cookies to cool and taking a walk. On their walk, they play quiet games of "What do I see?" and "What do I hear?" before returning to find that someone has left the door open. Someone has munched on the cookies. And someone has dropped a big red mitten here, some boots there, and left a coat on Baby Bear's bed. Young listeners will quiver with excitement because they know just who it is. Sure enough, Santa has left presents and ridden off in his shirt sleeves. "Merry Christmas, Santa!" Meisel's full-color paintings feature humor, undistracting but richly-realized interiors and exteriors, and the cheerful warmth of the season. Merry Christmas, readers. 2005, Holiday House, Ages 3 to 7, $16.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1871-5

The 12 Days of Christmas
Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino
   Cleanly-designed board pages show each of the twelve days of Christmas as personified animal depictions. The calling birds trail telephones; the eight maids a'milking are skinny, overalled cows; eleven pigs are pipers piping, and twelve dogs drum. For adults who want to sing the song and hark back to the previous pages, the book provides plenty of practice in backwards page-turning ("3 French hens, 2 turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.") Yaccarino's brightly-colored backgrounds set off the cavorting figures interspersed with a few holiday decorative elements, as well. While this one does not carry any cumulative meaning, it is a pleasant visual accompaniment for the song. 2005, HarperFestival/HarperCollins, Ages 2 to 4, $5.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-073466-4
ISBN: 0-06-073466-3

Two Christmas Mice
Corinne Demas
Illustrated by Stephanie Roth
   Annamouse is getting ready for Christmas, setting up her tree and dreaming of caroling with her friends. Willamouse, whose home fronts the other side of the hayfield, is also getting ready--making paper chains and dreaming of caroling. Alas, the best laid plans of mice often go astray--a heavy snow traps both mice in their burrows, Annamouse without decorations for her tree and Willamouse without a tree for her decorations. Annamouse settles in to play some Christmas music on her violin, which Willamouse snuggles up with a good book. Willamouse's reading is interrupted by the sounds of music--although their homes open on different sides of the field, their parlors are adjacent. Willamouse digs a passage between the two rooms and a beautiful friendship blossoms. The bright illustrations reinforce the message that the best Christmas is one spent with others you love. 2005, Holiday House, Ages 4 to 8, $16.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1785-9

A Very Minty Christmas
Jenny Bak
   This reusable sticker book, part of the "My Little Pony" stable, features peel-out stickers to be placed on several spreads of background. Based on an animated movie, the activity book allows readers to decorate mostly pink- and purple-toned scenes with garishly colored holiday materials and place ponies, some in holiday capes and boots, within the "story." The product is made to allow children to store the stickers inside the front cover when not in use, and a blank inside back cover invites them to create their own scenes. Fans will undoubtedly enjoy recreating the movie sets and moving the ponies around. 2005, Hasbro/HarperCollins, Ages 3 to 6, $6.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-084141-6
ISBN: 0-06-084141-9

What Star Is This?
Joseph Slate
Illustrated by Alison Jay
   A new take on the arrival of the Star of Bethlehem is told from the point of view of the comet. "A tiny comet with a budding tail/is born this night on that frosty trail./What star is this?" Partially rhymed text repeats the query as the bold little comet makes its way to earth, blinking "Good will! Good will!" The last three pages bring together the Three Wise Men, the star, and the manger scene. Jay's rich paintings feature a crackled surface, much like that of ancient weathered and aged oil paintings which lend a pleasing antique look to her stylized and elongated figures, the decorated space through which the humanized comet hurtles. For young readers, the gentle explanation of how comets form and the probable cause of the bright star in the east at Jesus's birth will be fascinating. Interested older readers may enjoy Franklyn M. Branley's nonfiction book, The Christmas Star, illustrated by Stephen Fieser (Crowell, 1990), which gives a straightforward and lively informational explanation of the Star of Bethlehem. 2005, Putman's/Penguin, Ages 5 to 9, $15.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature)
ISBN: 0-399-24014-4

When Cows Come Home for Christmas
Dori Chaconas
Lynne Chapman
   Chapman's hilarious illustrations of kooky, wide-eyed cows carry this book as the family descends on one small home for Christmas. Many of us can identify with this verse: "The tiny house gets crowded-the relatives all there-a herd of uncles, cousins, aunts fills every bench and chair." Disaster strikes while the family dances the Cowpoke Polka-Moosha crashes through the floor and gets stuck. This is truly a disaster, not because Moosha is frozen in place, but because she happens to be in the place where the Christmas tree is usually installed. Many efforts to dislodge her fail, so the family improvises and decorates Moosha in situ, thus beginning a new family tradition. This silly, fun tale could serve as a starting point for a discussion of unique family traditions for the holiday season. 2005, Albert Whitman, Ages 3 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8075-8877-6

Winter Lights: A Season in Poems & Quilts
Anna Grossnickle Hines
   The natural world and the seasonal holidays are the subjects of these poems and quilts. There are poems for Christmas, St. Lucia Day, the winter solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Chinese New Year. Hines's quilts include many symbols of the holidays. "Small Miracles" has a Menorah and a Star of David. "Kwanzaa" depicts a family celebrating near the candles, and a patchwork of Kente cloth is used in the background. An intriguing Christmas tree quilt has two poems, one of which is a poem in the shape of a fir tree. The text for each poem is placed directly on the quilt. Keeping in mind the seasonal "contrast of dark and light, warm and cold," Hines created many of the quilts with a dark background: the text on these pages is white. The poems and quilts created about the natural world capture a child's perspective on the luminous winter sunsets, full moon's light on the snow ("the moon paints pictures/on the blue-white snow"), and the Aurora Borealis. Since poems should be read aloud, this is a book to share. Young children will enjoy the language of the poems as they peruse the illustrations. Older readers and adults with an interest in quilts and quilting will find a good deal of information about the creation of the quilts in the back matter. 2005, Greenwillow Books, Ages 5 up, $16.99. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-06-000817-2
ISBN: 0-06-000818-0

Waiting for Christmas
Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrated by Jayoung Cho
   A young boy recounts the arrival of snow and the other things that brighten his holiday-candy, lights, presents and awaiting the arrival of Santa. These super sturdy board book pages with a die cut hole will stand up to heavy use, but the story is so slight that the book may not get much rereading. The illustrations are not exceptional and show many of the items associated with the Christmas holiday-wreath, candles, a decorated tree, lights, presents, cookies and milk set out for Santa. The final page contains a vinyl scene that includes floating packages and gold speckles. It doe not seem to add much or have any real relation to the text. Also for those, where snow falls there may be greater appeal than for those who live in warmer climes. 2005, Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, Ages 1 to 4, $6.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-689-86384-5

Walt Disney's Santa's Toy Shop
Al Demster
Illustrated by The Walt Disney Studio
   A piece of history from the Disney studio, this story might as well be titled "Santa's Big Adventure" as it hinges on poor Santa's never being able to play with all of those toys he delivers. Finally, at a suggestion from the Mrs., he stops at the last house and sets everything up and plays. Could he choose your house this year? The pleasantly retro, full-color, but reproductively muzzy illustrations show elves working on toys of the Forties: marbles, roller skates, old-fashioned (to us) vehicles, Lincoln Logs, marching British Bobbies, sun-bonneted dolls, trains, ring toss and horseshoe games, and a variety of other things Grandpa and Grandma will remember. It is a very cozy Little Golden Book slightly larger than the original size and a nostalgic trip for grandparents or even the great-grands to share with children. 2005 (orig. 1950), Golden Books/Random House, Ages 2 to 5, $8.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-375-83361-7

The Wee Christmas Cabin of Carn-Na-Ween
Ruth Sawyer
Illustrated by Max Grafe
   Read this title aloud to treat your listeners to the lilting sound of an Irish-inspired folktale told by one of America's foremost authors and storytellers. Having loved Irish folklore, and Christmas tales in particular, she gave this story all of the elements necessary for a magical, parable-like story. Oona was left as a tiny baby on the doorstep of Brigdet and Conal Hegarty, who raised her as one of their own. Because she had been abandoned by a group of tinkers, she was not accepted by the villagers and certainly not considered fit to marry any decent young man. This look at profound prejudice is only the first of the gentle instructional messages encompassed in the storyline. Oona was a lovely and loving person who stayed on to care for the couple who had raised her but was "turned out" of the cabin upon their deaths. She then went from family to family caring for the newborn, infirm, and elderly but never actually included as a member of any real family of her own. Her life long dream had been to have a "wee" cabin of her own in her old age. As the "great famine" begins to take its terrible toll, Oona leaves the family she has been working for so that she will not be responsible for taking even one bite of food from a hungry child's mouth. Then the wee people flock around the tired old woman, who has climbed up a lonely hill to die. They build a snug cabin for her to live in. Her only request to them is that when there is a white Christmas that they will guide the lost, hungry, displaced ones to her door so that she might "warm them by the hearth and comfort them." The turn of phrase and inclusion of many "Irish" words (there is a glossary for the less obvious ones) give just the right flavor to this poignant story of the rewards of a life spent caring for others. The illustrations have an ethereal quality that matches the emotions of this sometimes wrenching story--one can feel Oona's longing to be a part of a family: a wish that is also fulfilled by the wee people through their magic. 2005 (orig. 1941), Candlewick, $14.99. Ages 5 to 12. Reviewer: Sheilah Egan (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
   Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, September 26, 2005; Cahners; United States
ISBN: 0-7636-2553-1

The Winter Witch
Clay Bonnyman Evans
Illustrated by Robert Bender
   For Stephen, life is miserable. He, his sister and his father had moved the previous month to his stepmother's house in the mountains, and now he has a new stepbrother, Ari, who teases him. It is Christmas night but it has not been the usual happy celebration they had before his parents' divorce; Deborah and Ari celebrate Hanukkah, not Christmas. When his father sends Stephen's dog outside for misbehaving, Stephen goes out as well. He meets an old woman, whom Ari had said was a witch. Apprehensive at first, Stephen learns the true meaning of Christmas when he spends some time at her home in the woods. The old woman's thoughtful comments that the winter holidays are a "time to comfort others and shed light on darkness," as well as her kindness toward animals help Stephen see Christmas from a different perspective. While the message is certainly good, the story lacks believability and suffers from a lack of tension. Since they have lived in the mountains only since November, it seems peculiar that Stephen's father would allow him to go outside in the woods alone after dark. After hearing from Ari that the old woman is a witch, it seems odd that Stephen would follow her home. Stephen's observations have an adult tone ("This was a Christmas gift that could not be lost, hidden by a teasing stepbrother, or misplaced by a googly-eyed older sister.") There is not even a phone call from his mother who is now living in California. The ending is just too facile. The illustrations have a murky tone that reflects the evening light and the human faces are unattractive. 2005, Holiday House, Ages 6 to 9, $16.95. Reviewer: Sharon Salluzzo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8234-1615-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-8234-1615-8

Young Santa
Dan Greenburg
Illustrations by Warren Miller
   This title creates a story that explains all the traditions surrounding Santa Claus, from his name to the reindeer to the entrance by chimney. Many of the explanations will be relevant to the lives of young believers and humorous to the adults reading along. Santa's father is a salesman whose company transfers him to the North Pole. Little Santa is appropriately optimistic. As an adolescent, he learns to drive a sleigh the way any teenager learns to drive a car and he wants to buy a sleigh with a power package that includes eight reindeer rather than six. Dan Greenburg borrows a few lines from The Night Before Christmas when Santa lands on a roof and the man of the house shouts, "We've just settled our brains for a long winter's nap here. You want to give us a break or what?" New Yorker cartoonist Warren Miller sprinkles typical New Yorker-style illustrations throughout the text. The story, newly in paperback after an original publication date of 1991, is silly but it might spark young imaginations to create their own stories explaining Santa Claus as well as other holiday traditions. 2005 (orig. 1991), Scholastic, Ages 4 to 7, $3.99. Reviewer: Karen Leggett (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-439-61636-0

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