December Holiday Books

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October 1, 2011

ADLER, David A. The Story of Hanukkah. illus. by Jill Weber. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2295-1. LC 2010029879.
K-Gr 2–A straightforward retelling that emphasizes the historical origins of the holiday. Recounting the hard-fought battle of a small band of Jews (known as Maccabees) against the armies of King Antiochus IV, as well as the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem following its desecration, the book places the celebration in a context that is less about miracles (one day’s oil lasting for eight days), and more about the Jews’ fight for religious freedom. The simple, accessible text is enhanced by acrylic spreads in rich, warm colors that bring both solemnity and excitement to the story. With so much holiday hoopla focusing on less historical, more celebratory aspects of Hanukkah, it is good to have a book that tells it like it was. A latke recipe and directions for playing dreidel are included. A welcome addition.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

ASHMAN, Linda. The Twelve Days of Christmas in Colorado. illus. by Dawn Beacon. ISBN 978-1-4027-7463-8.
NEZ, John Abbott. The Twelve Days of Christmas in Washington. illus. by author. ISBN 978-1-4027-7068-5.
ea vol: unpaged. maps. Sterling. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.95. LC number unavailable.
Gr 2-4–The traditional song retold with some local flair. In Colorado, the fifth day brings “five golden nuggets.” In Washington, it’s “five golden trout” tossed by the vendors at the Pike Place Market. However, in addition to state-appropriate gifts for each day, the authors have provided a lot of additional bits of information in letters written by a local child and a visiting cousin to family members back home and in back matter including bulletin boards filled with posters of local attractions and celebrities. While these could be the basis for state reports, the Christmas packaging might make them a hard sell for children looking for nothing but the facts. The basic texts can be read or sung to the traditional tune.–Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

BASTIN, Marjolein. Christmas with Vera. illus. by author. unpaged. NorthSouth. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4044-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Vera the mouse and her animal friends are preparing for Christmas by decorating and cooking. Brief storylike chapters (all of them rather anticlimactic) introduce recipes and activities–five in all, including Marzipan snowballs, Christmas dough ornaments, Christmas “crackers” (toilet paper roll), wrapping-paper decorations, and carved Star Apples (adult warning included). Bastin’s soft, old-fashioned illustrations are richly detailed and have a quaint, northern European flavor. A sweet, but secondary purchase.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

BATEMAN, Teresa. The Christmas Pups. illus. by John Kanzler. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-1160-2. LC 2010046089.
PreS-Gr 1–After three puppies are abandoned at the side of the road, they are taken to a shelter, where an older dog named Brownie takes them under his wing and tells them that it’s Christmas, a prime time to adopt puppies, although not older dogs. Luckily, a family adopts all three of them and Brownie as well. The happy ending is cozy, though the plot is flimsy, and while the illustrations of the dogs are cute, the depictions of people are stiff and cartoony.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

BEDFORD, David. When I Love You at Christmas. illus. by Tamsin Ainslie. unpaged. Kane/Miller. 2011. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-1-61067-039-5. LC 2010941087.
PreS-Gr 2–An unnamed narrator waxes enthusiastic over every holiday-related activity a young girl participates in (“When you wrap your gifts/When you tie the bows/That’s when I love you”). Who is this narrator? A parent? A grandparent? The final spread reveals that it is the toy lamb pictured throughout. The pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations are simple and rather charming, showing an apple-cheeked child cheerfully wrapping, decorating, writing cards, and so on. A sentimental, additional offering.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

BIEDRZYCKI, David. Santa’s New Jet. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-291-9; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-292-6; ebook $6.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-369-1. LC 2010041824.
PreS-Gr 1–In this new edition of a book published by Scholastic Book Fairs in 2007, Santa tells readers of his discovery that his reindeer are too out of shape to fly the sleigh. So his elves build a cool jet for him, but when it turns out to have its drawbacks, Santa’s newly fit reindeer come to the rescue on Christmas Eve. The slick Photoshop illustrations and no-frills text may please young readers who find the fat reindeer and shiny jet appealing, but there’s nothing original here.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

BRETT, Jan. Home for Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. Nov. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25653-0. LC 2010045002.
K-Gr 3–A naughty little troll learns a lesson just in time for Christmas in this Scandinavian-flavored tale. Trolls, readers learn, only lose their tails when they are kind and helpful, and that does not describe wild child Rollo, who never helps out. In fact, he runs away from home looking for a family that won’t require him to contribute. The owl and bear families don’t work out, and as the year progresses toward winter and the weather gets colder, Rollo realizes he wants to be home, which is fortunately just down the mountain. One moose antler toboggan ride later, he meets up with his family, and his kind and helpful behavior on Christmas Eve results in a lost tail for this reformed character. The story isn’t one of Brett’s finest, but, as always, the charming illustrations are filled with wonderful detail.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

BRUEL, Nick. A Bad Kitty Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Roaring Brook/A Neal Porter Bk. Oct. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-668-8. LC 2010037814.
K-Gr 3–Fans of Bad Kitty will not be surprised that she is up to no good again. Through a mash-up of odd alphabet lists and riffs on “The Night before Christmas,” a litany of the feline’s pranks is conveyed in bold graphic panels and uneven rhymes. Bad Kitty wants MORE for Christmas until she escapes from her family car and is rescued by a lonely old woman who teaches her that the true meaning of Christmas is “FAMILY.” Puppy rescues Kitty and they both take the old lady home, where she is adopted by their owners. If madcap destruction and comic antics are dear to your Kitty fans, recommend this title. Others may want a calmer holiday.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

BUCK, Nola. A Christmas Goodnight. illus. by Sarah Jane Wright. unpaged. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2010. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-06-166491-5. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–A simple spin-off of Goodnight Moon with the scene shifting from the baby Jesus’s birth in a barn to a modern child placing the manger figures by his window on Christmas Eve. The rhymes are straightforward (“Goodnight to the angel choir./Goodnight to the star above./Goodnight to the Holy Family./Goodnight to the ones we love.”), and the colorful illustrations are sweet if somewhat generic. A quiet offering for those looking for a noncommercial take on the holiday.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

BUTLER, M. Christina. One Christmas Night. illus. by Tina Macnaughton. unpaged. Good Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-56148-727-1. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–Little Hedgehog does some holiday baking, decorates his house, and even thinks of the perfect gifts for his woodland pals. It’s dark before he gets everything just right, except “something is still missing.” A knock at the door brings the missing element--his friends, who all join him for a merry Christmas celebration. The large illustrations, with their silver glitter accents, are greeting-card cute and appealing. This is a sweet story with a simple plot and engaging artwork. However, all that sparkles is the glitter.–Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

BUZZEO, Toni. Lighthouse Christmas. illus. by Nancy Carpenter. unpaged. Dial. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3053-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Frances and her little brother wonder whether Santa will know how to find them on their tiny lighthouse island in Maine. Bad weather has kept the supply boat away, and there’s nothing to eat but beans and oatmeal. To their amazement, an airplane flies over the island, dropping a sack filled with gifts and food from the Flying Santa. There’s a charmingly nostalgic feel both to the story and to the illustrations, which convey a sense of time and place and are very appealing. An author’s note gives a brief history of the Flying Santa Service, which was created in 1929 and continues to this day delivering treats to Coast Guard families. A lovely tradition and a lovely book.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

CAPLE, Kathy. Duck & Company Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2239-5. LC 2010029574.
Gr 1-3–Seven short chapters are chock-full of entertaining holiday antics at the Duck & Company Bookstore. Clever Duck offers free cocoa to customers willing to cut out paper snowflakes and quickly gets the store decorated. On Christmas Eve, a snowstorm traps the customers inside, but there are plenty of treats, so they make a party of the situation. What a great place to be trapped–no shortage of books to read! Santa even pays a visit in the middle of the night. Lively, colorful gouache and ink illustrations share the pages with an inviting text on a white background. Plenty of action and expressive, engaging characters make this selection charming and laugh-out-loud funny.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

CLARK, Mary Higgins. The Magical Christmas Horse. illus. by Wendell Minor. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Paula Wiseman Bks. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4169-9478-7; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-3430-1. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Eight-year-old Johnny is eager to visit his grandparents in their big stone house in Connecticut. He vividly remembers his last trip there when he was three, and his strongest memory is of a beautiful, hand-carved wooden horse. Johnny tells his little brother, Liam, that this year, it will be his turn to enjoy it–but the horse has vanished. Will wishing be enough to bring it back on Christmas Day? This story of a caring family, skillfully illustrated in gouache and watercolor, warmly and effectively conveys the selfless ideal of the season.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

COHEN, Deborah Bodin. Engineer Ari and the Hanukkah Mishap. illus. by Shahar Kober. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. RTE $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5145-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-5146-7. LC 2010016832.
K-Gr 2–As Engineer Ari walks through Jerusalem with his arms full of packages for Hanukkah, he meets two boys reenacting the tale of brave Judah Maccabee and two girls playing the dreidel game. Later, when his train breaks down, Ari is aided by a Bedouin shepherd who puts him back on the right track. As with the earlier Engineer Ari books, this one combines simple charm with a good-hearted message, all wrapped up in a bit of interesting history about the first steam engine to travel between Jaffa and Jerusalem in 1892. Of particular note is that the dreidel displays a different set of letters than those most children are familiar with, because in Israel the great miracle of Hanukkah happened “here,” not “there.” Combining cheerful illustrations, a friendly text, appealing characters, and a bright red train, this holiday book is sure to please.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

COLE, Brock. The Money We’ll Save. illus. by author. unpaged. Farrar/Margaret Ferguson Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-374-35011-6. LC 2010037760.
PreS-Gr 1–When Ma sends Pa out shopping, she cautions him to get only flour and eggs, as the family of six needs to save every penny in order to have a decent Christmas. Instead Pa comes home with a hungry young turkey that he aims to fatten up in time for the holiday. Alfred, as they name him, makes messes in and around their tiny tenement flat, angering everyone in the building. He does get fat in time for Christmas, but by then the family members can’t bring themselves to eat him. Their solution is heartwarming if not entirely satisfying; some readers might feel that eating cantankerous Alfred would have been preferable to the meager holiday that the family celebrates. Cole’s humorous illustrations bring to life the crowded conditions in a 19th-century New York tenement building; the characters are raggedy and poor, but full of spirit and good will.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

COLE, Henry. The Littlest Evergreen. illus. by author. unpaged. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegen Bks. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-114519-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Told from the perspective of a small evergreen, this tale begins with the narrator as a sprout and continues through the seasons until men come with their chainsaws. Luckily, the tree’s size saves it from being cut down. “They dug me out of the earth and bound my roots tightly with cloth and rope. Then I too was put on the truck.” Taken to a Christmas tree lot, it is taken home by a family where it is decorated with ornaments and begins to feel loved. After a few weeks, the evergreen is replanted in the yard, where it grows big and strong. Illustrations are of a contemporary setting with nature’s beauty brought forth through the lush greenery. A fine Christmas choice with an environmental message.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library

CONNICK, Harry, Jr. The Happy Elf. w/CD. illus. by Dan Andreasen. unpaged. HarperCollins. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-128879-1. LC 2009029705.
Gr 1-3–Eubie the elf’s dream is to join Santa’s sleigh team on Christmas Eve, but his enthusiasm in the workshop is too distracting, so instead he is charged with checking over the famous naughty and nice lists. When he realizes that no gifts will be delivered to Bluesville, he uses his magic hat to go and spread Christmas cheer, thus breaking “Santa’s most important rule”–to never use his magic hat outside of the North Pole. Though Andreasen’s appealing artwork is expressive and jolly, it doesn’t save this long-winded and overly simplistic story. Includes CD of Connick’s song of the same title. Additional.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

CRANE, Carol. The Christmas Tree Ship. illus. by Chris Ellison. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. Tr $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-285-1. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–A narrator tells of his boyhood with his grandfather, a lighthouse keeper on Lake Michigan. The man likes to tell the stories at the holidays while he carves ornaments. The boy’s favorite is a tale about a schooner that went down in a November 1912 storm while on its way to Chicago with a full load of Christmas trees. This anecdote is not enough to hang a picture book on, despite its being based on a historical event, and the basic prose of the story occasionally breaks into awkward rhyming stanzas. The nostalgia is reinforced by attractive, old-fashioned oil and acrylic paintings; unfortunately, the scenes with Grandpa Axel telling his “old” story of the 1912 wreck seem to be set in 1912 themselves, judging by Grandma Hannah’s clothing. Mildly pleasant but flawed.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

CRISP, Dan. Santa’s Missing Reindeer. illus. by author. unpaged. Macmillan UK. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-230-71291-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–While the illustration of Santa, an empty harness, and seven reindeer may never change since it is printed on a transparent plastic strip, the places around the world where they search for a missing member of the team certainly can. Threaded through slits in the cardboard, the so-called “magic sliding strip” makes page-turning downright difficult when the book lies flat. Though it is part of the humor, it is a little off-putting to see the sleigh in beach and jungle settings. Rhymes like “Christmas Day is coming /Santa’s big day’s almost here./But what’s this? There is trouble!/Santa’s missing a reindeer” are awkward, and the payoff of the wayward animal being found waiting in the North Pole all the time may be a letdown for kids wanting more to seek and find.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

CUSHMAN, Doug. Christmas Eve Good Night. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holt. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-6603-6. LC 2010038058.
PreS-K–On colorful spreads, various critters and other denizens of the frozen North Pole say good night as they are tucked in on Christmas Eve. A snowman says “Brr! Brr!”; Gingerbread men say “Crunch!”; mice say “squeek!”; nutcrackers say “Crack! Crack!”; reindeer use bells to say “Jingle! Jingle!”; robot toys in Santa’s bag say “Bzz! Clank!”; and Santa himself says “Merry Christmas to all! And to all a…!” Cushman’s bold, cartoonlike graphics have charm that will work well in storytime, and the simple pattern has appeal, but this is a slight offering in a very crowded field.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

DAVIS, David. The Twelve Days of Christmas–in Texas, That Is. illus. by Candace Camling. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58980-924-6. LC 2011005200.
K-Gr 3–A Texas take on the traditional poem, featuring an eager-to-please cowboy who kicks off Christmas by giving his “darlin’” a mockingbird in a gum tree. After he inundates her with everything from “broncos bucking” and “longhorns leaping” to oil wells and armadillos, she collapses in a happy heap. Simple, bright, folksy illustrations assist in capturing the regional flavor of the text, which will be appreciated most by those from the Lone Star state.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

DECK THE HALLS. illus. by Veronica Vasylenko. unpaged. Tiger Tales. 2011. BD $8.95. ISBN 978-1-58925-868-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Mice sure know how to throw a holiday party, as evidenced by the festive scenes accompanying each line of the song. Indeed, their cozy home is decked to the nines, with evergreen garlands in every corner and holly berries embossed with glitter. Additional texture comes from clouds of iridescent sparkle that surround the candles and roaring fire. While the language of the carol might be a stretch for most preschoolers, the scenes of mice children decorating the house and wrapping presents, and parents stealing a kiss under mistletoe, making cookies, or sharing a book offer plenty to sing, touch, and talk about with little ones.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

DEPAOLA, Tomie. Strega Nona’s Gift. illus. by author. unpaged. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen Bks. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25649-3. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–Fans of Strega Nona and her bumbling helper will delight in this funny tale in which the many feasts of the holiday season are the focal point. All is well until the eve of the Epiphany, the special night when animals are rumored to talk and are therefore well fed by their owners. Big Anthony greedily consumes the goat’s treats, and the animal retaliates by eating his blanket. He suffers a cold and sleepless night without receiving the dreams of bountiful food that Strega Nona sends everyone else in the village as her gift. When he finds the lucky fava bean in the Epiphany cake, he asks for a gift of a new blanket and a dish of delicious food that he gives to the goat as a truce. Infused with warm Italian flavor and decorated with dePaola’s signature charming illustrations, this is a holiday selection that readers will savor.??Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

DUNREA, Olivier. A Christmas Tree for Pyn. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-399-24506-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–“My name is Oother,” says the mountain man when his daughter calls him Papa. The brief exchange is a typical one between this parent and child with polar opposite personalities. Hardened by nature and perhaps by sadness (masterfully conveyed when he thinks “How very much like her mother she is”), Oother is unable to express his love, much less consider celebrating Christmas. Brightness and adoration come easier for tiny, pig-tailed Pyn, who keeps the house comfortable and clean and dreams of having a Christmas tree. The snowdrift landscape and pencil and gouache artwork are not the only similarities to Dunrea’s Old Bear and His Cub (Philomel, 2010). Oother has the same grizzled bulk and gruff demeanor as Old Bear, and Pyn seems all the more petite bundled in a red-tasseled scarf that one imagines came from the same skein used to knit Little Cub’s. This heartwarming story of parental love, in which a girl is rewarded for her gentleness and quiet determination, would make a wonderful read during the holiday season and beyond.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

ENGELBREIT, Mary. Mary Engelbreit’s Nutcracker . illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Harper. Nov. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-06-088579-3. LC 2010018438.
K-Gr 4–The retelling is faithful to Hoffmann’s classic story, and the illustrations are in Engelbreit’s familiar colorful, rounded, sentimental style. It is refreshing to see an African-American child cast as one of the dancers who serenades Marie and the prince. However, the romance between the Nutcracker-turned-prince and Marie, who appears to be about five years old, is a real stretch here. This version will appeal more to patrons looking for cute holiday books than to fans of the ballet.–Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

FLORA, James. Kangaroo for Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. Enchanted Lion. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-59270-113-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–When Kathryn receives a real kangaroo in the mail the day before Christmas, she names her Adelaide and takes her out for a hop. The poor animal, terrified by a barking dog, goes out of control and hops all over town, wreaking havoc in houses and businesses as Kathryn holds onto her back. Once home, they get appropriate Christmas presents– boots and birch leaves for Adelaide and a pogo stick for Kathryn. There isn’t much of a story in this book originally published by Harcourt in 1962, but the illustrations, reminiscent of Margaret Bloy Graham’s drawings for Harry the Dirty Dog (Harper, 1956), will appeal to kids and grown-ups who crave an authentic retro style.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

FREDERICK, Heather Vogel. Home for the Holidays. Bk. 5. 340p. (The Mother-Daughter Book Club). S & S. Oct. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-1-442-40685-8; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-442-40685-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 6-8–In this installment in the series, the five girls, now sophomores, and their mothers are reading Maud Hart Lovelace’s “Betsy-Tacy” series. None of the girls is home for the holidays, as it turns out; two take a cruise, two stay at a fairytalelike inn, and one heads off to California. Parallels to the “Betsy-Tacy” books abound as the teens quarrel, make up, obsess about boys, and worry about a parent’s unemployment and a possible move. Though they take turns narrating, their voices sound the same, and their world is filled with more delicious food, fabulous trips, cunning interior decoration, and cute clothes than a women’s lifestyle magazine. This will be like candy for fans of Frederick’s series, many of whom will be enticed to read Lovelace’s books as well.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

GARLAND, Michael. Oh, What a Christmas! illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-545-24210-3. LC 2011005284.
PreS-Gr 1–As Santa begins his deliveries, the harness breaks and the sleigh careens down a mountain and smacks into a barn, where the jolly old gent dusts himself off and enlists the help of some humble farm animals to pull it. Two sheep, a goat, a pig, two cows, a horse, and a very old dog form a makeshift team and fly off on their journey. After getting through the long night, Santa returns them to their barn with a decorated tree and plenty of presents. Though there isn’t much to the unoriginal plot, the glossy, Pixar-like illustrations of Santa and the bug-eyed animals are funny and exuberant, and the short, peppy text will work well at storytime.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

HÄNEL, Wolfram. Merry Christmas, Mr. Snowman! illus. by Judith Rossell. unpaged. NorthSouth. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7358-4045-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1–On Christmas Day, mice siblings Pip and Squeak pass the hours until they can open their presents by building a snowman. After their plan to stash Mr. Snowman behind the Christmas tree is thwarted by some minor melting, they station him just outside a window so he can see the celebrations–but Pip and Squeak think he looks sad, so the family joins him outside. The text is a bit lengthy for the young children to whom the story will appeal, so the book will work better for lap-sharing than for storytime. Watercolor illustrations depict a cozy, old-fashioned house with mice dressed snugly in sweaters and slippers. A pleasant if slight holiday offering.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

HANUKKAH, OH HANUKKAH! illus. by Olga Ivanov & Aleksey Ivanov. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5845-6; ebook $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6007-7. LC 2010006994.
PreS-K–A traditional Hanukkah song receives a new look in this illustrated version. Each spread covers only one or two phrases (e.g., “Let’s have a party”), making it easier to recite than to sing along. Colorful acrylic illustrations are kid-friendly, with smiling family members gathered round to light the menorah, dance the hora, and play dreidel, overseen by an adorable yarmulke-wearing dog. While not as creatively illustrated as Susan L. Roth’s version (Dial, 2004), this pleasant book is perfect for the preschool set.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

HARRIS, John. Jingle Bells: How the Holiday Classic Came to Be. illus. by Adam Gustavson. unpaged. photos. CIP. Peachtree. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-56145-590-4. LC 2010052274.
Gr 1-3–Harris takes the popular claim of when and where “Jingle Bells” was written and adds imagined events. The fact that composer James Lord Pierpont was the music director of a Unitarian church in pre-Civil War Savannah becomes the inspiration for beginning the story–a brick thrown through a window because of the congregation’s stance against slavery. As Pierpont and his daughter clean up the glass and he feels the hot November air, he realizes that she has never experienced a snowy winter or been on a sleigh. Further lyrics come from snippets of conversation and the drive to uplift the parishioners’ spirits. The oil painting illustrations do right by the story (so much that one wishes it were true), capturing the atmosphere of a community willing to stick together as they journey against the grain, whether that means bringing snow somehow to the South or standing by an unpopular belief.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

HOFFMAN, Mary. Grace at Christmas. illus. by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu. unpaged. Dial. Oct. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3577-4. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–The irrepressible heroine of Amazing Grace (1991), Boundless Grace (1995), and Princess Grace (2008, all Dial) loves acting out the Nativity story. Often she plays all the parts herself, but sometimes Ma and Nana help out. This year, however, they are going to have visitors for the holidays. Grace isn’t happy about giving up her room, and Savannah, who is Grace’s age, doesn’t seem friendly. But the girls find common ground–they both miss their fathers and are crazy about Savannah’s Aunt Rosalie, a ballet dancer who shows up to share the festivities. Now there are plenty of actors for the Christmas play, a proper ballerina dancing a solo, and the best celebration ever. All of the action and drama is effectively conveyed in the expressive watercolor artwork. Grace’s fans will enjoy this holiday-themed outing and wish they could share Christmas with her, too.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

HOLM, Jennifer L & Matthew Holm. A Very Babymouse Christmas. Bk. 15. illus. by authors. 96p. (Babymouse Series). CIP. Random. 2011. PLB $12.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96779-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86779-8. LC 2010027988.
Gr 1-4–Babymouse decorates her locker for Christmas, imagines herself in scenarios ranging from “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” (in which a mouse is indeed stirring) to “A Christmas Carol” (in which Babymouse meets the scary Ghost of Mean Girls Past), and obsesses over getting a Whiz Bang, a mobile device that does everything but straighten whiskers. Somehow, she makes it to Christmas in one piece, when she discovers that unexpected presents can be the best ones. Both fans and readers new to the series will linger to read Babymouse’s pink-saturated Yuletide adventures cover to cover.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

KIMMEL, Eric A., adapt. The Golem’s Latkes. illus. by Aaron Jasinski. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5904-0; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6006-0. LC 2010020008.
Gr 1-3–Spinning the Jewish legend of the golem into a tale inspired by “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” this book disappoints on several levels. When Rabbi Judah of Prague must meet with the Emperor right before the first night of Hanukkah, he tells his housemaid that she can have the golem’s help making latkes for the evening’s festivities but warns her not to leave it home alone. Predictably, the Basha goes to visit a friend, leaving the golem to make latkes until they spill out the door and fill the streets of the city. However, one must wonder how batches and batches of latkes are made from a single basket of potatoes. This conundrum is exacerbated by the general flatness of the narrative, in spite of a text perked up by the refrain “Peel. Chop. Mix. Fry. Peel. Chop. Mix. Fry.” Richly hued acrylic-on-wood illustrations nicely depict golden latkes piled high, but are marred by the portrayal of the golem as a large gray Gumby-like figure with the letters EMET (Hebrew for “truth”) etched on its forehead. By focusing solely on the golem as automaton, young readers unfamiliar with this character’s rich and complex history in Jewish mysticism and literature are being shortchanged.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

KIMMEL, Eric A., retel. The Flying Canoe: A Christmas Story. illus. by Daniel San Souci & Justin San Souci. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-1730-8. LC 2002033936.
Gr 1-4–A group of fur traders spends a miserable Christmas in the remote Canadian woods. Certain that “Père Nöel does not come here,” the voyageurs are shocked when a mysterious stranger appears and offers to send them back to Montreal if they promise not to speak until they reach their own homes. They agree and pack their canoe, which rises into the air, whizzing them by the landmarks of their long journey. They communicate via sign language until they arrive in Montreal, where one trader cannot contain a verbal protest when he sees his daughter walking with a military man. Just before the stranger sends them back, the fur traders crash the canoe and fall safely to the ground, home at last. This French-Canadian folktale is brought to luminous life by the San Soucis. The atmospheric artwork, done in traditional and digital media, conveys the mystery and wonder of the snowy journey. Kimmel’s storytelling is rich and straightforward. A nice addition to folklore and Christmas collections.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

KOSTYAL, K. M. with The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Christmas in Williamsburg: 300 Years of Family Traditions. photos by Lori Epstein. 60p. reprods. bibliog. chron. index. CIP. National Geographic. Oct. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-1-4263-0867-3; PLB $27.90. ISBN 978-1-4263-0868-0. LC 2011011797.
Gr 4 Up–While Kostyal talks about the holidays during the 19th and 20th centuries, the bulk of the book, and indeed the wonder of it, concentrates on colonial times, played out by costumed interpreters of all ages. Food, gifts, activities, and decorations are lovingly described, and several recipes and crafts are included. Epstein’s full-color photographs are wonderful, providing an inviting window into the past. Teachers, parents, and scout leaders will find the book useful, and anyone who is interested in American history and holiday celebrations will be delighted.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

LANDAU, Elaine. What Is Christmas? 24p. (I Like Holidays! Series). photos. reprods. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2011. PLB $21.26. ISBN 978-0-7660-3702-1; pap. $6.95. ISBN 978-1-59845-295-2. LC 2010039476.
PreS-Gr 2–A simple introduction to the holiday, illustrated with full-color photographs showing attractive children and adults writing to Santa, lighting candles, decorating cookies, singing in a church choir, and sharing dinner. Each spread includes one or two photos and a brief paragraph of text. One page referring to Christians states, “For four weeks before Christmas, they get ready,” which is strangely definitive, considering that some families don’t get ready until a few days before, and some start in late October or early November. Also, the popcorn-and-cranberry chain, which requires the use of a needle, seems like an odd choice for a book aimed at very young children, even though it does suggest adult assistance.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

LEHMAN-WILZIG, Tami with Nicole Katzman. Nathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles. illus. by Jeremy Tugeau. unpaged. CIP. Lerner/Kar-Ben. 2011. PLB $17.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6657-7; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-6658-4. LC 2010020278.
Gr 1-3–Jacob narrates the story of his family’s holiday celebration as his autistic older brother blows out the candles on the menorah. Nathan displays other behaviors associated with autism such as repeating himself and staring intently at a spinning dreidel. Jacob finds him annoying, and happily escapes into a friendship with the new boy next door, yet when Steven makes fun of Nathan’s penchant for blowing out candles, both families come together to craft a satisfying solution. The well-constructed text rings true, particularly when describing the parents’ efforts to help their son focus on the festivities. Watercolor and charcoal illustrations nicely convey both Jacob’s mixed emotions and his family’s obvious love. Shining a light on an experience shared by many contemporary families, this book is a worthy addition for all collections.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

LEWIS, Anne Margaret. What Am I? Christmas. illus. by Tom Mills. unpaged. (My Look and See Holiday Book Series). CIP. Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $9.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-8958-8. LC 2010050370.
PreS-Gr 1–Bold graphic-style illustrations fill this “lift the flap” entry. A sentence appears on the left, and part of the answer peeks out from underneath the flap on the right to give a clue. For example, when the text reads, “Up, Up, and away! I fly Santa’s sleigh,” the back legs and tail of a reindeer are shown. Questions like, “What am I? What could I be?” are written on the bold-colored flap. Once the flap is lifted, the answer is revealed to all, “I am Santa’s reindeer. That’s me!” Youngsters will enjoy giving the answers and participating in the refrain, “That’s me!”–Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library

LINDMAN, Maj. Flicka, Ricka, Dicka and Their New Skates. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. 2011. Tr $14.99. ISBN 978-0-8075-2496-1. LC 2010047837.
Gr 1-4–Triplets Flicka, Ricka, and Dicka are thrilled with their new “shiny skates on white shoes” and they take them along when they visit their aunt and uncle. Uncle Jon warns them to stay away from the thin ice across the lake, but a boy chases the girls’ dog into the dangerous area and they both fall in. Luckily all ends well with hot chocolate and cookies. While this quaint reprint of the 1950 picture book will appeal to fans of the Swedish sisters, parents who remember their adventures fondly might be horrified at the dangerous situation and lack of adult supervision. The illustrations are charming but the tale is not compelling beyond the nostalgia factor.–Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

LLOYD-JONES, Sally. Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story. illus. by Alison Jay. unpaged. Zonderkidz. Oct. 2011. Tr $15.99. ISBN 978-0-310-72291-5; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-0-310-42190-0. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 3–A subtle, yet satisfying story about the impending arrival of the newborn King. Creatures great and small respond to a whisper of a “song” heard around the world and eagerly spread the news. “It’s time! It’s time! Get ready! Be glad!” Lloyd-Jones’s lyrical language (“the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumor”) and repetitive refrains make the text suitable for reading aloud. Jay’s signature-style, crackle-varnish paintings are bright and effective in conveying a sense of eager anticipation and movement among the animals. Every scene includes an increasing glow in the sky, ultimately culminating in a single bright star whose light shines down on Heaven’s Son. A charming addition to most collections.–Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

LYNETTE, Rachel. Let’s Throw a Christmas Party!. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-2860-9; pap. ISBN 978-1-4488-2731-2; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-2860-9. LC 2010031040.
––––. Let’s Throw a Hanukkah Party!. PLB ISBN 978-1-4488-2572-1; pap. ISBN 978-1-4488-2733-6; ebook ISBN 978-1-4488-2861-6. LC 2010032132.
ea vol: 24p. (Holiday Parties Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen. 2011. PLB $21.25; pap. $8.25; ebook $21.25.
Gr 2-4–Each title includes a brief history of the holiday, followed by suggestions for foods, decorations, crafts, and activities for a party. Christmas has full-color photographs, an interesting wreath made from old jigsaw puzzle pieces, plus several suggestions for foods to serve, but only the simplest recipe for hot chocolate. It ends with the suggestion that guests bring items to donate to charity. Hanukkah includes a recipe for potato pancakes, a craft stick Star of David and a wood-block menorah. Lynette suggests acting out the Hanukkah story and singing songs, though she does not include any lyrics or music. Adequate additions.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

MACKALL, Dandi Daley. Listen to the Silent Night. illus. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher. unpaged. Dutton. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-525-42276-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Rhyming text describes how the first Christmas Eve was anything but a silent night as owls hooted, Joseph’s sandals flapped, and cows mooed. The energy and engaging rhythm of these sounds are infectious and will get children joining in, which may prove problematic at the end when “Mary groaned in pain, Joseph by her side/Then a shout rang out–Baby Jesus cried!” Johnson and Fancher’s lovely artwork is filled with warm welcoming colors and highly textured details. A noisy account of the miraculous night.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library

MCKEE, David. Elmer’s Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. Andersen, dist. by Lerner. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8088-7; ebook $12.95. ISBN 978-0-7613-8090-0. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–The patchwork pachyderm helps all of the young elephants get ready for the annual visit from Papa Red, walking them from the jungle up to a mountain where pine trees grow. They play in the snow and choose a tree with roots “that would be easy to put back later.” After decorating it, they catch a glimpse of Papa Red (a red elephant with a white beard and red hat with white trim), and Elmer helps him load his sleigh, pulled by a team of moose. McKee uses his traditional vibrant colors in the simple cartoon illustrations. This slight, inconsequential story touches on the spirit of giving, but just might raise more questions than it answers.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library

MARTIN, Ruth. Santa’s on His Way: A Changing-Picture Book. illus. by Sophy Williams. unpaged. Candlewick/Templar. 2011. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5555-6. LC 2010049467.
K-Gr 2–Like last year’s The First Christmas (Candlewick, 2010), this cheerful tale of Santa getting ready for his big night has “changing-pictures,” which are created by overlaying two images, divided into horizontal or vertical slats. In this case, the images change when a flap is opened. On December 19th, Santa brushes the reindeer; on the 20th he encourages his elves to get those toys ready; on the 21st he shines up the sleigh, and so forth. Williams’s soft-focus pastel illustrations convey a childlike sense of wonder and magic, and the changing scenes provide forward momentum to go along with the text. This sturdier than usual toy-movable book could be used in a holiday storytime and would probably survive numerous one-on-one readings.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

MICHAEL HAGUE’S TREASURY OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS. illus. by Michael Hague. unpaged. Sterling. 2011. Tr $9.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-7812-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–“Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “O Christmas Tree,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” are beautifully illustrated and perfect for storytime sharing. Spreads include the lyrics in a large and readable type opposite full-page paintings of adorable little animals in old-fashioned garb participating in various holiday activities. The book does not include the musical notation for the songs, but it does have a brief author’s note that gives the history of each one. The red fuzzy cover probably won’t look so good after a few circulations, but librarians, teachers, and parents will definitely be able to make use of the contents during the holiday season.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

MOORE, Tim. Must Be Santa. illus. by Pete Whitehead. unpaged. Golden Bks. 2011. Tr $8.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86853-5. LC 2010932160.
PreS-Gr 2–Charming, colorful cartoon illustrations accompany the classic song written by Hal Moore and Bill Fredricks in 1960. Structured as a call-and-response, the first page poses the question, “Who’s got a beard that’s long and white?” A page turn reveals the answer “Santa’s got a beard that’s long and white.” Some questions and answers are on the same page. After every other verse, the list of features is reiterated, e.g., “Cap on head,/suit that’s red./Special night,/beard that’s white” followed by the chorus, “Must be Santa!/Must be Santa!/Must be Santa! Santa Claus!” Music is not included. A nice addition for storytime or classroom use.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library

NOBLE, Trinka Hakes, retel. A Christmas Spider ’ s Miracle. illus. by Stephen Costanza. unpaged. CIP. Sleeping Bear. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-1-58536-602-6. LC 2010038185.
Gr 1-3–Noble puts her own spin on a Ukrainian folktale. In this version, a mother spider, wary of humans, makes a home for herself and her spiderlings in a small fir tree. Meanwhile, a poor human mother, unable to afford even one small gift for her children, decides to bring the fir tree inside to cheer them. Hoping to create decorations from bits of scrap material, she sketches festive patterns but falls asleep; the mother spider, feeling a kinship with this woman, weaves exquisite, glistening ornaments based on the patterns. Thus, a miraculous sight greets the youngsters on Christmas morning. Enchantingly told, the story is enriched by the visual magic of Costanza’s colorful, textured compositions. An excellent choice for lap-sit reading or group sharing.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

NORDQVIST, Sven. The Tomtes’ Christmas Porridge. tr. from Swedish by Polly Lawson. illus. by author. unpaged. Floris Bks. 2011. Tr $17.95. ISBN 978-086315-824-7. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3–Tomtes, the Swedish version of elves or brownies, work hard all year to make sure that things go smoothly at a farm, and all Papa tomte wants is to be thanked on Christmas Eve with an offering of porridge. Knowing that the human family will forget and fearing the farm will suffer from her husband’s slighted feelings, Mama tomte and her children take matters into their own hands. The detailed cartoon art has a warm and cozy look with walls tinged with yellow from the candlelight. Illustrations can take up whole pages and the tomtes themselves look traditionally elfish in their caps and clogs. The fact that all the tomtes, even the four-year-old, drink a special beer may be puzzling to American readers. That aside, this offering will appeal to readers wanting the trappings of a classic Christmas folktale.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

PARK, Linda Sue. The Third Gift. illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. unpaged. Clarion. Nov. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-547-20195-5. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2–A boy tells of the long walks he takes with his father, who collects pearls of sap from certain trees, a skill he has honed over years. These expensive “tears” are used as medicine and spice, and as incense at funerals–and when three strangers arrive at the marketplace to buy the finest tears “for a baby,” readers discover that it is myrrh, one of the gifts to baby Jesus mentioned in Matthew 2:11. The hyperrealistic acryl-gouache illustrations depict the sandy beige hues and nuanced textures of a dry and inhospitable land, contrasting with the smooth skin and rounded cheeks of the young boy and his loving relationship with his father. This gorgeous picture book sheds thoughtful light on a fascinating facet of the Christmas story.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

PEARSON, Susan, adapt. Santa’s New Idea. illus. by Nina Chen. unpaged. NorthSouth. Oct. 2011. BD $7.65. ISBN 978-0-7358-4041-6. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 2–Santa’s idea is to let the toys choose their new owners; thus, children can be absolutely sure that the item they saw advertised a gazillion times in the months leading up to Christmas really, truly wanted to be theirs. Unfortunately, the rhyme is not going to mean much to the intended audience. “So in the weeks before we fly/together through the starry sky,/find out which child you’d like to spend/your life with as a special friend.” Chen’s delicate artwork is appealing, with nice details that work best with small groups or one-on-one. This is one idea that simply is not going to get much traction.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

ROBINSON, Barbara. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. illus. by Laura Cornell. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/Collins. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-06-089074-2. LC 2010042666.
PreS-Gr 2–The infamous Christmas pageant scene from Robinson’s chapter book of the same name (HarperCollins, 1972) has been condensed quite successfully into a picture book. Readers are introduced to the six Herdmans, “the worst kids in the history of the world.” They lie, steal, and play with matches “…and when they didn’t have anything else to do, they would bang the garage door up and down and try to squash each other.” When they take over the annual Christmas pageant, everyone is horrified but, of course, the Herdmans bring a chaotic sincerity and authenticity to the evening that is truly moving. Cornell’s trademark pen-and-ink and watercolor drawings capture the skinny-legged, scraggly-haired, snaggle-toothed Herdmans to a tee.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

ROSEN, Michael J. Chanukah Lights. illus. by Robert Sabuda. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $34.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5533-4. LC number unavailable.
K Up–Readers of this intricate pop-up book are taken from the miracle of the lamp burning for eight nights 2000 years ago through the spread of the Jews throughout the world to a final scene of a modern city with skyscrapers glowing like a fully lit menorah. The text is spare and poetic, requiring the engineered paper illustrations and, in most cases, an adult’s interpretation to understand it. On the fourth night, “…we think how faith was borne to a continent where Hebrew had never been heard, where menorahs had never been lit.” The pop-up illustration is of an exotic house framed by palm trees and scampering monkeys, while in the background, a windmill spins. Where is this–Morocco? The Netherlands? There aren’t any notes to inform readers. Other scenes–a tenement house, a kibbutz–are clearer, and in every scene, kids will have fun searching for the tiny glowing candles within the white paper layers. This is a gorgeous and fragile holiday book for adults and children to enjoy together.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

RUBEL, David. The Carpenter’s Gift: A Christmas Tale about the Rockefeller Center Tree. illus. by Jim LaMarche. unpaged. photos. CIP. Random. 2011. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-0-375-86922-8; PLB $20.99. ISBN 978-0-375-96922-5. LC 2010033203.
Gr 1-4–During the Great Depression in New York City, young Henry lives with his out-of-work parents in a drafty shack and sells Christmas trees with his father. Giving a tall tree to some friendly construction workers results in the workers helping to build a house for his family; years later, a pinecone Henry plants becomes a Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, which is then milled for wood to build a home for another needy family. Detailed characterizations and a straightforward tone keep the tender tale from becoming saccharine. LaMarche’s almost impressionistic colored-pencil illustrations put readers in the midst of the action. Appendixes tell the true story of the origin of the Rockefeller Center tree and describe the mission of Habitat for Humanity International.–Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

SILVERMAN, Erica. The Hanukkah Hop! illus. by Steven D’Amico. unpaged. glossary. CIP. S & S. Oct. 2011. RTE $12.99. ISBN 978-1-4424-0604-9. LC 2010006064.
K-Gr 2–Evoking a joyous refrain found in traditional Hasidic music, this celebration of Hanukkah brings a family together for a jubilant night of dancing. A chant of “Biddy-biddy bim-bom bim-bom bop” sets both the tone and the beat of the energetic rhyming text, building from a jazzy syncopation to a whirling, rollicking climax reminiscent of a piece of Klezmer music. “Spin! Swing! Sway!/Dive! Jump! Pop!/The party’s going wild/at the Hanukkah Hop!” Charmingly retro, digitally rendered illustrations, reminiscent of ’60s-era cartoons, are animated and joyful. One should probably read through the text a few times before reading aloud to be sure to catch the syncopated beat. A fresh and festive choice for the Festival of Lights.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

SLEGERS, Liesbet. Kevin’s Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. Clavis. Oct. 2011. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-160537-104-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Preschooler Kevin decorates a tree, gets holiday cards, makes and wraps a present for his cousin Sally, and celebrates Christmas with a family feast. Sturdy pages and childlike illustrations in primary colors with thick dark outlines make this a cheerful, if not particularly exciting, holiday choice.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

SNEVE, Virginia Driving Hawk. The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood. illus. by Ellen Beier. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. 2011. RTE $16.95. ISBN 978-0-8234-2134-3. LC 2010029562.
Gr 1-4–Based on the author’s 1940s childhood on a Sioux reservation in South Dakota, this richly descriptive narrative is well matched by detailed and expressive watercolors. Together they tell a poignant, heartwarming tale that evokes a real feel for the time and culture. Virginia dreams of a new winter coat, but being the child of the Episcopal priest means getting the last of the pickings from the “Theast boxes,” cartons of used clothing from church congregations in New England. Luckily, a surprise donation means that Virginia has a happy and warm Christmas after all.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

SPINELLI, Eileen. The Perfect Christmas. illus. by JoAnn Adinolfi. unpaged. CIP. Holt/Christy Ottaviano Bks. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8050-9702-4. LC 2010039213.
PreS-Gr 3–In this lighthearted rhyming companion to The Perfect Thanksgiving (Holt, 2003), the same unnamed narrator compares and contrasts her own family’s Christmas preparations with those of her wealthy friend Abigail Archer. “On Christmas Eve at Abigail’s/her relatives come in cars./Chauffeur-driven! Glamorous clothes!/They look like movie stars./My relatives come in pickup trucks./They clatter up the walk./They ho-ho-ho and jingle bell./They shout instead of talk.” Cartoon art in bold colored pencil, gouache, and collage adds to the humor. This is a cheerful, funny, and respectful portrayal of two very different families and their holiday celebrations.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

SPURR, Elizabeth. Happy Sparkling Hanukkah. illus. by Colleen Madden. unpaged. Sterling. Oct. 2011. BD $5.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-7460-7. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Like Merry Sparkling Christmas (Sterling, 2010), this board book’s main attraction is its sturdy pages full of shimmering things, such as shiny candles, glowing chocolate coins, and glittery presents. A simple rhyming text touches on the highlights of the holiday and includes appropriate terms, such as “gelt” and “dreidel,” which is unfortunately misspelled “driedel.” A festive choice for very young children.–Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

THOMPSON, Lauren. One Starry Night. illus. by Jonathan Bean. unpaged. S & S/Margaret K. McElderry Bks. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-689-82851-5. LC 2010006064.
PreS-Gr 4–Animal parents look after their offspring as they watch over Mary and Joseph caring for baby Jesus. The animals, rendered in pencil with soft digital coloring, are the wild creatures that would have lived in the Holy Land at the time of the Nativity–wild boars and oxen, jackals, and cheetahs–not their domestic counterparts. This tender, poetic retelling of the age-old story takes the form of a whispered prayer as it highlights the nurturing given to babies of many species. The art and the words strike just the right tone of reverence and delight. A lovely offering.–Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS. illus. by Jane Ray. unpaged. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-5735-2. LC 2010052222.
K-Gr 5–On a busy city street in the 1920s, a young woman’s “true love” pulls out all the stops in this appealing version of the traditional song. Day by day, her tiny row house fills up with birds and cows, lords and ladies, and pipers and drummers (with pipes and drums from all over the world), and of course five golden rings. She takes all the ensuing chaos in stride, and, of course, her true love shows up on the doorstep as a grand finale. Ray’s intricate illustrations offer a wealth of details to explore up close. The images are slightly busy for sharing with a large group, but irresistible for a smaller group or one-on-one. A very nice version indeed.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS. illus. by Laurel Long. unpaged. score. CIP. Dial. Oct. 2011. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-0-8037-3357-2. LC 2008015774.
K-Gr 5–Every Christmas new versions of this song are published, and this is a rare one that truly stands out. As readers move through the various gifts, they are given the opportunity to search for the previous gifts concealed in the art. For example, on the third day of Christmas, readers see three handsome French hens nesting near a Christmas tree amid mistletoe, pinecones, and roses, and also on the spread are tiny images of two turtle doves and a partridge. The inside of the book jacket contains the key to the hidden images. The musical score and an artist’s note about the history of the song are included. Long’s lyrical and lush oil paintings, reminiscent of Russian icon art, combined with a tricky interactive element, make this version of the traditional carol special.–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

VAN GENECHTEN, Guido. Ricky’s Christmas Tree. illus. by author. unpaged. Clavis. Oct. 2011. Tr $16.95. ISBN 978-160537-106-1. LC number unavailable.
PreS-K–Ricky’s parents have been too busy to get a Christmas tree, so the rabbit with lopsided ears convinces his dad to tear himself away from his bills to buy one–and though at first his dad is crabby, the two end up having fun in the snow. Thanks to the big tree and Ricky’s dad’s improved mood, the holiday is merry after all. The illustrations, with their simple shapes, thick dark outlines, and warm colors, have plenty of appeal for toddlers and preschoolers. Though the text isn’t particularly noteworthy, this is a pleasant little tale about a boy and his dad.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

WALLACE, Nancy K. The Christmas Cats. illus. by Cathren Housley. unpaged. CIP. Pelican. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-1-58980-979-6. LC 2011002912.
K-Gr 3–Two sisters have invited three friends to Christmas tea, but their eight cats crash the festivities and wreak havoc on the lovely, civilized affair. Fortunately, the guests are soon charmed by the adorable terrors. Only the most fanatical cat lovers will be able to overlook the awkwardly rhymed narrative and amateurish illustrations.–Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

WOOD, Douglas. Franklin and Winston: A Christmas That Changed the World. illus. by Barry Moser. unpaged. bibliog. Candlewick. 2011. Tr $16.99. ISBN 978-0-7636-3383-7. LC 2008025456.
Gr 4-6–In 1941, the leaders of two powerful nations experienced a Christmas like no other when Winston Churchill visited Franklin Roosevelt in the White House. Weaving actual quotations into the narrative (alas, no specific sources are cited), Wood’s account of this meeting is also a story of how the men became friends just as their countries forged an alliance and America joined the Allied forces. Stunning full-page watercolor paintings capture candid moments from both the banquet table and strategy room, and even a surprising comical turn when Roosevelt barged in to Churchill’s room just as he was getting out of the bath. Though the mention of this and other exchanges of banter between the two men at times takes too light a tone considering the circumstances, their inclusion makes for a worthy, humanizing glimpse into that historic visit.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

YOLEN, Jane, adapt. Sister Bear: A Norse Tale. illus. by Linda Graves. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 2011. RTE $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-5958-3; ebook $17.99. ISBN 978-0-7614-6072-5. LC 2010024235.
K-Gr 3–In this fanciful reworking of “The Cat on the Dovrefell,” Yolen retains the jocular nugget of the story in which a nasty band of trolls invades a man’s home each Christmas Eve until the year they are scared away by a white bear they believe is a giant cat. Here, however, the joke is not so sharply drawn as the newly extended tale greatly elaborates on the relationship between the bear and her owner. Yolen tells more about the girl who finds a white bear cub and raises her as a faithful companion. As she grows, the bear hunts for Halva’s family and even learns to dance. The girl decides to show off the remarkable beast to the King of Denmark. When they stop at the Gustersons’ cottage en route, they learn of his problem with the trolls and quickly dispatch them. While the trolls are a good bit of the adventure, both text and pictures create cozy scenes of domesticity. In lovely pastel and watercolor views, Graves clothes the many characters in garments rich in folk design. Only the trolls are suitably ugly, scruffy in dress, and even tattooed. In the end, Halva’s family, along with Sister Bear, has a lovely time each Christmas feasting with the Gustersons. A satisfying tale for young readers favoring animals and a bit of adventure.–Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

YOON, Salina. One Christmas Eve. illus. by author. unpaged. (A Merry Seek-and-Count Book). Sterling. Oct. 2011. BD $6.95. ISBN 978-1-4027-8414-9. LC number unavailable.
PreS–Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the elves prepare for the big night before Santa takes to the skies with his reindeer. In this interactive board book, readers are asked to look for groups of items and count them, but with little indication of what the groups are. For example, the scene of Santa’s buckled boots surrounded by toys comes with the instruction, “Count groups of one and groups of two.” There are almost no numerals in sight and most of the flaps have nothing to do with the counting concept. The digital cartoon art is bright, but generic. Cheery but confusing.–Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

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