Popular pigs Toot and Puddle celebrate Christmas together in Woodcock Pocket, the second Christmas story in Hobbie’s enduring series. This time Toot and Puddle focus on creating Christmas presents, each trying to please the other with a homemade gift. As they prepare for Christmas, they enjoy one perfect day of skiing together before rainy weather returns, spoiling their plans for snowy weather activities. On Christmas morning, the two pigs celebrate with their charming friend Opal, each giving her a homemade piglet doll. For their own gift exchange, Toot gives Puddle a cleverly designed wheelbarrow on skis to facilitate skiing in any weather, and Puddle gives Toot a painting of the two friends skiing together on their fondly remembered snowy day. The story has a touching and gently expressed theme of the joy of giving to others on Christmas, rather than anticipating one’s own presents. Hobbie’s watercolor illustrations create a cozy, wintry world for the pig pals, who convey their emotions with their expressive faces and ears. Four paper Christmas ornaments are included with the volume, showing Toot, Puddle and Opal engaging in winter activities. (Picture book. 3-6)
