A stuffed lamb is the favorite toy of a little boy named Louis, who falls asleep quickly on Christmas Eve. Lamb waits up for Santa, falls into his bag and is whisked off in the sleigh with all the other toys awaiting delivery. Inside the giant sack, Lamb interacts with the new toys throughout the night, until he is the only toy left. Will he be given to some other child? No, Santa flies him home to be reunited with Louis on Christmas morning. The story is utterly predictable, and while some children will find Lamb sweet, others will think him babyish. The illustrator uses glowing strings of Christmas lights and a variety of dramatic perspectives to create a magical atmosphere, but he cannot add enough luster to make this one a keeper. (Picture book. 3-5)
