A VERY HAIRY CHRISTMAS

This Christmas-themed sequel to The Three Little Javelinas (1992) revisits the three javelina siblings and their nemesis, the coyote trickster character.

The javelinas, Juan, José and Josefina, are preparing for Santa’s arrival on Christmas Eve with baking, music and a ballet performance by Josefina in the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Hairy.” In a deliciously spooky entrance, Coyote (in Santa disguise) arrives with his eight tiny mule deer, bursting into the javelina home through the wood stove. He’s looking for his supper but is thwarted by the resourcefulness of the javelina siblings, who tie up Coyote with red Christmas ribbons and stuff him in an empty bean sack. After a visit from the real Santa Claus, the javelinas enjoy a happy Christmas dinner with their new mule deer friends, and Coyote reforms and joins in the holiday fun. The story unfolds with dramatic suspense and delightful humor, spiced with clever dialogue and Southwestern flavor. Detailed watercolor-and-pencil illustrations offer a pleasing variety of moods including sweet, wild, funny and scary, with admirable range in perspective and design.

Fans of the original javelina story will welcome this reappearance after two decades. This Christmas treat strikes just the right balance between spicy and sweet. (Picture book. 4-8)