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2010 December Holiday Round-up (page 6)

Cover art for LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2010
LLAMA LLAMA HOLIDAY DRAMA
by Anna Dewdney, illustrated by Anna Dewdney
"The extra-large trim and cheerful illustrations make this a fine choice for reading aloud to a group. (Picture book. 2-5)"
In this fourth session of "llama drama," the little llama boy finds that seemingly endless days of waiting for Christmas to arrive in addition to all the related hustle and bustle can be just a little much. Read full book review >
Cover art for A WISH FOR ELVES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 28, 2010
A WISH FOR ELVES
by Mark Gonyea, illustrated by Mark Gonyea
"A limited palette of reds, greens and yellow and simple shapes provide a sharp, contemporary look that will appeal to older children with limited reading skills. (Picture book. 4-10)"
The picture book takes graphic-novel form with a minimalist story about a boy who wishes he had his own set of elves to do his bidding. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE TWENTY-FOUR DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 28, 2010
THE TWENTY-FOUR DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS: AN AUSTIN FAMILY STORY
by Madeleine L'Engle, illustrated by Jill Weber
"Repackaged, with Weber's full-color spot illustrations to add visual interest, this should make for agreeable, alternative holiday read-aloud. (Fiction. 6-10)"
This short novella about a family's old-fashioned preparations for Christmas is actually a chapter from one of the novels in L'Engle's Austin Family Chronicles series. Read full book review >
Cover art for A CHANUKAH NOEL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 15, 2010
A CHANUKAH NOEL: A TRUE STORY
by Sharon Jennings, illustrated by Gillian Newland
"While many Jewish children may share Charlotte's envy of "Christmas fun," this won't help them negotiate differences in faith and custom. (Picture book. 5-8)"
Charlotte and her family have just moved to France, and she's not happy. Read full book review >
Cover art for 10 TRIM-THE-TREE'ERS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
10 TRIM-THE-TREE'ERS: A HOLIDAY COUNTING BOOK
by Janet Schulman, illustrated by Linda Davick
"Nine candles on the mantelpiece menorah add to the perplexing issues. (Picture book. 2-5)"
Schulman and Davick team up again for a sequel to their 10 Trick-or-Treaters (2008), starring the same crowd of cheerful children with a theme of decorating the Christmas tree. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHRISTMAS IN THE TIME OF BILLY LEE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 14, 2010
CHRISTMAS IN THE TIME OF BILLY LEE
by Jerdine Nolen, illustrated by Barry Moser
"The text and illustrations combine to make this unusual story work, and though an unseen friend seems unlikely, there's just enough of a mysterious, magical flavor to engage readers and make the story plausible. (Picture book. 5-8)"
A girl named Ellie narrates this sentimental but satisfying story about wishes coming true. Read full book review >