CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 14, 2011
"The cumulative effect of text and illustrations has a sad rather than celebratory feeling, unusual in a Christmas-themed story and therefore refreshing in a usually relentlessly cheery season. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 6-9)"
Newbery Medalist Park offers a Christmas story explaining how myrrh is harvested and how it came to be one of the gifts carried to the Christ Child by the three Wise Men.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 2, 2011
"The downcast faces of the people and angels and the old-fashioned language of the traditional text serve to distance readers. The "good tidings of great joy" are missing from this otherwise visually stunning work. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)"
The Nativity story from the King James Bible serves as the text for this engaging interpretation done in exquisite cut-paper–and-watercolor illustrations that stand out against dramatic, black backgrounds.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"Some joyless adults will object to the "stinky baby" theme, but lots of kids will find the mischievous mayhem a refreshing alternative to sticky-sweet holiday stories. (Picture book. 3-6)"
Six-year-old Joy has a less-than-joyful attitude at Christmas due to her boisterous baby brother, Sam.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"The length of this story makes it most suitable for elementary-age children, but teens and adults will also appreciate this moving tale of a Wise Man with a special gift. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 6 & up)"
This lyrically told story of an unknown Wise Man with a different sort of gift is based on Henry Van Dyke's Victorian-era tale, "The Story of the Other Wise Man."
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers (2007) remains the quintessential interpretation, but there is room on the Christmas bookshelves for the Engelbreit version as well. (Picture book. 4-7) "
Engelbreit extends her collection of traditional children's stories with this retelling of the Christmas classic, which blends well with the artist's signature style of highly ornamented illustrations bursting with bows, candies and fantasy flowers.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
"A cozy Christmas present for Brett's devoted fans. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-7)"
The snowy Scandinavian setting used in Brett's previous stories about trolls is again the backdrop for this latest Christmas offering from the beloved and prolific illustrator.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"This one has it all: engaging illustrations, a simple but satisfying plot and a text that adults won't mind reading over and over. (Picture book. 3-6)"
This deliciously clever bedtime story offers bouncy rhymes with rich vocabulary, a cast of appealing parent-child pairs and a satisfying ending as Santa takes off with his sleigh and his traditional "to all a good night!"
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"Even with attractive illustrations and a Christmas setting, a plodding story doesn't create any magic. (Picture book. 4-7)"
The prolific mystery writer turns her hand to children's Christmas stories with a sentimental tale of a beloved family heirloom that is restored just in time for reappearance under the Christmas tree.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 25, 2011
"The author's point may be that any joyous celebration with a happy family is a perfect Christmas, but this class-based comparison doesn't seem to be the aptest focus for a children's holiday story. (Picture book. 4-7)"
Spinelli and Adinolfi team up again for a look at another perfect holiday celebration, following the same families chronicled in their collaboration on The Perfect Thanksgiving (2003).
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 18, 2011
"The information conveyed about the feast days is interesting, but Strega Nona and Big Anthony aren't at their top form in this effort, with little of the rich magical humor they are known for. (author's note) (Picture book/religion. 4-7)"
DePaola's latest holiday contribution describes the eight traditional feast days of the Christmas season in Calabria, home of the consummate cook, Strega Nona, and her ever-hungry sidekick, Big Anthony.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 18, 2011
"The tale of Pyn and her father has psychological ties to the story of Heidi and her grandfather, with a similar theme of the love of a little girl cracking open a crusty heart. (Picture book. 4-8) "
Little Pyn lives in a cottage on top of a mountain with her cranky giant of a father, who doesn't want to celebrate Christmas--or raise a daughter by himself, either.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
"To see what really can be done with the song, read Jane Ray's exquisite version (2011). (artist's note, musical notation) (Picture book. 5-7)"
Ornate illustrations in a lush, romantic style follow the traditional wording of the old song, with all the accumulating gifts hidden within each succeeding illustration.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
"Grace learns some subtle lessons about sharing and being open to unexpected gifts, adding an additional layer of meaning to her name. (Picture book. 4-8)"
Many faith traditions and cultures advocate welcoming the stranger to the table of fellowship, and Grace learns this lesson firsthand when her family hosts a mother-daughter pair for Christmas.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 13, 2011
"A fresh take on the Nativity story is a tall order, but this beautifully realized offering sounds like a winner, in every way. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)"
Mackall cleverly turns the idea of a silent Christmas Eve night upside down with this poetic view of the first Christmas, focusing on the sounds made by each participant in the Nativity story.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"A witty and original take on the old Christmas Eve chestnut, with a sweet twist to season the fun. (Picture book. 3-8)"
Bruel continues the hilarious adventures of Bad Kitty with a "Night Before Christmas" theme in this latest entry in his successful series about the alphabet-obsessed pet.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 11, 2011
"Young fans of historical fiction series will enjoy this, as will anyone who enjoys a funny family story about Christmas preparations. (Picture book. 4-9)"
When Pa brings home a turkey poult to raise for Christmas dinner, hilarious complications ensue in this heartwarming family story set in 19th-century New York City.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"An unsuccessful blending of the holiday's history and rituals with a boogie-woogie theme leaves this Hanukkah addition on the sidelines. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-7)"
The arrival of some special guests transforms the traditional family Hanukkah gathering into a dance fest that has everyone moving to the rhythm of a bopping, hopping beat.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"This unforgettable interpretation stands out as a bright, multifaceted star in the crowded constellation of Christmas Eve stories. (Picture book/religion. 4-8)"
This arresting story of the first Christmas has a succinct, powerful, rhyming text and striking illustrations unlike any other version of the Nativity story, with art and words perfectly matched in an artistic tour de force.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"Younger children who are not ready for all the information in the letters will enjoy just singing along with the clever parody, while older kids will appreciate Max's witty writing style. (Picture book. 3-9)"
This geographically based series with a "Twelve Days of Christmas" structure continues with the latest entry set in Washington State.
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CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
"This is more fun than a barrel of monkeys. (Picture book. 4-9)"
With a tip of the stocking cap to Amelia Bedelia, Bloch offers a charming Christmas story interwoven with common expressions that can be interpreted in more than one way, illustrated in a refreshing collage style that combines pen-and-ink drawings and photographs.
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