UNDER THE KISSLETOE

Sixteen rhyming poems of widely varying subjects all have some sort of connection to the Christmas season in this latest thematic collection from the prolific poet. Two of his best poems are shining stars: “Winter Scene,” a lovely shape poem in the form of an ornament and “A Brown King,” about one of the Wise Men. Both of these polished poems are strong enough to be anthologized in children’s poetry collections. Other lighter and more humorous poems discuss misguided Christmas cards, gingerbread houses and the antics of Santa and his elves. Some poems are quick and short and funny, and others use a longer format to examine topics such as waiting up on Christmas Eve or a favorite cat’s behavior on Christmas morning. Shepperson’s quirky illustrations in watercolor and ink complement each poem with a variety of illustration sizes, and he includes children of different ethnic groups as well as a female elf in a key role (in the titular poem) and in the cover illustration. (Poetry. 6-9)