THE JOLLY CHRISTMAS POSTMAN

What could be more appropriate? The Jolly Postman (1986)--cycling past ""the fasteloping dish and spoon,"" a giant beanstalk, and King Cole's castle--delivers holiday letters and gifts addressed to ""Mr. H. Dumpty, Wincey Ward, Cock Robin Memorial Hospital""; the Gingerbread boy; and even ""Mister Wolf,"" found ""wolfing pies and sherry"" and sporting amiably with three pigs and the little red hen. All is reported in deft, jovial verse; six bound-in envelopes contain amusing missives--cards, a picture puzzle (Humpty Dumpty, of course), a tiny pamphlet of a book, a picture letter (Granny's sound advice to R. Hood), and--for the postman--an accordion-style peep show. The illustrations are as charming as the text--even the postmarks are fun. Pure delight.