“I’M NOT SANTA!”

Allen continues his amusing series about the ridiculously cute Baby Owl who in previous outings has declared himself “not cute!” and “not scared!” (2006, 2007). In this third offering, Baby Owl is wearing a Santa hat and pulling his stuffed-owl toy on a sled. Enter Baby Hare, who decides that Baby Owl must be Santa. An absolutely hilarious exchange follows as Baby Owl repeats that he is not Santa, Baby Hare insists that he is, the hare cries, the owl gives in and then the whole process is reversed until both are in tears. Can there be any doubt that these critters are two-year-olds? Only Santa himself can end the fuss, in a cameo appearance; he appears as just a pair of big black boots and furry red pants, in striking contrast to the tiny animals. Allen’s simple but effective illustrations, with their heavily outlined characters, are a perfect match to his simple but effective story, and he has toddler sensibilities down to a T. Carry on, Baby Owl, and tell us what else you’re not. (Picture book. 2-5)