ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

In this clever riff on the novelty song “All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth,” an adorably earnest reindeer encounters a big problem.

“I lotht my front baby teeth!” wails Reina, who can no longer pronounce the letter S. The upcoming Holiday Jamboree is just 12 days away—how will Reina handle the big solo? Reina’s teacher and mother both offer reassurance, but Reina decides to “take matterth into my own hooveth,” first with replacement teeth, then with a letter to Santa. Unfortunately, the cutoff date for mail to reach the North Pole has passed, so Reina decides to walk there, accompanied by two friends. They brave obstacles, but when they arrive, they discover that Santa’s workshop is closed in preparation for the big day. Their parents pick them up, and the concert is nigh. But Reina invites the others to be part of the song, and they all sing joyfully together. Park’s digital illustrations depict the young reindeer with big eyes and small antlers, wearing patterned vests in a variety of colors and patterns; Reina’s is red and white, and our young hero wears a green scarf. Red ribbons with white text show the countdown to Christmas in the upper left corner of each page spread, amping up the tension as the clock ticks down to a satisfying conclusion.

A sweet, original retelling of the Yuletide earworm.