Kirkus Reviews QR Code
SNOWFLAKE KISSES AND GINGERBREAD SMILES by Toni Trent Parker

SNOWFLAKE KISSES AND GINGERBREAD SMILES

by Toni Trent Parker & photographed by Earl Anderson

Pub Date: Oct. 1st, 2002
ISBN: 0-439-33872-7
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic

Several African-American preschoolers prepare to celebrate a traditional Christmas with all the trimmings in this short work for younger children, the latest in a holiday series from Parker and Anderson (Sweets and Treats, not reviewed, etc.). Pages printed on heavy stock and the paper-over-board padded cover ensure that this will stand up to use with little ones. The short text consists of first-person rhyming couplets describing presents, a Christmas tree, cookies, and the joy of being with family for Christmas. The large-type text is printed on pages of different bright colors, with an oval photograph of a Christmas element (candy canes, poinsettias, an African-American Santa Claus) centered above the text. Each facing page showcases a photo illustration of a different cherubic child dressed in holiday velvets or cold-weather garb. The cheerful but unexceptional text is secondary here to the high-quality photographs and darling children. This volume will work well with even the youngest toddlers to introduce many elements of Christmas celebration. (Picture book. 1-4)