After the obligatory reading of How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, The Polar Express and other favourite family holiday picture books, you might want to try some brand new seasonal offerings.
Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin (New York, Atheneum) $23
The feisty farm animals who live on Farmer Brown's farm are up to their usual antics in this Christmas sequel. While Farmer Brown eagerly awaits the arrival of Santa, Duck is slithering stealthily along a zipline to the house to deliver a present. Unfortunately, Duck becomes stuck in the chimney and pretty soon the sheep, the cows and the pigs also come to grief trying to "unstuck Duck." After a lot of Ho! Ho! Uh-ohs, Santa arrives and sorts it all out in front of some very amused reindeer. An oblivious Farmer Brown comes down on Christmas morning to see happy animals gathered around the tree they have just finished decorating. Boisterous fun for the preschool crowd who have enjoyed the previous picture books featuring this silly group of barnyard pals.
The Night Before Christmas: A Brick Story by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Amanda Brack (New York, Sky Pony Press) $19
Every year, a new interpretation of Clement Moore's beloved poem is added to the dozens that have been published over the years. This one gets a gold star for having truly unusual illustrations. Amanda Brack evidently spent her childhood playing with Lego and her brilliantly coloured Lego sets form a stunning accompaniment to the text. Read this to your favourite child and don't forget to provide some Lego as well - most readers will want to make their own Christmas scenes after seeing the ones in this book.
The Smallest Gift of Christmas by Peter H. Reynolds (Candlewick Press) $16
A present does not have to be big to be your heart's desire. Roland clearly does not grasp this concept as he races downstairs on Christmas morning and finds that his present is unacceptably small. He wishes for bigger and bigger ones and when he is still not satisfied he hops aboard a rocket ship to find the biggest present of all. He has an epiphany when he realizes that the fast-disappearing speck that is earth is just what he wants with all his heart. Not a subtle message, but an important one.
A Homemade Together Christmas by Maryann Cocca-Leffler (Albert Whitman Company) $24
The very best gifts are the ones you make yourself. At least, that is what Luca and his family decide this year. Luca, the smallest pig in a family of four, is pretty excited about having a homemade Christmas. That is, until his great ideas prove to be too difficult in their execution. His mom, dad and sister apparently have no problem coming up with viable ideas for gifts and Luca is discouraged until his mom tells him the best gift of all is spending time together. Charming and spot on Christmas sentiment.
The Animals' Santa by Jan Brett (New York, Putnam's Sons) $20
Jan Brett is well known for her gorgeous picture books and this book is no exception. The dust jacket blurb explains that she wanted to focus on forest animals that live in northern Canada such as badgers, arctic foxes and snowshoe rabbits. Her illustrations feature decorative borders with quill work based on Native American designs. The gentle story features Little Snow, a young rabbit, who does not believe there is an animals' Santa until he is faced with irrefutable proof. Delightful.
The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada by Ellen Warwick, illustrated by Kim Smith (New York, Sterling) $12.95
A great picture book for older kids (five-nine years) which takes the reader across Canada with a Canuck version of a familiar Christmas song. A little girl named Juliette writes 12 letters to her family describing the wonders of the cities and special places she and her cousin visit with grandma. The exuberant cartoon-like illustrations add to the fun with their humorous details and wacky style.
Lots of geographical information is embedded in Juliette's letters and an appendix provides three pages of interesting facts about our country.
The Best Parts of Christmas by Bethanie Deeney Murguia (Somerville, Mass., Candlewick Press) $18
Sometimes the best parts of Christmas extend throughout the year. Fritz is incredibly excited about the family traditions surrounding the Christmas tree - the finding of the special and perfect one, the decorating and especially the central role the tree plays in the subsequent family gatherings. Fritz is very sad after Christmas when the tree is taken down, but realizes that he can decorate even a branch and keep the holiday spirit throughout the year. Unusual focus in that the post-Christmas letdown is cleverly addressed. The watercolour illustrations depict a happy family and a truly strangely decorated tree. Perfect.
Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger (New York, Putnam's Sons) $20
Max and his bird buddy are aspiring Olympians in a hilarious story about the technical difficulties encountered by two young pals. When the sled refuses to slide, the intrepid pair realize that taking care of your equipment is of vital importance. On their next attempt, they are prepared for the unexpected which is good because they careen into a tree. But "true Olympians never give up" as is proven when all obstacles are overturned. The humorous illustrations enlarge greatly on the simple text. Sprightly and lots of fun.
The Snow Rabbit by Camille Garoche (New York, Enchanted Lion Books) $23.50
Two sisters inhabit a surreal world created by the illustrator using spectacular 3D cut-paper illustrations. There is no text in this magical tale of a winter night adventure. A little rabbit, rescued and returned to the forest by one sister, returns the favour when the other sister's wheelchair becomes stuck in the snow. The rabbit slowly grows large and carries the sisters home. An exquisitely beautiful parable of love which truly exemplifies the golden rule.
Fran Ashdown was the children's librarian at the Capilano branch of the North Vancouver District Public Library. Christmas is her favourite time of the year. For more information check your local libraries.
