Mr. Santa, written and illustrated by Jarvis. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2024. $23.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Have you met Jack Frost! 

Do you stop at 
traffic lights? 

Are you afraid of h-h-heights?"

Poor Santa! He has no idea he is being watched. After all, children are supposed to be tucked in and sound asleep before he makes his appearance. The child who greets him is astonished to find Santa leaving gifts in their room. 

There are so many things to be learned if one actually has a chance to ask Santa questions that need answers. It takes no time at all to get right to it. Wondering if Santa has read the letter they wrote, wiped his shoes, wants to meet the child's fish or likes the taste of gingerbread is only the beginning. While readers never have a chance to hear what Santa's answers might be, they certainly have opportunity to think about the questions they could ask should they have the same chance meeting as the narrator of this entertaining tale does. 

The visit is not contained to the child's house. The two also go up to the roof to visit with the reindeer and have a quick flight to penguin territory, where they wonder about being lost. Returning to the city, they are able to catch a ride on the roof of a double-decker bus as snow falls softly around them. Very quickly, they are back home to leave a gift for Mrs. Mouse, before making a reindeer run to Santa's home in the land of polar bears and elves. 

A final question leaves readers pondering their own answer. 

Sure to be a perfect jumping-off place for inquisitive and eager children to dream up some of their own questions should they encounter Santa on Christmas Eve. Warm, joyous, and full of wit and charm.                                                                                       

An Anishinaabe Christmas, written by Wab Kinew and illustrated by Erin Hill. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Baby looked out the window at the trees going by. 
As they got closer to the Rez, Baby could see that 
the trees were changing. There were fewer of the
kinds that have leaves. 

More and more, all the trees looked like Christmas 
trees." 

It's winter solstice, and Mommy and Daddy have a surprise for Baby. They are going to the Rez for Christmas. Baby is hesitant. How will Santa know where the family has gone? Allaying worry, Mommy gently reassures that Santa will know what he needs to know to find them. 

As the travel outside the city, for the first time, to celebrate an Anishinaabe Christmas, Baby takes notice of their surroundings. Passing a Do Not Feed the Bears sign is a reminder of a family story told about the time a bear visited the Rez. All the adults created a circle around the bear, with only one way out. That escape route led the bear back to her cubs. Makwa (meaning a bear) was then able to settle with her family and sleep in their den through the winter. It was a good story! 

Seeing the changing trees makes Baby think about Christmas, presents, and his grandparents. Mommy explains that Anishinaabe people love to give things away. It reminds Baby of the present meant to be given to his Kookum and Mooshum when they arrive at their home. As they travel further, Baby remembers that Mommy mentioned 'going home'. Why? 

"Home is where we live. 
But home is also where we come from." 

Warm lights in the darkness welcome them into the arms of Kookum and Mooshum. As they sit by the fire sipping tea and storytelling, Baby recounts the many things learned on their trip home. A special gift is given, the drums are played, and a Christmas song is shared.  

Digital artwork enhances the engaging storytelling, both providing an immersive experience for young readers of an Anishinaabe Christmas. A pronunciation guide is included in backmatter, as well as a short explanation of Anishinaabe ways.                                               

Stickler's Christmas, written and illustrated by Lane Smith. Random House Studio, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"This Christmas, 
Stickler knew just what to give everyone. 

With its sack of presents, Stickler climbed 
on Judy and was off. 

All about, snowflakes fell - light, fluffy 
and beautiful. 

You know the kind."

Judy, a reindeer, and Stickler set off in gentle snowfall to find friends and offer perfect presents for the holiday season. They stop first at Nana's house, where her grand-rabbit is hopping around in the snow. Nana patiently watches. The first present (a stick) goes to Rabbit. Rabbit considers it to be just what is needed. 

On they walk until they meet Crow who is building a snowman. Stickler knows that an Idea stick is needed here, and it works perfectly for Crow and the snowman. Upon meeting Partridge in a nearby pear tree, Stickler provides a gift to help Partridge remember the song's words. Partridge is confused, and wants to know which song. 

As lights twinkle in front of them, Stickler and Judy move on. Doug-the-Fir is resplendent in glowing illumination. Unhappy with his predicament and not wanting to be a Christmas tree, Stickler reminds that Doug is sure to be the center of attention later in the day. Doug admits to being shy and not wanting to garner that attention. 

"Hmm, let me think about your special 
problem and come back tonight with a 
special solution," said Stickler. 

Stickler's solution is another proper present. Bravo! 

Lane Smith and his imaginative mixed media artwork bring us another wondrous Stickler story! Don't miss the front and back endpapers. Please, Lane Smith, we want some more!