Have You Seen Elephant? Written and illustrated by David Barrow. Gecko Press, Thomas Allen & Son. 2016. $26.99 ages 2 and up

"Coming!

Ready or not!

Where could he be?

Not under here.

Dad, have you seen
Elephant?"

Hide-and-seek has never been so much fun! When a little boy and a humongous elephant decide to play a game, and the elephant is tasked with doing the hiding, Elephant offers a thought:

"I must warn you though.
I'm VERY good."

The boy is willing to do his darnedest to find his opponent. He counts down, and is then off to make a concerted effort to discover the hiding place. Wee ones will be aware of every single spot that Elephant chooses ... behind the drapes, not under but on the bed and under the comforter, behind Dad's television set, and even under a lampshade. When the search moves outside, Elephant keeps up the suspense. Again, little listeners will take note that the boy's pup always knows exactly where the hider is, and will be offering loud and exuberant advice.

The illustrations are beautifully fashioned in mixed media, with wonderful use of light and shadow to keep the game going for as long as the two are willing to hide, and to seek. So funny that it is sure to charm and entertain every time it is read. And oh, that surprise ending!

                                                                           

Lines, Squiggles, Letters, Words, written by Ruth Rocha and illustrated by Madalena Matoso. Enchanted Lion Books, Publishers Group Canada. 2016. $24.50 ages 4 and up

"From his window and
along the streets, Pedro
saw all kinds of posters,
billboards, and signs. He
could understand some of
what he saw, like the
pictures of tigers, apples
and roosters.

But there were other pictures
that Pedro didn't understand."

Learning to read can be difficult and it takes time. In this book about a little boy who is just beginning to understand literacy, we watch Pedro as he carefully observes all that is going on around him. Pictures, posters, signs are evident wherever he looks. Some of the pictures are easy to understand, others make no sense at all. Street corners befuddle him, as does the bus route banner that tells he and him mother which one to board.

His mother is very patient with her explanations, and encouraging of his learning:

"One day, Pedro's mother told him, "Tomorrow you
will be starting school! You will learn to read and
you will understand many more things."
"What things, Mom?" Pedro asked.
"Well, to begin with, the letters and numbers
you are always asking about."

She's right, of course. As Pedro learns each new letter, he begins to see them all around him. Although we know that reading is about more than just knowing the letters of the alphabet, that knowledge is an important part and a big incentive to a child's awareness of what reading is. Pedro's joy in the knowledge and his constant search for what he is learning as he and his mother make their way in the world is infectious and joyful.

Madalena Matoso's gorgeous and meaningful artwork, done in a palette of red, black, olive, blue and pink, shows an awareness of the print environment that surrounds us, and our young children. It is sure to encourage those who share the book to have a closer look around them and to find meaning there. Skilled readers may find themselves returning to a time when they too saw 'lines, squiggles', then 'letters, words.'  It is worth a very careful look!

THIS IS MY BOOK! Written and illustrated by Mark Pett (and no one else). Alfred A Knopf, Random House. 2016. $2016. $ 23.99 ages 4 and up

"(ahem) As I was saying ...

Rule #1: My book needs
to stay nice and clean.
Look around at these
spotless white pages.
Aren't they lovely? Let's
keep them that way."

There have been some new books in 2016 about books and how they are made. Mark Pett starts with an introduction to himself as both author and illustrator of his new book. To prove that he truly is the illustrator, he draws a panda. BIG mistake!

"This is Percy the Perfectly Polite Panda.
He's going to help me explain the rules
of my book."

The panda has other ideas and tells Mark that he prefers to be called Spike. It is their first disagreement. Now, we are ready to hear the rules of bookmaking. Spike is definitely a hindrance. First he colors, adding interest to its 'boring white pages.' Back to the beginning ... a fresh white page and now he's adding 'panda facts' for readers.

It is a very funny lesson in patience, and pushing the envelope. The author's intent for his book quickly goes out the window when Spike adds a flap (A FLAP? I don't want any flaps in my book!) and then a pull tab (I DON'T WANT PULL TABS!) and finally, a pop-up! The other characters added by Spike are delighted ... not so, poor Mark.

The interactive ending is a real winner!

Goodnight Everyone, written and illustrated by Chris Haughton. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2016. $22.00 ages 3 and up

"the hares

are sleepy 

they sigh

AH ...........

YAWN"

I have quickly become a huge fan of Chris Haughton's work. He has his finger on the pulse of little ones and shows it clearly in this captivating bedtime story. What is it with me and bedtime stories, lately? It must be the anticipation I am feeling for Sicily's arrival in three weeks. She is just past her second birthday, and she LOVES books! I can't wait to share many with her, and with her wee sister.

The engaging palette of colors is so lovely and slumber-inducing. The orange-red of the sunset and the encroaching deep blues of the night draw us into this tale of forest animals as they prepare for a time of rest. Of the four tiny mice, one is already sleeping, as are two of the three hares, while the deer and bears can barely keep their eyes from shutting. They are all very sleepy!

Young readers will find cut pages drawing them from the light into the darkness that is enveloping the animals. Each cut page grows progressively bigger as the animals do. From mice, to hares, to deer, to bears ... wait, the bear cub is showing no interest in sleep.

"well, I'm not sleepy."
says Little Bear
"wanna play?" asks Little Bear
"we're too tired,"
say the mice.
we're too
tired, too,"
say the hares"

The pages grow darker, there is no one to play with, and soon Little Bear is also fading, and stretching, and yawning. Great Big Bear knows exactly what is needed.

Chris Haughton creates a world of welcome darkness and peaceful slumber in digital images that beg readers to return to them again and again. There is much to see as he builds his forest world, and takes his readers from waning light to deep night. The front endpapers offer a look at the Southern Hemisphere and its constellations, while the back turns to the Northern Hemisphere and its constellations which make Little Bear and Great Bear front and center. I will be on the lookout for them tonight!
                                                                                

Can I Tell You A Secret? Written by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant. Harper, 2016. $21.99 ages 3 and up

"You're probably thinking,
"But you're a frog."

I know. But I'm afraid. I
have been ever since I was
a tadpole.

How did I keep the secret
for so long?

Good question."

Aw, look at that anxious little face? You know that you are going to listen to the frog's secret ... and keep it, don't you? How could anyone resist the plea?

As we are drawn into the drama that appears to be unfolding, the frog invites us to come closer, then closer until, with a lot of trying to reassure himself, he finally speaks the words he finds so hard to say.

"I'm afraid of the water."

It is, of course, a huge surprise that a frog could be afraid of the water. Look, that's where they spend most of their time. But, he's been afraid of it forever and has always kept it a secret. He offers up the many ploys he has used to protect those feelings. He's even sad about his secret - he really wants to swim.

Will he take our advice? He wants to do that:

"What's that? You think I should tell someone?
Like my parents?
Are you sure? POSITIVE?
You wouldn't lie to me, right?"

Of course, we wouldn't.

I can hear all of his young compassionate readers encouraging him to fess up, and let someone important know just exactly how he is feeling. It does take courage and our support to move him forward.

The dialogue between frog and reader is on point, and full of angst. Christopher Weyant's watercolor and ink artwork is full of expression and fun. I love the lineup on the bulrushes as tiny frogs wait patiently for their next dive into the pond, the grumpy-looking, watchful toad lifeguard, the floaties, the hilarious visual descriptions of the tiny frog's ploys to avoid being in the water.

Kids are going to enjoy this very much, and it might even help someone break free of a long-kept secret fear to let another know about it.

Bunjitsu Bunny's Best Move, by John Himmelman. Square Fish, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2016. $8.50 ages 4 and up

"Max made me think that I should practice my bunjitsu kicks, so I did. Wendy made me wish I could go make music, so I did. And Ben made me think of my grandma, so I went and got a nice big grandma hug." The other three bunnies stood up.
"Where are you going?" asked Isabel. "You are right," said Ben. "Doing something is better than talking about it."

This is Isabel's third book, following Tales of Bunjitsu Bunny and Bunjitsu Bunny Jumps to the Moon. If you were impressed with her simple Zen tales in the first books, you will not be disappointed to share the wise and simple tales shared here.

As we look to share books that exhibit kindness and strength in chaotic times, Isabel stands tall for her unique and heartwarming way of sharing wisdom in the best possible way. She may be the best bunjitsu bunny in her class - she CAN throw farther, kick higher and hit harder than any of her classmates. Those skills are used for honing her craft. She would much rather use her mind and her innate sense of kindness when dealing with the world around her.

In the short stories presented here, she finds out that passing a test may be harder than first thought, but learning that to be true is the best lesson of all. She acknowledges a lesson from her teacher about bullies and how to outwit them. She learns about making goals and accepting that you may not always reach them, but the journey is worth it. She finds out that compromise makes for better friendship. Oh, and that practice makes perfect! She teaches these simple tenets to her readers. It's a win-win situation.

In final pages, we are given step-by-step instructions for folding a Bunny Face; we promise to do our best to follow the Bunjitsu Code; and we read a short question and answer visit with author John Himmelman. Another terrific read!

Before Morning, written by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Beth Krommes. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2016. $24.99 ages 3 and up

"In the deep woolen dark,

as we slumber unknowing,

let the sky fill with flurry
and flight.

Let the air turn to feathers,

the earth turn to sugar ... "

Joyce Sidman chooses to write an invocation as text for this wonderful third collaboration between two fine artists. She explains it in an afterword:

"How powerful are words? Can they make things happen? Stop them from happening? Can they rotect us? Comfort us? Enchant us? This book is written in the form of an invocation - a poem that invites something to happen, often asking for help or support. Humans have been using invocations for thousands of years, to soothe the body and strengthen the soul. Do they work? Maybe."

Kids aren't the only ones who long for snow days - that inability to pursue the many obligations and activities that accompany most other days. When snow falls heavily, leaving roads nearly impassable, shops closed, transportation tied up, we can all appreciate the peace, quiet and real beauty it brings to our world. If we are lucky, everyone is together to enjoy it.

As we open the cover of this amazing book, the endpapers show a dark and cloudy sky with planes flying in all directions, and a landscape of city streets and roads. The title page has pigeons on the cobblestones; a woman, a child and a dog are walking past. One more turn sees the three leaving the park onto a bustling street filled with passing cars and many walkers. They seem to be headed home. No time to stop and savor the enticements in the bakery window, the child and mother finally climb the steps to their front door.

The child seems sad. Then, we notice a suitcase with a pilot's hat lying on top. After dinner, mom and daughter share a story about Amelia Earhart. The child has the pilot's hat hidden behind it. The invocation begins as we watch mom folding laundry while the family sleeps. She is headed to the airport,  just as the snow begins to fall. The simple, meaningful plea for snow is placed on beautifully detailed full page spreads - it is a wish to slow down and spend time together. As luck would have it (or does wishing make things happen?), the snow blankets everything.

Mom arrives at an airport lounge filled with waiting passengers, and looks out at a tarmac where nothing but snow plows are on the move. No flights tonight. She finds her way home in time to have breakfast with her thankful family, ready for a day of fun. Wish granted!

It is almost impossible to fully describe the scratchboard and watercolor wintry images! They are filled with warmth, light, and the gentle beauty of a winter snow, as well as the joy found in a loving family. You will not want to miss one tiny detail. As happens rarely, this is one of those perfect pairings of text and art - we are blessed to be able to share it.
                                                                           

                                                                     
If you want to see even more wonder from the two, please check out Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature (Houghton Mifflin, 2011) and Butterfly Eyes and Other Secrets of the Meadow (Houghton Mifflin, 2006). You won't be disappointed.

This Is Sadie, written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad. Tundra. 2015. $19.99 ages 4 and up

"This is Sadie."

You probably think
it's a tree, don't you?

It is, but way, way up
at the top is Sadie,
chit-chatting with the
birds.

Sadie has wings, of course."

Are we too old to see the world as Sadie sees it? I wish that were not true, but I fear it is. Sadie fills every minute of her day with imagination, happy play, and endless reading ...  she is fully alive in her world. She can sail on a boat that is really a cardboard box. She chooses her own favorite clothes to wear, and plays for endless hours with her friends. Not all of her friends live in her neighborhood; some are found in the pages of her books. Her connection to the books that engage her allows her to live lives of incredible heroism, power and joy.

Sara O'Leary tells a timeless story, sure to be enjoyed by all who read it. It is an open invitation to see ourselves in Sadie's world, always exploring, always enchanted, and forever wishing for longer days. Julie Morstad creates that world with gouache, watercolor, and her own touch of wonder. Switching from the real to the imaginary with practiced ease, she takes readers into the heart and mind of the beautiful little girl.

As an added bonus, if you would like to have a poster as a reminder of this glorious book and the pleasure it brings, check the book jacket. It is worthy of display. Bravo!

                                                                             

Penguin Problems, written by Jory John and illustrated by Lane Smith. Random House, 2016. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"It snowed some more
last night, and I don't
even like the snow. It's
too bright out here.
I'm hungry.
       I'd like a fish.
         Where are all the fish?!
HEY!
FISH!
GET OUT HERE!"

Can we all admit to one friend who has great difficulty finding the good in a day? It's worthy of a short conversation, isn't it? Do you find that those are the people you rarely see, or would prefer not to spend much time with? I think so.

So, you might feel the same about the grumpy protagonist in this first collaboration from two exemplary artists. Jory John's dry humor is brought to clever life in Lane Smith's pensive and perpetually bleak penguin. Nothing makes him happy, as evidenced by his demeanor from start of day till dark night sets in once more.

It's early when he gets up ... and cold ... and there's too much noise! The snow that fell overnight makes the sunshine too bright. The fish are submerged, the ocean is salty, diving underwater spawns constant pursuit as dinner for those who live below the surface. All those things we likely find endearing, he finds annoying - he waddles when he walks, he's flightless, and he has no defining characteristics to make him stand out from the crowd. Poor, poor guy!

When a walrus stops to spout rhetoric about the glories of the penguin's surroundings and how truly lucky he is to be living his life, the penguin is taken aback, and then thoughtful. Will it provoke a change?

Loved it from start to finish! Cannot wait to share it, and then share it again. Don't miss it!
                                                                   

Wolf in the Snow, written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2016. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"A GIRL LOST IN
A SNOWSTORM.

A wolf cub is lost.
too.

How will they find
their way home?"

Aren't we all feeling the need to be reading books for our kids that exude kindness? In tough times, they need to see through windows that help them learn about the greater world and the people who live here. Then, to know how to treat them with empathy and understanding. It seems so easy when we are talking about animals. Why not all people?

At the beginning of a brand new day, a little red-cloaked girl heads away from home, waving goodbye to her dog as it barks its own farewell. Snow is falling. As readers we can see in a facing page that a wolf pack is also setting out. A tiny cub is at the center of the pack. That is our lead-up.

As the book begins, school is now over for the day. The snow still falls. Turn the page and the menacing wolves - breath steaming from their toothy mouths are moving in a pack through the prairie landscape. It is hard to for all to see as the snow gets heavier! The girl plods on. Another peek at the wolves shows the little one lagging behind the rest. The two, out of breath and cold, meet on a path in the trees.

The cub is scared and runs. It doesn't get far before it sinks into the snow and must accept help from its rescuer. It howls, which results in a howling response from the pack. The girl trudges toward the sounds, dealing with terror of her own. The howling grows ever closer! In a poignant scene, mother and cub are reunited.

Exhausted, the girl picks herself up and moves on. She can see a light ahead of her and she can hear her dog barking. But - she is so cold. She must stop to rest. The wolves then repay her kindness in the only way they can.

Matthew Cordell's brilliant, emotionally-charge artwork will astound those who share this memorable
tale.  He expertly  evokes cold, terror, bravery, exhaustion and certainly relief from both sides of the drama using pen-and-ink and watercolors drawn with a heart that is wide open to kind gestures and powerful storytelling.
                                                                  

Are You Sure, Mother Bear? Written by Amy Hest and illustrated by Laura Tobia. Candlewick Press, Random House. 2016. $22.00 ages 3 and up

"Little Miss put her nose to the window. The stars were bright that night. Little Miss loved the stars. "I will miss my stars," she said. "Of course," Mother said. "But your stars will be right there, in their very own place, when we wake up next spring." "Are you sure, Mother Bear?" Mother Bear was sure. The moon was round that night ... "

It's the first night of winter. Little Miss Bear cannot sleep while snow is falling outside the window. She won't do it!! Mama snuggles in, shares toast, and watches the snow fall., her tiny daughter at her side. Still, sleep does not come.

Despite her mother's suggestion that winter is a time for bears to be sleeping, Little Miss is worried. There is so much she will miss. She will miss the stars, and the moon. She will miss the hills. Mother's quiet and soothing voice is always positive. Little Miss has the same question every time.

"Yes," Mother said. "You are very keen on rolling.
But your hills will be right there, in their very
own place, next spring, for rolling."
"Are you sure, Mother Bear?"
Mother Bear was sure."

Little Miss has a request ... a final nighttime roll in the snow. Mother exhibits patience and love when she takes her out into the winter landscape for an invigorating roll down a nearby hill. Will sleep come now?

Filled with rounded edges, a welcoming home, smiling faces, and plenty of detail, this is a lovely, reassuring story that might just bring the calm needed to put your little one to sleep. At least, you can always hope so.
                                                                           

Pablo in the Snow, written by Teri Sloat and illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet. Christy Ottaviano Books, Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2017. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"With Rabbit's help, they stack the snowballs one on top of the other. Squirrel finds an acorn for the nose. Rabbit places frozen berries into a big smile. Pablo reaches up with two flat, round stones for the eyes. And, with Fox's help, Shrew adds a warm, fuzzy scarf. "Snow is for making friends," says Pablo, laughing."

It is Pablo's first winter. He has never seen snow, and he is pretty excited to get outside and make friends with it. As he goes, he quickly discovers the way it feels, and what happens when you walk in it.

"Snow is for making a trail," says Pablo."
Only then does he notice another trail, and wonder about it. It leads him to Rabbit and her sled. Pablo hops on and has great adventure on the nearby hill. It lands them in the middle of a snowball fight. OOPS! As they follow one set of tracks after another, Pablo continues to learn about snow and its many attributes.

Fox provides something even better - a new friend. Together, the animals build a smiling snowman. As the storm strengthens, the animals return to their homes. Pablo sits alongside this new friend, not wanting to leave him alone. It soon becomes apparent that his staying behind is not a good idea. But, he can't find any tracks to lead him home to the farm. The snowman can't help. Who will?

Rosalinde Bonnet's lovely watercolors make wonderful use of white space, allowing little readers full access to the winter wonderland meant for Pablo to explore. The brilliant snowy afternoon gives way to a darkening sky as evening approaches and the storm worsens. All that snow surrounds the tiny lamb. No wonder he is fearful! That is made very evident on a double page spread where his tiny form is overwhelmed by dark trees and enveloping snow.

A happy ending is satisfying, and much appreciated. No doubt Pablo will have much exploring to do after a good night's sleep!

A Hat for Mrs. Goldman: A Story About Knitting and Love, written by Michelle Edwards and illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House. 2016. $23.99 ages 4 and up

"An icy wind blows Mrs.
Goldman's hair left and
right. It turns her ears
pink. "Where's your hat?"
asks Sophia. "I gave it to
Mrs. Chen,' she explains.
Mrs. Goldman's keppie
must be cold, worries
Sophia. At home, Sophia
thinks and worries again.
Worries and thinks."

It's so important, at this time of year, to teach our children to think of others. It is awfully easy to become caught up in our own wants and wishes. Sophia is a little girl who notices things. She sees that her neighbor, Mrs. Goldman, is always more concerned with others than she is with herself. That is why everyone else needs a hat, while Mrs. Goldman's hat is missing during a cold winter walk with Sophia. She has given it to someone in need.

Sophia helps with the hats her friend makes by fashioning pom-poms to trim them. Now, she decides that she will help her friend even more by making 'the most special in the world' for her. It takes a great deal of time and hard work, and is not quite as perfect as Sophia would like it to be. Sophia does not give up; she carries on with persistence to do what she set out to do.

This is a book about love, admiration and caring. It has all the warmth needed to make it a favorite shared read. G. Brian Karas does a terrific job with mixed media to show the love that exists between the generations. I especially love the series of spot pictures he creates for the hard work undertaken by Sophia before she finally throws her needles in the air in celebration of the completed work. Well, almost completed! To add to the feeling of authenticity for his lovely images, Mr. Karas did learn to knit. Now, that is commitment to your art!

If it puts you in a gift-giving mood, instructions for your own 'Sophia Hat' are included in back matter. Add some wool and a helping hand, it's the perfect gift for someone who cares about others.
                                                                            

Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family's Journey, written by Margriet Ruurs and artwork by Nizar Ali Badr. Translated by Falah Raheem. Orca Publishers, 2016. $20.00 ages 6 and up

"The war came to our country.
Life in the village changed.
Nothing was as it had been.

Soon there was not enough food. "Rama, share this bowl of soup
with Sami."

I feel so blessed to have received a very special book in the mail from Orca recently. I had read about Margriet Ruur's discovery on Facebook of the stone artwork that is so beautifully created by Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr. It took time and a lot of effort for her to finally find and communicate with him, and to have him agree to take part in the creation of this amazing work.

His inspiring artwork compelled the writer to craft a verse story about the plight of the Syrian refugees and their escape from their war-torn country. Rama and her family are forced to flee the village that has always been home to them ... a peaceful and welcome place for all who live there. As the civil war rages ever nearer, Rama's parents make the painful decision to leave all they know and most of what they own behind them. As is the case with so many refugees, they have only what they can carry. Rama, her brother Sami, her parents and her grandfather set out for Europe, a place that offers freedom. Their journey is arduous as we have come to know through media reports and the shared stories of those who have arrived in Canada to begin a new life.

The text is beautifully written, matching the moving storytelling of the artist himself. Written in two languages, English and Arabic, it is a testament to the hard work of the folks at Orca who believed in and supported the project, ensuring that some of the revenue generated will go to helping the plight of refugees. The author has donated most of her royalties and Nizar is now also receiving royalties which have greatly improved the life he lives in his home country.

Our children need to see the world through mirrors and windows. This book offers a look through a window into a world that is unknown to them, and it allows them to respond with empathy and concern for the children of the world who face such tragedy in their young lives.

This is a powerful and poignant book, worthy of being shared with your students and your own children. It deserves your attention! It also allows those Syrian families we have welcomed to Canada to see a book about themselves and the events that have brought them so far from home.
                                                                        

                                             

Christmas for Greta and Gracie, written and illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail. Nosy Crow, Candlewick Press, Random House. 2016. $22.00 ages 4 and up

"Anyway, coloring is boring. Let's go outside." So Greta and Gracie put on their jackets and went to help decorate the big tree in the village. "Do you think Santa Claus decorates his Christmas tree?" "I don't think so. He has elves to do things like that. Did you know there are 597 elves at the North Pole? Or maybe it's 598."

Two rabbit sisters are very excited about Christmas! They are as different from one another as they can be, in both personality and in the way they choose to approach each new experience. Greta is older, and expects to be in charge. She talks endlessly, likes to make any decisions that need making, and enjoys being the center of everyone's attention ... especially Gracie's. Gracie prefers to spend her time in quiet pursuits. She is tentative, and ever courteous.

"Greta was chitty-chatty and Gracie was quiet.
That was just fine because
Greta loved talking to Gracie,
and Gracie loved listening.

Most of the time."

The text is straightforward, sharing with readers the joys and anticipation that all children feel at this special time of year. The fun unfolds in speech bubble dialog between the two sisters. Laugh-out-loud funny at times and such fun to read out loud, listeners will be glued to their seats no matter how many times you share it in the coming month.

Greta jabbers on, Gracie follows up with pertinent questions. When asked about Santa, Greta has this to say:

"Oh, Santa is WONDERFUL!
He is the best and nicest man,
and he has a sleigh and reindeer,
and he gives presents to good little
girls and boys, and he has a HAT
and a red coat and a big white bushy
beard, and he eats COOKIES! ... "

And Gracie answers:

"He is magic."

Imagine the courage it takes for Gracie to leave their shared bedroom when she hears a noise on Christmas Eve, and wonders if it might be Santa. Quietly she moves through the house and peeks into the living room. What a surprise, and what a helper she proves herself to be! The tables turn, and we leave the two with hopeful hearts that we will soon see them again.

The digitally created illustrations are wonderful - bright colors, warm and engaging characters, and plenty of white space to keep our attention on the sisters and the many activities they love as the days move quickly toward Christmas and Santa's visit. The differently colored speech bubbles make for a perfect shared reading.

This is MAGIC, indeed!
                                                                     

The Christmas Crocodile, written by Bonny Becker and illustrated by David Small. two lions, Amazon. Thomas Allen & Son, 1998. $25.99 ages 5 and up

"Aunt Figgy's scream shattered cobwebs in the attic, and made the dust dance on a bottle of wine in the cellar. "I'll save you!" roared Uncle Theodore, waking with a start from a dream about cannibals. "Run for your lives!" shrieked Cousin Elwood. "There's blood!" gasped Aunt Figgy pointing to a pinprick of red on her little toe."

What would you think if your kids found a crocodile under the Christmas tree? Alice Jayne does, and is aghast as she watches it devour almost everything in its path. Who sent him? What to do?

Every family member has a solution to the mayhem created. Alice Jayne ends up locking him in the back room, as she has been ordered to do. She cannot help but worry about him and his insatiable hunger. So, she secretly slips him a cake and a pie. Then begins the conversation about ways to handle the situation.

"He's nice," said Alice Jayne.
"Maybe we should keep him."
"Unheard of!" protested Aunt Figgy.
"But, it's Christmas," said Alice Jayne.
"Irrelevant," harrumphed
Uncle Theodore.
"He's a little hungry,
that's all," said Alice Jayne.
"Perhaps the zoo would take
him," said Father, worriedly.
"He needs a real home!" cried Alice Jayne."

The crocodile's nighttime snacking does nothing to endear him to the assembled family members. The cellar for him! Poor Alice Jayne. The joy that is Christmas dissipates as she lies in bed worrying about the poor, lonely beast. Apparently, the family has been sharing her concerns. They all troop to the basement to spend the night alongside him. In the morning, when they discover that he has escaped once more and eaten everything in sight, they are furious. Only then do they see the single present left under the tree. The note inside clears up their concerns and provides a solution. Thankfully!

The crocodile doesn't mean to be bad. It is just his nature. The often hilarious, and always expressive illustrations created by David Small in watercolor, pen and ink will have readers nearly rolling on the floor every time it is shared ... and you will share it, a lot! It is sure to become a Christmas tradition at our house. I'm so happy that Nancy Perl championed it, and that two lions made it possible.

What Light, by Jay Asher. Razorbill, Random House. 2016. $24.99 ages 12 and up

"Before they split, the whole family used to go nuts this time of year," he says. "We went hardcore, from decorating to all these things we did with our church. Sometimes even Pastor Tom would go caroling with us. But when Dad moved to Nevada, I found out everything did stop for him. His house was this dark and depressing place to visit. Not only were there no Christmas lights ... "

I have waited ten long years to read a new novel by Jay Asher. The waiting is over, and he does not disappoint. In this Christmas charmer, we meet Sierra and learn she is the daughter of Christmas tree farmers. They live their life in Oregon except for the month they spend every year in California, selling the trees they have so carefully grown for customers, new and old.

Sierra's dad knows what can happen during the busy Christmas season. He fell in love with Sierra's mother while they were still in high school and working at a Christmas tree lot. So, he imposes strict, unreasonable rules for his daughter to prevent the same thing happening to her while she is so young. Those rules have not much bothered Sierra - until she meets Caleb.

They have an instant connection. Caleb has a troubled past, and doesn't want to talk about it. As she learns more about him, his kind and generous spirit, and his feelings for her, Sierra falls hard. Of course, there is going to be conflict. When she learns about his broken family, and the part he played in his sister leaving to live with their father, Sierra must come to terms with the Caleb she knows and the one that has others talking. Will they overcome the issues causing her conflicted feelings? Is it even worth it when Sierra will soon leave for Oregon and may not even be back next year? There is enough drama and charm to keep readers turning the pages, and wanting to know the decisions they make together.

This family story of love, hope and forgiveness is sure to find a legion of fans. The writing it witty, personal, and an exploration of accepting the past with the help of someone who cares deeply. If you know a teen who likes romance, mixed with realism and overcoming diversity, this is a great Christmas gift.

The Christmas Boot, written by Lisa Wheeler and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin. 2016. $23.99 ages 4 and up

And since her feet were fully freezing, and since it looked to be such a nice boot, she slipped her rag-wrapped left foot deep within it. "Ahhh," Hannah said,. "That does feel nice." It surely must have, for when she slid her tiny foot into the very large boot, it suddenly took on the shape and size of Hannah's own foot. The boot fit perfectly."

Hannah Greyweather spends every day working hard to gather what she needs to keep her warm during a long and cold winter. Christmas Day is the same as every other day for her. She has no mittens, no boots - until she finds a boot in the snow.

That boot begins the magic. When she puts it on, it changes size to fit her foot perfectly. It keeps her one foot warm. Imagine her surprise when she makes a bedtime wish for another, only to find her wish has been granted when she awakens in the morning. Gathering wood with two warm boots and a joyous heart is enough to encourage making a snow angel. Next day, it's mittens.

"If the boot is magic," Hannah says to the mittens, "will it give me more?
Will it give me a fluffy feather bed? A fabulous feast? A big fancy house?
The mittens stayed mute.
"I suppose that is too much to ask," said Hannah. "I best get about my chores."

Another surprise? She returns home to exactly what had hoped for. A knock at the door brings a stranger.(Children will recognize him, Hannah does not.) He needs his lost boot. Hannah quickly invites him inside for a bit of food, and a lot of conversation. She returns his boot, and her circumstances quickly change. Needing little, her only wish is granted ... and then some! A gentle reminder, in a time of abundance, that what we need is so much more important than what we want.

A dramatic and descriptive story well-told, with stellar artwork by the incomparable Jerry Pinkney, it is a welcome addition to my stash of Christmas favorites. I can't wait to share it with family in a few days.

Giant Squid, written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann. A Neal Porter Book, Roaring Book Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2016. $21.99 ages 6 and up

"In the murk ... an eye!
Round.
Unblinking,
Some are as big as soccer balls.
The biggest eyes on the planet.
Why?

So it can spy pinpoints of light
in its pitch-black world.
Glints.
Flickers."

I did not do justice to this remarkable book when I shared it at my fall workshops! I had only read it once, and it deserves multiple readings for the beauty of its language, the richness of its oil paintings and the intriguing information it shares. Now that I have read it a number of times, I am ready to tell you about it so you can tell others.

I know - it is not likely a subject you thought you would find yourself wanting to know more about. Doesn't everyone have a bit of an uneasy feeling even considering what it might feel like to be wrapped in tentacles, and then squeezed? You need not worry. It is hard not to be captivated by Candace Fleming's free verse account of what has been learned about the giant squid in a very short time.

"So elusive is the giant squid that the first time scientists ever saw a living one was in 2006. And only in 2012 did they capture brief film footage of one swimming in the cold, dark depths of the Pacific Ocean, 2,066 feet below the surface."
She has done meticulous research to create an amazing and articulate text that shares what scientists have learned and continue to learn. She also voices many questions that remain unanswered concerning these giants.

"It is a mystery.
After all, how can you know
about an animal hidden from view?"

Eric Rohmann's teal backdrop allows readers to see the squid only in parts - the tentacles, the enormous eye, the hard tooth, its inky protection from predators. After foiling a barracuda on a hunt for dinner, a gatefold opens to help readers grasp the enormity of the creature itself.

The book's design is dramatic and atmospheric. White text on a dark background is easily read and almost gives off a light of its own. Front matter takes readers into the deep sea, teases with questions and shares clues used by scientists to conduct studies, and then invites us to learn even more as we move past the title page. Back matter adds a labeled diagram of the giant squid, an author's note, a bibliography, online websites, and a list of other books that might be of interest.

Among the many awards it is sure to receive, in November it was named an Honor Book for the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. There will be more.

King Baby, written and illustrated by Kate Beaton. Scholastic. 2016. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"But your king also
has many demands!

FEED ME!
BURP ME!
CHANGE ME!
BOUNCE ME!
CARRY ME!

It is good to be king."

Oh, the woes of the new parent! I have always said that if babies were born screaming for the first three months, parents might think more carefully about having another one. But, they are just so darn adorable!

King Baby is the same. Handsome, loved, anticipated with wonder! Friends and family line up to meet him and to coo and cuddle with him after he makes his auspicious arrival. King Baby is bound to bring blessings upon all who honor him with their presen(ce)ts. He makes that promise early in life. We know because he tells us so from the opening pages.

"You will have smiles
and laughs and kisses.
You will have wiggles
and gurgles and coos!"

It isn't long until the demands are outweigh the joys. Mom and Dad are not yet adept at deciphering his wails and groans. They do their best, cajoling all the while. King Baby is not pleased - so he decides to get it himself! When crawling is met with praise, he's ready to take the next step - all the way to 'a big boy'.

That is when he gets a rude awakening!

This is too much fun, and will be appreciated by all who share it. Kate Beaton creates a story that bears repeating, and it is sure to delight little ones who can appreciate an earlier time in their own short lives. The controlled, demanding voice, as well as the fun in the artwork created to show the extent of King Baby's power and his quick rise from newborn to toddler to big boy are a hoot and worthy of your attention. Get a copy for any family experiencing the changes that a baby brings.

I am left to wonder if there will be a sequel ... I do hope so!