FICTION

It’s Time for Christmas

by Gibbs Smith (text) & illus. by Kathrin Fehrl
Gibbs Smith. (Layered View). Aug. 2025. 12p. Board $17.99. ISBN 9781423668770.
COPY ISBN
Toddler-K–Holiday cheer meets toddler-friendly design in this cozy peek-and-find board book. Busy elves bake cookies, build toys, and prepare Santa’s sleigh as readers search for a gingerbread friend hiding in each scene. The repeated question format encourages participation and supports memory development for the youngest readers. Fehrl’s candy-colored illustrations use clean lines and soft textures, with pops of red, green, and gold that create a world that’s bustling but never overwhelming. Characters include elves with varied skin tones and hairstyles, offering a broad representation of holiday joy. Layered die-cut pages add visual depth and tactile interest, inviting repeat exploration as children search for cookies, marshmallows, and other playful surprises.
VERDICT A charming and developmentally attuned Christmas title that blends sensory delight with early literacy skills. A welcome addition to holiday board book collections.
Reviewed by Rose Garrett , Jun 27, 2025

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