Board Books

Aggett, Sophie. Group Hug at Christmas! illus. by Anna Terreros-Martin. 26p. Tiger Tales. Sept. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781664351585.
Toddler-PreS–A lively cast of animal characters get ready for Christmas in this sweet, rhyming tale about the true joy of the holiday. Each animal is a bit lonely as the holiday draws near, but once they are hugged by other animal friends, everything seems so much better. Shaped peek-through pages make the book entertaining, because as readers turn the sturdy pages, the animal seen alone on the page is then grouped together with friends for a hug. The story ends with all the animals together promoting true friendship and a feeling of togetherness. Illustrations bring the different animals and their habitats to life. VERDICT Recommended as a general purchase for a holiday collection for the youngest readers. The unique layout of pages will certainly be appealing to toddlers and beyond.–Kristen Todd-Wurm

Baby Faces: Little Reindeer, Where Are You? illus. by Ekaterina Trukhan. 10p. (Baby Faces). Nosy Crow. Oct. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798887771786.
Baby-Toddler–A holiday addition to the “Baby Faces”board book series, this sweet and simple lift-the-flap book engages babies in a game of peekaboo. Four classic seasonal characters: a snowman, an elf, Santa, and a reindeer, appear through a repetitive pattern, which can be sung: “Little snowman, Little snowman, where are you? Here I am! Here I am! Where are you?” The simple design, bold colors, and ample negative space will help little eyes to focus on the cheery characters they see. The four character flaps all fold downward, adding an element of predictability for young readers. Mirrors are hidden behind each flap to show babies their own faces, an age-appropriate addition for helping to develop self-recognition. The final spread asks, “Little baby, Little baby, where are you?” and the gatefold spread reveals a final mirror showing babies their own faces one more time, “There you are! There you are!” VERDICT A gently playful addition for collections needing fresh holiday cheer for babies.–Emily Brush

Baker, Keith. Hap-Pea Holidays. illus. by Keith Baker. 24p. (The Peas Series). S. & S./Beach Lane. Sept. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781665940283.
PreS–Peas work together to create magical, “hap-pea” holiday memories. This delightfully illustrated board book opens with the calendar turning the page to December. Readers who look closer will find several green peas cheering “Hap-pea, hap-pea holidays! All year long we wait and wait. Now it’s time–”. The little peas work together to climb up ladders onto Christmas trees, dressing them with twinkly lights, garlands of silver and gold beads, and sparkly ornaments. An outside scene shows rows of differently colored houses all decked out in various winter holiday decor. The peas join together to form a choir, singing about building a gingerbread house, frosting cookies, stringing popcorn, and other cozy winter activities. At last, the peas wish “Peas on earth! And a … Hap-Pea New Year.” Children and families who enjoy simple wordplay will appreciate this addition to a library’s board book collection. VERDICT An adorable mash-up of peas and the joy of Christmas activities with family and friends.–Jane Huh

Eliot, Hannah. Could That Be an Elf? illus. by Saoirse Lou. 24p. (Could That Be...). S. & S./Little Simon. Sept. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781665980890.
PreS–Two children, a girl with tan skin and brown hair and a boy with brown skin and dark hair, go on a little adventure to locate an elusive elf and make a Christmas wish. This elf turns out to be a hard figure to pin down. An elflike shape appears through a window, but it turns out to be a puppy bundled up. Then, what appears to be an elf is actually a big basket of candy canes. What looks like an elf’s toes hiding behind a wall is a Christmas stocking belonging to a family of mice decorating for the holiday. With every turn, readers get to view a different warm and vibrantly illustrated scene. At the end, the kids finally spot the elf while they hang sparkling lights on the tree. Reading this story can feel like playing a peekaboo game for young ones as they engage with the cut-out holes on the pages. The hide-and-seek pacing of this elf-finding mission should work well for story times. VERDICT Fans of the Christmas holiday and Adam Wallace’s “How to Catch” series will appreciate the story’s formula.–Jane Huh

Forester, J.D. Crocodile Christmas. illus. by Reshu Lakra. 12p. Grosset. Oct. 2025. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9780593888469.
Baby-Toddler–A playful opportunity for parents to spend time with their little ones building early literacy skills. This singable, rhyming board book invites young readers to guess which festive animal is hiding under the costume, encouraging not just reading, but also talking, singing, and imaginative play. Caregivers can read it aloud, turn it into a song, chat about the clues, and then maybe break out the dress-up box for some holiday make-believe. Cheerful, expressive illustrations add warmth and wonder, perfectly capturing the magic of the season for tiny hands and bright eyes. VERDICT Freshen up holiday board book collections with this joyful read-aloud that encourages families to read, sing, talk, write, and play together—the best kind of holiday magic.–Cassie Veselovsky

Green, Kelly. Christmas Gnomes. illus. by Lisa Alderson. 14p. S. & S./Little Simon. Sept. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781665979207.
Baby-Toddler–Five gnomes showcase the joy and warmth of the Christmas spirit in this gnome-shaped board book. Apparently there is a “little gnome secret” about gnomes: each one has a role in delivering Christmas cheer. One gnome brings in the tree, two work together to festoon it with tinsel and ornaments, one is in charge of baking the cookies and pies, and the last one leads the singing. All together the gnomes sing, “Happy holidays to all! Time together—a wonderful thing.” The story reinforces the message of how spending time with loved ones makes any holiday cozy and brighter, well conveyed with whimsical illustrations. In addition, the touch-and-feel feature of the fuzzy beard offers sensory engagement. VERDICT A short, sweet holiday board book for babies and toddlers, who may find the book’s odd shape appealing.–Jane Huh

Subirana, Joan. The Big Game Book of Christmas: A Book Created and Illustrated by Subi. illus. by Joan Subirana. 16p. (Game books). Editorial el Pirata. Oct. 2025. Board. $15. ISBN 9788419898326.
PreS-Gr 3–Santa’s bustling toy factory, a whimsical nighttime Christmas market, and a lantern-lit parade are a few of the settings readers will explore in this holiday addition to the “Game Book”series. A gift to lovers of series like “Where’s Waldo?” and “I Spy,”this large search-and-find board book depicts six colorful and jolly Christmas celebrations from around the world. Each complex spread will train the eyes of readers to take a closer look and search for details hidden in plain sight. Scaffolded into three levels of difficulty, young readers can grow with this game book, combing its pages for Christmases to come, or investigate collaboratively in groups of various aged readers. An easy level tasks readers with locating a list of six pictured items. A medium level calls for scanning diverse crowds for ten details that start with a specific letter. Lastly, the difficult level has readers counting up Christmas favorites such as candy canes, elves, and Santas. Combining elements of both religious and secular Christmas celebrations, this holiday hunt will appeal to a wide audience. VERDICT Look no further for fresh festive fun where search-and-find books are popular.–Emily Brush

Picture Books

Barry, Robert. Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas. illus. by Sue DiCicco. 40p. Doubleday. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593708194.
PreS-Gr 1–In this delightful tale, Barnaby Bear has a madcap adventure delivering a tree to his friend Mr. Willowby. It is pure joy reading the text and seeing a giant bear ride a Christmas tree down the mountain to give to his friend. There is a lot of mischief along the way, mostly due to Barnaby Bear plowing into a bevy of friends as his tree accelerates with rocketlike speed down the mountain, enlisting participants including Frisky Fox, Dusty Duck, Benjamin Rabbit, and others in the tree delivery. Illustrations by DiCicco, based on the characters and art of Barry, are engaging and in some places give the illusion of being three-dimensional, as when the delivery truck that was supposed to bring the grand Christmas tree gets stuck in a snowdrift. Back matter includes a photograph of the author and some of the original artwork from the text. This title is likely to appeal to readers of many generations: for young children it’s a standalone title, but for adults it provides nostalgia, too. VERDICT A highly recommended Christmas story that captures the magic of friendship, this title has something for the young at heart of all ages and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.–Robin Sofge

Brownridge, Lucy. Joy to the Whole World!: A Round the World Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book. illus. by Sang Miao. 24p. (Lift-The-Flap Celebrations). Quarto/Wide Eyed Eds. Sept. 2025. Tr $22.99. ISBN 9780711297920.
PreS-Gr 1–This lift-the-flap book depicts how different families and cultures in 10 different countries celebrate Christmas. Detailed and interactive scenes show various foods, decor, weather, and traditions. With several flaps to open and facts to discover on each page, readers will spend a lot of time learning about how other families celebrate with each other and in their broader communities. The scenes have cozy settings, both indoors and outdoors, and show people doing loving things as they share gifts and meals with others. The final spread brings everyone in the book together to emphasis the message, “Joy to the whole world!” VERDICT Children will love the beautiful artwork and hidden images in this heartfelt holiday book.–Tanya Boudreau

Christopher, Nathan. When Santa Wrote Back! illus. by Pablo Pino. 40p. Sourcebooks/Wonderland. Sept. 2025. Tr $12.99. ISBN 9781464225253.
PreS-Gr 1–Many children write to Santa, but they’re highly unlikely to receive a genuine reply, let alone establish a correspondence. In this hilarious epistolary story, little Jake’s earnest but rapacious letters get jolly old St. Nick’s attention. Included in the boy’s 10-page list are “a robot for opening gifts at high speed,/ a trumpet, a jetpack, a hot air balloon,/ a dinosaur egg, and a piece of the moon.” Santa’s increasingly pointed suggestions that the child needs to dial back his requests result in Jake telling him to go on vacation instead. Taking up this advice, Santa leaves the boy as his temporary substitute. Even the burdens of the job (a permanent beard, snow in his bedroom, a barrage of mail) do not teach Jake a lesson. In a sudden and somewhat unexpected reversal, it’s his interaction with other children and the discovery of their unselfish wishes that finally make the boy understand the true meaning of gifts. Santa resumes his post and rewards Jake with his most desired gift of all. Pino’s brightly colored, cartoonish illustrations augment the story’s hilarity with highly expressive, energetic characters and frequent juxtaposition of explosive pictures with the more tongue-in-cheek letter content. A list of helpful tips for writing a letter to Santa is included at the end. VERDICT Though a touch saccharine in its conclusion, a charming and vibrant addition to most holiday collections.–Yelena Voysey

Fenske, Jonathan. Candy Corn Christmas! illus. by Jonathan Fenske. 40p. S. & S./Little Simon. Sept. 2025. Tr $10.99. ISBN 9781665973663.
PreS-Gr 3–A cheerful crowd of candy corn—leftovers from Halloween—discovers the excitement of Christmas. Initially unfazed by being the unwanted “candy [that] time forgot,” their joy is crushed by a gatekeeping candy cane who angrily tells them that they don’t belong in a Christmas celebration. The defeated candy corns are about to leave when Santa arrives to welcome everyone to the festivities, teaching the candy cane the error of his ways. Flat digital illustrations show how just a few line strokes can pack an astounding depth into each character. The candy corn faces display a full range of emotion, and visual gags like the smug “fancy cracker” inject humor into every page, culminating in the final spread in which everyone looks on in horror as a human hand reaches out to grasp the unsuspecting candy cane. VERDICT Full of humor and holiday spirit, this is sure to please Fenske’s existing fans and is a perfect suggestion for fans of Jan Thomas and Bob Shea.–Amy Reimann

Gwinn, Saskia. Secrets from the North Pole: Discover the Magic of Christmas. illus. by Daria Danilova. 64p. Quarto/Frances Lincoln. Oct. 2025. Tr $30. ISBN 9781836005742.
Gr 1-4–Head Elf Ivy Everjingle is ready to spill the secrets of Santa’s North Pole in this playful, detail-rich Christmas treasury. Readers are invited to explore “elf records” detailing workshop operations, reindeer care, and Santa’s eco-friendly home, with tidbits on global traditions and what fuels a reindeer’s midnight flight. From the Elf Hall of Fame to Santa’s suit history and festive foods around the world, each page offers something to discover, though notably absent is Rudolph. With diagrams, maps, and charts woven into narrative sections, this festive volume will engage children who enjoy poring over detailed illustrations and quirky facts. Gwinn crafts an accessible blend of facts and gentle humor across 60 pages, making it best suited for browsing rather than linear reading. Danilova fills each page with softly textured, warm-toned art while maintaining a clean design. A racially diverse cast of elves is featured throughout, adding visual inclusivity to the bustling North Pole scenes. While global traditions are mentioned, the book retains a primarily Western Christmas lens. VERDICT Excelling in engagement, design, and joyful reading experience, this festive title will delight young browsers and enrich collections seeking high-interest seasonal books.–Ellen Williams

Heos, Bridget. Santa Claws. illus. by Galia Bernstein. 40p. Holt. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250909497.
PreS-Gr 2–Readers will enjoy meeting Santa Claws, a T. rex wearing a red holiday hat and driving a sleigh pulled by pterosaurs. All the elements of the holiday season are here, from tree-trimming to making toys to delivering food treats, but the participants are creatures from the Cretaceous Period doing human holiday tasks. For example, gallimimuses trim trees with magnolia blossoms, while tiny T. rexes set out scavenged meat for Santa Claws. The rhyming text is upbeat and highlights the incongruities of dinosaurs celebrating Christmas. Illustrations add greatly to the story, combining whimsical dinosaur drawings with enough realistic details to keep dinosaur fans happy. The spread with the rhyming lines “Onward to the ocean deep—/ Sea monsters are fast asleep./ While they nestle in their beds,/ Ammonites drift overhead” is an example of how the rhymes are brought to life by the colorful, clever drawings. End pages provide brief descriptions of all the Cretaceaous Era creatures featured. Although this story does not tug at readers’ heartstrings, it will provide chuckles to all the little dinosaur fans. VERDICT This rhyming Christmas story will appeal to young children who love dinosaurs.–Sally James

Hoying, Scott & Mark Hoying. Fa La La Family. illus. by Steph Lew. 40p. Holt. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250853349.
PreS-Gr 1–A rhyming picture book perfect for celebrating the Christmas season. “Family can mean many things. Your relatives! Your friends!” Families can be big or small, or near or far. The book introduces words like family and “I love you” in multiple languages and asks readers if they can feel the Christmas spirit on multiple pages. A visit from Santa concludes the story. Illustrations are warm and comforting and have lots of fun details for readers to discover. For example, the authors are pictured throughout. Back matter includes the lyrics for a new song about the Christmas season, “Fa La La Family,” from which the text of the book comes, and the accompanying sheet music. VERDICT A fun and festive dive into Christmas celebrations with diverse families. Recommended for all libraries, especially where the authors’ other book is popular.–Kristin Anderson

Moore, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. illus. by Hayden Goodman. 32p. Holt. Oct. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781250349941.
K-Gr 5–A unique and modern interpretation of a classic. The narrative begins on Christmas Eve, drawing readers into a softly lit neighborhood filled with the charm of city life. Illustrations depict various apartments, providing a sense of familiarity for some while offering a new perspective for others. Goodman effectively highlights holiday customs, allowing readers to experience the celebrations of diverse households. The artwork showcases elements like wrapping paper scattered across living rooms, festive decorations, and the hustle and bustle of holiday guests, capturing the warmth and joy of the season. Further enhancing this version’s authenticity, Goodman thoughtfully represents the cultural nuances of the city. With posters of prominent African American artists adorning the walls, the environment feels vibrant and real. One notable character is a mother, depicted in a handkerchief, resting in bed with a hair bonnet and eye mask. In a delightful twist on tradition, Santa has dark brown skin, adding another layer of diversity that enriches the story’s message. VERDICT A modern city twist on a Christmas classic.–Renee Sanchez

Morris, Jordan & Charlie Mylie. Merry Mittens: A Moontime Cats Christmas Story. 40p. (Moontime Cats). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536239669.
K-Gr 5–A sweetly humorous tale of three cat friends exploring the outdoors on a snowy December evening. Carl, Biscuit, and Peewee are curious and playful. They tussle after Carl shoves a snowbank onto Peewee when she tries to taste a fluffy snowflake. Discovering a sneaky mouse with “a stash of loot,” including the town’s Christmas tree gold star, the three friends restore it to the tree and meet a new cat in need of a home. Text is clean, using gradation and punctuation for emphasis when reading. Literary devices such as alliteration in “baubles beckon” and onomatopoeia in “jingle, jangle, smash” encourage early literacy and add fantastic audible cues. Colored pencil and watercolor soften the full-bleed spreads, enhancing each character with charm and originality. Through humor, the realization that not everyone has a place to call home comes as a gentle reminder to children to be kind toward others—an idea that shines outside of the holiday season. VERDICT An excellent secular selection for any library serving young children.–Rachel Zuffa

Panton, Gary. Jingle Bell Jokes for Funny Kids. illus. by Andrew Pinder. 128p. Running Pr. Oct. 2025. pap. $7.99. ISBN 9798894140476.
Gr 1-5–“Knock, knock! Who’s there? Noah. Noah who? Noah-ny good Christmas jokes?” In this Christmas-themed collection of jokes, Panton serves up a feast of holiday humor. A contents page offers a menu of more than 300 jokes portioned into fourteen courses of knee-slapping Santa shenanigans, holiday food funnies, Christmas tree chuckles, and more. However, caution is advised to readers who indulge in the section “A Very Spooky Christmas,” as it’s packed with festive fright, which may incite chilling cackles. Readers who do not celebrate Christmas will still giggle at plenty of winter-themed jokes about icy weather, silly snowmen, and punny polar bears. Pinder’s comical illustrations are sketched simply in black and white, yet provide colorful context clues, augmenting the jolly jokes. This duo’s humor is sure to entertain elementary children, yet will also amuse grown-ups young at heart. Younger children may not grasp some of Panton’s jokes, but there is opportunity for them to grow with this evergreen joke book as their background knowledge and understanding of wordplay develops. VERDICT A fine addition for libraries looking to add some lighthearted Christmas cheer to joke book collections.–Emily Brush

Petty, Dev. Elmore and the Big Christmas Rescue. illus. by Mike Boldt. 40p. (Elmore the Moose). Doubleday. Oct. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593518052.
PreS-Gr 1–Petty follows up Elmore the Christmas Moose with a new picture book about the beloved animal stepping in to help Santa. It’s a week before Christmas and Santa Claus has gotten sick. As he recuperates on a beach, all preparations at the North Pole are placed in the hands of Elmore the Moose. His to-do list is long, but his enthusiasm is evident in the letters he writes back and forth to Santa. When Santa doesn’t have the answers for the problems Elmore encounters, the moose must gather the courage and creativity to do things his way. Children will learn about problem-solving and being oneself as Elmore tries to motivate the reindeer to exercise and get along with the elves as they go about their routines. Mixed in with some wordplay and puns having to do with Elmore’s name, the text and artwork reveal that first days on the job can be imperfect, but still successful. VERDICT Recommended for story hours revolving around Christmas.–Tanya Boudreau

Rex, Adam. The 13th Day of Christmas. illus. by Adam Rex. 48p. Holiday House/Neal Porter. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780823456536.
K-Gr 5–This humorous book explores a multitude of issues arriving after Trudy, the main character’s true love, sends him a Christmas gift of a partridge in a pear tree. “You’ve probably heard the song they wrote about me,” the hero laments on the page before the story begins. After the title page, a spread shows all of the gifts from “The 12 Days of Christmas” crowded inside the main character’s house. At first the gifts make him miserable, but eventually they make him happy to the point of singing “Joy to the World” to Trudy upon her return. Readers of all ages will laugh along with the antics in the story. Digitally created artwork depicts the scenes in fabulous details as they unfold, adding to the humor. Text bubbles make it clear as to who is speaking. The concept of the gift of giving is presented several times in the story and would make a good teaching point. This would also make an excellent holiday read-aloud. VERDICT A great addition to any picture book collection.–Tara Rollins

Stewart, Alexandra. Countdown to Christmas: 24 Magical Advent Stories. illus. by Freya Hartas. 96p. Running Pr. Sept. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9798894141091.
Gr 1-3–This volumepresents a new literary work each day, from poems and songs, to retellings of classic stories and fairy tales, to nonfiction selections. The offerings present a significant variation in length, topic, depth, and text complexity from day to day. While the underlying Christmas theme ties the collection together, interest levels may fluctuate as readers move from familiar songs like “The 12 Days of Christmas” to more in-depth nonfiction pieces and fairy tale retellings. This variation provides diverse reading experiences but may present challenges for consistent engagement across all selections for every child. Pencil and digital color illustrations wonderfully complement each story. Hartas’s character-driven style particularly shines through detailed linework and texture that gives the work a nostalgic, classically festive feel. The illustrations maintain visual cohesion throughout the diverse literary selections. VERDICT This visually appealing anthology provides interesting new seasonal read-alouds perfect for December story times or family reading traditions. Librarians will appreciate the variety of selections that can be incorporated into holiday programming.–Jessica Caron

Tattersfield, Claire. Cupig Saves Christmas. illus. by Rob Sayegh, Jr. 40p. Penguin/Flamingo. Oct. 2025. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9780593693452.
PreS-Gr 2–Cupig, the pig who loves love, is back for a Christmas caper. When a sniffling, sneezing Santa needs help delivering Christmas presents, Cupig is happy to fill in. Flying off to the North Pole, Cupig receives a quick briefing on present delivery, but once on her way, things don’t go quite to plan. Distracted by seasonal treats and decorations, Cupig forgets the presents and leaves a trail of holiday havoc. Fortunately, a still-under-the-weather Santa catches her blunders and sends her back out to fix her mistakes. With renewed focus, Cupig manages to save Christmas and learns a lesson about the joy of giving along the way. The rhyming text is jolly, though the rhythm sometimes stumbles: “The Tooth Fairy’s at the dentist getting a cleaning. Cupig, will you please be Santa just for this evening?” Sayegh’s playful, bright illustrations add humor to every spread, expanding on Cupig’s mix-ups, which include tidying up the snack left for Santa and launching an arrow at a giant inflatable lawn decoration. The combination of Cupig’s over-confident approach to the task at hand and her well-intentioned bumbling make her a charming holiday hero. VERDICT A fun and festive choice for holiday collections.–Alia Shields

Tavares, Matt. Dasher and the Polar Bear. illus. by Matt Tavares. 40p. (Dasher). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781536236316.
PreS-Gr 3–On a cold evening before Christmas, Dasher sets off for a nighttime flight. As she glides over the snow-covered land, she sees the beautiful northern lights blanketing the sky. The glowing colors remind her of Christmas, so she decides to land for a bit and enjoy the view. When she lands, Dasher encounters a large polar bear named George. He is amazed at her flying abilities and tells her how he always wished he could fly like her. Dasher does her best to teach him, and even though they try again and again, George still cannot fly. Dasher can’t understand why Christmas magic works on her but not her friend. If she only knew what to do to help him. This wonderful story is more than just a holiday book—it teaches about the importance of friendship and helping others. Readers can sense the warmth between the two new friends. Artwork is simply amazing. The illustration of the white terrain will make readers feel the cold wind blowing around them. Large pictures help listeners to focus on the characters and their emotions. The characters are meticulously drawn, and George steals the show; he appears to be lifelike: his fur has texture that will make readers want to reach out and touch it, and his face is full of expression. His eyes light up as he watches Dasher glide across the night sky, and when he realizes the lessons are not working, one can almost feel the disappointment in his eyes. The ending wraps up the story in a perfect way. VERDICT A must for holiday collections. This book will charm young children.–Barbara Spiri

Walsh, Sheila. The Little Drummer Girl: An Unexpected Christmas Story. illus. by Marcin Piwowarski. 32p. Baker Bks. Nov. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781540902948.
PreS-Gr 2–Thisspirited and amusing take on the traditional Christmas pageant is told through the eyes of redheaded Isabella, a feisty Tennessee girl with cowgirl flair. Readers will be charmed by Isabella’s independence, her love for animals, and the ever-present canine companion who follows her as she roams the town unchecked. Isabella is determined to play the angel in her church’s Christmas pageant. She envisions herself in a flowing white robe, glowing wings, and a shining halo. But fate has other plans, and she is initially crushed when assigned the role of drummer girl. However, she leans into the role with humor and determination, eventually realizing that she’s the perfect fit. Her drum major costume, hilariously mismatched with the biblical robes worn by other pageant characters, underlines the story’s light tone and playful approach to tradition. With vibrant illustrations depicting a diverse congregation and warm family support, the book invites readers to reimagine familiar traditions with a fresh, inclusive lens. Written as a ballad quatrain, the rhyming text attempts to capture the rhythm of an old-fashioned carol, but it occasionally falters with forced rhymes and content length that may challenge read-aloud pacing. While the structure may not be perfect, the story’s message of self-discovery and embracing one’s unique gifts resonates. VERDICT This picture book is a good fit for religious collections, especially in schools or libraries seeking Nativity stories with a contemporary flair and a strong, relatable heroine.–Lynne Stover

Middle Grade

McKearin, Natalie. 12 Strays of Christmas. 272p. (A Wish Novel). Scholastic. Oct. 2025. pap. $8.99. ISBN 9781546159445.
Gr 4-8–A look at overcoming grief, set against the backdrop of the holidays and first love. Seventh grader Holly is unhappy that her mother’s job has relocated the family from Michigan to Chicago. While her older brother has embraced their new home thanks to his relentlessly cheerful friend Alex, Holly counts down the days until they can return to Michigan for Christmas. Before that can happen, Holly has a lot to do: secretly make money to replace her damaged phone; volunteer at the animal shelter for a school project; totally ignore the fact that Alex is maybe kind of cute, but whatever; and face her own past trauma about the events that led to their move and her loneliness. Books in this series are reliable picks for young readers who are eager for romance, but nothing too heavy. This one has a nice addition of including playlists at the beginning of the chapters, much like a YA novel. The story keeps readers guessing at Holly’s past, as her backstory isn’t revealed until later on. The title is a bit of a misnomer since the story doesn’t focus on dogs. Some phrasing sounds more like it’s coming from an adult instead of a young teen, but nothing that will deter an eager reader. Race/ethnicity of the characters was not stated. VERDICT Readers don’t need to be animal lovers to pick up this story about love after loss.–Elissa Cooper

Graphic Novels

Podesta, Bobby. North for the Winter. illus. by Bobby Podesta. 352p. First Second. Sept. 2025. Tr $23.99. ISBN 9781250838230.
Gr 3-7–Moving to Colorado days before Christmas is an unwelcome challenge for Virginia, but a chance encounter with a flying reindeer begins an adventure that will birth lifelong memories for her and touch the lives of people she has yet to meet. When she and her father get a flat tire on their way to move in with Aunt Francis in Denver, Virginia goes exploring in the woods, where she sees the magical creature. After moving in with Francis, Virginia meets her neighbor Benny, who offers to take her on a tour of the city. Virginia tells Benny of her chance encounter, and he insists that they go back to the woods to try and track down the reindeer. What follows is a magical holiday adventure filled with danger and excitement, but also warmth and comfort. Everything readers might want from a Christmas story is here: elves, magic stockings, a desperate race to bring gifts to the children of the world, and even an appearance by the man in red himself—plus, a surprise twist to a Christmas pastime. This story has all of the charm of a holiday TV special but feels original and fresh, with time-honored themes of friendship and belief. The art is pleasantly cartoony and whimsical, and the script is engaging and reads quickly. Those who don’t celebrate the holiday won’t find much to appreciate here, unless they simply enjoy a good fantastical tale for the holiday season. Virginia has tan skin and dark hair, and supporting characters have a variety of skin tones. VERDICT For patrons looking for a heartwarming, comforting Christmas tale, this is perfection.–M. Brandon Robbins