Kids’ Christmas books, with a twist
Even Mrs. Claus is getting into the holiday spirit.
Look who’s starring in the year’s most entertaining Christmas books for kids. Could it be Santa? Nope, the big guy is sidelined with a cold. Instead, Mrs. Claus, Pete the Cat and a gap-toothed pirate in a red suit are happily hogging the holiday spotlight in these adorable tales for wee ones.
1“The Lost Christmas” By B.B. Cronin Viking, ages 3-7; $18.99
The story: Granddad has invited the grandkids over to help decorate his tree on Christmas Eve. But there’s one big problem: Where are all the ornaments?
What kids will like: Curious kids will be kept quite busy Christmas morning as they go on a treasure hunt for the missing baubles hidden amid B.B. Cronin’s intricate, whimsical, candy-colored drawings.
2“Pete the Cat’s 12 Groovy Days of Christmas”
By Kimberly and James Dean Harper, ages 4-8; $12.99
The story: It’s snowing, so Pete the Cat packs up his yellow bus for a California-dreamin’-style trip to the beach – stopping to pick up his critter pals along the way and giving them groovy gifts while singing a hilarious version of “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” What kids will
like: A giggly chorus is likely to ring out as young readers follow Pete’s sing-along holiday adventure – especially when they get to “5 Onion Rings!”
3“Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins”
By Sue Fliess; illustrated by Mark Chambers
Two Lions, ages 4-7; $17.99 The story: Santa’s in bed with the sniffles, so presents might not get delivered. Oh no! But hold on. Mrs. Claus is ready to ride the rescue and “Save Christmas Day!”
What kids will like: This extremely cute exercise in feminist heroics delivers a subtle message through clever rhymes and good-natured humor (the sleigh is leaking fuel, but Mrs. Claus stays in control, using ribbon to plug the hole!).
4“If You Ever Want to Bring a Pirate to Meet Santa, Don’t!”
By Elise Parsley
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8; $17.99
The story: It seems like a good idea to invite a pirate they meet at the mall to get in line for Santa, but these siblings soon discover their new friend is naughty indeed – after all, he is a pirate.
What kids will like: Ahoy, matey! Our young mall-goers teach Mr. Pirate (whose red outfit and scraggly white beard look an awful lot like you-knowwho’s) an amusing lesson when they put the scallywag in a “time-out” chair that just happens to belong to Santa.
5“Oliver Elephant”
By Lou Peacock; illustrated by Helen Stephens
Nosy Crow, ages 2-5; $16.99 The story: Mommy takes toddler Noah and baby Evie-May into town for some Christmas shopping. Noah and his blue toy elephant Oliver are having the best time (well, until careless Oliver knocks over a bowl of ornaments).
After a break for a yummy cinnamon bun, Ollie is missing. Where can he be? What kids will like: Never fear, Oliver is here. This sweet tale has a happy holiday ending, natch. Everybody say “Awww.”