MERRY CHRISTMAS MR. MOUSE

written by Carolyn Buehner, illus. by Mark Buehner, (Dial Books for Young Readers, $17.99, Oct. 2015, ISBN 978-0-8037-4010-5), 40p, Ages 3-7

"Once a raggedy little alley mouse / heard an encouraging tale / that a warm spot beneath a kitchen stove / had just gone up for sale. / So Mr. Mouse moved off of the street, / and settled in under the floor / with his dear wife and seventeen children / in nook number twenty-four." They soon discover that the human family upstairs is preparing for Christmas with a beautifully decorated tree, delicious smells in the kitchen, stories of a child born long ago, and a jolly elf named Santa, who brings gifts to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus on Christmas day. Inspired, Mr. and Mrs. Mouse decide to prepare, too. Tying a bell around the sleeping cat, Mr. Mouse borrows several items for their tree, while Mrs. Mouse makes pajamas for the kids. On Christmas day, the little mouse family is surprised with unexpected gifts. Kids will love searching for a three small items hidden on each page, with solutions found on the inside of the dust jacket.

THE NOT VERY MERRY POUT-POUT FISH

written by Deborah Diesen, illus. by Dan Hanna, (Farrar Straus Giroux Books, $16.99, Sept. 2015, ISBN 978-0-374-35549-4), 32p, Ages 2-6

Time is running out for Pout-Pout fish to buy just the right Christmas gifts for his friends. "For a gift should be big, / And a gift should be bright. / And a gift should be perfect— / Guaranteed to bring delight." Weary and discouraged, Pout-Pout fish is about to give up, when Miss Shimmer shows him the benefit of handmade gifts. The fun is in the imaginative illustrations (candy cane sea worms, seaweed pie, Manta Claus, seahorse reindeer.) A great reminder of what Christmas should be like.

MERRY MERRY HOLLY HOLLY

written by Dori Chaconas, illus. By Lisa McCue, (Viking Books, $16.99, Oct. 2015, ISBN 978-0-451-47501-5), 32p, Ages 3-5

From the early-reader series of Cork & Fuzz comes a gentle story about a special day. "Cork was a short muskrat. He liked to think." While "Fuzz was a tall possum. He didn't think about his day. He just followed his nose to wherever it led." Wondering why the day is special, Cork seeks a quiet spot to think, but Fuzz sings along with a little gold bell he found. When they find a snowy tree decorated with twinkling lights and no noisy birds or squirrels, they hang the bell on the tree, sing songs, and decide that the day is special because they are together.

CLICK CLACK HO! HO! HO!

written by Doreen Cronin, illus. By Betsy Lewin, (Antheneum Books, $17.99, Oct. 2015, ISBN 978-1-4424-9673-6), 40p, Ages 4-8

Fans of the Click Clack series will enjoy this comical Christmas story with Farmer Brown, Duck, and the barnyard menagerie. On Christmas Eve, Farmer Brown hangs up stockings, leaves cookies and hot chocolate for Santa, rushes off to bed, and hears a pitter patter on the roof. Duck has his own idea about Christmas Eve. Constructing a zip line from the barn to the house, wearing night-vision goggles, climbing spurs, a Santa hat, and a backpack, he zips across to Farmer Brown's roof and proceeds to get stuck in the chimney. When the other animals zip over and attempt to rescue Duck, they also become stuck. It's up to Santa to break up the bottleneck, leave gifts, and fly off with Duck's goggles. Kids will love Duck's ingenuity, slapstick results, and Santa's solution to a hilarious Christmas Eve.

RUDOLPH SHINES AGAIN

written by Robert L. May, illus. By Antonio Javier Caparo, (Little Simon, $17.99, Sept. 2015, ISBN 978-1-4424-7498-7), 40p, Ages 3-7

Children once again travel to the North Pole in this holiday sequel to Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, (Little Simon 2014.) Originally published in 1954, Rudolf' loses his shiny red nose due to selfishness. Running away from his problems, Rudolf discovers two rabbits, who are distraught over losing their children in the forest. Forgeting his own problems, Rudolph finds the bunnies, and returns them to their worried parents. On his journey home, something magical happens. "Ever since Rudolph had saved the young rabbits, / Forgetting himself, and ended his habits / Of thinking of Rudolph, and weeping and whining, / The light on his nose had again started shinning." Originally written by Robert L. May, as a gift for his employer's customers, the holiday tale became an instant hit, as it will for children today.

OSKAR AND THE EIGHT BLESSING

written by Richard Simon/ Tanya Simon, illus. by Mark Siegel, (Roaring Brook Press, $17.99, Sept. 2015, ISBN 978-1-59643-949-8), 40p, Ages 4-8

"Oskar, even in bad times, people can be good. You have to look for the blessings." With this reminder from his father, in 1938 on Christmas Eve and the seventh day of Hanukkah, a young Jewish refugee arrives by ship from Nazi Europe with a photograph and address of an unknown aunt. As Oskar walks the length of Manhattan (100 blocks), he encounters kind New Yorkers, who bless him with gifts of food, mittens, music, and even the very first Superman comic. Each small act of kindness welcomes Oskar into a new life in a country where miracles happen, especially during the holidays. Endpapers feature a map of Manhattan and Oskar's route from the Battery, past Union Square, Herald Square, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park to Aunt Ester's home. The engaging illustrations bring this story of kindness and generosity to life during a dark period in world history.

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

written by Clement C. Moore, illus. by Charles Santore, (Applesauce Press, Oct. 2011, $18.95, ISBN 978-1-60433-237-7), 44p, Ages 4-8

Written as a Christmas present for his children in 1822, Dr. Moore's classic poem tells the story of a magical visit one Christmas Eve from Santa Claus. Hearing clatter on his roof, the father of a sleeping family discovers "a right jolly old elf" in his living room placing toys under their Christmas tree. Upon completing his task, an ash-tarnished Santa winks, nods, zooms up the chimney, and leaves in a sleigh pulled by eight miniature reindeer. This charming and memorable tale, accompanied by exquisite illustrations from award-winning artist Charles Santore, should be read as a Christmas tradition every year.

CLEMENTINE FOR CHRISTMAS

written by Daphne Benedis-Grab, (Scholastic Press, $16.99, Aug. 2015, ISBN 978-0-545-83951-8), 256p, Ages 8-12

Three sixth graders come together at Christmas and discover friendship, compassion, and generosity. Josie and her dog, Clementine, volunteer in the pediatric ward at Frost Ridge hospital, where she dresses in silly costumes, performs and sings favorite carols for the kids. Oscar, a troubled student, is sent by the principal to work at the hospital after school as punishment for bad behavior. Gabby, a popular student with a secret, finds herself in the hospital as a patient. When the hospital's annual Christmas Festival is canceled, the three decide to work together and find a way to save the holiday festivities. When Clementine goes missing, friendships are tested, lessons are learned, attitudes are changed, and fears are overcome. Kids will enjoy this touching and heartwarming story of friendship and an unwavering love for a very special dog.

THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY

written by Susan Wojciechowski, illus. By P. J. Lunch, (Candlewick Press, $17.99, Sept. 2015, ISBN 978-0-7636-7822-7), 40p, Ages 8-11

"Jonathan Toomey seldom smiled and never laughed. He went about mumblingand grumbling, muttering and sputtering, grumping and griping. He complained that the church bells rang too often, that the birds sang too shrilly, that the children played too loudly." A woodcarver by trade, Jonathan was lonely and mourning the loss of his wife and child. Before Christmas a widow requests a manger scene and asks that her son, an aspiring woodcarver, watch the process. Gradually over the next few visits the boy offers suggestions, and the widow brings small gifts of food. Slowly Jonathan changes from a sad, lonely woodcarver into a caring and joyful human being, transformed by the miracle of love and hope at Christmastime. This simple and heartwarming story has been enjoyed as a Christmas classic for years since written in 1985.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

written by O. Henry, illus. by P. J. Lynch, (Candlewick Press, $15.99, Sept. 2008, ISBN 978-0-7636-3530-5), 40p, Ages 12+

First published in 1903, O. Henry's tale of love and sacrifice at Christmastime comes alive again with the beautiful illustrations of P. J. Lynch. A young and poor couple in New York scrape by on a meager income, which leaves only pennies for holiday spending. With only $1.87 to buy a present for her husband, Della sells her long hair to purchase a platinum chain for his watch. Jim, in turn, sells his watch to buy Della combs for her hair. On Christmas Eve, they discover what each has sacrificed for the other, and realize that their love and devotion are far more lasting than material things. O'Henry, a master at humor and plot twists, has entertained readers and listeners for generations.

NICKEL BAY NICK

written by Dean Pitchford, (G. P. Putnam's Sons, $16.99, Oct. 2013, ISBN 978-0-399-25465-9), 272p, Ages 10+

An embittered and troubled eleven-year-old encounters a reclusive neighbor, who changes his circumstances, alters his future, and saves his family and town at Christmas. With a history of larceny, Sam is well known by the police and in danger of being removed from his struggling single dad's care. Fleeing from the police one evening, he encounters the mysterious Mr. Wells, a reclusive, wealthy neighbor, who anonymously distributes $100 bills at Christmas to Nickel Bay residents, thereby raising their spirits and the town's economy. Unable to participate this year due to a broken leg, Mr. Wells obtains a list of Sam's crimes, blackmails him into becoming the secret Santa, and trains him in skills of a spy, pickpocket, and cat burglar. What results is a well-written, humorous, exciting, and fast-paced tale of rescue, redemption, and second chances. A surprise ending reveals Mr. Wells' motives for becoming involved in Sam's life. Kids will find themselves rooting for this kid every step of the way.

GREENGLASS HOUSE

written by Kate Milford, illus. by Jaime Zollars, (Clarion Books, $17.99, Aug. 2014, ISBN 978-0-544-05270-3), 376p, Ages 10-14

What should have been a relaxing Christmas break for an adopted twelve-year-old and his parents, owners of a legendary smugglers inn, quickly becomes complicated and dangerous when five unexpected guests arrive seeking treasure in Greenhouse Glass. When the guests' belongings begin to disappear, Milo and the cook's daughter begin a role-laying game to solve the mystery. Ordinarily meek with anxiety and insecurity issues, Milo transforms into a brave and bold detective with a keen sense of observation, which helps locate the stolen objects, piece together clues of the house's mysterious past, and solve its connection to a legendary pirate. With amazing stained glass windows, an attic of antiques, and original home to the famous pirate, Doc Holiday, Greenglass House contains multiple treasures and mysteries on every floor. Smugglers, custom agents, ghost stories, love stories, and stories within stories tell of love, trust, greed, and generosity. This enchanting and charming read, seasoned with fantasy, mystery, and danger, makes for a great holiday choice for middle grade readers.

THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

written by O. Henry, illus. by P. J. Lynch, (Candlewick Press, $15.99, Sept. 2008, ISBN 978-0-7636-3530-5), 40p, Ages 12+

First published in 1903, O. Henry's tale of love and sacrifice at Christmastime comes alive again with the beautiful illustrations of P. J. Lynch. A young and poor couple in New York scrape by on a meager income, which leaves only pennies for holiday spending. With only $1.87 to buy a present for her husband, Della sells her long hair to purchase a platinum chain for his watch. Jim, in turn, sells his watch to buy Della combs for her hair. On Christmas Eve, they discover what each has sacrificed for the other, and realize that their love and devotion are far more lasting than material things. O'Henry, a master at humor and plot twists, has entertained readers and listeners for generations.

A SEASON OF GIFTS

written by Richard Peck, illus. by Brandon Dorman, (Dial Books, $16.99, Sept. 2009, ISBN 978-0-8037-3082-3), 176p, Ages 11+

The year is 1958, and eccentric, fearless, and independent Grandma Dowdel from A Year Down Yonder (Dial, 2000) and A Long Way from Chicago (Dial, 1998) returns in a heartwarming Christmas story of generosity and courage. The tale is told from the perspective of twelve-year-old Bob, one of three children of a Methodist minister and his wife, who move into a small Illinois town next door to Mrs. Dowdel. Pushing 90 years, toting a gun, taking down neighborhood hoodlums, and raising funds to provide new windows for a rundown church, Mrs. Dowdel intervenes in her clever and capable way to provide a role model for six-year-old Ruth Ann, a teacher of courage to Bob, a friend to mom, and an obstacle to Phyllis's high school antics. Little does the Barnhart family realize that their encounter with Mrs. Dowdel will make this Christmas unforgettable. "She was no church woman, and she didn't neighbor, and Christmas was just another day to her. But she didn't wait for Christmas to give out her gifts. She gave too many. They wouldn't have fit under the tree, not even the tallest blue spruce from the Dempsey's backyard." As always, Richard Peck's characters are strikingly memorable and larger than life.