Holiday Books Bring Smiles by Lee Littlewood on Creators.com

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Holiday Books Bring Smiles

Give the gift of reading this holiday season. These Christmas-themed books add joy and entertainment to any young child's festivities.

"My Very Own Talking Bear and Book" by Susan Rich Brooke; illustrated by Veronica Vasylenko; from Publications International; $25.95.

This talking book and cuddly plush bear set will thrill preschoolers on Christmas and throughout the new year. The sturdy hardcover book, titled, "I Love You, Santa Bear," is a sweet, rhyming singsong tale starring a little polar bear and a bigger Santa Bear. Kids can push the book's six buttons on the right panel to hear the little bear, a bunny, a cardinal and a deer read lines as they prepare for Santa's journey.

The accompanying super soft, plush Santa Bear interacts magically with the book and with the other characters. The eight-inch tall bear is the perfect size for cuddling and playing with or without the book. But when tots squeeze its left paw, a warm, reassuring Santa-like voice speaks softly and lovingly.

A fantastic gift for kids just beginning to read, "My Very Own Talking Bear and Book" is a sweet, snuggly gift sure to get youngsters in the holiday mood.

"Santa's on His Way" by Ruth Martin; illustrated by Sophy Williams; Templar/Candlewick Press; 14 pages; $12.99.

This "changing-picture" book enables readers to view one circular picture and then cause panels to slide to change into another picture by opening the following page. The sturdy book, with flaps that open, too, tells the story of Santa's five days of preparation before hitting the skies. On Dec. 19th, he readies his nine reindeer; Dec. 20th features elves working hard to prepare gifts, and on the 24th, Santa is off "with a whoosh and a wave."

Williams' homey, candlelit and glowing illustrations paint a cozy portrait of the North Pole. The brief, zesty text and changing pictures make this a smart choice for story time.

"Michael Hague's Treasury of Christmas Carols" by Michael Hague and Kathleen Hague; Sterling Children's Books; 50 pages; $9.95.

Many Christmas carol books feature detailed musical configurations and ancient lyrics confusing to young children. This fuzzy-covered book caters to the youngest of carol singers.

With four lines, at the most, on each sparse page, children will find these songs easy to learn. The "Jingle Bells" lyrics begin with only, "Dashing through the snow, in a one-horse open sleigh, O'er the fields we go, laughing all the way," on the first page. Other lyrics presented are "Deck the Halls," "O Christmas Tree" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," perfectly succinct enough for little singers.

Best of all are the Hagues' classically-tinged illustrations. They depict cozy, detailed pictures of wintry animals reveling in snowy scenes.

"Duck and Goose, It's Time for Christmas" by Tad Hills; Schwarz & Wade Books; 20 pages; $6.99.

Babies and toddlers aren't too young to get into the holiday spirit. Tad Hills' popular Duck and Goose characters star here in this board-book tale of outdoorsy fun. Bossy Duck decides to admonish playful Goose when he makes snow angels, throws snowballs, tries to build a fort and helps to place the star on top of the decorated tree, reminding him that it's time, of course, for Christmas.

Tots will enjoy revisiting the funny relationship between two friends, and they'll love Hills' frosty depiction of outdoor fun.

KIDBITS

Three versions of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" crossed my desk today. The first one, illustrated by Jade Fang, (Accord Publishing; $17.99), features Accord's new "AniMotion" technology that makes illustrations move animatedly. On the second day of Christmas, two turtledoves cuddle actively and on the eighth day, a maiden actually walks uphill while "a-milking." Totally cool and active, this version makes a fine holiday gift.

Laurel Long's "The Twelve Days of Christmas," (Dial/Penguin; $16.99), is a gloriously illustrated picture book set against a Renaissance countryside. Intricate details create a new experience upon each viewing, and an amazing spread at the end of the book is frame-worthy. It is a breathtaking book, and sure to be a classic. Long's tale is beautiful.

Active and zesty, Jane Ray's Christmas countdown, (Candlewick Press; $16.99), is colorful and lively. It stars a young woman whose true love sends her gift after gift, until her house is overflowing with holiday joy.

Humor and fun artwork fill Ray's "The Twelve Days of Christmas," especially as she tries to eat dinner surrounded by eight bovines and hardworking milking maids.

To find out more about Lee Littlewood and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.