111. The 13th Day of Christmas. Adam Rex. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, Christmas]

First sentence: I was having a lonely Christmas because my true love was visiting her parents. So it was real quiet when I heard chirping. I didn't really want a bird, but it was nice enough. It came in this little pear tree, and I like pears. The card said my true love sent it, so of course I loved it. Of course I did.

Premise/plot: This humorous book is told from the perspective of the recipient of the twelve days of Christmas. A man has received a LOT from his one true love. But how much was intended to be sent? And what does she have in mind?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was silly. He is trying to cope with EVERYTHING and trying to puzzle out WHY his true love sent him ALL these odd, strange presents. Can he find a way to spread the joy of Christmas?

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. A Christmas Sonata. Gary Paulsen. Illustrated by Leslie Bowman. 1992. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars][Christmas, historical, family drama]

First sentence: It comes on everybody at a certain time in their life not to believe in Santa Claus.

Premise/plot: This is a short novella for children presumably though probably not best appreciated by children. A boy and his mother travel to spend Christmas with relatives in Minnesota. His cousin is dying and this will be his last Christmas. His father is away fighting in the Second World War. He's decided that Santa is NOT real. And his cousin is also unsure if Santa is real. Both are skeptical but a tiny bit hopeful. Will he believe in Santa or not?

My thoughts: This was a strange read. On the bright side it was a very short read. I think it might work better as a Christmas special or movie. This is a bittersweet story though perhaps kids may not pick up on that as much as adults? Or maybe they would. I'm glad I read it, but, I can't imagine rereading it.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. Board book: There There Little Kitten. Anna Milbourne. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: Little kitten is feeling lonely. Maybe we can be friends.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's tickle under your chin.
Oh dear, it's starting to rain!
A big rain drop has sploshed
onto little kitten's nose.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's stroke your nose better.

Premise/plot: There There Little Kitten is a touch and feel interactive board book for young readers. Each spread includes a touch and feel element for young children. The book stars a little kitten who needs lots of affection.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I love cats. I tend to enjoy many touch and feel board books. Not all of them all of the time. But this one was good. If your little one loves cats or pets in general, then this one would be a fine choice.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

108. BOARD BOOK: First Festivals: Christmas (Lift-the-Flap). Ladybird Books. 2025. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: Lights are starting to twinkle, and there is festive cheer all around us...The Christian festival of Christmas has arrived! At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, who they believe is the Son of God. The story of Jesus's birth is called the nativity. Children often take part in special plays to remember this story. There is always lots to prepare before Christmas day. Christmas is a festival of gift-giving, and many choose to give presents to charity.


This board book is ONE in a series of board books about festivals. Other books in the series include or soon will include: Ramadan, Easter, and Hanukkah. It is not written from a Christian perspective necessarily more a neutral, almost bland objective one. For better or worse. It is what it is.

The book introduces readers to elements of the Christmas season that might be more tied to a Christian observance of Christmas. I think this is a good choice. This isn't about Santa, reindeer, making cookies, or shopping.

It is NOT in any way a book that focuses on the nativity itself, on WHO Jesus is, of WHY he came, of WHY this changes everything.

It is matter of fact, a bit bland, definitely basic.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

107. Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1971. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, Christmas, picture book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: Christmas was coming and it was coming fast. It was coming to the town where the houses huddled with their cozy windows shining in the winter dusk. It was coming to the country where snow lay drifted up against the barns and the firewood was all stacked beside the houses. And it was coming to the river and the little run-down place where Emmet Otter and his mother lived, near Frogtown Hollow. Christmas was coming, and money was more scarce than ever.

Premise/plot: Emmet Otter desperately wants to buy a store bought present for his Ma. Ma Otter desperately wants to buy a store bought present for her son. Both realize that it's an almost impossible dream. Money is not to be had. Ma depends on doing the washing--in her washtub--to bring in a bit of money. Emmet depends on his odd jobs--thanks to the toolbox his father left him. Not a spare penny to be found. But when the town has a talent show with a prize of fifty dollars, both must decide if it's time to risk it all for a dream.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love crazy-love the Muppet adaptation of Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. I do think the ADAPTATION is better. Or perhaps it is just more familiar. The adaptation gives us music, songs, lyrics. The book gives us song titles and a small fraction of the lyrics. And the two don't really have much of a connection except for one or two song titles that are *almost* the same. Still, this one is an enjoyable, cozy read. It's just not quite as magical as the adaptation.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers