Holiday titles fill the shelves this December

            The Biggest Smallest Christmas Present

By Harriet Muncaster

Best for: Ages 3-5

            Move over Thumbelina—there’s a new tiny girl in town. Her name is Clementine. Her family is quite ordinary in all aspects except for Clementine’s diminutive size. She bathes in a teacup and sleeps in a matchbox. She loves being tiny except that her toys are always too big. Even Santa doesn’t seem to realize how small Clementine actually is. Clementine tries to leave Santa notes, photos and more to help him leave the right gift. Does Santa get it right in the end? Maybe the biggest gift is also the best gift for the smallest little girl. The illustrations pull you in and hold your attention as you long to see what such a tiny little girl is going to do next. Great fun for the holidays.

What’s good: Engaging illustrations that add zest to story time.

What’s bad: Short text that depends on the illustrations to tell the tale.

            The Great Spruce

By John Duvall

Illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon

Best for: Ages 5-8       

            Every year seems to offer a new story about the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The Great Spruce tells this tale with a slightly different approach. This is Alec’s story of a grand tree that his grandfather planted many years ago. It is his favorite climbing tree. One day men from the big city come and get permission to take the tree to the city for Christmas. Alec takes it upon himself to stop them from cutting the tree down. He offers a compromise. They can dig it up and borrow it for the holidays. They use shovels, a crane, a barge and a horse-drawn sleigh, and the tree eventually ends up in the city’s big plaza. The illustrations are brightly colored and offer numerous perspectives to highlight the grandeur of the tree. The end notes offer a glimpse into the Rockefeller Center tree tradition, mentioning a time when live trees actually were used.

What’s good: Environmental focus without over-the-top messaging.

What’s bad: It seems unlikely you could dig up a tree quite as big as the one in the book.           

            Secrets of Hexbridge Castle

By Gabrielle Kent

Best for: Ages 8-12

            Set in a fictional European village, this tale unleashes magic, dragons, secrets, fantasy and friendship in the first book of a planned series. Alfie is a nice boy who seems out of place. His mother has passed away, and his father has buried himself in his work. Every day seems dull and boring until Alfie inherits a castle. With the castle come many secrets and powers. Alfie and his cousins soon find themselves embroiled in a mystery and facing off with an evil headmistress. While not as deep as Harry Potter, this is a fun entrance into the middle grade fantasy genre.

What’s good: A strong voice and authentic character engage the reader.

What’s bad: Some formulaic adventure and fantasy themes.