The Christmas Quiet Book

PreS-Gr 2—Subtle movements and sound effects enhance the video version of this charming picture book by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska (HMH, 2012). Children will relate to the series of anticipatory events leading up to Christmas, especially the experience of trying to stay awake to listen hard for sleigh bells. As in the original version, Liwska's art and her skill in portraying emotions are what stand out. This short film features Liwska's usual, adorable suspects: bears, bunnies, a hedgehog, an iguana, and an owl. When the bunnies search for presents, one serves as lookout with a nervous expression. When they are caught, their sadness is palpable. The bunny with the shattered ornament appears horrified, and the lamb under the mistletoe is aghast at the hopeful hedgehog. Bright, happy chords of sounds, such as a toy piano, are heard at the beginning and end. In between there is, appropriately, mostly silence to accompany the narration, although snow crunches, the fire crackles, whispers are audible, and sleigh bells ring. Almost every scene has some movement: an owl glides across ice on skates, cups of cocoa are lifted for drinking, and snow falls. The activities of the characters and their emotions will resonate with young viewers.