School Library Journal

Cork & Fuzz: Merry Merry Holly Holly

Dori CHACONAS | FICTION, Oct 01, 2015

A warm and fuzzy tale that is imbued with the holiday spirit despite never mentioning the word Christmas.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library

In their first picture book, easy-reader best friends Cork (a deep-thinking muskrat) and Fuzz (a happy-go-lucky possum) roam the snowy landscape, wondering why the day feels so special. Cork keeps looking for a quiet place to think, while Fuzz distractingly sings ditties ("Merry, merry, holly, holly, ho-ho-ho!") and shakes a jingle bell. Finally, as darkness falls, they come upon a lighted fir tree, and Cork realizes why the day is special. His conclusion is not the expected one

Bear and Bunny

Daniel PINKWATER | FICTION, Oct 01, 2015

Recommended for most picture book collections.

Mina's White Canvas

Hyeon-Ju LEE | FICTION, Oct 01, 2015

Young children will delight in all the fun Mina has with her friends. An additional purchase, best used one-on-one.

My Secret to Tell

Natalie D. RICHARDS | FICTION, Oct 01, 2015

Despite some flaws, this is a good choice for younger teens who want a bit of PG romance and a modern Nancy Drew-esque mystery.

Samurai Santa: A Very Ninja Christmas

Rubin PINGK | FICTION, Oct 01, 2015

A super fun holiday read-aloud that should delight little ninjas everywhere.—Mara Alpert Los Angeles Public Library

It's hard to be a ninja when no one will join your snowball fight for fear of landing on Santa's naughty list. There's only one thing for Yukio to do: trick his fellow ninjas into chasing the "bright red intruder" away. They think they're successful when the interloper disappears