Here Comes the ... Cat (Deborah Underwood)

Recently, I came across Deborah Underwood’s Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat in the new books section of the library.  Immediately, I feel in love with this cheeky character and the deadpan humor. 

The comedic timing between Underwood’s narrator and Claudia Rueda’s illustrations is perfection. Rueda maximizes the effect of the characters with colored-pencil and ink illustrations on blank white space, which keeps the focus on the characters’ wily actions, animated facial expressions, and witty signs. The book is a perfect example of the interconnectedness of illustrations and text that make for an outstanding picture book experience.  

Lots of fun twists and turns keep children and adults entertained. Cat’s sassy banter, silly suggestions, and devious plans are comical.  However, he has a warm and teachable heart underneath that always wins out in the end.

There are four books right now in the series, each culminating in a delightful surprise ending. (I just noticed an announcement on Mr. Schu Reads that the Underwood-Rueda team is working on Here Comes the Teacher Cat.  I cannot wait to see what they come up with for that one.)

You will want to make Cat part of your family holiday and special occasion reading traditions. 

Here Comes the Tooth Fairy Cat

Amazon Summary:

“When Cat loses a tooth, the Tooth Fairy delivers a wholly unwanted sidekick: a mouse. Together, Cat and Mouse are tasked with running a few Tooth Fairy-related errands—a challenge, since Mouse is just as competitive and mischievous and hilariously self-involved as Cat.”

Here Comes Valentine Cat

Amazon Summary:

“Cat does NOT like Valentine's Day. It's much too mushy, and no way is he making anyone a valentine—especially not his new neighbor, Dog. Dog refuses to respect the fence: He keeps tossing over old bones and hitting Cat in the head! But just as Cat’s about to send Dog an angry "valentine" telling him exactly what he can do with his bones, Dog throws a ball over the fence. What is Dog playing at?”

Here Comes the Easter Cat

Amazon Summary:

“Why should the Easter Bunny get all the love? That's what Cat would like to know. So he decides to take over: He dons his sparkly suit, jumps on his Harley, and roars off into the night. But it turns out delivering Easter eggs is hard work. And it doesn't leave much time for naps (of which Cat has taken five--no, seven). So when a pooped-out Easter Bunny shows up, and with a treat for Cat, what will Cat do?”

Here Comes Santa Cat
Amazon Summary:
“Cat took on a bunny in Here Comes the Easter Cat, but now Christmas is coming, and Cat has a hunch he's not on Santa's ‘nice’ list. Which means? No presents for Cat. So he tries to be good, but children, it seems, aren't wild for his brand of gift-giving. Still, Cat might surprise himself, and best of all, he may just get to meet the man in the red suit himself—and receive a holiday surprise of his own.  

Christmas Fiction: Santa's Helpers (Reindeer)

The books about Santa are seemingly endless.  As a result, I am breaking them up into smaller groups.  These are the best books about Santa’s reindeer helpers. 

Where’s Prancer? (ages 3-7) by Syd Hoff (Beginning Reader) 

Santa returns to the North Pole after giving out presents.  He goes inside to warm up with a cup of tea.  When he ventures outside to give his reindeer a treat, he realizes that Prancer is missing.  Santa is on edge, thinking every phone call or knock on the door is his faithful, missing reindeer.  He finally remembers that the last place he saw Prancer was Philadelphia.  Santa and the seven remaining reindeer go back the city of brotherly love to look for him.  The group finds Prancer looking into a window.  He stayed back because he “wanted to see how people looked on Christmas Day.”  Santa and the reindeer enjoy observing the “many happy faces.”  They are “glad they had helped make them that way.”   Everyone returns home safely.  Where’s Prancer? can be read independently by beginning readers. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (ages 3-8) by Robert L. May

Rudolph is used to being berated for his nose “red as a beet” which is “twice as big” and bright.  On Christmas Eve it is so foggy out that Santa has difficulty navigating, until he visits Rudolph’s home where he sees that “the lamp wasn’t burning; the light came, instead, from something that lay at the head of the bed.”  It is Rudolph’s nose!  Santa asks him to help deliver the presents.  Rudolph proudly assists Santa that night.   When they return to the North Pole, Santa praises Rudolph for his bravery and brilliance in front of the other reindeer.   Rudolph humbly accepts the compliments and admiration of the others.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is written in rhyming couplets. 

Rudolph’s Second Christmas (ages 4-9) by Robert L. May 

After a vacation in the South Pole, Santa returns to find his house full of thank you letters.  He enlists Rudolph to help him open and read them.  Rudolph comes across one that brings him to tears.  Two children did not get a visit from Santa because they move so much with the circus.  Rudolph sets out to find them.  He learns that the circus is so poorly received that it only stays in a town for one day.  On his way home, he comes across a group of misfit animals—a canary that talks, a parrot that sings, a cat that barks, a dog that meows, a hare that is slow, and a turtle that is fast.  They feel lonely and ostracized from others.  Santa and Rudolph work together to help these animals become the stars of the circus—which now is so popular is stays in one place for months!  Santa has no problem finding the two circus children the next Christmas.  They even get an extra present at Christmas to make up for the previous year. 

Reindeer Christmas (ages 4-9) by Mark Kimball Moulton 

One snowy winter night, a family comes across a weak and tired reindeer.  They bring him inside their home where they make a comfortable place for him by the fire and put out some oats and fruit for him to eat.  When they wake up the next morning (Christmas Eve), the reindeer is gone.   On Christmas day, they find an extra present under the tree…from Santa Claus.  He thanks the family for taking care of Donner, who accidently got separated from them while they put stars on the trees, because there would have been no Christmas without him to help pull the sleigh.  In return for their kindness to Donner and all the forest animals they care for, the family is given a single magical wish.  They selflessly use it to wish peace, happiness, and love to others the whole year through.  Reindeer Christmas is written in poetic form, including rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm. 

How the Reindeer Got Their Antlers (ages 5-9) by Geraldine McCaughrean

As soon as the animals were created, some of them began to argue who should be king.  An angel gives each one a crown and sends them to different places to “reign.”  Before the reindeer is given a domain, he journeys and hides in the coldest, most desolate part of the world because he is embarrassed by his crown of antlers.  When Santa calls out for help one Christmas Eve, only the reindeer are willing to help him.  It is their crown of antlers that save Santa and Christmas.  Santa assures the reindeer that they are “the best, most handsome animals in the world.”  In return for their assistance, they reindeer are given the gift of flight each year for “one simple magical night of soaring over desert, woods, and fields.”  Now, young reindeer look forward to growing their own crown of antlers. 

Honorable Mention:

Who’ll Pull Santa’s Sleigh Tonight? (ages 4-8) by Laura Rader 

When the reindeer come down with colds right before Christmas, Santa tries out different plans to for how to get the toys to all the boys and girls. He finds that the simplest one, though, is most effective.

Christmas Picture Books: Beloved Literary Characters (Early Childhood)

Corduroy, Max & Ruby, Spot, and Little Miss Spider are beloved storybook characters celebrating Christmas.  The text, illustrations, and storylines are ideal for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.  Two of them are flap books which allow children to practice small motor skills and predicting as well as experiencing the joy of discovery.   I am confident these books will please the young children in your life!

Spot’s First Christmas (ages 0-3) by Eric Hill 

On Christmas Eve, Spot and his mom have lots to do.  They bring in the Christmas tree and trim it.  They wrap the presents.  Carolers come to their door to sing for them.  Spot is so eager for Santa’s arrival that he gets a little too excited looking through the wrapped gifts for presents of his own.  Spot falls asleep at last, but he hears and sees Santa outside his window.  The next morning Spot finds lots of gifts in his stocking:  a ball, a bone, a brush, and a new collar.  This book allows for discoveries on every page as babies and toddlers interact, predict, and turn the flaps. 

Max’s Christmas (ages 0-4) by Rosemary Wells  

It is Christmas Eve.  Ruby tells Max that Santa is coming.  Max has many typical preschool aged questions: What? Who? Where? How? Why?  Ruby just wants him to settle down for the night, so she eventually answers, “BECAUSE!”  Max does not believe Ruby, especially about no one being allowed to see Santa.  He sneaks downstairs to wait for him by the fire place.  Waking when Santa arrives, he is full of questions for the jolly bunny dressed in red.  To end the incessant questions, Santa declares, “BECAUSE!”  When Ruby comes down, she finds Max sleeping on the couch with a Santa hat.  She asks him why his blanket is bulgy?  As she removes the blanket, Max says, “BECAUSE!”  Ruby finds that he is hiding all the presents from Santa! 

Corduroy’s Christmas (ages 1-4) by Don Freeman 

Corduroy loves Christmas.  Children can help him get ready!   As he trims the tree, he needs to find the angel.  There are lots of presents to look inside to find it.   While he is wrapping the presents, he gets “lost” in all the wrapping paper.  He writes his letter to Santa which children can open to find out what he is hoping for this year.  During caroling, everyone is bundled up, but by lifting the flaps, children can discover which one is him.  Finally, on Christmas morning, open the flaps to see what Santa brought!  This interactive flap book is entertaining and endearing. 

Little Miss Spider: A Christmas Wish (ages 3-5) by David Kirk 

It is Little Miss Spider first Christmas, but she is lonely.  She wishes on her Christmas star for one thing she has longed for all year.  When she goes outside, she finds all the insects are sleeping, not a friend to be found.  Then, Asparagus Beetle reveals himself.  The two of them dash through snow tunnels, make snow butterflies, and build a grand snow castle.   After her friend drops her off at home, Little Miss Spider is lonely again.  She feels something isn’t right.  Together with her mother, they find Asparagus Beetle all alone in the snow.  They invite him to spend Christmas with them…which fulfills two Christmas wishes! 

Christmas Fiction: Dinosaurs Night Before Christmas by Anne Muecke (Picture Book)

Story Summary: 

On the night before Christmas, all the dinosaur fossils are standing still as the neighborhood is fast asleep.  One small boy, about to doze off, hears an unusual noise at the museum across the street.  When he peers through his window, he sees the dinosaur fossils starting to sway!  They come back to life, colorful feathers and skin, right before his eyes!  The boy runs over to see the fantastic scene up close.  He creeps into the unlocked museum and watches the giant reptiles from the shadows, afraid they might find him to be a tasty snack. 

A T-Rex spots him and surprises him with a kiss…because he is standing under the mistletoe.  The boy joins the dinosaurs in a holiday celebration dancing around the fire and singing holiday songs until Santasarus and his dino deer—Bronto, Maia, Steggie, Packy, Tri-tops, Raptor, Rexxie, and Brack--arrive.   After the presents are given out, Santasarus takes the boy for a ride and back to his room.  The next morning only one mystery remains...why is the T-Rex fossil holding mistletoe?

Evaluation: 

Both my kids gave Dinosaur Night Before Christmas an enthusiastic thumbs up!  They told me to put it on my blog.   What more is there to say?  J

I also enjoyed this creative book.  The illustrations are brilliant and energetic.  The rhyming, poetic text is warm, humorous, and appealing.   Children will ask to join this dinosaur ball every holiday season. 

* Also included is a read along CD with dinosaur musical parodies of popular Christmas carols.   

Christmas NonFiction: Santa Claus (Saint Nicholas)

Santa Who? (ages 5 and up) by Gail Gibbons  

Text Summary:

The origins and evolution of the myth of Santa Claus are explored.   The original Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, bishop of Myra.  He was known for giving gifts to children and to the poor.   Surprise gifts were often credited to his generosity.  After his death, a special gift-giving holiday was celebrated in his honor.  The legend of Saint Nicholas includes stories of gifts being sent down chimneys and him flying through the air.  Various cultures contributed to the contemporary image of Santa, like the Dutch who put out stockings and the northern Europeans who believed elves were gift givers.  Many cultures have a variation of Santa or a similar person, such as Befana, Father Christmas, and Babushka.  Clement Clark Moore’s poem called “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” and Thomas Nast’s pictures in Harper’s Weekly magazine were influential in bringing many different cultural myths together to create a definitive, modern image of him. 

Evaluation:

Engaging, vibrant watercolor illustrations accompany a single paragraph on each page. The text is written in a clear, concise manner.  Just the right amount of information is given to provide a sound overview of the origins and evolution of this beloved holiday character. People of all ages will find Santa Who? informative and fascinating. 

The Real Santa Claus (ages 9 and up) by Marianne Mayer 

Text Summary:

The opening few pages reprint Clemet Clark Moore’s “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” as well as a brief synopsis of the evolution of the Santa Claus myth.  The majority of the book focuses on Saint Nicholas, the bishop of Myra.  The story begins with his parents, devout Christians longing for a child.  They were elderly when he finally arrived, so they both died when he was a young boy.  Fortunately, they left him with a substantial inheritance that he used to help others.  His first great act of generosity was to a destitute man with three daughters.  Nicholas gave him a bag of gold for each one’s dowry.  He became a bishop by divine appointment.  According to the text, he raised three murdered youths from the dead, saved sailors on the high seas, and appeared in a vision before Emperor Constantine.  Due to Nicholas' wide range of miracles and generous acts, many see him as a patron of children, brides, unmarried women, sailors, pawnbrokers, perfumiers, travels, and several countries. 

Evaluation:

This biography of Saint Nicholas is the most exhaustive I have come across in the area of children’s literature.  It is a picture book with medieval inspired illustrations in reds, blues, and neutrals.   The material is denser than a typical picture book.  There is often a full-page of text with a corresponding full-page watercolor picture.

I found this book informative and engaging, but I had one nagging problem.  Saint Nicholas is portrayed in a god-like fashion.  People prayed to him as well as gave him credit for blessings and miracles.  While I believe God could have done miracles through Nicholas, it is God who should get the glory, not the man.  Nicholas was merely an instrument of the giver of all good things--God.  Overall, I enjoyed learning more about a legendary figure in The Real Santa Claus.

Christmas Fiction: Merry Christmas, Splat by Rob Scotton (Picture Book)

Story Summary: 

Splat writes a letter to Santa requesting a “really big present.”  His sister informs him only good cats get “really big presents” though.  At first Splat is confident he has been good, but then, he begins to have an “awful thought that made his tail quiver and twitch.”  He thinks that maybe he has not been good enough.  Just in case, he decides to help his mother get everything ready for Christmas.   By the look on her face, it is clear she is apprehensive about his “help.”  The reader quickly sees why! 

Splat does his best to be a help.  Unfortunately, each time it turns out to be a disaster.  For instance, he decides to decorate the tree, but he puts most the ornaments on one side, causing the tree to lean over too far.  Then, he determines he is going to clear the path of snow.  Once again, it causes a bigger mess for his mom.  He ironically states, “Being so good is very tiring.”  It is true…for his mom who cleans up his messes. 

Waiting up for Santa and a Christmas morning surprise prompts more humor and entertainment.  Fortunately, every thing leads up to Splat having the best Christmas ever! 

Evaluation:

My kids loved Merry Christmas. Splat!   I caught my son rereading it independently.  Splat is a lovable character that young children will identify with.  The pictures are vibrant and amusing.   The story will be enjoyed over and over! 

You May Also Enjoy These Books by Rob Scotton:

Splat the Cat

Love, Splat

Scardey-Cat, Splat 

Splat the Cat: Where's the Easter Bunny?