cover image UNCLES AND ANTLERS

UNCLES AND ANTLERS

Lisa Wheeler, , illus. by Brian Floca. . Atheneum/Jackson, $15.95 (40pp) ISBN 978-0-689-86469-8

The holidays just aren't holidays without relatives, and Octavia the reindeer has them in spades: seven unique uncles who come from all corners of the world to join her each Christmas at the North Pole. But this family isn't just swapping stories and presents, they pull Santa's sleigh. Kids may wonder what has happened to Rudolph and the gang, but the more familiar team won't be missed for long. Wheeler's (Turk and Runt ) kicky rhyming text and Floca's (The Racecar Alphabet ) hilarious ink-and-watercolor artwork depict the uncles in their glory—from Elvis impersonator to trick basketball player—with clever charm. An emphasis on counting and family togetherness adds a welcome bonus. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)