cover image The 12 Days of Christmas

The 12 Days of Christmas

Jane Cabrera. Holiday House, $16.95 (32p) ISBN 978-0-8234-2870-0

Cabrera’s jaunty spin on this traditional tune begins when a boy presents his “true love” with a “party in a pear tree”—a rainbow of birds wearing hats and crowns while grooving under a disco ball and joining together in a conga line. In successive wintry scenes, readers meet seven squirrels skiing, 10 snowmen singing, and 12 penguins skating before Santa whisks the boy and girl aloft for a “sleigh ride home.” Creamy colors, rough-looking textures, and thick black outlines continue to be hallmarks of Cabrera’s energetic acrylic artwork. Full lyrics and musical notation are included. Ages 2–5. (Oct.)