Russell's Christmas Magic

Would that all sheep were as cute as Russell, the stocking-capped insomniac of Frogsbottom Field. After witnessing Santa's spectacular Christmas Eve sleigh crash, the woolly wonder snaps into action to save the holiday and get the man of the hour—and a clever new mode of toy transport—back in flight. Scotton (Russell the Sheep ) knits together a pleasant tale with some silly, snowy scenes featuring a frog friend and a truly excitable Santa. Yet Russell's latest lacks the spark of droll humor that fueled its predecessors; the quirkily introspective sheep's exploits lose something when Santa shares the spotlight. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)