cover image We Wish You a Merry Christmas

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Michael Hague. Henry Holt & Company, $4.95 (1pp) ISBN 978-0-8050-1006-0

Delightful animal characters romp through the lyrics of Christmas carols in these small-format picture books by popular illustrator Hague. In Jingle Bells , the snow flies as a bunny drives his one-horse open sleigh, while a menagerie of creatures makes spirits bright by frolicking in the snow, trimming trees and singing songs. We Wish You a Merry Christmas is enacted by a bunny, squirrel and mouse visiting a teddy bear family. The trio demands, ``Please bring us some figgy pudding,'' then sits down, folds its arms and pouts, ``We won't go until we get some.'' The spirit of joy that delicately permeates both books should bring a smile to the faces of the lucky children who receive these in their stockings. Each book contains a page with holiday wishes and blanks for the names of giver and recipient. All ages. (Sept.)