cover image Dear Santa: The Letters of James B. Dobbins

Dear Santa: The Letters of James B. Dobbins

, , illus. by R.W. Alley. . HarperCollins, $15.99 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-06-623778-7

Humorist Harley serves up a tasty holiday treat, equal parts hilarious and sweet. Hockey nut and beleaguered big brother James B. Dobbins aims for the moon when composing his Christmas list for Santa, including an aquarium and full-size hockey rink. He follows up with notes reminding Santa of his good behavior and any other incidental gift ideas. But the more Jimmy writes, the more he finds out that he doesn't really need as much as he originally thought, and that giving has its own rewards. Perky watercolor vignettes illustrate the portfolio of hand-written (and occasionally hamster-nibbled) letters. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)