cover image Christmas Magic: A Changing Picture Book

Christmas Magic: A Changing Picture Book

Kirsten Hall, illus. by Simon Mendez. Sterling, $14.95 (20p) ISBN 978-1-4027-7075-3

In this chunky interactive book, naturalistic paintings transform via pull-tabs, while joyful rhyming verse describes the two images that appear in each picture window. In one scene, children wearing baker%E2%80%99s hats lick bowls filled with %E2%80%9Cgooey mix.%E2%80%9D The picture changes to show the children admiring their gingerbread house: %E2%80%9CThe scent of nutmeg fills the air,/ Each cookie dressed with love and care.%E2%80%9D Elsewhere, children appear shoveling snow, then peering behind a snowman, while in a cozy living room, Santa replaces a lounging cat in an armchair. A charming and visually alluring holiday gift book. Ages 4%E2%80%937. (Oct.)