cover image Christmas Is Coming! An Advent Book

Christmas Is Coming! An Advent Book

Chronicle Books, illus. by Katie Hickey. Chronicle, $17.99 (72p) ISBN 978-1-4521-7407-5

The cover of this volume features advent windows that correspond with holiday crafts and other activities from the first of December through Christmas Eve. Corresponding spreads within the book reveal related activities for the Advent season. For the window that features an old-fashioned sleigh, the spread shows a lively “Seek & Find Snow Day” scene in which readers can find geese, a rooftop feline, and multiple sleds. Other projects include making seasonal treats, garlands, and “lunch bag luminarias.” One activity invites readers to “Spread Christmas Cheer” by creating a care package for a child in need, and additional advent days feature classic carols, a telling of The Nutcracker, and Christmas jokes. Kickey’s watercolor illustrations have a quaintly old-fashioned appearance; they feature diverse families taking part in the bustling activities, festive spot art, and characters from the traditional stories and songs. A hands-on approach to building holiday anticipation that keeps readers creatively engaged. Ages 5–10.[em] (Oct.) [/em]