Red & Green

With the bold visual force of traffic signals, die-cut spreads from the late Ehlert are splashed with super-saturated reds, magentas, and greens in this memorable update of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” A decorated wreath with zigzag edges first opens onto words in large white type: “It was a cold, wintry night,/ and all through the house,// not a creature was stirring...// except a small mouse!” Big, bold forms accompany the familiar-sounding text—a hand-cut snowflake represents “new-fallen snow,” and other lines accompany images of a snowperson, a pine festooned with ornaments, and a tray of cookies whose shapes duplicate forms seen earlier. After taking a judicious taste of the treats, the mouse settles down before an unexpected interruption by a familiar-looking set of boots. Hi-vis elements and a seek-and-find sensibility lend visual zip to this winning variation on a classic. Ages up to 8. (Sept.)