Jingle Bell Joy: A Bedtime Christmas Rhyme

Christmas comes to the woods as various animal families cheerfully partake in a bevy of favorite traditions in this tune-oriented outing. As Rossner weaves italicized words and phrases from classic Christmas carols into rhyming, sometimes forced couplets (“Let’s deck the halls with holly and cheer./ The jolliest season is finally here!”), rabbits hang evergreen garlands, deer frolic in moonlit snow playing with a string of sleigh bells, and mice nestle in their beds. Szmidt’s cozy digital vignettes capture a comfortable holiday mood, featuring a star-brightened night sky and softly glowing animal homes. Final spreads depicting an outdoor sing-along include rosy-cheeked critters in colorful knit scarves enjoying treats. The gathering serves as the jumping-off point for readers, who are invited to scan a QR code to access lyrics to the 16 carols teased in the text. Ages 4–7. (Oct.)