Twelve Dinging Doorbells

Revamping “The 12 Days of Christmas” to sweetly bustling effect, Fryer Brown pens a lively refrain recounting a Black family gathering’s doorbell dings, each of which heralds the arrival of more relatives and dishes: “two selfie queens... three posh sibs... four pounds of chitlins... BAKED MACARONI AND CHEEEEEESE!” In Glenn’s citrus-toned illustrations, the child narrator, who sports a magenta dress and green hairbow, regards the growing crowd while awaiting “a sweet potato pie just for me!” As the home becomes increasingly jam-packed and ever more festive (“six toddlers squealing... seven brothers repping... eight players yelling... nine women whisp’ring...”), even the promised sweet potato pie seems imperiled—until a beloved elder comes through. It’s a lovingly chaotic portrayal with a pleasingly ample feel. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)