How Winston Delivered Christmas

In a 24-and-a-half-chapter advent story, Smith delivers a lively holiday adventure. When a distracted boy named Oliver loses his letter to Santa in the wind and snow, Winston the mouse finds it and sets out to ensure that the letter arrives at its destination: "This letter needed to get to Santa Claus!" Memorable moments from his journey include hitching a ride on the back of Lady Prudence Merryweather-Whiskerton the Third, a cat who prefers to dine on salmon over mouse, and flying into the snowy night on a toy plane. Smith includes instructions for Christmas-themed craft activities between chapters (a pom-pom robin, a paper chain); it's a clever way to keep readers to one chapter a day. Though the narrative's tone can be a touch twee, the lengthy, interactive format and Smith's plucky, at times elegantly expressive art may make this a holiday favorite. Ages 6-8. (Sept.)

Gr 1-3--On a chilly and windy afternoon, eight-year-old Oliver dutifully writes his Christmas letter to Santa and pops it into the mailbox. A cruel wind blows it right back on the street and the letter eventually finds its way to a mouse named Winston. Once this sweet rodent realizes the importance of such a missive failing to arrive at the North Pole, he is determined to deliver it to the jolly man himself. The rest of the book recounts his adventures throughout the city as he meets a plump pigeon, visits an amazing toy shop, and is rescued from certain death by a cat named Pru. In the end, both Oliver and Winston get their Christmas wish and have a very merry holiday. Readers are instructed to read one chapter a day, starting on December first and ending with a half-chapter on Christmas day. Each chapter is around three pages long and is followed by an activity that families can do together, ranging from crafts, recipes, and ways to decorate the home for the season. VERDICT Due to the format, this title is best suited as a gift or to add to a home library.-Amy Nolan, St. Joseph Public Library, MI