Decorate the Tree

Jones brightly invites readers to trim a tree in this interactive holiday book. A friendly narrator encourages readers to "tap," "clap," "blink," "knock," and more to decorate layered green triangles that represent a tree. Appraising the conifer--festooned with ball ornaments, lights, and garland--the speaker proposes, "I think we need candy canes. Shout 'JINGLE BELLS!' in three, two, one...," and a page turn reveals the sugary payoff. When the tree, standing crisply against a plain white backdrop, is at last fully covered in simple and shapely decor, a final nighttime display makes for an ideal cue to "snuggle in tight"--assuming readers can be kept from starting the process all over again. For fans of participatory reading, this is an inviting Christmas offering. Ages 3-5. (Sept.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 1--An interactive Christmas picture book. The tree first appears bare, with basic triangle and rectangle shapes. But as readers are prompted to do a variety of activities before the turn of every page, colors and decorations are added to the tree. After the last decoration, a star, is put on the tree, readers need to "turn out the lights" in the book and say good night. Jones adds narration that enhances the interactions in this story, including asking questions, making observations about what readers did, and providing compliments as the garland and ornaments are added. When an ornament breaks, Jones deals with it in an easygoing manner and uses a fun clean-up method. VERDICT This is for children who enjoy books like Press Here by Hervé Tullet. With the clapping, singing, tapping, and shaking children will be doing as this story is told, it's a sure hit for the Christmas holidays for both readers and the audience.--Tanya Boudreau

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"With the clapping, singing, tapping, and shaking children will be doing as this story is told, it's a sure hit for the Christmas holidays for both readers and the audience."— "School Library Journal"