cover image Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve

Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve

Janet Morgan Stoeke, . . Dutton, $15.99 (24pp) ISBN 978-0-525-47857-7

One of the best-loved birdbrains in picture books tries to take Santa under her wing in this festive romp. Out of her henhouse on Christmas Eve, Minerva Louise invites herself to the roof party, where the “goats” are sporting their “fanciest horns,” but she decides to rescue that nice “farmer” in the red hat when he falls down the “well.” As usual, Stoeke's humor is pitched just right to preschoolers, and her night-time palette has particular punch. Ages 2-up (Sept.) .