Elmer’s Christmas

Elmer the patchwork elephant leads his fellow elephants on a walk through the jungle and into the snow to pick out a Christmas tree. At home, the elephants hang decorations and excitedly place presents underneath the tree. Finally, Papa Red, a bearded elephant Santa, arrives and Elmer helps him load the presents into the sleigh. “This is the season for giving. We give and Papa Red takes the presents to whoever needs them the most,” Elmer explains to the young elephants. It’s a kindhearted message, but readers may still scratch their heads over Papa Red’s confiscation of the gifts under the tree. Ages 4–9. (Sept.)