Old Dog Cora and the Christmas Tree

Handsome, slightly nostalgic woodcuts render a sweet story about an old dog who refuses to be put out to pasture. Cora accompanies the family as usual to cut down the Christmas tree, but this year she's not harnessed with the other dogs to haul it home. ""You're getting too creaky to pull a heavy load,"" she's told--but she finds a way to prove her worth. Crisp evergreens, white snow and bright red and blue accents offer a striking contrast to the bold black lines of the woodcuts. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)