cover image SANTA'S LITTLEST HELPER

SANTA'S LITTLEST HELPER

Anu Stohner, , illus. by Henrike Wilson. . Bloomsbury, $15.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-1-58234-964-0

The few, the proud, the Santa's Helpers (who resemble Saint Nick themselves), are reluctant to let the littlest Helper join their elite group. Even though the tiny fellow has the right stuff—he's punctual, makes beautiful toys and bakes a mean cookie—the other Helpers deem him too small. "The children would laugh their heads off!" one scoffs. But the diminutive hero finds another outlet for his kindness when he becomes "Santa for the Animals." Though the season's messages conflict a bit here, readers will find much to like in the chunkily outlined, snowy paintings. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)