My Christmas Wish for You

Employing jaunty couplets and familiar seasonal imagery, Swerling and Lazar offer a series of Christmas wishes from an unnamed narrator to the reader, beginning, “Here are a handful/ that I wish for you.” Three children, one with light skin, two with brown, and a spry yellow cat deck the halls as an adult stirs an aromatic pot: “Christmas tree baubles,/ gold angels, and bells,// holly on doorways,/ and wonderful smells.” The same children—accompanied by the intrepid cat—bundle up in a rainbow of pom-pom hats, snow boots, and sweaters to dash outside and play with two light brown–skinned friends before meeting up for community caroling in one of the more poignant spreads: “Friends joined together/ in goodwill and song,// a welcome to others.../ the sense you belong.” The team’s signature good cheer and chipper doodle-style art shine in this simple holiday-themed gift title. Ages 3–5. (Oct.)