Little Elfie One

The creators of Little Goblins Ten jump from Halloween to Christmas in this polar riff on “Over in the Meadow.” Counting up from an elf’s single son to a cat’s 10 kittens, Jane’s catchy, alliterative verse introduces an array of parents and offspring, with some amusing monikers for the little ones. A gingerbread man and his “little gingies three” jump down from a Christmas tree where they have been hung as ornaments, and a mother polar bear dives into icy water with her “little polies five.” Santa’s eight elves and nine reindeer bring the tale to a cheery close on Christmas Eve. Manning’s dappled watercolors treat readers to comically exaggerated images—there’s almost a hint of mischief lurking in the narrowed eyes of her characters, be they human, elf, or animal—and deliver ample Christmas spirit. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Molly Jaffa, Folio Literary Management. (Sept.)