Mary Engelbreit’s The Littlest Night Before Christmas

In Engelbreit’s newest rendition of Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, a mouse is not only stirring—it takes center stage as head of its family’s cozily appointed tree-stump household. Echoing the “littlest” designation in the book’s title are numerous diminutive household objects: holly garlands, acorn-and-flower lamps, a bed constructed from clothespins, and a nutshell crib. All rendered in Engelbreit’s signature style, the wee objects give the classically told Christmas Eve proceedings a rustic and whimsical woodland look. And the raccoon Santa, arriving atop a sleigh pulled by eight red cardinals sporting twig headbands, is a humorous and wonder-filled sight. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)