The Barnyard Night Before Christmas

Dateline: Down on the Farm. In a recasting of Clement C. Moore's poem, a band of bickering barn mates receives a request from Santa to be his relief sleigh team while the reindeer take a break. Quick thinking, teamwork—and some balloons—help the cacophonous crew finally bring peace and toys to all. The members of Newbold's anthropomorphic menagerie sport textured fur, fleece and feathers, as well as exaggerated expressions (some might call them over-the-top). Far more kid-friendly than Gribnau's rendition (reviewed below), this outing substitutes silliness for Moore's sense of wonder. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)