The Worst Person's Christmas

The worst person in the world is a crab apple who dislikes nearly everything and everybody in his life--but most of all he despises Christmas. To him, the holiday lights are a waste of electricity, carolers are trespassers and Santa is just plain fat. Ignoring the old man's protests, two well-meaning children leave a fruitcake on his doorstep. Just as the worst person is about to throw the gift in the trash, he slips on some ice--beginning a sled ride that lands him on a neighbor's doorstep, fruitcake in hand. Reaction to his seemingly kind gesture helps to thaw the cranky man's heart, if only a little. Stevenson's ( Could Be Worse! ; July ) frowning, bespectacled worst person possesses a keen wit and equally sharp tongue that eventually prove endearing despite his prickly manner. The artist's characteristically sparse ink sketches and light watercolor washes furnish his story with an underlying warmth that will be welcomed year-round. Ages 4-up. (Sept.)