The Twelve Days of Christmas

In a book that’s part elegant tapestry, part seek-and-find game, Long (The Magic Nesting Doll) expertly weaves religious and secular images into a visually arresting interpretation of the traditional carol. A princess-maiden who wends her way through a lush, mystical forest toward a castle is but one of the story lines eagle-eyed readers can follow as they pore over the intricate, delicately framed oil paintings; gifts from earlier scenes reappear and accumulate throughout, resulting in French hens tucked among poinsettias and milkmaids transformed into foliage. Iconic angels, knights leaping on horseback, and ladies in luxurious, shimmering gowns are among the memorable scene-stealers. Ages 3–5. (Oct.)