Red and green lights? Decorated palm trees? Just what is
the flap going on in Miami in late December? Flamingo is on a quest to find out in Day's (Double Those Wheels
) holiday story with some South Florida flash. The perky pink bird soon stumbles, literally, upon a number of Christmas traditions. The novice's viewpoint brings comic perspective to the holiday: he's nearly trampled in the shopping rush and then spies a long line of kids waiting for Santa ("They
weren't going anywhere fast"). After some humorous missteps, Flamingo finds he can play a special role in the Christmas chaos after all. Robinson's (The Useful Moose
) tall oil paintings emphasize Flamingo's lanky legs—and all the good-natured silliness of the book's scenario. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)
