Little Santa’s Workshop

“Busy elves and lots of noise/ Helping hands all building toys!” This stocking stuffer–size board book focused on North Pole preparations follows Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, all portrayed with brown skin, as they prepare for the Christmas rush. Loose art shows the dot-eyed figures checking the naughty and nice lists (“Letters from so many friends”), baking decorated cakes and cookies (“Sugar and oh so sweet!”), feeding candy canes to reindeer, drinking cocoa with a snowman, and dancing by a decked-out tree. Light rhymes emphasize seasonal jollity (“Santa’s workshop is lots of fun./ Ho-ho-home to everyone!”), while lively, warm art from Watkins depicts glad yuletide emotions across the workshop residents. Ages up to 3. (Sept.)