A Chick ’n’ Pug Christmas

It’s Christmas, and Pug, in his third picture book with his energetic avian friend Chick, has been forced into a warm red-and-white suit. “I’m supposed to look like Santa Claus,” he explains to Chick. “He brings presents and spreads joy to everyone at Christmas. And... he has a large tummy.” Thrilled with the prospect of spreading holiday joy, Chick appoints himself elf to Pug’s Santa. The two find unsuspecting targets in need of cheering up—whether they want it or not—including “the Dude,” the slobbery dog from their second book, and an “ordinary citizen” squirrel grumpily stockpiling nuts. Once again, the odd couple dynamic between these two friends drives the story, and Sattler’s feathery acrylic illustrations comically exploit the gulf between Chick’s permanently energetic state and Pug’s more laconic nature. Ages 3–6. Agent: Anna Olswanger, Liza Dawson Associates. (Sept.)