Ninja Claus!

Previously seen in Ninja! and Ninja! Attack of the Clan, ninja-in-training Maxwell is feeling a bit stung that Santa Claus left him a hamster for Christmas last year, instead of the rat-eating snake that he had requested. This year, Maxwell decides to lay an elaborate trap for Santa (“Make sure you sit on this red chair,” reads the letter Maxwell leaves for him), but is it possible that Santa is even sneakier and stealthier than Maxwell? Chung’s exuberant mixed-media illustrations bring out the wiliness of his young ninja hero’s plans and the energy that’s an inherent part of Christmas Eve. Ages 4–7. Agent: Rubin Pfeffer, Rubin Pfeffer Content. (Oct.)

Correction: An earlier version of this review listed an incorrect title for one of the author's previous books.