Peas on Earth

Though the title references a Christmas carol lyric summoning peace on Earth, this board book’s narrative instead focuses on the subject of the pun: everyone’s favorite spherical green legume. Circular cutouts and highlighted numbers characterize the countdown, which follows “five little festive peas” as they prepare for Christmas: assembling gifts and decorations, adorning a tree with ornaments and garlands, admiring the snowy landscape, and awaiting Santa on Christmas Eve. As time goes on, however, each pea becomes distracted by changing surroundings and falls away from the group: “One visits Santa’s shop,” Marx writes. Sagar’s digital illustrations are subtly patterned, and, adding dimension to the spare narrative, each pea is distinguished by individual facial features. While the peas’ disappearances and reappearances aren’t always fully logical (“One small pea can’t control his glee,” for example, offers little explanation), the five peas’ joyous reunion makes for a glad end. Ages 3–5. [em](Sept.) [/em]