I Got the Christmas Spirit

The ebullient girl who first appeared in Schofield-Morrison’s I Got the Rhythm wakes up brimming with Christmas spirit. She and her mother venture into the snowy streets of their diverse city neighborhood. As the girl—cozily dressed in a purple parka—admires a festive department store window, “I sparkled in the spirit of the lights.” The child joins a group of carolers and inhales the sweet smell of roasting nuts. She even brings cheer to a grumpy Santa: “I spread the spirit with my smile.” Morrison’s oil paintings capture the crackling energy of a city preparing for Christmas; the married coauthors’ message about cultivating kindness, gratitude, and community the whole year through sings on the page. Ages 3–6. [em](Sept.) [/em]