UNCLES AND ANTLERS

The best answer yet to that perennial question: what do Santa’s reindeer do during the off season? As her seven antlered uncles arrive, young Octavia counts them off: Uncle Uno’s a skier: “He has one hat. / He has one vest. He wears one stopwatch on his chest.” Uncle Duce’s an Elvis impersonator with two wigs, two boots, etc.; Uncle Trey’s a diver, and so on—but all gather once a year to set up the tree, get the gifts wrapped, and to confirm that she’s their favorite niece. Floca illustrates their arrival in simply drawn, splashy watercolors featuring cheery, pop-eyed figures sporting a variety of costumes and head-racks. Once the clan has gathered, and Santa steps on stage to take a bow, “We change our clothes. / We hitch the sleigh. / We’re ready now. . . . / We’re on our way!” Who wouldn’t want to ride along? (Picture book. 5-7)