MARY ENGELBREIT’S A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Engelbreit creates an alphabetically organized world of cheerful, civilized mice that live in snug homes in a snowy village in the forest. Each page begins with the featured letter (“D is for dollhouses”) followed by short verse preparations set in large, hand-lettered type in festive gold. The initial capital letters in bright red with white polka dots are ornamented with tiny mouse elves using items that begin with the featured letter. The accompanying illustrations in Engelbreit’s distinctive style focus on a mouse family with three children and a pet ladybug. The happy family keeps busy with every sort of Christmas activity: decorating their cozy home, cooking special treats and welcoming visiting family members. The mice also enjoy wintry outdoor activities such as sledding and skating with other forest animals. Several illustrations show a mouse Santa and his elves busily getting ready for the holiday in their workshop built into a tree stump. Though this effort doesn’t break any new ground, Engelbreit’s many fans will enjoy her cozy interpretation of a traditional Christmas season with all the trimmings. (Picture book. 3-5)