Seven years after Little Pookie (2011) first appeared, this popular piglet is finally celebrating Christmas."Oh Pookie! Come look! It's beginning to snow," says a maternal-looking pig. But where did Pookie go? Past the Christmas tree, to put on a snowsuit of course. Pookie's ever cheerful mama is willing to go out too. After all, "It's a magical time to be walking with you." When she observes, "Our noses are frozen. It's time to go in," Pookie protests in typical toddler style: "But I'm not c-c-c-cold!" The next three pages highlight indoor holiday preparationsmaking paper garlands, baking and decorating cookies. The rhyming text mirrors the spare illustrations. A spidery type that emulates handwriting makes it clear when Pookie is speaking. Then "the doorbell is ringing. / Our family and friends have arrived for the singing." The second-to-last spread shows Pookie, mama, and six other pigsand Boynton's requisite chickensinging ("Con brio"), "MER-RY CHRIST-MAS! MER-RY CHRIST-MAS! AND A HAP-PY NEW YEAR!" Conveniently, this text is placed beneath the musical notation. Finally Pookie hangs a stocking and goes off to bed without any fuss, anticipating presents on Christmas morning.The small size, a predictable winter adventure, and Boynton's very toddlerlike character make this a fine stocking stuffer or an ideal Christmas Eve read to share with other little piggies. (Board book. 18 mos.-3) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

It's Christmas Eve, and the eponymous porcine character is out the door as soon as snowflakes start to fall. Snowsuit-clad in festive colors, Pookie and Pookie's mother walk in the snow until "our noses are frozen." Next, the two make paper garlands, turn on Christmas lights, and bake cookies. After family and friends arrive for a sing-along, it's time to hang stockings and head to bed: "Tomorrow is Christmas,/ and when it is light,/ we will open our presents./ But for now, it's good night." Boynton's big-snouted pig characters and easy-to-read lines again provide a warm and gently humored outing. Up to age 5. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.