Christmas at Mud Flat

James Stevenson, one of my favorite children's authors, presents a series of short (most are 3-4 pages, except for the epic 9-page "Christmas Eve," and the poetic 2-page "Cookies"), stylish vignettes of animal concerns in the days just before Christmas. The subjects range from who will go as Santa to the vicissitudes of gift giving.Toddlers will enjoy Stevenson's wonderfully simple pictures (though they're smaller and a bit darker than in some of his other books; for example, "The Sea View Hotel"), and the brief stories make this a great chapter book for readers from about 1st through 3rd grades. The stories are linked through a tone of quiet wisdom and gentle humor that somewhat recall James Marshall's "George and Martha" adventures. A calming book for bedtime, one of five in Stevenson's new "Mud Flat" series. With 48 pages, watercolor and black ink drawings, and the usual Greenwillow Books quality production.

A wonderful romp with the animals of Mud Flat as they prepare for a party. This book is cheering and festive -- the characters are very human (even as animals) and identifiable -- the harried Freddie and charming Priscilla the snail. An easy chapter book for new readers. The second graders I read to loved its humor and the illustrations. James Stevenson really has the corner on what children think is funny and it shows in Christmas at Mud Flat.