(2) PS Illustrated by Ann James. While Samantha Duck gets ready for Christmas, tortoise Sebastian keeps trying to persuade her that "Christmas is not for animals." But eventually her doubting friend agrees to help make presents for animals around the world. With assistance from the other farm animals ("'Giving is what animals do best,' said the cows"), Samantha and Sebastian are ready to distribute the gifts on Christmas Eve. As the repetition in Watts's story builds to its climax, viewers will gladly suspend disbelief and be convinced, like Sebastian, that their delivery cart will fly. James's relaxed-line watercolors (à la Betsy Lewin) enhance the liveliness of this endearing holiday tale.

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2020

(3) 4-6 Song of the Winns series. In a fast-paced story, mice triplets Alice, Alistair, and Alex and friend Tibby Rose join underground rebel group FIG to rescue the triplets' missing parents and save their homeland of Gerander. Readers capable of following multiple plot lines but not too sophisticated for cheesy jokes will find a suspenseful but friendly sequel to The Secret of the Ginger Mice.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(3) 4-6 Song of the Winns series. Illustrated by David Francis. When ginger-colored mouse Alistair disappears, two parallel plots are set in motion. Alistair's adventure involves an action-packed trek home. Meanwhile, Alistair's brother and sister set off to find their sibling and are catapulted into an equally complicated quest. As the alternating stories play out (with an unrelenting cliffhanger pace), the historical and political background of this mouseworld sets up this trilogy launcher.

Reviewer: Sarah Ellis