Hobo's Twelve Days Of Christmas

Kevin Coolidge

Ho, Ho, Ho, Hobo! It’s that time of year when humans drag trees into the house, scamper around like giant vermin, and worry about buying the perfect gift. I really don’t see what the fuss is all about. Books are the perfect gift. They don’t contain lead, authors don’t go on strike, and there are few skills as important as being able to read. So, if you can’t count on the big guy in red to do your shopping. Here are some suggestions. Me? I’m going to climb into that tree and knock around a few ornaments, after my catnap.

Ahoy There, Little Polar Bear! by Hans de Beer: Ich liebe kleiner eisbar. Now where is that umlaut when you need one? I love the little polar bear series by Hans de Beer. Originally only available in German, but now available in English from North-South Books--in this adventure, Lars gets swept up by fishing nets and leaves the Artic. He’s helped back by a friendly ship’s cat, which is probably why this one is my favorite, but they’re all fun.

Moose Eggs by Susan Williams Beckhorn: I first was introduced to Susan’s writing through Wind Rider. A great story for children in the 9 to 12 year range, it’s about the domestication of the horse, and the girl who first accomplishes the feat. In her latest book, Susan creates a new fable, how the moose came to have flat antlers. The book is beautifully illustrated for the younger child, and terrific for the inquisitive mind that asks “Why?”

Hello, Calico! by Karma Wilson: I love her books about big, lovable Bear, especially Bear Snores On, and Bear Wants More! In her latest book, she introduces us to a cute, little calico kitten. This is a great, entertaining board book with nice rhyming prose, and I love the butterflies.

The Alphabet from A to Y With Bonus Letter Z! by Steve Martin: He’s one crazy and wild guy and he can write too. Steve has written several novels, but this is his first children’s book. Alphabet books are pretty standard and can be a little boring, but add the witty mind of Martin, along with clever New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast, and you get more than just apples and zebras.

Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore, illustrated by LeUyen Pham: This is the literary debut of actress Julianne Moore. It’s about a little redheaded girl who learns she’s different, just like everybody. Lively illustrations with energetic pose makes this a promising beginning. The title comes from a childhood nickname of Julianne, who is herself a redhead.

One Winter’s Day by M. Christiana Butler and illustrated by Tina Macnaughton: Poor hedgehog’s nest blows away in a snowstorm. He bundles up and goes to his friend badger’s house for shelter, but he encounters woodland creatures that are colder than him. He then gives away all his warm clothes. This book has a heartwarming ending as well as illustrations containing felt-like fabric that gives the book a nice tactile feel. Sure to make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Morris’s Disappearing Bag by Rosemary Wells: Rosemary is a beloved illustrator and author and is better known for the classic Noisy Nora. In this Christmas tale, Morris receives a disappointing Christmas gift. His older siblings go off to play, but not with Morris. He then discovers a forgotten gift, a gift of magic. Perhaps the best gift is really imagination.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss:“The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason." Dr. Seuss's delightfully skewed rhymes and names are as enjoyable as ever, this is a true Christmas classic, and I love the animated version voiced by Boris Karloff. I can’t wait to slice off a piece of that roast beast.

Like any good children’s book, these books aren’t just for children, but for the children in all of us. Yep, my shopping is done for the year. All that’s left is to leave Santa his tuna and a bowl of warm milk. I can’t wait to see what Santa leaves in my stocking on Christmas morning....

Questions, Comments? Hey, I’m a cat. Forward the email to Kevin at frommyshelf@epix.net Be sure to check out my new book available NOW! It’s “Hobo Finds A Home” about a cute, barn cat that leaves the farm, has big adventures, and finds a new home. Written by me, Hobo and illustrated by Susan Gage. It’s available at http://www.booklocker.com/, Amazon, B&N, or your hometown bookstore