A Stickler Christmas
by Lane Smith; illus. by the author; design by Molly Leach
Primary    Random House Studio/Random    40 pp.
10/24    9780593815281    $18.99
Library ed.  9780593815298    $21.99
e-book ed.  9780593815304    $10.99

Optimistic creature Stickler (Stickler Loves the World, rev. 9/23) is naturally now spreading yuletide cheer. “This Christmas, Stickler knew just what to give everyone.” The answer is a stick, of course, specific to each recipient’s needs (e.g., Rabbit receives a “Hop-Higher Stick”). Even Doug-the-Fir, who does not want to be a Christmas tree, gets his wish with a “Don’t-Stare Stick” and a clever distraction by Stickler. The textured mixed-media illustrations are classic Smith, as is Leach’s spirited design, and both complement the wacky quality of his humorous story, which ends sweetly with Stickler also receiving the perfect present (spoiler: it’s a stick).

From the ">November/December 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.