The Christmas snow globe

A holiday turns fantastical when a snow globe seems to summon the white Christmas a child's been hoping for. Bemoaning a lack of snowy weather on Christmas Eve, young Lucy remains restless after opening a gift--a snow globe. Tucked in bed, she finds that giving the orb a shake prompts flakes to fall indoors: "Suddenly, something cold, something lighter than a feather, landed softly on her cheek." Delacroix's balanced storytelling unfolds via simple text and scenes of Lucy and a sibling delighting in snow-covered domestic spaces. They build a snowperson, sled downstairs, and snack on snowflakes ("Nothing could taste more delicious"). Snow sundaes give way to the start of a snowball fight, but before it can really get going, Lucy awakens to a final surprise. Soft graphite shading and red colored pencil accents against cream backgrounds help generate a nostalgic vibe. The dot-eyed characters are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 3--7. (Sept.)

Dreaming of a white Christmas pays off big time for siblings. Lucy and her brother, Noah, have spent Christmas Eve by the window waiting for snow, to no avail. "Christmas won't be the same without snow," Lucy says sadly. To help alleviate their disappointment, Papa lets Lucy open one present: It's a snow globe. The house inside resembles their own, Mama points out--except for the snow. But Christmas is a time for miracles--and one occurs when the children take the glassy orb to their room at bedtime and Lucy shakes it. Suddenly, snow's falling in the room--and all over the house! Not wanting to waste a flake, the kids jump into high gear, building a snowman, donning snow gear, sliding down a snowy banister, eating "snow sundaes," lapping up snowflakes on their tongues, and, naturally, having a snowball fight--all indoors. Then suddenly, Lucy hears Mama calling for her to wake up. It's Christmas morning, and guess what? Mama and Papa are standing outside, inviting the children to come enjoy all the snow that really fell during the night. Translated from French, this lovely story sparkles with the magic of Christmas and children's imaginations and celebrates family togetherness. The charming illustrations, created in a limited palette with graphite pencil and colored pencil, are as soft, gentle, and lush as newly fallen snow. The family is light-skinned. It's as clear as crystal: Keep this one prominently displayed every Christmas season. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.