Katharine Holabird

I remember reading this book as a kid and being obsessed with the costumes worn in "The Nutcracker" scenes in here, as well as the cozy cookie baking scenes! The story itself is a good one, but personally I think Helen Craig's artwork is really what makes this such a lovely Christmas book.

Funnily enough, I'm docking a star for the reason another reviewer hates the newer editions: gendered roles talking about getting chased by little boys versus other mice (are we starting the "they like you if they're mean" this early?) Mrs. Mouseling is doing most of the housework while Mr. smokes his pipe, I guess?

But the main theme is: enroll your kids in activities so they don't bounce off the walls to and from school and with hard work, will be big in their fields, I guess?

After peeking in his window at Christmastime, Angelina befriends a lonely, retired postman who in turn helps cheer up her cousin Henry, who is sulking about not being able to meet Santa.

I never got into the Angelina Ballerina franchise and this wisp of a story does nothing to draw me into her world. Being a kind peeping tom who dances ballet is not much of a personality.

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