Bob: Bob

We've met Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and more recently, Olive, the Other Reindeer... but wait! Here comes Bob--a tiny, silly reindeer created by the beloved Sandra Boynton. Bob can be quite an entertaining companion around Christmastime, but there seems to be some question about his existence: "My sister won't believe in/ my tiny reindeer friend/ she says there's no such reindeer/ but why would Bob pretend?"

Bob introduces us to seven delightful holiday stories, sharing good company with a fine menagerie of daffy creatures including some very merry dairy cows, anxious bears, long-eared hounds, and a rather doubtful hippo who would just as soon not receive a bikini from Santa. These endearing animals wistfully share their dreams for a merry Christmas as they wish and wait for Santa, occasionally letting loose with a few sweet, funny songs. Boynton has created another classic with these hilarious, touching holiday tales. (Baby to preschool) --Marianne Painter