Smith, Lane. A Stickler Christmas. Random House Studio, 2024. 978-0-593-81528-1. $18.99. Unpaged. Grades PreK-1.

Christmas is here, and Stickler, a creature with sticklike arms, legs and hair, knows exactly what to give all of his friends. Nana Rabbit receives a Hop-Higher Stick, Crow receives an Idea Stick, and Partridge receives an In-a-Pear-Tree Stick. Of course, all of his gifts – albeit thoughtful – are simply sticks. When Stickler comes across Doug-the-Fir, a decorated Christmas tree, he finds Doug-the-Fir in poor spirits. Because Doug-the-Fir does not want to be the center of attention, Stickler knows he must come up with a special solution to help his friend. Lo and behold, Stickler brings Doug-the-Fir a stick. This stick, however, is a special stick: it’s a Don’t-Stare stick. Doug-the-Fir is skeptical, but ultimately Stickler finds a way to cleverly divert attention away from Doug-the-Fir.

THOUGHTS: Fans of Stickler Loves the World (2023) will love this holiday story featuring the beloved character. An unconventional, hilarious story about friendship and giving, it will serve to remind young readers what the holidays are really all about.

Picture Book