Star Wars: The Clone Wars Ultimate Sticker Book Book

Picture-book author/artist Jane Monroe Donovan, whose Winter's Gift was such a poignant, magical tale, returns with this second Christmas story, this time told almost exclusively through the illustrations. A young girl writes a letter to Santa - the only text in the book - asking for a friend, and wakes up Christmas morning to find a cat, dog and miniature pony waiting for her under the tree. Together, girl and animals have fun in the snow: sledding, making snow angels, building snowmen (and snow animals) and having snowball fights. When they return home, they enjoy the cozy comforts of a warm house...

According to the author's note at the end of the book, complete with photographs, Small, Medium & Large was inspired by a real-life cat, dog and miniature horse that Donovan had as animal companions over the years. That knowledge certainly made the story more meaningful, and although there were moments where I had to struggle a bit to suspend my disbelief - would a dog, cat and horse all fit on the girl's bed? Does one really sleep with a horse, even a miniature one?! - I still enjoyed the book. The illustrations are just lovely, and really make the story come alive. Recommended to picture-book readers looking for somewhat unusual Christmas stories and/or wordless narratives.