Arthur's Perfect Christmas Book

While at first Arthur thought it was going to be a perfect Christmas, he's not so sure anymore. It hasn't snowed, the tree is decorated with trolls and unicorns, Dad decides to make an authentic "ancient" Christmas dinner, and Arthur accidentally breaks his gift for Mom. While Francine happily celebrates Hanukkah, Brian prepares for Kwanzaa, and Buster tries to find a holiday of his own, Arthur starts to think he'll have a terrible Christmas—until an unexpected guest changes everything. Full-color illustrations.

Children's Literature

Arthur imagines how perfect Christmas will be this year, with turkey dinner and a beautiful tree. His dream Christmas vanishes when his dad tells him the dinner menu and sister D.W. works on the tree. His friends don't have a perfect holiday either—Muffy is angry with Francine since she missed Muffy's Christmas party in order to celebrate Hanukkah with her family, and Buster's mom nearly ruins Christmas trying to overcompensate since she and Buster's dad are divorced. All ends well, of course. The story is a little forced, trying to work in Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, but Arthur fans will enjoy it nonetheless. 2000, Little Brown, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen