Anne Mortimer, author and illustrator of Pumpkin Cat and Bunny's Easter Egg, creates another holiday story. Christmas Mouse tells the story of a mouse getting ready for Christmas. Anne Mortimer's brightly colored and detailed paintings are full of festive energy, and the rhyming verse makes this a great read-aloud alternative to The Night Before Christmas.

There's much to do before Christmas comes The tree needs decorating, lights need hanging, and carols must be sung. There are presents to leave for animal friends, treats to nibble on, and stockings to...