Christmas for 10

Rhyming text presents a traditional Christmas celebration in which various objects and people are counted.

The cheerful, busy family that prepared the delectable meal in Feast for 10 now gets ready for Christmas. A simple counting format frames all the festivities, from one star at the top of the Christmas tree to 10 hands stringing popcorn, then counting once again from one wreath to 10 folks wishing peace for all. There's a special job for everyone: Grandmother reads a story, Mom bakes and her children taste, Dad and Sister wrap baskets for the needy, and everyone, even the littlest, joins together to sing carols. Inviting, cleverly patterned cut-paper illustrations complement simple rhymes as this special family make the preparations part of their Christmas celebration.

Children's Literature

Count to 10 twice with this multigenerational African American family as they prepare for Christmas. One wreath greets visitors, five baskets are filled, and seven candles stand tall. First we see the children, then the parents and finally grandparents join in. The illustrations are collages of cut paper and fabric. The objects to be counted are clearly visible, making this an excellent counting book as well as a delightful celebration of the joy of sharing Christmas with family.

Cathryn Falwell received a BFA degree in printmaking from the University of Connecticut School of Fine Arts. After launching a graphic design business and then a family, she began to write and illustrate children's books, something she'd wanted to do since second grade. Ms. Falwell lives in Gorham, Maine with her husband and their two sons.