A Cowpoke’s Christmas by Ann Ingalls (9781534113565, $18.99) receives large-size, engaging illustrations by Lauren Gallegos as it explores Christmas Day on the farm – which almost feels like a regular day, in some ways, as chores still have to be done. It turns out that there are many reasons to celebrate this day as farm life offers seasonal pleasures and the family bands together for a good time.

A family-oriented celebration of hard work, capped with a special meal. Early on Christmas Day, Sam and Grandpa walk to the barn through a snowy yard. Before they can celebrate, they’ve got chores to do: milking the cow, bathing their big fluffy dog, and feeding the mare, chicks, pigs, calves, sheep, and goats. And, of course, they must check on the mare one more time. When Mama asks for help gathering eggs, Sam, petting a kitten and watching the cat lap up milk, readily agrees. Mama, Grandma, and Sam have plenty to do inside: chopping and peeling potatoes, sweeping up, and setting the table. Once all five are gathered around their laden table, Daddy says grace. Later that night, everyone piles into a horse-drawn wagon for a brief ride that ends at the barn, where a nativity scene awaits: The mare has birthed a foal. Brief rhyming couplets carry readers smoothly through a very busy day. Cartoon-style art in subdued colors depicts a soft, evenly lit, and orderly farm. Despite the snow, clothing choices such as wide-brimmed hats suggest a Southwest setting. Notably, Sam’s family has a Christmas tree, but no gifts are seen or mentioned; warm family connection and Sam’s willing participation are what truly matter on this day. This tale offers a positive, Santa-free take on the holiday that might be different from many readers’ expectations, potentially expanding horizons. Characters are tan-skinned and dark-haired. A refreshingly uncommercial Yuletide tale. (Picture book. 4-8)

PreS-K–It is Christmas Day on the farm, and there is so much to be done! Sam and Grandpa begin the day early, venturing out to the barn to check on the animals and complete their many chores. From feeding the chicks to milking the cow to bathing the dog, Sam is always ready and willing to help. Inside the house, Sam is invited to assist with the tasks that must be completed to prepare the evening meal. Later, alongside the jingling of bells and the eventual arrival of night, an extra-special surprise awaits everyone in the barn. This rhyming picture book connects readers to the Christmas holiday in a farm setting. Rather than focusing on Santa and gifts, however, this story instead features the coming together of family and includes a light reference to religious practices on a celebratory winter day. Designed to be shared with young children, the narrative is recounted through rhyming couplets that utilize a predictable meter, making the book particularly enjoyable when read aloud. The accompanying illustrations are saturated in color, using rich hues to depict Sam’s surroundings. Together, the text and visuals are appealing to young children, especially because readers are able to discover additional elements of the story by closely examining the images within it.VERDICT Heartwarming and thoughtful, this picture book is a charming addition to the canon of Christmas tales for young children.