“MR. MEN: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS,” by Roger Hargreaves and Adam Hargreaves, Price Stern Sloan, Oct. 13, 2011, $3.99 (ages 3 and up)
Remember the Mr. Men and Little Miss books from your childhood? Do “Little Miss Princess,” “Mr. Wise” or “Little Miss Contrary” ring a bell? These iconic books about personalities have been around for 40 years. And some of those loveable characters from the past make an appearance in Mr. Muddle’s “12 Days of Christmas.”
Mr. Muddle has a problem. Every year he, well, gets in a muddle, not remembering when Christmas is. Not only does he get the dates mixed up, but the gifts get mixed up, too. This year, though, this year he’s got a plan, and he’s sure to hit Christmas if he just follows through.
As with all the Mr. Men and Little Miss books, “12 Days of Christmas” pokes fun at Mr. Muddle without being mean. Children familiar with the books will love seeing characters from the past, and those new to the books will enjoy getting to know them. It’s a hilarious look at how good intentions can go wrong and right, and makes for a fun and inexpensive gift.
