Cookie Monster in a New 'Night Before Christmas' Book

Twas the Night Before Christmas on Sesame Street!" By Lillian Jaine and illustrated by Joe Mathieu (Sourcebooks,$10.99) may be one of the cutest new books for Christmas around this year.

The child who believes Santa is on the way and who adores Cookie Monster will love this offering.  As one would expect, it's Christmas Eve and Cookie Monster is getting ready for the big day. He's dreaming about cookies and awakes with a start:

" 'Santa!' he cried. Me thinks this is great! "But me wish me not eat what was on Santa's plate!"

Frantic, in that kooky Muppet way, Cookie bustles into the kitchen and decides to make a full batch of cookies from scratch. Luckily, the gang shows up to help.

"Elmo started to mix, then measure and splatter. (And though Bert was the baker, Ernie tasted some batter.) The clock ticked away, and when the bell sounded, They opened the oven, pleased and astounded!"

Since it's a Sesame Street book about Christmas, all is guaranteed to end well. The cookies should be terrific, Santa should have some and Elmo, Oscar, the Count and Abby should share every cookie down to the last crumb!

Ava'sSecret Tea Party-A Beautiful, Delicious, Enchanting Book!

Sometimes at night when stars shine bright,
Visitors come to call.
Snuggled in bed and sound asleep,
Ava never sees them at all.

This lovely verse begins the magical children's book Ava's Secret Tea Party, written in true rhyme by Donna Shepherd and brimming with sumptuous illustrations by renowned illustrator, Bella Sinclair. 

This book, as many of Donna's other books, was published by Guardian Angel Publishing.


Ava longs to meet the night time visitors who come and go so secretly and who children never see.  She devises a plan by which she may be able to meet her favorites at a tea party she wants to give. 

Ava leaves a note with an invitation included for Sandman, because he visits her every night. Included in her invitation list are Sandman, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Santa. What kind of invitation is it? And does her plan work? Will she meet them as she wishes to do?

One must read the charming book to find the answers, but I can assure you the news is all good!

Donna's talent shines through in this marvelous book. The story is enchanting and will warm every little girl's heart.  Bella Sinclair's illustrations enhance the story to make a joyous experience for the child and her adult reader as well.