Father Fox's Christmas Rhymes    by Clyde Watson & Wendy Watson Order:  USA  Can Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2003 (2003) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson The author and illustrator of Pennyrhymes bring us what is bound to become a new Christmas classic in Father Fox's Christmas Rhymes. It opens on the excitement of small foxes as Father Fox comes in the door 'With sweets in my pockets & holes in my socks'. Verses and scenes move on to winter wonderland playtime, an expedition into the forest to find the 'perfect tree', the mulling of cider, a candlelit night-time trek, family music time, and many more simple holiday activities. There's all the mystery that accompanies the holiday for small ones - 'Secret things in / Secret places / Whispered words / & knowing faces'. There are meal preparations in a 'kitchen bursting with uncles & aunts', a holiday table that's 'fancy & fine / With candles & napkins & goblets that shine', and the magical excitement of Christmas Eve, huddled in bed with the stockings hung. But there's also a small fox wishing for 'peace & love & joy / More precious things than any toy' to remind us of what's most important of all. Father Fox's Christmas Rhymes are cheering and heartwarming, perfect to read and re-read with little ones throughout the holiday season. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews