Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin

I don’t know why ducks are automatically funny, but they are.  From Donald to Daffy (even Darkwing), ducks are funny.  So, children ages four-to-eight will have a great time with Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho!, written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin. 

Cronin’s tale involves farmer Brown waiting for Santa, and jumping into bed upon hearing the patter of feet on the roof.  But that’s not Santa … no, it’s Duck, using all kinds of wonderful high-tech means for getting onto the roof.

But fate cries fowl as when Duck gets stuck in the chimney.  Soon, a whole barnyard of animals are stuck as well, trying to rescue Duck.  Before long, Sheep, Pig, Cow and a host of barnyard friends are stuck in the chimney.  Will Santa be able to smoke them out in time to leave gifts for Farmer Brown?

Have no fear.

Of all the books reviewed this Christmas season, Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! is the one most accessible to your youngest children.  This is a lot of fun, and Lewin’s illustrations are a lot of fun.  Lewin paints with a remarkable simplicity.  Each picture is constructed to get the maximum value from each joke, and most each page is embroidered with cavorting mice. 

The simple text is perfect for reading aloud, and since there is a great deal of onomatopoeia and nonsense words, children will soon be following along.  Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho! is the perfect companion for your child’s first Christmases.