The pair from Love Is in the Little Things (2023) make memories as they celebrate the winter holiday season. Jones and Massey’s rhyming picture book touches on typical rituals and hallmarks of Christmas as a pale-skinned tot and a large but cuddly-looking bear (apparently the little one’s caregiver), both clad in Santa hats, make cookies, write cards, pick a tree, play in the snow, and sing carols before leaving treats for Santa and prepping for bed. The text, expressing the titular sentiment, pays tribute to those little things: Christmas “is in each decoration / that you’ve made with love for me. / Each and every single year, / they brighten up our tree.” Massey’s lovely images provide specificity to Jones’ more general text, with sweet details like woodland animals joining in on caroling and the pale-skinned child using a wooden spoon like a microphone while baking. Set against mostly white backdrops, the minimalist illustrations have a soft palette, giving the visuals a warm glow even amid the snow. Though the book tackles familiar territory—love, togetherness, and memory making at Christmas—it’s one youngsters will readily appreciate. Adults, too, will find it a gentle portrayal of comforting holiday feelings as they look to develop their own families’ cherished traditions. Joyful and tender Yuletide sentiments.–Kirkus Reviews
