“Librarian’s Shelf” by  Brad Hruska  Christmas Books at Columbus Public Library!! “You better watch out. You better not cry. You better not pout. I’m tellin’ you why. Santa Claus is coming to town.” If this little ditty doesn’t get children, both young and old, in the mood for the arrival of Kris Kringle, nothing will! To further prepare children for the coming of Mr. Claus, I would like to recommend a few books that are sure to jump-start their holiday experience. “Mouse’s First Christmas” by Lauren Thompson is a charming tale that introduces Christmas through the eyes of little mouse. The story begins with “Twas a night still and starry and all through the house, not a creature was stirring…just one little mouse.” The rest of the book chronicles the adventures little mouse has as he comes across numerous Christmas decorations such as candy canes, jingle bells, and of course, the Christmas tree. Toward the end of the story, little mouse encounters a very special visitor, who says to him, “Tis your very first Christmas and all through the house no one is loved more than you, little mouse.” His kind words fill little mouse with the warmth of the holiday. “If You Take a Mouse to the Movies” by Laura Numeroff is a delightful tale about what happens when a young boy decides to treat his fuzzy little friend to a movie. Though the title does not mention anything about Christmas, readers soon discover that this is indeed a holiday book. The story begins in the theater with the little mouse asking for some popcorn because, just like humans, mice love to eat this buttery treat. The mouse soon becomes bored with the movie and starts to string together the kernels. The reader is then taken on a journey, where the little mouse encounters a number of Christmas symbols such as tree ornaments, carols, and snowmen. At the end of the story, the young man and the mouse end their ordeal at the movie theatre where the story began. “What Santa Can’t Do” by Douglas Wood provides children with an insight to Santa by comparing how he is both similar and different to them. For example, Santa can find every house in every town in every country, but he can’t always find his slippers. This goes to show that just like us, Santa also loses important things. Did you know that Santa can’t giggle, chuckle, or snicker? He can only ho, ho, ho. So just as everybody has a unique laugh, so does Santa. However, there is one way that Santa is just like most people, and that is that he can’t wait for Christmas! So if you’re looking for books to help prepare the child in your life for the arrival of Santa, slide down to the Columbus Public Library and see what we have to offer. We have a number of wonderful holiday books guaranteed to get your child in the Christmas spirit. If you have any questions regarding the books mentioned or would like to hear about other holiday titles, contact me at 564-7116 opt. 4. And from all of us here at the Columbus Public Library: “We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!!”