One Christmas in Our Building: A Very Merry Mystery

The nativity story becomes the unlikely touchpoint for this unusual story about a dinner gone awry. On Christmas Eve, a child narrator eagerly anticipates the upcoming festivities, including a turkey dinner, but when the oversize bird won't fit in the fridge, it must be left in the building's cool hallway. The following morning, when the pale-skinned family discover that their fowl has disappeared, they go floor to floor to ask the neighbors. Their outing to the store likewise leaves them empty-handed, but the situation soon has them laughing ("You're like Mary and Joseph, being turned away from every inn!" the child says). Returning home, the biblical parallels continue when neighbors--including the Singh family ("shepherds"), "Two Kings" wearing crowns, and Mrs. Angel--arrive bearing gifts, transforming the night into one of generosity and fellowship, while a final scene hints at the mystery's culprit. Building residents are portrayed with various skin tones in Stegmaier's drawings, which bring a casual warmth to the book's domestic interiors. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 4--Emma wakes in high spirits on Christmas Eve. As her dad and stepmom bicker over holiday preparations, she stays good-humored, even when the oversized turkey that is too big for the refrigerator is stolen from right outside their apartment door. The adults insist on getting it back, question their neighbors, and search in vain to buy a replacement. All the stores are closed, and Emma observes they are "like Mary and Joseph, being turned away from every inn." At this, they laughingly agree to return to their "stable." The doorbell rings when they start eating. Neighbors arrive with food, and all join in their holiday celebration. When the Singh family from the second floor arrives with lamb curry, Emma jokes, "Maybe some shepherds have come to visit our stable." When she opens the door to the Wilson-Kings and their handmade cake, Emma shouts, "Two kings are here!" Lastly, white-haired Mrs. Angel, who lives on the first floor, arrives with cookies. The artwork, sketched in pencils and colored with digital brushes, adds interesting details and clues to the mystery of the stolen turkey. Sharp-eyed readers will guess the culprit: the mysterious neighbor from the top floor who rushes up and down stairs without speaking to anyone. The motive remains ambiguous, but in the end, the turkey theft is forgotten as neighbors become friends in a joyous celebration of holiday cheer and goodwill to all. VERDICT In this well-crafted Christmas tale translated from German, traditional aspects blend seamlessly with a welcome message of goodwill and inclusion.--Marilyn Taniguchi

A sweet, winning Yuletide offering. With touches of humour, this charming story underplays holiday trappings and emphasises kindness and cooperation. Delightful illustrations. — Kirkus Reviews

A great lesson about holidays and what is important. —Youth Services Book Review

Celebrations rarely go smoothly, and it's important for young readers to see that one can still be happy even when things go wrong. A feel good story about the importance of community, especially around the holidays. —YA Books Review