Minerva Louise on Christmas Eve

Starred review from October 22, 2007
One of the best-loved birdbrains in picture books tries to take Santa under her wing in this festive romp. Out of her henhouse on Christmas Eve, Minerva Louise invites herself to the roof party, where the “goats” are sporting their “fanciest horns,” but she decides to rescue that nice “farmer” in the red hat when he falls down the “well.” As usual, Stoeke's humor is pitched just right to preschoolers, and her night-time palette has particular punch. Ages 2-up (Sept.)
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October 1, 2007
PreS-Gr 1-Fans of the endearingly naive hen will find themselves chuckling aloud. This time, Minerva Louise mistakes Christmas Eve preparations for a party, Santa for a farmer, and the reindeer for goats wearing fancy hats. Her confusion is satisfyingly resolved when Santa gives her a present and, true to character, she mistakes the box it comes in as a nest. Stoekes books are a mastery of simplicity; much is conveyed in her boldly outlined, full-color cartoon illustrations and minimal text. A delightful choice, perfect for storytime."Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2007
Stoekes charming chicken Minerva Louise returns, this time in a holiday-themed book in which she humorously interprets classic holiday elements and traditions with her characteristic creative flair. Outside, she is delighted by snow and fireflies . . . all dressed up in party colors! (tree lights). Shes also intrigued by the farmer in a red hat she spots on the roof, who, despite her cautions, falls down the chimneyfollowed by Minerva Louise. Inside, the chicken is dismayed to see the mysterious farmer unpacking and stuffing things into the familys stockings and eating their cookies. Once he gives Minerva Louise a gift, however, all is well; she adores presents. The lively prose, which blends the chickens thoughts and observations with descriptions of her actions, is set down in short, easy-to-read sentences, and the brightly colored, simply rendered illustrations add to the wit and whimsy of the story. Children will have a great time yelling out cute, curious Minerva Louises oh-so-silly mistakes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2007
If ever a chicken was meant to enjoy Christmas Eve, it's the eternally upbeat, perpetually ingenuous Minerva Louise. Here she meets a "farmer in a red hat" (Santa), worries that his "truck" has lost its wheels, follows him down the chimney (she thinks he's accidentally slipped on the snowy roof), and admires the "pretty white hen" atop the family's tree. As with the previous books, young listeners will delight in their own Christmas savvy but will find Minerva Louise too endearing to belittle for her ultra-limited perspective. In the end, Santa has a present for her (devoted fans will recognize the reference to A Hat for Minerva Louise), which she loves -- of course -- but with a twist, Minerva Louise-style. Preschooler-perfect in content, style, and humor, with easy-to-parse illustrations in Christmasy primary colors.

(Copyright 2007 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)