CANDY CORN CHRISTMAS!

Halloween confections learn they’re not obsolete.

When fall’s over, the candy corns are relegated to the pantry along with the cranberry sauce and a jack-o’-lantern trick-or-treat bucket. The orange, yellow, and white candies feel unwanted. Unlike some foods, they don’t spoil or rot; they just sit around “feeling bored and kind of stale.” But a new holiday’s coming, and new smells are everywhere! Investigating, the corns discover exciting new trappings in their house: a giant decorated tree, wrapped gifts, hung stockings, and more! A sugarplum reveals all: “It’s Christmas!” The corns quickly horn in on the action, cavorting over the Yule log, diving into the egg nog, and leaving “sticky fingerprints on candlesticks and ornaments.” An angry candy cane demands that they skedaddle: “You had YOUR holiday. Now SCRAM!” They start to leave, but pale-skinned Santa’s arrival puts things into perspective. After nibbling a corn, the jolly old elf announces that the candies “fit right in!—and “Christmas is for EVERYONE!” Softening, Cane exhorts the corns to stay and acknowledges their similarities—they’re all striped, sweet, and sticky. This adorable holiday tale, told in well-executed, rollicking verse, delivers a fine message about Christmas inclusiveness, puts a new spin on the holiday season, and belongs on both post-Halloween and Christmas-book display shelves. The bustling, cheery illustrations feature characters bursting with personality and lots of dialogue set in speech balloons.

A holiday winner sure to be in demand come spooky season or Yuletide.