In all of Jenny Colgan’s books, the setting is truly as important as any character; whether it’s the seaside or a charming corner of Edinburgh, her settings never fail to enchant and charm us. “The Secret Christmas Library” is no different. The setting, in a castle in northern Scotland in freezing winter, is breathtaking as Colgan describes the huge heaps of brilliant white snow, the sparkling sea, the majestic stag, and the centerpiece: a massive, decaying, neglected, isolated estate.
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reader meets William, who has finished his hot cocoa, climbed into bed, and readied himself for a long winter’s nap. But as soon as he gets settled, there is a tap on his window. A chipmunk is cold and seeking shelter, and William welcomes him into the snuggly bed. But a knock on the door brings a porcupine begging for “a smidge of space.” Soon, more animals (who do actually hibernate) come to the door, but the last animal is a surprise. Can a bear fit into the bed with the other five? This is a sweet tale of friendship and helping animals in need. Children will love seeing how they all manage to fit. In this day of children having their own bedroom and sleeping alone, it’s fun to imagine sleeping with a posse of friends. (Disney-Hyperion Books)