Welcome to Christmas in California! Ready to greet you are 12 redwoods swaying, 11 cable cars clanging, 10 sea lions barking, 9 mountains rising... and much more! Brad gets one of these VERY unusual gifts from his cousin Teri--and writes lively letters home all about his trip. Editorial Reviews K-Gr 3-Each of these regional titles begins with a map and a letter from one cousin to another about an upcoming visit. The books can be used either as holiday songbooks (each with its own version of the standard) or as a mini travelogue, as every other page includes a letter home about the sights visited in each area, including historical tidbits. New York City includes sidewalk Santas, bridges gleaming, and a pigeon in a Central Park tree. Virginia features tall ships, guiding lights (lighthouses), and a cardinal in a dogwood tree. California highlights hummingbirds, cable cars, and a quail in a redwood tree. Bright and colorful cartoon art makes these books acceptable additions for libraries in the featured states.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library - School Library Journal