Banks, Kate. What’s Coming for Christmas? Pictures by Georg Hallensleben. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2009.

A sweet anticipation of “something was coming. You could see it in the way the snow whirled and twirled, making hills and bumps. In the way the children lay in snowbanks making angels” unfolds quietly in text and illustrations. A contrasting refrain opines, “But no one noticed the trail of footprints that wound around the barn. Or the bushy-tailed squirrels huddled outside the door. No one, no one, no one.” This pattern of something coming and then something not being noticed continues until a surprise ending introduces a baby animal born in a barn. Gorgeous paintings illuminate peaceful winter scenes outside, children playing in the snow and cows meandering home to the barn while inside a family prepares to celebrate Christmas, children decorating a tree and baking cookies. Brown, blue and white tones reflect the quietness of a world silenced by snow and yellow, orange and red swathes vibrantly convey the warmth of a home lit by bright lights, and a glowing fire. This is a lovely book that offers a contemplative view of the Christmas celebration.