The irrepressible Froggy's best Christmas is also his first, as he usually hibernates through it. Once his friend Max the beaver wakes him up, though, he quickly gets into the holiday spirit, dressing in jig time ("Zip! Zut zut zut! Zup! Znap! Zat! Zwit! Zum!"), hieing off with other newly awakened friends to drag home a tree, decorate it, sing carols, throw snowballs, exchange gifts and sentiments (" ‘Christmas is about friends . . . and family, too.' " "It's the spirit of giving that counts," etc.), and chow down. Remkiewicz's festive cartoon illustrations are replete with open-mouthed grins. A cameo from "Santa Owl" is the only surprise here, but as Froggy continues to hop through the holidays, he has plenty of fans hopping along behind. (Picture book. 5-7)
