The angel smiles
Atop the tree
And proves me right.
She's happiest there
Poised for flight,
Halo kissing the ceiling
Feeling closer to home.

Twenty-three holiday offerings from Coretta Scott King Award-winning poet Nikki Grimes showcase many facets of Christmastime. From neighborhood kids who only need an icy patch and trash-can lid to have fun, to a family gratefully sitting down to holiday dinner with all the trimmings, to Rhythm Brown—the blind sax-man who plays "Silent Night" as if he witnessed the first Christmas in Bethlehem—Nikki Grimes revels in the sights, sounds, and feelings that make the season so special. Kadir Nelson provides the perfect counterpoint to each poem with a radiant, revealing painting. UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE is a gift to be treasured and shared. Open it now and enjoy!

From the dust jacket