The simplest of easy-reader texts ("Give, Santa, give"), accompanied by action-packed illustrations, relates Otto the space robot's latest adventure. The animals so love their new presents (drum, squirt gun, football) that Santa, lounging on the beach, can't get any rest. But dependable Otto comes to the rescue, and, soon enough, we "see Santa nap." Ho, ho, ho. See readers laugh.

Milgrim is still on a roll with his clever early reader series featuring Otto the robot and his group of animal buddies. In this fifth entry in the series, Otto and friends are all on an island vacation with Santa, who just wants to kick back and enjoy some rest after passing out all those gifts. As Santa tries to nap, each character uses a new Christmas gift to interrupt the poor tired fellow. Otto finally uses his new fishing rod to save Santa by hooking him by his candy-cane-printed swimsuit and flinging him up into the robot's tree house for a well-deserved rest. Though Milgrim uses the stereotypical short sentence structures found in lesser beginning readers, in his hands the short strings of repetitive words are hilarious. He also has a deft touch with his humorous illustrations full of quirky characters and slapstick comedy. Though beginning readers will love this latest Otto story, preschoolers and older kids will enjoy it too (as will the grown-ups, who know what it's like to need a nap after Christmas). (Easy reader. 5-7)

PreS-Gr 1-After a long night of gift giving, Santa tries to snooze at the beach-but the animals all have new toys, such as a drum and a water gun, and keep disturbing his slumber. Finally, Otto the robot uses his own present to rescue Santa and let him nap at last. The short sentences and simple words make this a good choice for early beginning readers, and the illustrations of Santa trying to relax in a lounge chair with a tropical drink will tickle their fancies.-E. M. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.