What starts as a Victorian setting for this cumulative song ends with lots of diversity--eight ladies dancing, for example, wear traditional dress from eight cultures, including Japanese and Dutch, and eleven pipers appear to be Scottish, Peruvian, and colonial American, among others. Using a Christmassy palette, Pham's illustrations capture the burgeoning cast with grace and humor. Music and an artist's note are appended.

PreS-Gr 1 The artwork makes this book a true joy to read. The paintings, depicting a boy and girl as the gift giver and receiver, are detailed and colorful, becoming truly memorable as the presents accumulate. They depict people from different cultures when showing the maids a-milking, ladies dancing, lords a-leaping, pipers piping, and drummers drumming, dressed in costumes native to their lands. The last page shows all 78 gifts together and challenges readers to identify them. The book also provides the music for parents who are interested in the sheet music. Additional background information on the 12 days of Christmas and the possible origins of the well-known song are provided for those interested. Graciela Gallegos, Los Angeles Public Library