Tiny Cactus is a much-loved member of her family. When Tiny Cactus is introduced to Christmas, she’s in awe of all the shine and shimmer, twinkle and tinsel. “I cannot wait to be decorated!” she tells her elephant friend. But even as Christmas books appear on the bookshelf where Tiny Cactus sits, Tiny Cactus’s little (human) girl is too busy with Christmas to remember Tiny Cactus. “And Tiny Cactus knew why. How could anyone remember a tiny green spiny thing when there was a giant green piney thing sparkling in the living room?” She makes a Christmas wish, just like in the stories on the shelf, but by the time Christmas morning arrives, Tiny Cactus is still undecorated and feeling anything but merry. “You have to believe in the magic of Christmas,” says elephant. Tiny Cactus isn’t sure how to believe. But on Christmas night, long after the family’s celebration is over, the magic of Christmas delivers more than one surprise. A quirky plot, festive mixed-media illustrations, and language that is pure delight make for a winning holiday story featuring a winsome cactus, a wise ceramic elephant, and an ebullient brown-skinned girl. (Ages 4-7)