NISHA'S JUST-RIGHT CHRISTMAS TREE

A child and her father pick out the perfect Christmas tree.

Nisha wants a huge tree (“As tall as a camel! As wide as an elephant!”), but Baba wants a small one that he can easily carry up the stairs to their Brooklyn apartment. Still, the tree will need to hold the many decorations the family has inherited: red elephants and blue camels from India, Baba’s country of origin; icicles from Maine, where Mommy’s parents live. Nisha and Baba reach a compromise: They find a relatively small tree that fits Nisha’s requirements. Holding up two of her favorite ornaments, she confirms that the tree is indeed as wide as an elephant and as tall as a camel. Back at home, Baba, Mommy, and Nisha decorate the tree; Nisha’s thrilled that she’s tall enough to reach the upper branches this year. The tale ends with Nisha and her parents celebrating: Baba plays a Christmas carol on the sitar, while Mommy serves cookies and burfi. The story is lyrical, full of humor and heart. With her exaggerated facial expressions and posture, Nisha cuts an endearing figure in Pillai’s bustling art. In their authors’ note, Meyer and Mehta discuss the importance of blending cultural traditions (Baba is Hindu; white-presenting Mommy is Christian)—though this theme feels underexplored in the narrative. Still, it’s a delightful, festive tale overall.

A welcome reminder that there are myriad ways to celebrate the holidays we love.