Nella dreams of getting a Baby Betty doll for Christmas. Neither of her sisters believes it will happen; there’s a Depression going on, after all. But when Christmas morning comes, there isn’t just a stocking full of wonderful treats (walnuts, an orange, a peppermint stick, and a box of raisins), but a Baby Betty doll for the three girls to share. And that’s when the trouble begins, because Nella has no desire to share Baby Betty. “Okay, chickadees, fix it,” Mama tells the squabbling trio. The argument ends with Nella in possession of Baby Betty while her sisters go off to play. She won! Or did she? It turns out Baby Betty isn’t all that fun, at least on her own. She doesn’t laugh at the funny parts of Nella’s stories, or sing harmony on Nella’s songs. Patricia C. McKissack’s lively story about three close-knit African American sisters facing an authentic—and authentically resolved—conflict is told with vivid language that brings both the period and the people into full relief. Jerry Pinkney’s watercolor illustrations provide additional details and a wonderful visual backdrop for the story. Highly Commended, 2008 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 6–9)

Newbery Honor–winning author McKissack and Caldecott Medal–winning illustrator Pinkney have outdone themselves in this heart-warming picture book infused with humor and the true spirit of Christmas.

Christmas always comes to Nella’s house, but Santa Claus brings gifts only once in a while. That’s because it’s the Depression and Nella’s family is poor. Even so, Nella’s hoping that this year she and her two sisters will get a beautiful Baby Betty doll.

On Christmas morning, the girls are beside themselves with excitement! There is Baby Betty, in all her eyelash-fluttering magnificence. “Mine!” Nella shouts, and claims the doll for herself. But soon she discovers that Baby Betty isn’t nearly as much fun as her sisters. Would it be more fun to share this very best gift with them after all?