New picture books for children include one from Brunswick County about a Christmas moose

Just in time for Christmas, a Brunswick County writer tells the story of a moose who thought he wanted to fly.

Wright Smith wrote "The Legend of Christmoose," published by Newman Springs Publishing of Red Bank, N.J. ($20.95). Todd Pearl did the color illustrations.

The illustrated children's story follows the adventures of Christmoose, so named because he was born Dec. 25.

Christmoose really, really wants to join in the reindeer games. Trouble is: He's a moose, not a reindeer, and more importantly, he can't fly.

Then, Santa helps Christmoose find a way to help his sleigh take off on Christmas Eve, all by being himself.

A native of Wilson and a graduate of Wake Forest University, Smith has built a reputation as a woodworker and furniture maker. Copies of "The Legend of Christmoose" are available at Amazon.com and are available in Kindle editions.

'Nesting Dolls'

Another Tar Heel picture book out this season is "Nesting Dolls" by Charlotte-based author and illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newman (Crown Books, $18.99)

"Nesting Dolls" tells the story of Anyiaka, a little Black girl who's off to visit her grandparents for the holidays.

Anyiaka envies her big sister, Sorie, whom she thinks is much prettier than she is. Her grandmother sets her right, though, pointing to all of Anyiaka's mahogany-skinned ancestors and making a brand-new pretty nesting doll in her honor.

While subtly addressing issues of "colorism," "Nesting Dolls" also provides youngsters with an introduction to Gullah-Geechee culture of coastal North and South Carolina, with its unique dialect blending English, African and Creole vocabulary. Grandma talks in a Gulluh-Geechee patois in which "oonuh" means "you."

"Nesting Dolls" is recommended for ages 4-8.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Books for children: 'The Legend of Christmoose' and 'Nesting Dolls'