Christmas Wonderland by Yvette Poshoglian

Ella & Olivia series. Scholastic, 2014. ISBN 9781743620557
(Age: 5-7) Recommended. The Ella and Olivia series are enjoyable beginning chapter books recommended for readers from 5-7 years. Ella is seven and Olivia is five and a half, they live with their baby brother Max and Mum and Dad. It's Christmas time again and this year the celebrations include an exciting Street Fair and a competition with the neighbours. Who will have the best decorated house and front yard?
The girls enjoy the arrival of the big Christmas tree delivered by Dad and Uncle Stu. Max is old enough to help decorate the lower branches whilst the girls help him. Bob their golden retriever puppy is confused about a tree inside the house. With a special Christmas Street Fair planned, Dad and Uncle Stu, an electrician, bring home a van filled with festive lights and reindeers, ready for everyone to help decorate the yard and roof. Ella and Olivia join in and help with the decorating. The Azzopardi's across the street, however decorate their front yard with fake snow and a giant blowup Santa. When a news crew come to film their neighbours' Christmas display, Ella and Olivia are disappointed that their own house isn't included. Of course the Street Fair brings all the families together and Mr. Azzopardi has a welcome surprise.
With decorated borders, simple line drawings and easy to read text, this book is a great welcome addition to the series.
Rhyllis Bignell