New Christmas picture books that are versions of classics

James Lord Pierpont, credited with writing the popular song “Jingle Bells,” was a minister in Savannah when in 1850 he wrote the song for a children’s holiday choir. For this fictionalized account, John Harris set the story at the time of civil rights unrest. Adam Gustavson expands the text with realistic oil paintings. Young readers may enjoy re-enacting this story with bell accompaniment.