Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters by K.G. Campbell (Kids Can Press, 2012)

I adored the sly humor of “Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters” and the fantastic language K.G. Campbell uses. When Cousin Clara comes to stay (after a crocodile consumes her cottage), Lester’s problem begins. Cousin Clara is a curiously speedy knitter, and what she loves most to knit are dreadful sweaters which Lester is doomed to wear. Even when a sweater comes to an unexpected tragic end (like being shredded by the lawn mower), there’s always a new one to take its place. The expressions on the character’s face are fantastic, and the ending is just right. This holiday season, skip the awful sweater and give “Lester’s Dreadful Sweaters” instead!