A deceptively simple board book sets up a pattern of alternating outside/inside scenes. “Tree” is the word on both pages of the opening spread that shows a pine tree outside a house with a window through which a bare Christmas tree can be seen. The next spread shows a brightly colored bird outdoors on the left (“Bird”) and a stylized bird ornament now hanging from a branch of the indoor tree (“Bird in the tree”). The pattern continues with a mouse, a squirrel, a rabbit, snow, ball, sled, and finally, of course, a star. The tree in the house now fully decorated, the final image parallels the story’s beginning, only now the house’s inhabitants stand outside on a sparkling night, admiring the equally sparkling tree through the window. David Martin’s wonderful concept is made charming and full with Melissa Sweet’s warm illustrations for this small-in-size board book. (Ages 1–3)