The Nutquacker

When Clara the duckling hears the older animals whispering, she demands to know what they're saying. They won't tell her, but she listens very, very carefully and finds out they're talking about something called Christmas.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2  Miffed by the barnyard animals' secretive behavior and evasive answers, Clara, an inquisitive young duck, sets off on her own to find out what Christmas is all about. She rudely tells the others that they are crazy to stand around waiting and they call her a "nutquacker." On her quest, she is undaunted when she comes upon a fox: "If I could outwit a giant monster with huge eyes [a tractor] and a large animal with sharp horns [a deer], a small creature with soft fur won't stop me from finding Christmas." Of course, the fox outfoxes Clara, and after a scary chase home, she bursts in on a holiday party. The festively dressed animals dance the night away, discussing how Christmas means treats, and dancing, and getting presents, as well as giving and being with those you love. Nutquacker makes a fine read-aloud for a small group. The charming illustrations both enhance and further the text..