This follow-up to Olson’s 2018 debut, Norman, continues the adventures of the eponymous wire-limbed red button and his best friend, Freddy Teddy, for whom Norman serves as a nose. Despite their inseparability during the day, the duo must part at night, since “Freddy’s snoring had become an unbearable problem for Norman.” One night, Norman overhears Freddy telling the other toys he has already bought the “best Christmas present” for Norman. With Christmas on the horizon, the button springs into reciprocal action—but when his efforts to buy a “huge and expensive” present, acquire a smaller gift, and bake a cake for his ursine friend fail in succession, he must find a different way to show his appreciation. Photo illustrations, embellished with dollhouse miniatures and digital flourishes such as thought bubbles and Norman’s wide eyes, provide an engrossing button’s-eye view of the world. A fun holiday sequel with an evergreen message. Ages 5–8.

The most charming button in picture books returns for a “Gift of the Magi”–style Christmas tale in this sequel. Norman the Button is happy with his new life as a nose for Freddy Teddy. The two are inseparable—that is, until bedtime. The stuffed bear’s awful snoring keeps Norman up at night, so he sleeps on his own in a dollhouse. One night, Norman overhears Freddy telling the rest of the toys that he has the perfect Christmas present for his close friend. Norman frantically tries to come up with a terrific gift for Freddy, but a car proves too expensive, a cellphone on sale turns out to be worthless, and the cake the button attempts to bake—complete with raw bacon and unbroken egg—is a disaster. Norman feels that the homemade present he finally concocts isn’t good enough for his pal. Luckily, Freddy truly appreciates Norman’s talents and loves his gift. Olson’s (Norman, 2018) signature puns (jokes the two friends read together put Norman “in stitches”; the snacks they share make Freddy “stuffed”) are fewer than in the first volume. But Norman’s misadventures help him learn to value his own talents and deftly reinforce the themes of the original story. The author’s posed photographs with digitally illustrated details are gloriously silly and sure to give adults giggles alongside their children. The message that real friends value their pals most for being themselves couldn’t be delivered by a cuter button.