Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, & Christmas: DECEMBER HOLIDAY BOOKS '98

Anne Connor, Lisa Falk, Mary M. Hopf, Eva Mitnick, and Susan H. Patron, Los Angeles Public Library -- School Library Journal, 10/1/1998

When gathered together, the 60 December holiday books reviewed here hold some stars, some spangles, and some superficial, glitzy packages. While many of the standard themes are better served by previously established versions of classics and old standbys, this year's list is sure to include some favorites of the future. The most successful efforts are those that evoke the true spirit of the season or offer fresh approaches to all-too-familiar story lines. The eight Hanukkah titles are of particularly high quality and the single Kwanzaa offering is an excellent addition for assignments. Librarians can revitalize their core holiday collections with many of these thoughtful, festive, or fanciful titles.--Anne Connor

KWANZAA

KARENGA, Maulana. Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture. 143p. chart. illus. photos. reprods. bibliog. glossary. index. CIP. Univ. of Sankore Pr. 1998. Tr $24.95. ISBN 0-943412-21-8. LC 97-13369.
Gr 6 Up--The complete Kwanzaa book that educators and parents have been waiting for has arrived. Written by the creator of the holiday, this book presents the continental African and African-American origins of the celebration, a chapter on each of the Seven Principles, explanations of the meaning of related symbols, suggested activities, and a wrap-up section in which Karenga answers frequently asked questions. The beginning chapter provides a concise overview of the holiday, with subsequent chapters providing in-depth information on the "first-fruits"or harvest festivals that provided the basis for Kwanzaa. The attractive layout features plenty of white space with text blocks broken up by both full-color and black-and-white photographs (from the author's very first Kwanzaa celebration) and illustrations. This book belongs in every library, both as a reference book and for general circulation. A chapter on Swahili terminology and Kwanzaa greetings is included and a bibliography provides extensive references for those interested in further research.--LF

HANUKKAH

FISHMAN, Cathy Goldberg. On Hanukkah. illus. by Melanie W. Hall. unpaged. glossary. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 1998. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-80643-4. LC 96-44696.
Gr 1-3--A cheerful original tale. The story opens with a family (previously introduced in Fishman's earlier titles) preparing to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Each night, a young girl kindles the candles and says Hanukkah blessings. Her family members gather and each one contributes to the celebration by sharing history, food, gifts, games, and/or music. The author cleverly weaves in bits of information about the traditional observance without ever disrupting the narrative flow. Hall's light yet dynamic illustrations, done in collagraph and mixed media, portray almost constant motion, a frenzy of happiness, with swirling edges and, on several pages, blazes of gold color. A fine companion to Fishman's other holiday titles.--MMH

HOLLAND, Cheri. Maccabee Jamboree: A Hanukkah Countdown. illus. by Roz Schanzer. unpaged. CIP. Kar-Ben Copies. 1998. pap. $4.95. ISBN 1-58013-019-4. LC 98-4199.
PreS--In this slight counting book, eight Maccabees (depicted as multiethnic children in vaguely historical garb) celebrate Hanukkah by playing the dreidel game, making cards, and having a party. One by one, they disappear ("5 Maccabees cooked latkes. But only 4 gobbled them up"). With only one sentence per page, there isn't much here to hang a book on, and children will come away with little understanding of the meaning and joy of Hanukkah (although an explanatory paragraph about its origins appears on the verso of the title page). The sweet cartoon artwork does nothing to rescue the text.--EM

KIMMEL, Eric A., ed. A Hanukkah Treasury. illus. by Emily Lisker. 99p. notes. score. CIP. Holt. Oct. 1998. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-8050-5293-3. LC 97-24428.
Gr 2 Up--This lovely compilation includes traditional and Biblical stories; original selections by Kimmel, Peninnah Schram, Howard Schwartz, Barbara Diamond Goldin, and Barbara Brown; poems and songs by Jane Yolen, J. Patrick Lewis, Erica Silverman, and Debbie Friedman; recipes and craft ideas; and a wealth of information about Hanukkah. However, the true wonder is found in the primitive jewel-toned acrylic paintings that dance through the book. Source notes are appended. A lively collection, enhanced by vibrant art, resulting in a surefire hit for the holidays.--AC

KIMMEL, Eric A. When Mindy Saved Hanukkah. illus. by Barbara McClintock. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 1998. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-590-37136-3. LC 97-745.
Gr 1-3--The miniature-sized Kleins live behind the walls of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. It's the day before Hanukkah and the family is preparing for its holiday celebration. When Papa stumbles through the door, his clothing torn and without a candle, they learn that the synagogue has gotten a cat. Brave little Mindy then volunteers to venture out to find a candle, despite the danger. Eventually, the child encounters the dreaded beast, but is able to escape, thanks to the help of her resourceful grandfather.The human-sized candle is melted down to provide the family with ample lights to observe Hanukkah. The story and pictures are a perfect combination; with a humorous text and exquisite watercolor, black-ink, and gouache illustrations. Minute details and clever touches abound. The Kleins make use of human-sized objects--a pocket watch serves as a clock, and stamps make lovely pictures. The double-paged inside view of the synagogue is breathtaking. A spirited story with a diminutive heroine whose courage speaks volumes.--MMH

KOSS, Amy Goldman. How I Saved Hanukkah. illus. by Diane deGroat. 88p. CIP. Dial. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-2241-9. LC 96-52715.
Gr 3-4--Hanukkah is fast approaching, but to fourth-grader Marla Feinstein, it doesn't seem like a very big deal. While all of her neighbors are festooning their houses with Christmas lights and decorations, Marla has to make do with a plain menorah, a plastic dreidel that won't spin, a mom who doesn't even wrap her Hanukkah presents, and a dad who is out of town on a business trip. With her friend Lucy, Maria embarks on a mission to make Hanukkah fun, and soon has her mother making latkes, her little brother winning at dreidel, and the whole neighborhood dancing the hora. The fun and breezy tone and affectionately drawn characters will appeal to readers who will find themselves learning a bit about the meaning of Hanukkah in the bargain. DeGroat's pen-and-ink illustrations complement this warm and funny story.--EM

PODWAL, Mark. The Menorah Story. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Greenwillow. Oct. 1998. Tr $15. ISBN 0-688-15758-0; PLB $14.93. ISBN 0-688-15759-9. LC 97-36300.
Gr 1-4--This excellent, accessible book begins with the original menorah, the seven-branched symbol given to Moses by God. It burned, day and night, in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and was hidden until the Jews, led by Judah Maccabee, overcame the might of Antiochus and returned to the city to rebuild the temple. Rich, abstract gouache and colored-pencil paintings face each page of text, adding depth and drama to the straightforward text. A luminous choice for inclusion in any holiday collection.--LF

STILLERMAN, Marci. Nine Spoons: A Chanukah Story. illus. by Pesach Gerber. unpaged. glossary. Hachai. Oct. 1998. Tr $11.95. ISBN 0-922613-84-2. LC 97-74049.
K-Gr 2--As her grandchildren cluster around Oma on the last night of Chanukah, she tells them about a long-ago celebration when she was a young woman in a Nazi concentration camp. Her bunkmate, an artist named Raizel, declared that she could make a menorah for the children in the barracks if only she had nine spoons. Such utensils were a rare and precious commodity, but the interned women took risks and made sacrifices to obtain them. By twisting and bending the spoons together, Raizel fashioned a menorah, and the children experienced their own Chanukah miracle. This moving story, based on a real incident, is told in a simple and straightforward manner. The horrors of the camp are not graphically depicted, but even young children will gain an understanding of the deprivations faced by the inmates. However, some aspects of the narrative are vague, such as how Raizel managed to twist those spoons in one night, and how Oma ended up with the menorah. The illustrations are rendered in muted tones of blue, gray, and green; the prisoners are depicted as being gaunt but not emaciated.--EM

ZALBEN, Jane Breskin. Pearl's Eight Days of Chanukah: With a Story and Activity for Each Night. illus. by author. 40p. diags. glossary. score. CIP. S & S. Oct. 1998. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81488-7. LC 97-37917.
PreS-Gr 2--In Zalben's third book featuring Pearl and her little brother Avi, the children's twin cousins Sophie and Harry come to spend the eight days of Chanukah with them. Pearl is less than thrilled, but the joy of the holiday brings them all together and the visit turns out to be a success for everyone. As Pearl and her family (depicted as sheep) celebrate each night, readers are drawn into their cozy life while learning a bit about the holiday and getting ideas for craft projects, recipes, songs, and activities. The strength of this book lies in the depiction of Chanukah as a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of friends and family. The illustrations, rendered in gold leaf, colored pencils, and watercolor, are warm and appealing. The craft instructions vary in the amount of detail given, but motivated adults should be able to follow them.--EM

CHRISTMAS

BARNES, Emilie, Anne Buchanan, & Elizabeth Buchanan. The Very Best Christmas Ever!: A Season of Fun for Girls. illus. by Michal Sparks. 32p. diags. CIP. Harvest. 1998. Tr $14.99. ISBN 1-56507-905-1. LC 98-3111.
Gr 2-5--In this story/craft book, a group of young girls form a Christmas club, hold meetings, and share one another's family traditions and ideas for making the holidays special. Throughout the somewhat convoluted text, crafts, recipes, patterns, ornaments, and activities are described. Small, attractive watercolor illustrations with plenty of reds and greens lend a festive air. There is a nice blend of fairly easy to more complicated projects. In some cases, adult supervision is advised; one card/calendar idea requires sharp tools. Overall, a pretty and somewhat useful craft book.--MMH

BARRETT, Mary Brigid. The Man of the House at Huffington Row: A Christmas Story. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt/Gulliver. Oct. 1998. Tr $16. ISBN 0-15-201580-9. LC 97-2212.
Gr 1-3--Francis O'Shea doesn't have much reason to celebrate the holidays. Since his father's death, he has spent most of his time trying to earn money and caring for his younger sister, Katherine Mary. As Christmas approaches, he finds her in a large cathedral admiring a Nativity scene. She accidentally breaks an angel and both children are thrown out of the church. When his sister loses their father's scarf, Francis attempts to build a crAMMH

BAUER, Marion Dane. Christmas in the Forest. illus. by Diane Dawson Hearn. 48p. CIP. Holiday House. 1998. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8234-1371-3. LC 97-41952.
K-Gr 3--When the excitement of Christmas causes Cat's human children to forget all about her, the miffed feline runs away to teach them a lesson. Finding herself in a frozen forest, she captures a young mouse by promising to tell him about Christmas, and Rabbit, Mother Mouse, Squirrel, and Bird convince her that she cannot eat Mouseling. This beginning chapter book offers drama, coziness, and a happy, hopeful ending. Hearn's lively watercolor illustrations are realistically rendered and add visual support for the spare yet effective text. A fine addition for newly proficient readers as well as for sharing with younger children.--LF

BECKER, Bonny. The Christmas Crocodile. illus. by David Small. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Oct. 1998. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81503-4. LC 96-53140.
PreS-Gr 2--Alice Jayne finds a crocodile with a big red bow around its neck under the tree on Christmas Eve. The toothy beast proceeds to bite, gnaw on, or eat up whatever it gets near. Banished to the basement, the insatiable creature holds court as the entire family slips down to comfort it. Unfortunately, they all doze off, awakening to find that the house is a disaster. Having eaten the Christmas tree and all the presents, the croc is looking "alarmingly round."Just then the family discovers that it was delivered to the wrong address. Two men show up and take it away, much to the relief of everyone but Alice Jayne. Small's wonderful watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations set the mayhem in a turn-of-the-century mansion, but the text simply doesn't match the energy of the pictures. This Christmas Crocodile is no budding star; Bernard Waber's Lyle at Christmas (Houghton, 1998) is funnier and more satisfying.--LF

BROWN, Ruth. The Shy Little Angel. illus. by author. unpaged. Dutton. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-46079-9. LC number unavailable.
K-Gr 2--The littlest angel absolutely refuses to greet the newborn baby Jesus. All of the other angels plead with her, pointing out that Gabriel will definitely notice if she's not there, but she doesn't care. However, she doesn't want to miss a thing, so she peers down at the Nativity scene belowA-and that is when the stage backdrop falls, revealing that the little cherub is an unwilling participant in a Christmas pageant, directed by her school's principal, Mr. Gabriel. The little girl ends up beaming as she gets the loudest applause of all. Young children won't understand the subtle joke, but they will relate to the child's shyness and stubbornness. The text is simple and avoids sentimentality. The illustrations, rendered in watercolor and acrylic, are awash with a golden light, casting a warm glow on the multiethnic cast members. The tousle-haired little angel shows a whole range of emotions on her face, from obstinacy to ecstasy. A sweet holiday choice, particularly for young pageant participants and viewers.--EM

BURRIS, Barbara. Callie & Zora. illus. by Wendy Halstead. 72p. Penny Royal. 1998. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-9654197-3-8. LC 96-92676.
Gr 4-5--A clichA^d, melodramatic story. Zora is battling her evil stepmother, who makes her live in the basement with a bare bulb for lighting. The woman frightens the child with scary stories and forces her to eat oatmeal every day for breakfast. The real battle, however, is about keeping Callie, a stray cat that gives Zora's life purpose. One day Callie escapes the basement, breaks all of the stepmother's prized figurines, and is given away. Zora becomes desperately ill, and the doctor tells her parents that she must have a real room, not the cold, damp basement. On Christmas Eve, Zora gets her new room, the kitten is returned, and all live happily ever after. Character development and motivation are nonexistent, and the lackluster black-and-white illustrations add nothing to this poorly written novel.--LF

BUTTERWORTH, Nick. Jingle Bells. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Orchard. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-531-30124-9. LC 98-15436.
PreS-Gr 2--Living in a stable, Jack and Lottie would be happy farm mice if it weren't for Angus, That Cat who steals their Christmas food, writes a note to Santa telling him they are away, and generally terrorizes them any chance he gets. Finally they appeal to the wise rat Ton-Chee for help and the three come up with a clever plan to bell the dreaded feline. The simply told story makes a good nonsectarian read-aloud. Though they are too small for large groups, the charming watercolors are full of humorous details and character. Children will enjoy these plucky mice who work together to ensure a happier new year once their enemy is foiled.--AC

THE CHRISTMAS STORY: According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke from the King James Bible. illus. by Gennady Spirin. 32p. CIP. Holt. Oct. 1998. RTE $19.95. ISBN 0-8050-5292-5. LC 97-50417.
K Up--In both the King James text and in the masterful, symbolist illustrations, this reverent creation will appeal to those wishing to share with children the spiritual and religious context of Christmas. Lavishly detailed pictures face intricately bordered text pages; they call for close examination. Spirin's use of light, his textures and richly elaborate costuming, and his Archangel Gabriel's somehow other-than-human face all perfectly suit the grandeur and wonder of the narrative. Like the gold that makes these pages glow, this enduring presentation will remain bright long after the book is closed.--SHP

DICKENS, Charles. A Christmas Carol. edited by Nancy Skarmeas. illus. by Russ Flint. 48p. Ideals/Candy Cane Pr. 1998. Tr $14. ISBN 0-8249-4096-2. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-5--This adaptation conveys the flavor of the classic story but does not capture its spirit. The production has a textbook look, with introductory notes, captions below the many paintings, and old-fashioned watercolors that seem too bright for this mysterious, wintry tale. The abridgement uses a lot of Dickens's prose, but is choppy. (Use of colons is suspect throughout.) Much superior, if a shortened version is needed, is the edition illustrated by Scott Cook that was abridged by Dickens himself (Random, 1993; o.p.).--AC

FALWELL, Cathryn. Christmas for 10. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Clarion. Oct. 1998. RTE $15. ISBN 0-395-85581-0. LC 97-46134.
PreS-K--The African-American family from Falwell's Feast for 10 (Clarion, 1993) returns in this seasonal counting book. From "1 star for the top of the Christmas tree"to "10 hands string the popcorn chains,"the children and adults join together to prepare for the celebration. They then repeat the numbers from "1 wreath welcomes guests to the door"to "10 joyful folks wish peace for all."The artwork, done in bright cut-paper and fabric collages accented with watercolor, is engaging and interesting, with plenty of details for curious youngsters to explore. A definite addition to Christmas shopping lists.--LF

FEARNLEY, Jan. Little Robin's Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little Tiger. 1998. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-888444-40-1. LC 98-6895.
PreS-Gr 2--A pourquoi story of sorts that describes the generous spirit of a small bird. Seven days before Christmas, Little Robin washes and irons each of his seven vests. On the first day, he wears his white one to the pond, but gives it away to cold Frog. Six days before Christmas, he gives his green one to freezing Hedgehog. Each subsequent day he offers a vest to a friend who needs it more than he does. Finally, he is caught on a roof in the snow with nothing to wear. Luckily for him, Santa is en route and rescues the small bird whose generosity has not gone unnoticed. Santa takes him to Mrs. Claus, who knits him a lovely red vest (making him Robin Redbreast). The glowing watercolor-and-ink illustrations depict plump woodland creatures and a Santa Claus who sports a hip ponytail. The charm and warmth of the story and the illustrations combine to make this a fitting choice for most collections.--MMH

GERATY, Virginia M. Gullah Night Before Christmas. illus. by James Rice. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Pelican. Oct. 1998. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-56554-330-0. LC 97-40690.
Gr 3 Up--Geraty tells her own version of the "Night Before Christmas"in the Gullah language. "Sandy Claw Buh Rabbit"visits a Gullah family with his gunnysack full of presents. However, he can't stay long because Buh Fox is hot on his heels. "E gwi' t'row'um een de briah-patch, en t'ief de present too, Ef him kin obuhreach'um 'fo' 'e gitt'ru!"Just after the rabbit leaves, down the chimney comes the grinch-like fox. As the family tries to detain him, the father runs to the next house to warn Sandy Claw. Buh Fox takes the children's treats but gets his comeuppance in the end. The rhyming story is well told, but it is difficult to read and interpret. A glossary is appended, but even so, reading the text will be a real struggle for most youngsters (and adults). Rice's illustrations lend a sinister air to the story. The characters include rather oddly shaped, slightly hunchbacked family members; a greedy but not particularly menacing fox; and a strange looking rabbit in a red "Sandy"suit.--MMH

GLIORI, Debi. What Can I Give Him? illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8234-1392-6. LC 98-11605.
K-Gr 3--The intertwined stories of two girls--one in a modern wintry setting and one in Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus--are told primarily through expressive watercolors. The minimal text is adapted from Christina Rossetti's poem "A Christmas Carol"and fits the modern tale of a girl's love for her grandfather more than the Biblical setting where not a bit of snow (referred to in the text) is to be seen. Though both girls seek the perfect gift, and choose "to give Him my heart,"the juxtaposition of stories is jarring and doesn't make much sense: the long-ago girl is referring to Baby Jesus, the contemporary girl to her grandfather. The illustrations are richly toned, but often awkwardly drawn. While the message of giving is admirable, the execution is uninspiring.--AC<P> GROSZ, Peter. The Special Gifts. tr. from German by Rosemary Lanning. illus. by Giuliano Lunelli. unpaged. North-South. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-55858-961-9; PLB $15.88. ISBN 1-55858-962-7. LC 98-14549.
Gr 2-4--A poor woman and her son live in a little cottage where he embroiders poems for a living, but this occupation cannot support them so she sends him out into the world. Nicholas crosses the snow-covered landscape, avoiding snarling wolves, and eventually meets Nicolo the carpenter and Nikolai the stonemason. The three become fast friends and build a house for themselves. They share chores and live contentedly, growing old together until, "they thought alike, spoke alike, and hardly needed to tell one another what they were thinking."Dressed in their long red coats, they even look alike, except for their hats--Nikolai's is made of stone, Nicolo's is fashioned out of wood shavings, and Nicholas's is embroidered. As elderly men with flowing white beards and mustaches, they realize that their special gifts are going to waste. They begin to make books and toys, which they deliver house to house, just like their namesake, St. Nicholas. Stiff, stylized illustrations and sweeping, snow-covered landscapes have a distinctly Russian or Eastern European look. The tale, unfortunately, is somewhat marred by undeveloped story lines. A greedy king, fierce-looking wolves, and Nicholas's mother are introduced at the beginning of the book, but none are mentioned again once the three Nicks link up. This quiet tale is nothing special.--LF

HINES, Gary. A Christmas Tree in the White House. illus. by Alexandra Wallner. unpaged. photos. CIP. Holt. Oct. 1998. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8050-5076-0. LC 97-50416.
K-Gr 3--A delightful story that's part fact and part fiction, set during the Teddy Roosevelt administration. Christmas is just around the corner but the president refuses to cut down an evergreen to decorate the White House. Although his six children beg for one, the commander in chief believes that his conservation efforts are too important to compromise. Nevertheless, his two youngest sons conspire with their aunt and sneak a small tree into their bedroom closet. Snappy dialogue, lots of action, and a small conspiracy quickly move the plot along. Underlying the playfulness, however, is the portrayal of a man who is adamant in his beliefs. Hines ends the account with brief notes characterizing Roosevelt and explaining what actually occurred. Charming gouache illustrations give the book a folksy appearance. Additionally, Wallner subtly shows varied textures through skillful use of lines. This well-done presentation may inspire readers to find out more about Roosevelt, his conservation efforts, and his family.--MMH

HOFMEYR, Dianne. The Stone: A Persian Legend of the Magi. illus. by Jude Daly. unpaged. CIP. Farrar. 1998. Tr $16. ISBN 0-374-37198-9. LC 97-46038.
Gr 2-6--According to the source notes, this story of the three Magi is based on versions of the tale heard by Marco Polo on his travels. The wise men are amazed by the beautiful star that appears in the night sky. Jasper thinks it's a planet; Melchior, a comet; Balthasar says, "It's a mystery. We must consult our charts and scrolls."They discover the legend of a "baby whose birth would be announced by a star"and decide to find him and honor him with gifts. They give him gold (for a king), myrrh (for a healer), and holy incense (for a holy man). He accepts the gifts and offers one in return. When they discover that it is only a stone, Jasper throws it into a well in disgust. Up bursts a tower of flame--indicating to the Magi that the child is all things: a true king, a healer, and a holy one. The fire will "bring justice and healing and peace into the world."This variant of the Biblical tale of Jesus's birth includes unusual details such as Magi who are more comical than wise, never agreeing about anything, and a baby (unnamed here) who is old enough to return a gift of his own. The message, however, is strong and just right for the season. Daly's luminous watercolors capture the sweep of the desert, the beauty of the night sky, and the gracefully stylized characters. An interesting enhancement to Christmas collections.--AC

HOOPER, Meredith. Tom's Rabbit: A Surprise on the Way to Antarctica. illus. by Bert Kitchen. unpaged. National Geographic. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7922-7070-3. LC 97-75410.
Gr 2-4--Endnotes explain that this story is based on an excerpt from Captain Robert Scott's diary during his 1910 attempt to reach the South Pole. In it, he noted that at Christmas, crewman Tom Crean's pet rabbit bore 17 babies. The clearly written text describes Tom's efforts to find a perfect place for Little Rabbit to nest as the crew makes preparations for a "special dinner."Once the spot was found (in the horses' hay storage), the men celebrated Christmas Eve and when Tom returned to check on the rabbit, she had given birth. He then planned to distribute the bunnies as pets among his friends on the ship. Kitchen's wonderfully detailed full-page spreads, most facing a boxed page of text, impart the grandeur of the seascapes as seen from onboard the Terra Nova. This quiet, secular story, with only a tangential Christmas theme, will surely find fans among pet lovers and nature aficionados and a place in nonsectarian holiday storytimes.--LF

HUGHES, Langston. Carol of the Brown King: Nativity Poems. illus. by Ashley Bryan. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 1998. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81877-7. LC 97-30814.
PreS-Gr 3--In this lovely book, Bryan has illustrated Langston Hughes's "Carol of the Brown King,""Shepherd's Song at Christmas,""On a Christmas Night,""On a Pallet of Straw,"and "The Christmas Story"--plus a translation of a verse from a Puerto Rican Christmas card. The poems are simple and direct, celebrating the first Christmas and the place it holds in lives and hearts today. "Carol of the Brown King"ends with the words, "Three Wise Men,/ One dark like me--/Part of His/Nativity."The paintings, rendered in tempera and gouache, are luminous and bright, and add tremendous appeal to the poems. They also extend the intent of the verses to portray Christmas as having meaning for all people, no matter what their race; the Holy Family is depicted as black, as is a young shepherd who comes to offer gifts to Baby Jesus. In one particularly moving painting, the Baby is sleeping on his mother's back, wrapped in a shawl, while Mary looks over her shoulder at readers, cowrie shells in her braided hair. Even very young children will enjoy the short poems and colorful illustrations, and beginning readers will have no problem reading the selections themselves. A gift to enhance any Christmas collection.--EM

HURD, Thacher. Santa Mouse and the Ratdeer. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 1998. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-06-027694-0. LC 97-49342.
PreS-K--Santa Mouse and his ratdeer are having a rough night. Santa loses his map, the ratdeer are grumbling, and the sleigh hasn't been properly repaired. They crash into the woods, and things don't look good. Luckily, the rodent team finds its way to the home of a mouse family, where young Rosie greets them and feeds them warm cookies and hot cocoa (her parents are asleep). Santa Mouse joins them, and after warming up, is able to repair the vehicle and continue on. Like a gorgeously wrapped package that contains white socks, this disappoints. The snazzy red cover, gold-foil title, and Hurd's appealing and humorous illustrations far surpass the flat text. Although the story unites every child's desire to meet Santa with an interest in his logistical problems, it fails to create a compelling tale. When it comes to Santa-having-a-bad-night stories, Steven Kroll's Santa's Crash-Bang Christmas (Holiday, 1977) is still the best.--LF

KNOWLTON, Laurie. The Nativity: Mary Remembers. illus. by Kasi Kubiak. unpaged. CIP. Boyds Mills. Oct. 1998. RTE $14.95. ISBN 1-56397-714-1. LC 97-77913.
Gr 1-4--Using clear, descriptive words, the young Nazarene woman tells of her visit by the angel Gabriel and how she learned of her fate--to be the mother of Jesus. She briefly sets the scene and then recounts how she and her husband traveled up the Judean hills, heading for Bethlehem. After giving birth to Jesus, Mary watched the stars while Joseph cared for her. Unbeknownst to them, three kings saw the same star and followed it to their stable dwelling where they presented the baby with gifts. After the appearance of yet another angel, they fled to Egypt. Throughout the telling, Mary's voice is hopeful, gentle, and calm. Kubiak's luminous acrylic paintings, framed by thin lines, are a beautiful balance to the poetic text. Definitely consider this version for collections needing traditional Nativity stories.--MMH

KRENSKY, Stephen. How Santa Got His Job. illus. by S. D. Schindler. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Oct. 1998. RTE $15. ISBN 0-689-80697-3. LC 97-23474.
PreS-Gr 2--A contemporary, funny, and truly original look at how Santa Claus acquired all the skills that have made him the great success he is today. As a young man, Santa wants no part of desks or offices. His first job is cleaning chimneys, and he is so good at getting up and down them that he never gets dirty. His second position is with the post office, delivering packages--but people dislike his zeal when he continues delivering into the night. Later, he cooks at an all-night diner (he gains a lot of weight), works at the zoo (he loves the reindeer best), and does a stint with the circus, where he meets elves who live "out of town and need someone to deliver toys."And, of course, the rest is history. Children will love the clever way in which the story builds, showing how Santa's diverse background prepared him perfectly for his Christmas Eve duties. Schindler's amusing, detailed ink drawings include full-page and half-page spreads, and are sometimes set in a white box against a background of want-ad newsprint, also featured on the endpapers. Krensky's spare text makes brilliant use of every word. A jolly choice for reading aloud during the holidays or as a spoof during career-study time.--LF

MAGUIRE, Gregory. Five Alien Elves. illus. by Elaine Clayton. 176p. CIP. Clarion. 1998. Tr $15. ISBN 0-395-83894-0. LC 98-9218.
Gr 3-5--This off-the-wall story continues the saga of two rival clubs chronicled in Seven Spiders Spinning (1994) and Six Haunted Hairdos (1997, both Clarion). When five aliens from planet Fixipuddle crash-land in Hamlet, VT on Christmas Eve, they misinterpret a Christmas special on television, and end up kidnapping the town mayor. The Copycats and the Tattletales, aided by their teacher Miss Earth and a dog named Reebok, come up with a wild plan to rescue him and teach the Fixipuddlings the meaning of Christmas. The tone is light and zany, with jokes and puns galore. The characterization is thin as ice and the plot is as improbable as, well, snow in July or aliens in December, but that is beside the point. Kids will lap up this insubstantial but yummy tale as if it were a candy cane.--EM

MASUREL, Claire. Christmas Is Coming! tr. from French. illus. by Marie H. Henry. unpaged. CIP. Chronicle. Oct. 1998. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-8118-2106-4. LC 98-11951.
PreS-K--This charming, cheerful translation of Demain c'est NoAZl (Pastel, 1994) features young Juliette and her entourage of stuffed-animal friends. The simple plot takes readers through the day before Christmas (buying and decorating a tree, making cookies); Christmas Eve (hanging the stocking, bedtime story, the toys witness Santa's visit); and Christmas Day (present opening and sharing). One or two sentences grace each page, enhancing soft watercolor illustrations with festive gold-foil highlights. A wonderful bedtime story that's equally well suited to group sharing.--LF

MEDEARIS, Angela Shelf. Poppa's Itchy Christmas. illus. by John Ward. unpaged. CIP. Holiday. 1998. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8234-1298-9. LC 96-40170.
K-Gr 3--George and his grandfather, introduced in Poppa's New Pants (Holiday, 1995), return in a Christmas tale about unforeseen gifts. When the boy opens his first long and narrow box (he hopes it's a BB gun), he's dismayed to find a long, ugly rainbow-colored muffler. The next package is worse: itchy, red wool underwear. His grandfather also gets a pair. But, when George opens his last package and finds a pair of ice skates, he's overjoyed. The child's first-person narrative is honest and energizing. Gleefully, he describes the Christmas Day activities, until Big Mama corners him and sends him out to chop wood, making sure that he is bundled up in his dreadful new gifts. On the way out, George grabs his skates. Even though readers may guess what eventually transpires, the story is still satisfying. The garments that George initially disliked save his life. Through bright, bold full-page paintings, Ward portrays a closely knit African-American family. Especially entertaining are the characters' varying facial expressions. A warm and fuzzy holiday selection.--MMH

MOORE, Clement C. A Visit from St. Nicholas and Santa Mouse, Too! illus. by Loretta Krupinski. unpaged. CIP. Hyperion. Nov. 1998. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-7868-0312-6; PLB $13.49. ISBN 0-7868-2252-X. LC 97-40335.
PreS-K--With only a minimal change of wording, the classic poem is told from a mouse's perspective. Krupinski's charming gouache, watercolor, and colored-pencil illustrations show a cozy mouse couple settling in for the night when "there arose such a clatter..."Father mouse spies Santa, his reindeer, and a tiny Santa Mouse who rides in his hat. Santa comes down the chimney and starts to unload presents for the humans while Santa Mouse heads off for the mouse family quarters with his tiny pack. Full of quaint detail and endearing little mice (and even a wide-eyed cat), the illustrations carry the story. Unfortunately, Santa himself is bland and stiff, more a 19th-century characterization than a "right jolly old elf."Children who know and love the poem will enjoy this variant--especially as they discover the Borrowers-like uses that the mice find for unusual items in their home. Librarians with other standard versions of the poem may not need this mouse-eye view but it suffices as additional fare.--AC

MOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. illus. by Jan Brett. unpaged. CIP. Putnam. 1998. PLB $16.99. ISBN 0-399-23190-0. LC 98-4998.
PreS-Gr 2A3Brett sets her distinctive, lavish presentation of this poem in a Victorian house in a New England village, with an Old World Santa and a couple of stowaway elves who steal the show. Double-page spreads offer much to explore, while the artist's signature "in the border"additions extend the story line. Sometimes the paintings illustrate the words to the poem; other times they highlight the behind-the-scenes activities. Winsome reindeer play along good-naturedly with the stowaways, and their facial expressions and body language are utterly endearing. Brett's elves add a lighthearted dimension to this Christmas classic, while her illustrations maintain the appealing Victorian flair of the original.--LF

MOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas: A Classic Illustrated Edition. compiled by Cooper Edens & Harold Darling. 41p. CIP. Chronicle. Oct. 1998. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8118-1712-1. LC 97-4101.
PreS Up--Adults who love nostalgic Christmas images will be charmed by this title, which includes samples of the work of some of the great children's book illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Edens and Darling selected the illustrations from their own collection of antique picture books, choosing the pictures they felt best illustrated each stanza. Children, however, might be disconcerted by the many different versions of Santa Claus, some of which are frankly kind of creepy looking. Artistic styles vary dramatically and sometimes the transitions from one scene to another are abrupt. While it is interesting to see the many interpretations of Santa juxtaposed, most children will prefer an edition of the story with a single illustrator who gives a unique and consistent vision of Santa and the night before Christmas. Illustrators for each page are listed in the back of the book.--AC

MORET, Brigitte Frey. The Bear's Christmas. tr. from German by Rosemary Lanning. illus. by Alexander Reichstein. unpaged. North-South. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-55858-971-6; PLB $15.88. ISBN 1-55858-972-4. LC number unavailable.
Gr 1-3--Yet another variant of the overused theme in which a young animal follows a star to the manger and is welcomed by Mary. Here the animal is a bear who lives deep in a snowbound forest, a bear so hungry he cannot sleep. (In order for the story to work, one must be willing to suspend questions as to geography and habitat.) Mary gives the creature some red berries, he returns to his cave, and voila!--an original pourquoi tale. ("Ever since that night bears have loved sweet red berries...and...have slept all winter long." Despite handsomely composed, deeply atmospheric illustrations that effectively project the forest's bleak frigidity and the angels' bright light, the overly familiar text is weak and unsatisfying.--SHP

OUWENDIJK, George. Santas of the World. 64p. (Looking Into the Past: People, Places, and Customs Series). reprods. chron. further reading. index. CIP. Chelsea House. 1998. PLB $16.95. ISBN 0-7910-4678-8. LC 97-26802.
Gr 3-6--After a brief overview of the origins of the Santa Claus legend, this book examines the traditional gift-giving figures and customs of 24 countries and regions, devoting one page of text to each. The book has major problems. First of all, there is much repetition as many locales have almost identical legends and traditions. The countries are arranged in a random order rather than alphabetically or geographically, and there are some inconsistencies of information, e.g., in the entry for Holland the traditional gift-giver is called "Sinterklaas,"but in the overview the Dutch gift-giver is called "Sintaklaas."Each page of text is accompanied by a different illustration of Santa Claus, and they all have an old-fashioned look reminiscent of Victorian Christmas cards. No explanation of these pictures is given and no artist or source is attributed, so it is unclear whether this is in fact how Santa is depicted in the various countries, or if these are merely generic pictures. For a much more interesting and in-depth look at the Santa Claus legend, stick with James Giblin's The Truth About Santa Claus (Crowell, 1985). This offering is neither informative nor entertaining; include it with the after Christmas returns.--EM

PINGRY, Patricia A. Joseph's Story. illus. by George Hinke. unpaged. map. CIP. Ideals/Candy Cane Pr. Oct. 1998. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-8249-4092-X. LC 98-41530.
Gr 1-3--A traditional version of the story of Jesus's birth from the point of view of Joseph, the man who "provided the earthly needs for the Baby and His mother."Told in dialogue with a you-are-there insight into Joseph's motivation, the story introduces a gentle man who, though visited frequently by angels who advise him about where to go and what to do, is just trying to supply the best shelter and care for his pregnant wife. Shepherds and kings admire the baby before Joseph takes his family to safety in Egypt where they live for several years until it is safe to return to Nazareth. The illustrations, done before the artist's death in 1953, have the quality of children's illustrated Bibles of that period. Glowing and idealized oil paintings portray a very traditional view of the people and places. Some of the them are incongruously placed. For example, after several years in Egypt, Jesus is still a baby.--AC

PINKWATER, Daniel. Wolf Christmas. illus. by Jill Pinkwater. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7614-5030-0. LC 97-50363.
K-Gr 2--After waking up from a winter's nap, a family of wolves anticipate a visit from Uncle Louis, a funny relative who likes to share interesting adventures with the young pups. Stinkface, the young narrator, relates how on this particular night, Louis shows them something special. With him, they bound through the woods, stopping on a hillside above a small village. There, they observe colored lights, smell various scents, and hear singing, obvious evidence of a Christmas celebration. At the conclusion, while listening to the human voices, the wolves begin to sing (howl), too. Stinkface concludes, "We didn't see the humans, but we could hear them. They were singing. We listened. It was nice. I thought, Even if they were dangerous, they are animals, just like we are."The childlike felt-marker illustrations convey the playfulness and camaraderie of the wolves in their snowy nighttime habitat, but the text is unconvincing. The sudden anthropomorphizing of Stinkface's perspective, the sly but too tenuous connection with Christmas, and the vapid conclusion do not ring true. Most children will be left out in the cold.--MMH

PIROTTA, Saviour, retel. Joy to the World: Christmas Stories from around the World. illus. by Sheila Moxley. 44p. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-06-027902-8. LC 97-47366.
Gr 3-4--Loose retellings of five stories from around the globe. Readers learn why children leave offerings for baby camels in Syria, the reason bread dough rises in Malta, the significance of poinsettias in Mexico, how kindness is repaid in Ghana, and why gifts in Russia are delivered by Babushka. Underscoring each selection is the event of Jesus's birth, the very first Christmas. The handsome, brightly colored folk illustrations help establish the locale for each story, support its succinct text, and provide a strong visual focus. Source notes reveal that the reteller has drawn for the most part upon other contemporary retellings rather than from primary material; these tales are thus only indirectly linked to the cultures represented. Despite that caveat, teachers looking for a multicultural approach to the celebrations and meanings of Christmas may find this useful.--SHP

PITTMAN, Helena Clare. The Angel Tree. illus. by Jo Ellen McAllister Stammen. unpaged. CIP. Dial. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-1939-6; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-8037-1941-8. LC 97-26667.
K-Gr 3--Every year on the Friday after Thanksgiving, old Mr. McCafferty invites the children of Bordenville into his home for a party and to decorate a huge Christmas spruce. Young Jake, in particular, cherishes these gatherings and is fond of a crystal globe ornament that holds a tiny tree. His father always buys a Christmas tree, too, but it's usually the last one in the lot on Christmas Eve. Year after year, the holiday rituals repeat themselves until Mr. McCafferty moves away. Jake writes a note to tell the man how much the town will miss him, and magical things begin to happen. Jake and his dad end up with the huge Norway spruce that was intended for Mr. McCafferty, but it is too large to fit in their house and must be left outdoors until Christmas morning. During the night, Jake is awakened by caroling choirs of angels who adorn the boughs with crystal decorations. In the morning, the boy finds his father setting up the cut-down-to-size bare tree in the living room and a package from Mr. McCafferty containing the crystal globe on the doorstep. The illustrations, done in pastels on dark gray pastel paper, greatly reinforce the mood of the story. All in all, an amiable tale.--MMH

RANSOM, Candice. The Christmas Dolls. illus. by Moira Fain. unpaged. CIP. Walker. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8027-8659-6; PLB $16.85. ISBN 0-8027-8661-8. LC 98-10696.
K-Gr 2--One December morning, Claire inspects a box of grubby old dolls that the women in her mother's club have collected. Her mother, an expert seamstress, plans to wash and dress them, making them into suitable Christmas presents for underprivileged children. As Claire helps with the other holiday preparations, she occasionally misses her father who has left the family. Although the child's quiet narrative reveals a warm relationship between a young girl and her mother, the story offers relatively few dramatic moments. The dolls undergo great visible transformations in the hands of Mama, while Claire looks on. Eventually, she surprises her mother with a fitting gift, a doll she has made all on her own. The attractive oil paintings fill up each page, and their soft, muted colors support the gentle text. Unfortunately, Claire, who looks quite young in most of the pictures, appears to be more mature in others. Overall, a sweet, old-fashioned but unremarkable offering.--MMH

RICHARDS, Kitty. Rugrats: Merry Christmas, Rugrats! illus. by Barry Goldberg. unpaged. S & S/Simon Spotlight. Oct. 1998. BD $10.95. ISBN 0-689-82179-4. LC number unavailable.
PreS-Gr 1--A lift-the-flap book that relies on the charm of these television characters without conveying what makes them so popular. The Rugrats and their parents have come to Tommy's house to decorate the tree. When the babies overhear that the mistletoe is missing, they institute a search for the "Mistle Toad."Upstairs and down, under flaps and everywhere they look for this dangerous creature. Finally, Tommy's mother notices that he is under the mistletoe and gives him a kiss. The last flap explains what mistletoe is. While 54 flaps may be too much to resist, this book doesn't offer much beyond the gimmick. The illustrations have the flat, busy, cartoon quality of the TV show and will appeal to young fans; however, most libraries would be better served by just buying a Rugrats video.--AC

ROSS, Kathy. Christmas Ornaments Kids Can Make. illus. by Sharon Lane Holm. 63p. CIP. Millbrook. 1998. PLB $23.40. ISBN 0-7613-0366-9; pap. $8.95. ISBN 0-7613-0337-5. LC 97-41170.
PreS-Gr 6--Ross clearly knows how to help children do crafts, and this book, like her many others, is a welcome addition. Although the activities are somewhat uneven in terms of ease of creation and adult help needed, there is something here for a variety of ages. The crafts all utilize recycled materials, and the illustrated instructions are easy to understand. Although there aren't any particularly original ideas here, these ornaments will be lovingly received by proud parents.--LF

SCHISGALL, Jim. The Sand Witch Saves Christmas. illus. by John Timmins. unpaged. Hardy Hill. Oct. 1998. pap. $6.95. ISBN 1-890997-01-3. LC 98-092694.
PreS-Gr 2--When the Sand Witch, the Sand Piper, and the Sand Crab crash the witch's broomstick into Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve, the Sand Witch ends up chauffeuring the jolly old saint around on his gift-delivering errands. That's about the extent of this mediocre, stiffly told story. The illustrations, drawn in a slightly retro comic-art style and colored in with red, black, and white, are more interesting than the limp text but not enough to salvage this rescue mission.--EM

SLATE, Joseph. The Secret Stars. illus. by Felipe DA�valos. unpaged. CIP. Marshall Cavendish. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7614-5027-0. LC 97-20624.
Gr 1-3--"It is the night of the Three Kings"and a freezing rain is falling in New Mexico. Pepe and Sila worry that, without stars to guide them, the Kings will be unable to find the children to bring them toys. However, their grandmother reassures them by showing them unconventional stars. The story moves from an earthly to an ethereal plane as Pepe and Sila float with their grandmother through the house, up the chimney, and over the surrounding area. The text reads like a poem, with many poetic devices. Slate skillfully uses onomatopoeia ("Rat-a-tat-tat, rat-a-tat-tat"for drumming rain), loose alliteration, and repetition of words and phrases to evoke a dreamlike state. The three discover "secret stars"in the most unlikely places--frostflowers, spider webs, the veins on the old woman's cheeks. Fortunately, the Kings do find the ranch and leave their gifts. DA�valos's illustrations have a flavor of the Southwest and are as appealing as the well-written text. Many pictures are bordered by simple painted wooden frames, emphasizing the rustic appearance of the artwork. A mystical story with illustrations that lend a touch of reality.--MMH

SPOWART, Robin. Inside, Outside Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday. 1998. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8234-1370-5. LC 97-41956.
PreS--Spowart's endearing mice celebrate Christmas indoors on the left pages and outdoors on the right. Each page contains a boxed illustration featuring lumpy little creatures with "inside"or "outside"printed underneath and a single verb that rhymes with the facing page's verb--"Inside, munching"(on cookies) "Outside, crunching"(through crusty snow). The richly colored pastels are quite attractive, and the penultimate pages use "love"for both the inside and outside verbs. The final charming scene shows a mouse Santa and his reindeer soaring into the starlit sky and a text that wishes readers a Merry Christmas. Lack of a real story line limits this book's usefulness for group sharing. It will, however, be successful for one-on-one family reading.--LF

STEVEN, Kenneth. The Bearer of Gifts. illus. by Lily Moon. unpaged. Dial. 1998. Tr $12.99. ISBN 0-8037-2374-1. LC 97-51613.
Gr 1-3--This simple tale begins in Lapland when a lonely wood-carver spies a "brilliant star shining in the eastern sky."As the star moves, the man follows it on his reindeer with a sack of his carvings in tow to exchange for food. At last, he makes his way to Bethlehem and meets a newborn baby in a manger. In one miraculous moment, his life is changed forever. His clothing is transformed into the traditional red suit and Santa Claus, in a sense, is born. After he journeys back home, the enlightened traveler carves toys for children, "in memory of the day he had met the child who would save the world."In Moon's capable hands, the minimal text is infused with life. The tiny yet exquisite artwork is full of gentle humor. Stylized miniature people and animals with big bellies and stick legs appear throughout the book.--MMH

STONE, Phoebe. What Night Do the Angels Wander? illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-316-81439-3. LC 97-10178.
K-Gr 2--Richly rendered folkloric angels are the selling point of this rhymed look at the special night when the celestial beings gather to celebrate Christmas Eve with the world's children. Sometimes awkward verses accompany each two-page spread: "And they call to children around the world/to pass the candle along./ The light that burns is the spirit of love/ that lives in the Christmas song."Perhaps better suited to adult gift giving and angel-cultists than to youngsters, this gloriously illustrated book has charm even if it doesn't have a story.--AC

SUMMERS, Susan, retel. The Fourth Wise Man. illus. by Jackie Morris. unpaged. map. Dial. Oct. 1998. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2312-1. LC 97-14771.
Gr 2-5--This beautifully illustrated picture-book length abridgment of Henry Van Dyke's story, originally published in 1895, makes a fine addition to Christmas collections. Artaban, the fourth wise man, arranges to meet his three scholarly friends, all of whom plan to follow the bright star in the sky that their studies have told them signals the birth of the King of the Jews. However, he is delayed when he stops to nurse a desperately ill man back to life. The other Magi leave without him, but Artaban continues alone to Bethlehem, selling one of his precious gifts to purchase camels for his own caravan. Once again he is delayed by his generous spirit when he sacrifices another treasure to rescue a woman and her child from Herod's soldiers. Artaban travels for years "and though he found no King of Kings to worship, he found many people to help. Wherever he went, he fed the hungry and clothed the naked; he healed the sick and he visited those in prison..."Even as he goes to succor Jesus before His Crucifixion, Artaban stops to help a young girl and, at last, his goodness is recognized. This is a deeply moving story, simply and strongly retold. Lush, glowing watercolor illustrations capture the heat of the desert and the nobility of the wise man while perfectly complementing this tale about the truest meaning of Christmas.--AC

SYKES, Julie. Hurry, Santa! illus. by Tim Warnes. unpaged. CIP. Little Tiger. 1998. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-888444-37-1. LC 97-51133.
PreS-Gr 2--In this comic nightmare of a story, Santa oversleeps and encounters problem after problem on his annual nocturnal ride. He tries to round up his reindeer (who are having a snowball fight), gets started on his deliveries, and then crashes the sleigh into a snowdrift. A farm horse helps them get free and they finish just before dawn. Home at the North Pole, Santa is dismayed to find a present at the bottom of his sack. Did he forget a child? No. It is a new alarm clock from his animal friends. A skillful reading will amuse younger children with the silly antics of the old gent rushing about, but this story never takes flight. Santa worries, the animals nag, and the cumulative effect is more stressful than truly funny. Warnes's bright cartoons are stronger than the story and generate most of the humorous effect.--AC

TAFURI, Nancy. Counting to Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Scholastic. Oct. 1998. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-590-27143-1. LC 97-32059.
PreS-Gr 2--This charming secular book lovingly details a young girl's activities as she counts down the days of December from the first to Christmas Day. Full- and double-page spreads present softly colored watercolor-and-ink artwork highlighted by cheery, bright Christmas reds. Tafuri's signature large-scale pictures are paired with simple sentences using active verbs: "Days 1, 2, and 3/ I paint, cut,/ and paste."Accompanied on most pages by her furry gray dog (sometimes readers will have to hunt to find him), the child bakes, sends cards, makes decorations, and wraps presents. An end section gives how-to instructions and recipes for the yuletide cards, popcorn-cranberry garland, spicy gingerbread cookies, and outdoor animal treats mentioned. This special book is about the love and spirit of the season, and successfully demonstrates how to celebrate Christmas without the overwhelming commercialism so often associated with it.--LF

TAZEWELL, Charles. The Littlest Angel. illus. by Deborah Lanino. unpaged. CIP. Children's Press. 1998. PLB $25. ISBN 0-516-20433-5. LC 97-10833.
Gr 1-3--First released in book form in 1946, this story has since appeared in numerous editions. It tells of a small angel who simply can't get with the program no matter how hard he tries until an understanding elder realizes that he is homesick and is able to retrieve a box of his most treasured possessions from "back home."When it comes time for Jesus to be born on Earth, the Littlest Angel gives his precious box to the Baby, but he is worried that God will think his gift too humble. However, God is pleased indeed, and transforms the box into the Star of Bethlehem. The writing style is rather ornate and full of grandiose words and phrases, but some children will love to hear it read aloud. The oil paintings are muted and full of texture, and not at all sentimental. The celestial choir is multicultural, and the Littlest Angel has red shorts peeking out of his robe. Paul Micich's version (Ideals, 1991) has a glossier "greeting-card"look. This reincarnation of the story will be as popular as its predecessors.--EM

VAN NUTT, Julia. A Cobtown Christmas. illus. by Robert Van Nutt. unpaged. score. Doubleday. Oct. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-32556-8. LC number unavailable.
Gr 3-4--This story is based on writings by the author's great-grandmother, Lucky Hart. Lucky is a spirited, happy child, and her diary entries detail the daily adventures and preparations that give readers the flavor of a 19th-century small-town Christmas. The book has an old-fashioned tone, from the Tasha Tudor-like illustrations to the "yellowed diary"look of the pages, featuring "extras"that a young girl might save, like receipts, ticket stubs, recipes, etc. Unfortunately, illustrations face pages of dense text that will limit the appeal for today's children.--LF

WABER, Bernard. Lyle at Christmas. illus. by author. 48p. CIP. Houghton/A Walter Lorraine Bk. Oct. 1998. Tr $16. ISBN 0-395-91304-7. LC 98-5381.
Gr 1-4--This action-packed romp features, of course, the lovable crocodile who, as usual, saves the day--with much wackiness along the way. Mr. Grumps, a neighbor, is stricken with a severe case of holiday blues. To add to his gloom, his cat, Loretta, runs away, and Lyle and the Primm family must step in to save the holiday. In a funny, twisting turn-of-events story, Lyle ends up in jail, but is rescued and the misunderstanding cleared up. Loretta is returned, and the whole cast of characters gathers for Christmas Eve dinner. Lively, humorous watercolor-and-ink illustrations perfectly complement Waber's expressive text. Lyle at Christmas--or anytime--is pure joy.--LF

WELLS, Rosemary. McDuff's New Friend. illus. by Susan Jeffers. unpaged. CIP. Hyperion. Nov. 1998. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-7868-0386-X; PLB $13.49. ISBN 0-7868-2337-2. LC 97-33232.
PreS-Gr 2--The lovable West Highland white terrier makes a holiday appearance. On Christmas Eve, McDuff's owners anxiously scan the snowy sky looking for Santa Claus. Unable to spot him, Lucy and Fred go about their evening business, feeding the baby and walking McDuff. Eventually, they succumb to sleep while a blizzard rages. The dog hears several noises and each time, Fred gets bundled up and digs a snow tunnel so the little pup can go outside and explore. After two false alarms, McDuff strikes out on his own and finds Santa in the garage and the sleigh in a snowdrift. Unfortunately, the story, like Santa and his sleigh, has trouble getting off the ground. The plot is slight, with limited tension or development. The strong point of this collaboration is Jeffers's outstanding, full-color artwork. For hard-core McDuff fans only.--MMH

WENINGER, Brigitte. Merry Christmas, Davy! tr. from German by Rosemary Lanning. illus. by Eve Tharlet. unpaged. North-South/A Michael Neugebauer Bk. 1998. Tr $15.95. ISBN 1-55858-980-5; PLB $15.88. ISBN 1-55858-981-3. LC 98-6109.
PreS-Gr 2--Davy fans will not be disappointed in this story about the young rabbit who always finds himself in some sort of predicament. The day after his father tells him and his siblings about the characteristics that Santa appreciates (e.g., being kind, loving, and helpful), Davy is left at home alone. As he spies hungry animals, he remembers his father's words and proceeds to share the family's food supply with the starving creatures. Upon their return to the burrow, his parents and siblings express their disapproval at Davy's generosity. However, after a brief discussion, they realize Davy's good intentions and cooperate by carefully rationing their meals. In the spirit of Christmas, Davy's goodness is rewarded and all is well. The story is rather syrupy; Davy continues his kindness by sharing any extra crumbs. Later, on Christmas Eve, the animals thank him and his family with delicious gifts and a promise to show him where the nicest things grow during the next season. Tharlet's watercolor-and-pencil illustrations enliven the text. Children will particularly enjoy the pictures of Davy clutching, pulling, and dragging his toy bunny throughout the story.--MMH