December Holiday Books '99

ALCOTT, Louisa May. The Quiet Little Woman: A Christmas Story. illus. by C. Michael Dudash. 128p. Honor Books. 1999. Tr $14.99. ISBN 1-56292-616-0. LC number unavailable.

Gr 4-7- Three Christmas stories, at least one of which was "rediscovered" in a children's magazine of its day. The first and longest selection is about Patty, an orphan whose greatest dream is to be adopted; instead, she is given a place as a servant in the Murray family. Through Patty's loving nature, plus the Christmastime intervention of Aunt Jane, the family members realize that they have a gem in their midst. The other two stories are shorter -- one involves a poor girl whose kindness to a tiny bird prods a mean neighbor into an act of charity; the other features a horse, able to speak through the Christmas miracle, that tells her story of kindness and cruelty suffered at the hands of humans. All three pieces have an undeniably 19th-century tone that may strike today's readers as too sentimental and quaint to be interesting. However, Alcott's fans will zip right through these stories and take pleasure in the satisfyingly happy endings, in which goodness and endurance triumph over adversity.- E.M.

ANAYA, Rudolfo. Farolitos for Abuelo. illus. by Edward Gonzales. unpaged. glossary. notes. CIP. Hyperion. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7868-0237-5; PLB $16.49. ISBN 0-7868-2186-8. LC 97-46710.

Gr 1-4- Readers again meet Luz and her grandfather, introduced in The Farolitos of Christmas (Hyperion, 1995), shortly before he passes away. Through the seasons, Luz mourns the loss of Abuelo and keeps his memory alive by working in their garden in the summer and harvesting it in the fall. When Christmas comes, the girl places farolitos around his grave, and when the other townspeople see the warm, festive sight, they follow suit and a tradition is born. The figures in the oil paintings are again modeled after Gonzales's friends and family and the lanterns give the illustrations a luminous glow. The vibrant colors further enliven the narrative. Spanish words are incorporated throughout. A touching story that works best for sharing one-on-one.- T.T.

AUCH, Mary Jane. The Nutquacker. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Holiday House. Oct. 1999. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1524-4. LC 99-18347.

AXELROD, Amy. Pigs on the Move: Fun with Math and Travel. illus. by Sharon McGinley-Nally. 40p. CIP. S & S. Oct. 1999. RTE $14. ISBN 0-689-81070-9. LC 98-19566.

Gr 1-3- The Pigs are back! This time they use the premise of a trip to visit relatives for the holidays in an attempt to explain how time and distance are related. After missing their plane, the ever-cheerful porkers hitch a ride on a special delivery flight (with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and their elves) and make stops in four different time zones. Although their final destination is east, they must begin by heading west. They do eventually reach their relatives, but readers may not be clear on what they are supposed to learn from the Pigs' long circuitous route. Time-zone changes and miles between stops will require adult explanation (and possibly further diagramming), as the concept is not very clearly defined in the story. Fans of the energetic pigs, however, will eat this up!- T.T.

BAUMGART, Klaus. Laura's Christmas Star. tr. from German by Judy Waite. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Little Tiger. Oct. 1999. Tr $16.95. ISBN 1-888444-59-2. LC 99-27986.

Gr 1-3- Laura and her brother, Tommy, eagerly await their trip to Aunt Martha's house for the holidays. "Aunt Martha says her Christmas tree looks magical....She says it's huge and sparkly and it glitters like a zillion stars." When their car breaks down on the way, the trip is ruined and the family faces the prospect of a treeless Christmas at home. Laura finds a small, raggedy tree left behind by the man selling them, and decides to bring it in to cheer up Tommy. In Baumgart's Laura's Star (Little Tiger, 1997), the girl rescued a star when it fell from the sky. That episode is briefly recalled here. She remembers that even though she set it free and it floated far away, "she knew it was her friend." In this story, the star comes into the house, topping the tree and decorating the whole room with silvery light. Laura smiles her secret smile and says, "It must be magic." The star is a glittering hologram created in a technique reminiscent of the one used in Marcus Pfister's books. The trite tale is flat and uninspiring and is not enhanced by the overly cheery watercolor illustrations. Despite its glitter, this package has very little sparkle.- L.F.

BENNETT, Jill, comp. Christmas Poems. illus. by Nick Sharratt. unpaged. Oxford Univ. Nov. 1999. Tr $11.95. ISBN 0-19-276222-2. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 3- A lighthearted but uneven collection of poems about celebrating the holiday at school and at home. Written by lesser-known poets, the verses address some of the things that make Christmas special to children, such as snow, tinsel, and a Nativity play. Bright pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons maintain the cheerful, upbeat mood throughout. Older children can read the book independently, while preschoolers will enjoy listening to it. A nice, but not necessary addition.- M.W.

BOEGEHOLD, Betty. Hurray for Christmas! illus. by Julie Durrell. ISBN 0-375-80148-0. LC 98-67404.

HAYES, Geoffrey. Patrick's Christmas Tree. illus. by author. ISBN 0-375-80100-6. LC 98-68344. ea vol: unpaged. (Junior Jellybean Bks.). Random. 1999. Tr $1.99.

PreS- Two slight offerings with overly sweet story lines and too-cute illustrations. Hurray is the story of little Pippa Mouse, who doesn't have a stocking to hang from the mantel so she uses her swimming cap. "It is big and round. It will hold more than a stocking -- much, much more!" Happy, Pippa is tucked into bed with the story of "Not-Even." ("Not a creature was stirring,/Not-Even, a mouse...!) Christmas comes, fun is had by all, and the little mouse goes to sleep on Christmas night wanting only a good-night kiss. Patrick and his father go to the " white and shiny city to buy a tree." The little bear finds a perfect small one and Papa finds a nice big one; they buy them both. When Patrick drops his tree on the walk home, the father arranges for the little guy to ride home in the trolley. Mother is surprised to see two trees, and picks the prettiest decorations for Patrick's. Most libraries have many better Christmas books for this age group. - A.C.

BOYNTON, Sandra. Bob: And 6 More Christmas Stories. illus. by author. unpaged. score. S & S/Little Simon. Oct. 1999. BD $7.99. ISBN 0-689-82568-4. LC number unavailable.

PreS-K- Boynton's cartoon characters -- reindeer, pigs, ducks, cows, and hippos -- are big-eyed, round-tummied, and energetic. Each of these seven brief " stories" occurs in its entirety on a double-page spread and is told in rhyme; the final selection is a lullaby, complete with music. Bright artwork, appealingly goofy text, and subjects of intrinsic interest (finding a box big enough to wrap a hippo in, a reindeer tinier than a teacup) add up to a winning, fun-filled formula.- S.P.

BROWN, Ken. Mucky Pup's Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. Oct. 1999. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-525-46141-8. LC 98-47019.

PreS-Gr 1- Mucky Pup is trying to be helpful by sorting the mail, tasting the Christmas cake, and rearranging the tree, but his human family seems to think that he has spoiled the holiday. When he is put out of the house, he asks his friend Pig what Christmas is all about. Neither Pig nor any of the other farmyard animals know the answer, and Mucky Pup spends Christmas Eve with them in the barn (not hearing his family' s calls). In the morning, the two friends rush out to play in the fresh snow. Mucky Pup rolls down a hill and into the children's snowman, and is welcomed back into the house where they "fed him a delicious dinner and let him tumble and roll in the big pile of crumpled wrapping paperâ?¦So this is Christmas, and I didn't ruin it! thought Mucky Pup happily." The slight story line is enhanced by Brown's soft yet energetic watercolor illustrations. Still, this book probably won't top anyone's must-have list. - L.F.

BULLARD, Lisa. Not Enough Beds!: A Christmas Alphabet Book. illus. by Joni Oeltjenbruns. unpaged. CIP. Carolrhoda. 1999. PLB $15.95. ISBN 1-57505-356-X. LC 98-30518.

K-Gr 1- A Christmas holiday is spent in a too-crowded house. There are Not Enough Beds to go around, so readers are taken through an alphabetical listing of the relatives and their accommodations. The beginning works well enough, "...Aunt Alison snores/in an overstuffed chair,/while my young brother Ben/stretches out on a stair." There are lots of people who aren't sleeping. "My mom, Sally, and Tim/cause a kitchen hubbub" shows a picture of them cooking. The narrative gets a little tired, given the A- Z format, but picks up at the end: "In this Christmas Eve crowd/I' m much harder to see,/but here I am/...Zachary, under the tree!" The brightly colored illustrations have a cartoonlike, patchwork charm. Too bad there's not enough story to hold them together.- T.T.

CARLSON, Lori Marie. Hurray for Three Kings' Day! illus. by Ed Martinez. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Morrow. Oct. 1999. Tr $16. ISBN 0-688-16239-8; PLB $15.93. ISBN 0-688-16240-1. LC 97- 937.

K-Gr 2- Carlson has combined various observances of Spanish-speaking communities into one story. On the evening of January 5th, Anita and her two older brothers walk through the streets of their neighborhood dressed as kings. They go from door to door, looking for the baby Jesus. The young narrator explains, "On this holiday we visit friends and family to talk about and remember the journey of the Wise Me..." The text includes a sprinkling of Spanish words that flow smoothly and naturally throughout. The children spend the following day at home with their parents and relatives, opening presents and eating feast-day foods. Martinez' s oil illustrations depict a warm, lively atmosphere and emphasize the youngsters' delight as they participate in the festivities. What is most appealing about this particular picture book is its unassuming presentation. Carlson keeps the story moving and does not allow the narrative to get bogged down in too many facts or details. She has found the perfect voice, a young girl who is excited by the unfolding events. This title may be used with Joseph Slate's The Secret Stars (Marshall Cavendish, 1998), which takes a magical approach to Epiphany.- M.M.H.

CECIL, Mirabel. Ruby the Christmas Donkey. illus. by Christina Gascoigne. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 1999. pap. $3.99. ISBN 0-7636-0716-9. LC 98-19627.

K-Gr 3- Ruby, a donkey, is too old to grow a thick coat of fur to keep snug and warm all winter. Witnessing her suffering, the forest creatures take pity on her and cleverly come together to weave a beautiful blanket-type coat from feathers, leaves, and even their own fur. The beauty of the coat inspires the children of the village to select Ruby to be in their Nativity play. The message is touching, but the telling is awkward and a bit sentimental, and the Christmas connection is a bit of a stretch. The watercolor illustrations are attractive and have lots of naturalistic detail. Large type and controlled vocabulary make this a serviceable choice for newly independent readers.- M.W.

CHERKERZIAN, Diane & Colleen Van Blaricom. Merry Things to Make: Christmas Fun and Crafts. illus. by Allan Eitzen & Anita Louise. 64p. index. Boyds Mills. 1999. pap. $7.95. ISBN 1-56397-838-5. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 5- This paperback presents 36 Christmas crafts and recipes, most of which can be created from household objects and easy-to-find items. The ideas range from the very simple (pipe-cleaner candy canes and sock snowmen) to the fairly complex (a graham-cracker house held together with confectioner' s sugar paste). The instructions usually specify when adult help is required; however, some of them are oversimplified or sketchy in detail. The artwork is pedestrian and the format is unglitzy, but this utilitarian guide will come in handy where Christmas craft books are in heavy demand. - E.M.

CONRAD, Pam. The Tub People's Christmas. illus. by Richard Egielski. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins/A Laura Geringer Bk. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-06-026028-9; PLB $15.89. ISBN 0-06-026029-7. LC 98-53466.

PreS-Gr 3- This story reaches for but doesn't quite evoke that special moving quality of the most memorable Christmas books. Standing guard before the fireplace (they don't know precisely why), the Tub People are knocked to the floor when a "large man" comes down the chimney. He retrieves them, and for a time they wait in his pocket; then, one by one, they are lifted out and hung on the Christmas tree, like ornaments. The Tub Grandfather had " pressed a silver hook into the Tub Child's hand" early in the story and it earns the child a place at the top of the tree. As in the earlier titles about the Tub People, Egielski's brilliant illustrations enable readers to enter the world of the round wooden dolls. However, this slight story is not as involving or as dramatic as those books, and literal-minded children will wonder just how those silver hooks are "grasped" by the fingerless figures.- S.P.

DAVIS, David R. Trucker's Night Before Christmas. illus. by James Rice. unpaged. Pelican. Oct. 1999. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-56554-656-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 2-5- In the tradition of Davis's The Redneck Night Before Christmas (Pelican, 1997), this lumbering poetic salute to the "good buddies" of the roadways takes place on Christmas Eve at the Midway truck stop. "The rig jockeys were weary, they just had to flop." Their evening is enlivened by a visit from "St. Nick and his swank Christmas truck." "This Christmas-time trucker was a real midnight flyer,/And his beard was as white as a new whitewall tire!" The leaden rhymes overflow with trucker terminology, requiring interpretation by adult readers who know the language of the road. Rice's amateurish illustrations combine with the corny text to make this an item most libraries can skip, although a reader who can muster up a Johnny Cash- style twang could make this a humorous addition to a holiday storytime.- A.C.

HDEPAOLA, Tomie. The Night of Las Posadas. illus. by author. unpaged. glossary. CIP. Putnam. Oct. 1999. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-399-23400-4. LC 98-36405.

K-Gr 4- Another beautiful offering from dePaola, this one tells the story of a modern-day Las Posadas procession in Santa Fe, NM. An introduction explains the background and history of the old Spanish custom, and a glossary translates the few words of Spanish used in the text. Sister Angie, who recently celebrated her 50th anniversary as a nun, has always coordinated the preparations for her village' s celebration. This year, she is especially proud as her niece, Lupe, and Lupe's new husband will portray Maria and JosAc. The festivities are jeopardized when Sister Angie comes down with the flu and the young couple' s car breaks down in a snowstorm. A miracle occurs when a beautiful carving of Mary and Joseph, given to Sister Angie to commemorate her Golden Jubilee, comes to life to lead the village's procession. The artist's distinctive acrylic artwork, done in the colors of the Southwest, illuminate the story and radiate its reverence and warmth. There are very few books for children about Las Posadas; this one is suitable both for reading aloud to groups and sharing one-on-one.- L.F.

EDENS, Cooper & Benjamin Darling, comps. The Glorious Christmas Songbook: A Classic Illustrated Edition. 77p. illus. reprods. score. Chronicle. Oct. 1999. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-8118-2 4-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 3 Up- A compilation of the lyrics for 52 holiday songs, from "All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth" to "Winter Wonderland." However, in most cases, only a fragment of the music is included. For example, for "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," the music is presented for the words, "You better watch out, You better not cry, Better not pout, I' m telling you why" -- and then it stops. This is a perplexing and unforgivable failure in an otherwise attractive book. The charming illustrations were culled from books and magazines of the 1800s and early 1900s, and the selection of songs is nicely varied between traditional carols and popular tunes. However, anyone needing the music will want to look elsewhere.- E.M.

ELVIS PRESLEY'S THE FIRST NOEL. illus. by Bruce Whatley. unpaged. with CD. HarperCollins. Oct. 1999. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-06-028126-X. LC number unavailable.

K-Gr 3- A visual interpretation of the traditional carol, accompanied by a CD of Elvis's version of the song. Set on dark backgrounds, Whatley' s glowing illustrations are single and page-and-a-half spreads facing the text, with several wordless double-page spreads interspersed among them. The realistic yet romanticized human and animal figures are either bathed in illuminating yellow light or outlined with a somewhat mystical blue haze. This is a lovely book for Elvis fans and could be used in religious Christmas storytimes. - L.F.

FRENCH, Vivian. The Story of Christmas. illus. by Jane Chapman. unpaged. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 1999. pap. $3.99. ISBN 0-7636-0762-2. LC 98-22984.

PreS-Gr 2- This story of Jesus's birth begins with the angel Gabriel's appearance to Mary and proceeds through the journey to Bethlehem and the visitation to the manger by the shepherds and wise men. The straightforward retelling is made accessible to beginning readers through its controlled vocabulary, large print, and brief text. It also makes a good read-aloud for young children. The cartoonlike watercolor paintings nicely complement the presentation with just enough detail to flesh out the simple narrative. A joyful and readable introduction to the Nativity.- M.W.

GARLAND, Michael. An Elf for Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Dutton. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-525-46212-0. LC 99-12259.

K-Gr 2- Tingle, a hardworking but exhausted elf, falls asleep in a toy plane he has helped to complete. The toy is boxed and wrapped, and, on Christmas morning, Tingle finds himself face to face with an excited boy. After several hairy moments escaping the family dog, the elf manages to escape up a chimney and tries to fly the plane back to the North Pole. Another mishap occurs, but a friendly polar bear comes to the rescue and delivers Tingle to Santa's door. Garland's digitally painted illustrations have a commercial slickness, with bold, bright colors that grab viewers' attention. Tingle is an appealing little guy, with an oversized head and pointed chin and ears. Despite the visual appeal, though, Garland's story is slightly stale, with problems easily solved and relatively few surprises. Ultimately, the text serves as a vehicle to showcase the vibrant pictures.- M.M.H.

GIBBONS, Gail. Santa Who? illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Morrow. Oct. 1999. Tr $16. ISBN 0-688-15528-6; PLB $15.93. ISBN 0-688-15529-4. LC 98-48749.

Gr 1-3- With her typical thoroughness, Gibbons tells the story behind the legendary gift-giver and informs readers how he became the beloved symbol he is today. She traces the evolution from St. Nicholas of Myra to the modern-day Santa Claus and includes brief descriptions of similar figures found in other cultures. Watercolor, colored-pencil, and black-ink illustrations, done in the artist's trademark style, enhance the presentation. Chock-full of interesting Christmas trivia, this is the perfect book to use with youngsters who are wondering about Santa.- T.T.

GIETZEN, Jean. If You're Missing Baby Jesus: A True Story That Embraces the Spirit of Christmas. illus. by Vicki Shuck. 48p. CIP. Multnomah. 1999. pap. $9.99. ISBN 1-57673-498-6. LC number unavailable.

Gr 2-4- A moving story told in a simple and straightforward style from a child's point of view. During a bitterly cold winter in North Dakota in 1943, a young girl' s mother buys a manger scene at the local five-and-dime and discovers that there are two identical Baby Jesus figures in the set. The woman puts up a notice at the store that reads: "If you're missing Baby Jesus, call 7162." On Christmas Eve, a woman living in an unheated house with her five children calls the number in desperation, hoping to find some good Christians, and the narrator's family gives her not only the extra Baby Jesus but also some much-needed help. The excitement of the season and the special joy of an adventure on Christmas Eve shine through and give this story its big-hearted appeal. The message that "Jesus saves" is emphasized but not in a heavy-handed manner. The accompanying woodcut illustrations lack grace but evoke the feeling of an old-fashioned, small-town Christmas.- E.M.

GREENE, Rhonda Gowler. The Stable Where Jesus Was Born. illus. by Susan Gaber. unpaged. CIP. S & S/Atheneum. Oct. 1999. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81258-2. LC 97-39129.

PreS-Gr 2- "This is the stable where Jesus was born" begins a rhythmic verse told in the fashion of a modified "House That Jack Built." Greene introduces Mary, Joseph, and other characters involved in the Nativity. As an angel spreads the news, shepherds and families gather to welcome the newborn baby. Skillful use of words provides for a text that is beautifully simple and maintains a natural rhythm, perfect for reading aloud. The tale and pictures eventually come full circle, after taking readers out into space to see "the earth all round and bright/that glimmered with hope that first Christmas night..." The acrylic on Bristol board illustrations are full of earth tones and soothing shades of blue. They have a folk-art quality and rustic appeal. There is a pervading sense of warmth in the softly rounded rocks, the gentle hugs and greetings of the people, and the golden straw that cradles Jesus and surrounds his family.- M.M.H

HICKMAN, Martha Whitmore. A Baby Born in Bethlehem. illus. by Giuliano Ferri. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. 1999. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-8075-5522-3. LC 98-54354.

PreS-Gr 2- This simple picture book details the birth of Jesus, from the angel coming to Mary to the presentation of gifts by the three wise men. Soft yet bright watercolor-and-pencil illustrations extend the brief, well-written text. Rich double-page spreads and clear facial expressions on animals, angels, and people convey the joyous mood and feelings well. On a potentially jarring note, however, the Magi are said to arrive in Bethlehem "after many weeks" of following the star and Jesus is depicted on these pages as a young child instead of an infant. Nonetheless, this is a lovely version of the familiar story that will captivate readers and listeners alike.- L.F.

HOFFMAN, Mary. Three Wise Women. illus. by Lynne Russell. unpaged. CIP. Penguin Putnam/Phyllis Fogelman Bks. Oct. 1999. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-8037-2466-7. LC 98-40618.

Gr 1-4- This variation of the Bible story describes how three women from different parts of the world travel to see the baby Jesus. Each of them is unsure why she feels compelled to follow the bright star, or even how she made the journey, but they all end up in a stable looking upon the sleeping infant. Each woman is moved to offer a gift -- one gives a loaf of bread, one gives a story, and one gives a kiss from her young son whom she has carried with her. Readers are told that Jesus never forgot their gifts: he showed the world the joy of sharing fresh baked bread, he told wonderful stories, and he taught that the greatest gift is love. The lovely, luminous oil-pastel illustrations add richness to this flat, primarily message-driven story.- T.T.

HOFFMANN, E. T. A. & Janet Schulman, adapt. The Nutcracker. illus. by RenAce Graef. 48p. with CD. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 1999. Tr $19.95. ISBN 0-06-027814-5. LC 97-22346.

PreS-Gr 4- This adaptation of the popular story belongs on the shelf next to the glorious version illustrated by Maurice Sendak (Crown, 1991). Schulman tells the complete story, and stays very close to Hoffmann's original text. Since the book is accompanied by a CD, children can either read along or listen to the recording independently. It features British actress Claire Bloom' s dramatic reading and Tchaikovsky's familiar music. Graef's beautiful Victorian-era illustrations appear on every page, either as a framed full-page painting or a vignette. Readers and listeners will love this version of The Nutcracker -- the music and story meld together perfectly to present a magnificent multisensory experience.- L.F.

HOYT-GOLDSMITH, Diane. Las Posadas: An Hispanic Christmas Celebration. photos. by Lawrence Migdale. 32p. illus. glossary. index. score. CIP. Holiday House. 1999. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-8234-1449-3. LC 99-17337.

Gr 2-6- This photo-essay explores the customs of a Hispanic community in New Mexico as 11-year-old Kristen Lucero, her family, and friends prepare for Las Posadas. This religious festival is celebrated from December 15th to December 23rd, and commemorates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and their search for a place to stay. Kristen and her friend Ruben portray Mary and Joseph, and the rest of the participants play innkeepers or pilgrims as they visit a different "inn" each night. Readers learn not just about this holiday and its origins, but also about the food, culture, religion, and folk art of the region. Full lyrics and music for "The Song of Las Posadas" are included, as is a recipe for biscochitos, traditional cookies. Particularly interesting is the section on folk art, which includes straw appliquAc, painted retablos, and carved santos. The color photographs occasionally look staged but are otherwise a fine accompaniment to the text.- E.M.

INTRATER, Roberta Grobel. The Christmas Puppy. illus. by Bruce McNally. 57p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Oct. 1999. PLB $10.95. ISBN 0-439-08285-4. LC number unavailable.

Gr 3-5- Zach gets a puppy, Tina, on Memorial Day weekend. The rest of this lackluster, wordy story tells about the different experiences she has throughout the year. At the end of September, during a birthday party, Tina escapes from the yard and doesn't come home. Close to Christmastime, she is found living with a homeless man. Rather than taking the pup away from her new owner, the family gets another dog and shares Christmas dinner with the man and Tina. Full-color watercolor paintings and a handsome design can't save this mediocre offering.- T.T.

KALMAN, Bobbie. Christmas Long Ago from A to Z. 31p. (AlphaBasiCs Series). illus. reprods. glossary. index. CIP. Crabtree/A Bobbie Kalman Book. 1999. PLB $14.97. ISBN 0-86505-385-5; pap. $7.16. ISBN 0-86505-415-0. LC 99-22344.

K-Gr 2- This alphabetical introduction to the symbols and traditions of Christmas, while visually charming, is less successful than earlier titles in Kalman' s series. Often the word choices seem lazy ("F is for fun with family and friends") and even confusing ("Y is for New Year"). Still, the old-fashioned quality of the artwork provides appeal, with drawn borders and decorations embellishing fine-art reproductions of Christmases past.

An adequate though not mandatory choice. - T.M.

KOLLER, Jackie French. The Promise. illus. by Jacqueline Rogers. 80p. CIP. Knopf/Borzoi. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-679-89484-5; PLB $17.99. ISBN 0-679-99484-X. LC 98-394 .

Gr 3-5- It's Christmas Eve, the first since Ma died, and Matt, his little brother, Jamie, and their father are trying to keep their spirits up; they' ve decorated their cabin and given special treats to the farm animals. As Matt goes out with his dog, Sara, to leave suet balls in the trees for the birds, a bear looms up and chases them into the woods, where it wounds brave Sara and drives Matt up into a tree. The boy finally realizes that it's the suet balls that the animal is after and throws them as far away as possible. Now Matt is lost, Sara is near death, and a snowstorm has hit; in the Christmas miracle, Sara speaks to the boy briefly at midnight, directing him home. The time period and setting are unspecified but this story appears to take place sometime in the late 1800s or early 1900s. Matt narrates the tale in an easygoing, slightly folksy style that will appeal to kids. His adventure with the bear is scary and thrilling, and the references to Matt's deceased mother are moving. The short length, fast pace, and simple language make this a fine bridge for new chapter-book readers, at Christmas or anytime.- E.M.

LANDA, Norbert. Little Bear's Christmas. tr. from German by Anna Trenter. illus. by Marlis Scharff-Kniemeyer. unpaged. CIP. Little Tiger. Oct. 1999. Tr $14.95. ISBN 1-888444-60-6. LC 99-25069.

PreS-Gr 1- Little Bear wants to see Santa Claus, so he borrows his mother's alarm clock and sets it to wake him at Christmas. He eagerly heads outside to have a look around, gets lost, and is then found by Santa, who returns him home after a ride in his sleigh. Santa leaves behind honey cakes and chocolate hearts and promises to leave gifts in the future as long as Little Bear is sleeping as he should be. Young listeners will enjoy the charming watercolor illustrations; however, they may well be disappointed by the wordy, uninvolving story.- L.F.

MCCAUGHREAN, Geraldine. The Nutcracker. illus. by Nicki Palin. unpaged. Oxford Univ. Nov. 1999. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-19-279969-X. LC number unavailable.

PreS-Gr 4- McCaughrean's retelling is a much-condensed version of the story. Perfectly adequate for use in familiarizing children who will be attending the ballet, Palin's contemporary-looking illustrations appear in much the same order as the stage scenes. A somewhat static look and pale palette convey a dreamlike or fantastic quality that is appropriate for this version. When patrons say, " Help! We are going to see The Nutcracker," hand them this one.- L.F.

MATTHEWS, CaitlA-n, retel. While the Bear Sleeps: Winter Tales and Traditions. illus. by Judith Christine Mills. 80p. bibliog. notes. CIP. Barefoot/Barefoot Collections. 1999. PLB $19.95. ISBN 1-902283-81-3. LC number unavailable.

Gr 2-5- Escaping the cold on a winter walk, a young girl climbs inside a deep hole and finds herself in a bear's den. The magical animal then leads her (in her dreams as they hibernate) to different lands and times. The bear "chats" with the girl along the way, pointing out how different peoples developed and observe winter holiday customs and celebrations as lead-ins to the stories. They visit Europe, Mexico, and the United States, learning a little about Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Candelmas, Solstice, Twelfth Night, and New Year's Day. While this attractively designed compilation can serve as a guide to discussing and studying different seasonal holidays, readers may simply enjoy the twosome's journey and stories along the way. Mills's appealing acrylics appear throughout, sometimes large, but generally as small vignettes in the text margins. Sources are cited in an endnote.- L.F.

MAYPER, Monica. Come and See: A Christmas Story. illus. by Stacey Schuett. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 1999. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-06-023526-8; PLB $14.89. ISBN 0-06-023527-6. LC 93-45730.

PreS-Gr 2- Angels awaken shepherds, who in turn rouse the townsfolk and travelers, so that all may gather to see the newborn baby Jesus. Readers follow the people and animals as they make their way to the manger to admire the child. All the while, Mayper's poetic invitation carries the same refrain, " Come see," with slight variations in the second line. The simple text is particularly accessible to young children who are just learning about the Nativity. Internal rhymes with an unstudied rhythm keep the sentences flowing as a crowd gathers outside the stable. Schuett's double-paged illustrations are full of soothing, saturated colors, plus some touches of bright yellow and gold to provide a nice contrast and lend extra sparkle to the night. Men, women, children, and animals greet the baby with wide smiles. They join hands and form a large circle surrounding the stable and "all begin to dance." A peaceful and satisfying presentation.- M.M.H.

MOHR, Joseph. Silent Night, Holy Night. illus. by Maja DusA-kovA¡. unpaged. score. North-South. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1152-0; PLB $15.88. ISBN 0-7358-1153-9. LC 99-21121.

K-Gr 3- This picture-book version of the well-loved carol includes the musical notation and lyrics for all three verses. Double-page spreads feature paintings in muted tones with soft, curving lines that evoke a gentle quality; moonlight, starlight, campfire light, celestial light, and a light that emanates from the baby Jesus himself create a dramatic focus for each illustration. The setting changes from page to page, shifting from snowy alpine village to desert wilderness to the North Pole. While this device highlights the universality of the song, it may confuse some readers. However, adults seeking a simple, reverent title for sharing -- whether to be sung or read aloud -- will welcome this edition. Front matter includes a brief account of how Mohr and Franz Gruber came to write the song in 1818.- S.P.

HMOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. illus. by Bruce Whatley. unpaged. CIP. HarperCollins. Oct. 1999. Tr $16.95. ISBN 0-06-026608-2; PLB $16.89. ISBN 0-06-028380-7. LC 97-34352.

PreS-Gr 3- Whatley gives the Christmas classic a traditional New England setting and lively characterizations of St. Nick, his trusty team, and the man of the house (who here interacts with and receives a present from the Christmas Eve visitor). The bold, realistically rendered watercolors are done on vibrant full-page spreads and have sweeping details that add another dimension to the beloved poem. With dynamic verve, this version captures the rush of the reindeer, the caring and giving nature of St. Nick, and the surprised delight of the father. - A.C.

MOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas: A Visit from St. Nicholas. illus. by Max Grover. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt/Browndeer. Oct. 1999. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15- 1713-5. LC 98-15890.

K-Gr 2- Grover expands upon the story through his artistic interpretation. Late in the evening, after all but one of the Christmas trees on their lot have been sold, a man and his child walk around the block to their house and prepare for a visit from St. Nick. Glowing primitive acrylics portray a suburban family with a colorful home (rendered rather like a dollhouse in some of the paintings). Mom and Dad both go downstairs to investigate, but neither really interacts with the "jolly old elf." St. Nick is a little remote in this version, but an identification chart in the center of the book tells "How to recognize Santa!" The final page reveals a little surprise that sharp-eyed youngsters will be sure to spot -- the lone tree in the lot is now topped by a star. Solid and bright illustrations make this an appealing candidate for group and individual sharing.- A.C.

MOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. illus. by Tasha Tudor. unpaged. CIP. Little, Brown. Oct. 1999. RTE $14.95. ISBN 0-316-85579-0. LC 98-21623.

PreS-Gr 2- A cozy version of the poem in which the creatures that are stirring become the focus of the Christmas Eve activities. Tudor paints interior and exterior scenes of a Vermont farm brimming with wild and domestic life. When a tiny, elflike St. Nick appears, the family's cat and dogs join a couple of barn owls in a celebration with music, presents, and dancing. The man of the house's presence is minimal. This animal romp is pictured in glowing detailed watercolors that are placed on each page like miniatures set against starlit night backgrounds. This version will have particular appeal for one-on-one sharing in homes where pets have a special place.- A.C.

MOORE, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. illus. by Sharon S. Cartwright. unpaged. (Junior Jellybean Bks.). Random. 1999. Tr $1.99. ISBN 0-375-80147-2. LC 98-67793.

PreS-K- An unexciting retread. In a small, square format, the text has been illustrated with basic images from the poem, giving them a Victorian rendering that adds no character, but strongly reinforces a generic look and feel. Not distinguished enough for most library collections, this title will find its way into homes as an impulse purchase at holiday time.- A.C.

MOORE, Clement C. The Teddy Bears' Night Before Christmas. photos. by Monica Stevenson. unpaged. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Oct. 1999. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-590-03243-7. LC 98-61147.

PreS- The traditional poem is given the teddy-bear treatment in this playful, oversized picture book. Bright, carefully placed, full-color photo collages depict a family of dressed-up teddies in a charming, wintry house; plush-toy reindeer on the rooftop; and a dapper, if slightly furry St. Nick. While most libraries are well stocked with the poem, this "Kissenbear Family" adventure will appeal to young listeners, especially those with a soft spot for bears.- A.C.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS BOARD BOOK. unpaged. (DK My First Bks.). photos. DK. 1999. BD $6.95. ISBN 0-7894-4735-5. LC number unavailable.

PreS- This utilitarian offering gives parents of toddlers and preschoolers a starting point for discussing the symbols and meaning of Christmas. Clearly labeled full-color photos appear on double-page spreads given such headings as "Tree decorations," "The Nativity," and "Animals at the stable." If some of the magic is missing, children will nevertheless learn what a manger is, how mistletoe looks as it's growing, and some of the traditions that are observed. The book concludes with several pages that reinforce counting and shape-identification concepts using typical holiday items.- S.P.

NEUGEBAUER, Charise. Santa's Gift. illus. by Barbara Nascimbeni. unpaged. North-South/A Michael Neugebauer Bk. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1145-8; PLB $15.88. ISBN 0-7358-1146-6. LC 99-17372.

K-Gr 2- Just before Christmas, greedy Timothy (a cat) gets a letter from Santa, "...I haven't found a new toy that's fast enough, big enough, or bright enough to keep you happy for a whole year. So I must tell you that I won't be visiting you this year..." Timothy quickly writes back and tries to remedy the "terrible misunderstanding." On Christmas morning, he finds a room full of presents -- all addressed to other people. Santa's note says, "The thing I enjoy the most throughout the year is the joy of giving.â?¦I hope you enjoy delivering my gifts as much as I do." The selfish cat's friend, a hippo, comes up with the perfect solution to help Timothy distribute the gifts and mend his ways. Nascimbeni' s vibrant and whimsical paintings wrap the package handsomely, but, at heart, this is a cautionary tale and nothing more.- S.P.

HON CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING: A TRADITIONAL CAROL. illus. by Melissa Sweet. unpaged. notes. score. CIP. Candlewick. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.99. ISBN 0-7636-0375-9. LC 98-51122.

PreS-Gr 2- Charming watercolor, gouache, and collage artwork illustrates this traditional carol. Set in a fanciful, medieval English countryside, each spread features a verse of the song opposite a picture of an animal performing a farming chore. For example, "a pig went out to dig," "a cow went out to plow," etc. The individual verses conclude with two energetic, joyous double-page spreads showing all of the animals gathering for the Christmas feast, and then celebrating throughout the countryside. "Let every creature on Earth now sing,/On Christmas Day,/On Christmas Day./Let every creature on Earth now sing/On Christmas Day in the morning!" The score is appended, followed by a two-page history of the Christmas symbols shown in the artwork -- mistletoe, oak, holly, laurel, Christmas rose, pomegranate, and wheat. Perfect for holiday storytimes and individual sharing, this is an enchanting picture book.- L.F.

POLACCO, Patricia. Welcome Comfort. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Philomel. Oct. 1999. PLB $16.99. ISBN 0-399-23169-2. LC 98-29558.

K-Gr 3- With her well-known way with words and exuberant illustrations, Polacco has again created an endearing holiday offering. Welcome Comfort is an overweight foster child who knows loneliness well, but finds acceptance and solace in his friendship with the new school custodian, Quintin Hamp. It is through his influence that Welcome learns that " believin' is seein.'" The Hamps become a stable and lasting force in his life, even though they take a mysterious vacation north every year on Christmas Eve. One year the young man and his new bride are invited along and readers learn that Welcome has been groomed over the years to become the next Santa Claus. A touching and enjoyable story that reads well aloud.- T.T.

POWELL, Consie. Old Dog Cora and the Christmas Tree. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Albert Whitman. 1999. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-8075-5968-7. LC 98-53797.

PreS-Gr 1- Cora is a Newfoundland dog -- big, black, furry, and strong. She, her daughter, and her granddaughter have always accompanied their human family on their annual Christmas-tree hunt in the woods. The dogs proudly wear their harnesses to pull in the tree that the family chooses. However, this year, the people think that Cora is too old to help. She tags along anyway, gets in the way, figures out what is happening, and asserts herself in the lead where she knows she belongs. The family members realize that they have underestimated Cora and promise to make it up to her next year. Bold black-line drawings with watercolor washes clearly show off the black dogs in the white snow and lend interest to the double-page spreads. The artwork is appealing but the story is somewhat flat. - L.F.

PRIMAVERA, Elise. Auntie Claus. illus. by author. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt/Silver Whistle. Oct. 1999. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15- 1909-X. LC 98-4781.

K-Gr 2- Why does the elegant and mysterious Auntie Claus go away on a "business trip" every year, from November to February? Young Sophie Kringle, whose family loves Christmas so much they keep their tree up all year long, wants to find out. Stowing away in her aunt's luggage, she becomes a worker elf in a place readers will recognize as Santa's workshop. Illustrated with flair in gouache and pastels in deep, vibrant colors, the engaging pictures brim with funny and surreal details, such as Christmas-tree shaped hairdos. The none-too-subtle message -- that it's better to give than to receive -- nearly overwhelms the story, but the narrative is ultimately successful. Readers will end up cheering for Sophie as she discovers the true meaning of the season.- S.P.

SPINELLI, Eileen. Coming Through the Blizzard: A Christmas Story. illus. by Jenny Tylden-Wright. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Oct. 1999. RTE $16. ISBN 0-689-81490-9. LC 98-16795.

to huddle on a cushion in candle glow,/beneath a branch of the shining tree./The starling came." The bird is followed by the custodian, Tom Cat, a small boy in his mother's arms, a field mouse, the organist, a moth, and the soloist. The small blue church begins to fill up; however, it is not until the last guest, a stranger, arrives that Christmas comes. The colored-pencil illustrations highlighted in gouache supply warmth to the narrative and the brightness of the last spread brings a glow to the story. Soft and sweet, this title invites readers and listeners to ponder the true arrival of Christmas. - T.T.

STEVENS, Jan Romero. Twelve Lizards Leaping: A New Twelve Days of Christmas. illus. by Christine Mau. unpaged. score. CIP. Rising Moon. 1999. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-87358-744-8. LC 99-17614.

PreS-Gr 3- A lovely Southwestern version of a Christmas standard. Vibrant acrylic paintings fairly leap off the pages. Richly textured colors outlined in black face corresponding lyrics, and often the illustrations break exuberantly out of their frames to spill back onto the facing page of text. The book begins with the musical score and lyrics, which have been rewritten to include "five turquoise rings, four silver spurs, three horned toads, two prickly pears, and a quail in a paloverde tree."- L.F.

STRAND, Keith. Grandfather's Christmas Tree. illus. by Thomas Locker. unpaged. CIP. Harcourt/Silver Whistle. Oct. 1999. RTE $16. ISBN 0-15- 1821-2. LC 98-13077.

Gr 1-3- A young man and his wife move to Colorado in the spring of 1886 and build a home in a remote area half a day's wagon ride from the nearest town. Severe blizzards in November and December force them to chop down some sheltering spruce trees to heat their frigid cabin. The two discover a pair of geese taking shelter under the lone remaining spruce and they agonize over whether to cut it down. Despite their troubles, the woman gives birth to a healthy baby boy, and the family manages to survive until the next big winter storm arrives. After a night of "hoping and praying for a miracle," they awaken on Christmas morning to find a change in the weather. Although the text reads smoothly, the couple's dire circumstances are repeatedly emphasized to the point that they bog down the narrative. Locker's characteristically beautiful oil landscapes and, in the nature scenes, breathtaking use of color draw readers' attention. Strand ties up his tale with a holiday tradition that commemorates that fateful winter, which may spark children to inquire about their own family customs. For read-aloud programs, this title could be paired with Gloria Houston's The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (Dial, 1988) for a historical approach to Christmas.- M.M.H.

THOMPSON, Lauren. Mouse's First Christmas. illus. by Buket Erdogan. unpaged. S & S. Oct. 1999. RTE $12. ISBN 0-689-82325-8. LC 98-24073.

PreS- "'Twas a night still and starry/and all through the house,/not a creature was stirring.../just one little mouse." He begins exploring and discovers some of the tasty, visual, and auditory delights of Christmas, from cookies to jingle bells to presents to Santa himself. Children will enjoy the familiar holiday trappings, the endearing mouse, and the warm feeling that is so well captured in the cozy, richly colored oil paintings. The text effectively combines straight prose and rhyme as the mouse explores the Christmas scene. A lovely, simple book for one-on-one sharing or for toddler storytime. - M.W.

THURY, Fredrick H. The Last Straw. illus. by Vlasta van Kampen. unpaged. CIP. Charlesbridge/Talewinds. 1999. PLB $15.95. ISBN 0-88106-152-2. LC 98-37757.

K-Gr 3- Hoshmakaka, an old, foolish, and proud camel, is chosen to carry the wise men's gifts to the baby Jesus. Reluctantly, he agrees and boasts to the younger camels that he has the strength of 10 horses. As he embarks on his journey, people along the way ask him to take their gifts. Goaded by the younger camels, he keeps adding to his load. A small child asks him to carry one last gift, a piece of straw for the baby's bed, and Hoshmakaka is brought to his knees by the weight. Jesus reaches out and touches him and "From that time on there was no burden, great or small, that Hoshmakaka would not gladly carry." The story is adapted from Thury's original libretto, performed by the Toronto Children's Chorus. Strikingly rich, detailed watercolors enrich the text. While the humbling message may be too subtly conveyed for very young children, this low-keyed and gentle story can be enjoyed by a broad audience.- M.W.

WATTS, Bernadette. Harvey Hare's Christmas. illus. by author. unpaged. North-South. Oct. 1999. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-7358-1058-3; PLB $15.88. ISBN 0-7358-1059-1. LC 99-17365.

PreS-Gr 2- In this pleasant tale, amicable woodland animals help their hardworking friend, Harvey Hare, the local postman. Harvey is inundated with holiday mail and is having difficulty carrying all the cards, letters, and packages that have accumulated. First, his friends weave him a basket, and then they build him a pull cart. When it breaks, they make a large sled, the perfect mode of transportation on the newly fallen snow. The culminating outdoor Christmas party is something to write home about. Watts's exquisitely rendered illustrations, done with fine lines, feature a wide variety of field and forest creatures, all determined to solve Harvey's postal problems. Children will delight in the gentle humor and visual details. The text, simple, straightforward, and full of good will, strikes just the right note for the season.- M.M.H

ZOLOTOW, Charlotte. The Beautiful Christmas Tree. illus. by Yan Nascimbene. 32p. CIP. Houghton. 1999. Tr $15. ISBN 0-395-91365-9. LC 98-50006.

K-Gr 3- Written with clarity, though not with verve, this thorough and thoughtful book is a revision of a title originally published in 1988. It chronicles the struggle of the Jewish people to regain their religious freedom more than 00 years ago during the reign of King Antiochus of Syria. Of particular interest is the presentation of the familiar "miracle" of Hanukkah as a legend, distinctly separate from the historical account of the Jews' rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This edition is accompanied by a read-along recording of the Hanukkah story and a selection of holiday blessings and songs. Also new here are eight suggested discussion topics designed "to enable families to relate the holiday's historic events to today's world." Boldly colored cartoons appear throughout. This useful book will serve collections well.- T.M.

HOWLAND, Naomi. Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story. illus. by author. 31p. CIP. Clarion. Oct. 1999. RTE $15. ISBN 0-395-89903-6. LC 97-50616.

K-Gr 2- Sadie turns over the firewood she has gathered to a poor old woman she meets in the woods and is given a magic latke pan in return for her kindness. She is told the secret words to make it work and warned, "Only you may use my gift." The girl has been left alone during Chanukah to care for her four younger brothers and she puts the pan to good use by making piles of the delicious potato pancakes. She warns the boys not to use the pan while she goes out to invite the old woman to share their bounty on the last night of Chanukah, but of course the moment she leaves, they get busy making latkes and predictable chaos ensues. Howland's gouache and colored-pencil artwork is done in a Russian folk-art style to reflect the setting. This appealing story, told in the spirit of Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona (S & S, 1975), is perfect to share with a large group. A latke recipe and a note on the origins of Chanukah round out this holiday treat.- T.M.

MODESITT, Jeanne. It's Hanukkah! illus. by Robin Spowart. unpaged. score. CIP. Holiday House. 1999. RTE $15.95. ISBN 0-8234-1451-5. LC 98-46704.

PreS-Gr 1- A family of mice celebrate Hanukkah through a variety of activities, including lighting the menorah, eating latkes, and dancing the horah. At the end of the evening, the little creatures settle down to sweet dreams. A single rhyming line accompanies each illustration. "We gather round real close,/to the light we give a toast./We listen to a tale;/our imaginations sail!" The drawings done in simple black line and basic colors have an unstudied look, as they show the family engaged in one activity or another. Although neither the pictures nor the text are particularly outstanding (basically, all the mice look alike), together they make a pleasant combination. A one-page history of the holiday, information about lighting the menorah, several Hanukkah blessings, a latke recipe, directions for the dreidel game, and the song "O Hanukkah" are appended. A serviceable addition.- M.M.H.

HROCKLIN, Joanne. The Very Best Hanukkah Gift. illus. by Catharine O'Neill. 113p. CIP. Delacorte. Oct. 1999. Tr $14.95. ISBN 0-385-32656-4. LC 99-10726.

Gr 2-4- Eight-year-old Daniel Bloom is thrilled that Hanukkah is finally here, even if his mother has decided to make zucchini latkes this year. Hanukkah at the Blooms' house means eight nights of candle lighting and presents, not to mention wonderful food, stories, and games. But while Danny delights in recounting the challenges faced by the brave and triumphant Maccabees, he is suddenly faced with a challenge of his own. A new neighbor with a big noisy dog has moved in next door, aggravating the fear that Danny has felt ever since he was bitten the previous summer. He knows that his sister, Amy, longs to have a dog, and that he is the reason she can't. The very best Hanukkah gift he can give her is to face his fear and prove himself to be as courageous as the Maccabees of long ago. Written with warmth and humor, with a chapter for each night of the celebration, this is a spirited middle-grade reader that's full of holiday tradition. - T.M.

SCHUR, Maxine Rose. The Peddler's Gift. illus. by Kimberly Bulcken Root. unpaged. CIP. Dial. Oct. 1999. RTE $15.99. ISBN 0-8037-1978-7. LC 98-36171.

K-Gr 3- In the Russian village of Korovenko, the children think that Shimon is a real noodle head. Unlike the other flamboyant peddlers who roam the route from Moscow to Minsk, Shimon -- or "Shnook" as the children call him -- is thin, reticent, and prone to bad luck. He gives the village boys plenty to laugh about, including young Leibush, who narrates this heartwarming tale. Among Shnook's wares are some exquisite, hand-carved Hanukkah dreidels that Leibush knows are too costly to buy, but when one inadvertently falls to the floor unnoticed, he keeps it as his own. Later that night, his conscience burns, and he runs to the synagogue hoping to find the peddler and ask his forgiveness. Shnook's kind and generous heart transforms Leibush forever, particularly after the coveted dreidel mysteriously appears as a gift the following Hanukkah. This gentle story is written with a fine folkloric tone that evokes both the richness and simplicity of a time long past. Charming watercolor and colored-pencil illustrations re-create the dusty palette of a rural turn-of-the-century Russian village, enhancing both the voice and spirit of the story. Broader in theme than a typical "holiday book," this is a fine choice to be read year-round.- T.M.

YORINKS, Arthur. The Flying Latke. photos. by Paul Colin & Arthur Yorinks. illus. by William Steig. unpaged. CIP. S & S. Oct. 1999. RTE $16.95. ISBN 0-689-82597-8. LC 98-37712.

Gr 1-3- Oy vey! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's a UFL (unidentified flying latke)! When Danny's family gathers together for the first night of Chanukah, the evening is spoiled by a petty argument that erupts between Uncles Izzy and Shecky over the make of a car. Soon the dinner degenerates into a food fight and a latke misses Shecky and flies out the window into the night, where it is spotted over the New Jersey turnpike and mistaken for a UFO. The Air Force and the FBI investigate; meanwhile the whole family ends up trapped in the house for eight days and nights, where all they have left to eat is a few latkes. Of course, this being Chanukah, they miraculously last for eight days. To illustrate this broad farce, Yorinks has overlaid Steig's painted backdrops with staged photographs of actors engaged in exaggerated dramatic play. The players' facial expressions are often worth a thousand words; however, Steig's charming watercolor interiors are at times overwhelmed by the photographs. The humor depends considerably on prior knowledge of both the holiday and Jewish culture and is often adult in tone. While not a book for everyone, this is a very funny story that simply begs to be read aloud after the menorah is lit and the latkes are just a grease spot on a plate.- T.M.

 WILSON, Sule Greg C. Kwanzaa!: Africa Lives in a New World Festival. 64p. (The Library of African American Arts and Culture Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Rosen. 1999. PLB $17.95. ISBN 0-8239-1857-2. LC 98-37929.

Gr 4-7- This introduction to the African-American celebration that takes place from December 26th to January 1st begins with a brief overview of the history of slavery and the civil rights movement in this country. Wilson touches on some of the contributions made to our culture by African civilizations and African Americans, and then goes on to explain the origins and meaning of Kwanzaa. He describes the seven principles that the holiday honors, using examples from African folklore and history to illustrate each one, and provides definitions and pronunciation guides for the many Swahili words. The text is easy to understand, although the illustrations vary in usefulness and clarity. Dolores Johnson's The Children's Book of Kwanzaa (Atheneum, 1996) covers similar material but goes into more depth and includes crafts and recipes. A serviceable addition.- E.M.