Christmas in July <i> by Arthur Yorinks and Richard Egielski (HarperCollins: $14.95).</i>

Snow falls “like angels parachuting from heaven” but Santa is stuck in the slammer, given six months for wandering New York City streets in search of his lost trousers. Hearts are broken, businesses go bankrupt. But not to worry: The herald angels stage a surprise performance when Santa reclaims his pants in July.

Diego by Jeanette Winter; text in English and Spanish by Jonah Winter (Alfred A. Knopf: $12).

This parrot’s friendship helped Diego Rivera become strong after a serious illness, setting him on the road to becoming one of Mexico’s leading painters.

No Plain Pets text by Marc Ian Barasch, pictures by Henrik Dreschner (HarperCollins: $14.95).

“It’s time for a pet,” our narrator, shown here reclining, tells his mom. “But mom . . . I don’t want some PUFF or FLUFF with a parakeet brain. No! I want a pet that can start conversations and get the attention of some TV stations.”

Dial-a-Croc text by Mike Dumbleton, pictures by Ann James (Orchard Books: 14.95).

Vanessa is an entrepreneur, but no lemonade stand for her. The croc she captures is a great business--no problem with unpaid bills!--and he’s very versatile: swim coach, circus attraction, you name it.

Aesop’s Fables illustrated by John Hejduk (Rizzoli: $17.95).

“Keep your boasting till you’ve won,” says the Tortoise to the Hare. “Shall we race?” Fourteen of the world’s most often told stories, ending with the world’s least-heeded morals.