HOLIDAY BOOKS FOR KIDS

Among the many books issued this year that celebrate the holidays, here are a few notable titles.

THE SHY LITTLE ANGEL. By Ruth Brown (Dutton: 28 pp., $15.99)

The littlest angel refuses to greet the baby Jesus but doesn’t want to miss a thing, so she peers from above onto the Nativity below, and when a backdrop falls, we realize we’re watching the Christmas pageant she is too shy to join.

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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: A Classic Illustrated Edition. By Clement C. Moore . Compiled by Cooper Edens and Harold Darling (Chronicle Books: 42 pp., $16.95)

A collection of nostalgic images from the classic poem, this book is primarily for adults, who will enjoy seeing interpretations of the story by some of the great children’s book illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

THE CHRISTMAS STORY: According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke from the King James Bible. Paintings by Gennady Spirin (Henry Holt: 32pp., $19.95)

Lavishly detailed illustrations capture the grandeur and wonder of the Christmas story, taken directly from the Bible.

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POPPA’S ITCHY CHRISTMAS. By Angela Shelf Medearis . Illustrated by John Ward (Holiday House: 32 pp., $15.95)

An ugly rainbow-colored muffler and itchy red wool underwear are disappointing Christmas gifts until George opens up the last package and finds a pair of ice skates. A warm story of an African American family’s Christmas.

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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS. By Clement C. Moore . Illustrated by Jan Brett (Putnam: 32 pp., $16.99)

Santa’s business is enlivened by a couple of stowaway elves as Brett’s charming, lighthearted illustrations bring this Christmas poem to life.

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THE FOURTH WISE MAN. Based on the story by Henry Van Dyke . Retold by Susan Summers . Illustrated by Jackie Morris (Dial Books for Young Readers: 40 pp., $16.99)

A beautifully illustrated abridgment of Henry Van Dyke’s classic story of the wise man who never made it to Bethlehem because he kept stopping to help those in need. A reminder of the truest meaning of Christmas.

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THE STONE: A Persian Legend of the Magi. By Dianne Hofmeyr . Illustrated by Jude Daly (Farrar, Straus and Giroux: 32 pp., $16)

This unusual version of the story of the three Magi is based upon a tale heard by Marco Polo on his travels. The Magi honor the baby with gifts, and he returns a gift of his own--a stone that contains the power to “bring justice and healing and peace into the world.”

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CAROL OF THE BROWN KING: Nativity Poems. By Langston Hughes . Illustrated by Ashley Bryan (Simon and Schuster/Atheneum: 32 pp., $16)

Simple and direct poems celebrating Christmas are illuminated by Bryan’s paintings, which portray Christmas as having meaning for all people, no matter what race.

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HOW SANTA GOT HIS JOB. By Stephen Krensky . Illustrated by S.D. Schindler (Simon and Schuster: 32 pp., $15)

How did Santa get all of the skills that make him a success? Children will love the way Santa’s many jobs prepare him perfectly for his Christmas Eve duties.

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LYLE AT CHRISTMAS. By Bernard Waber (Walter Lorraine / Houghton Mifflin: 48 pp., $16.95)

Lovable Lyle, the pet crocodile, saves the day in this action-packed romp. Lyle fans will love this latest adventure.

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ON HANUKKAH. By Cathy Goldberg Fishman . Illustrated by Melanie W. Hall (Simon and Schuster/Atheneum: 40 pp., $16)

As the family gathers around the menorah, each member contributes to the celebration by sharing food, gifts, games, music and information about the holiday itself. Dynamic illustrations capture the bustle of a happy family in this warm tale.

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A HANUKKAH TREASURY. Edited by Eric A. Kimmel . Illustrated by Emily Lisker (Henry Holt: 100 pp., $19.95)

A vibrantly illustrated compilation of Hanukkah stories, poems, songs, recipes and more. The gorgeous paintings dance through this book, making it an outstanding choice for holiday sharing.

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THE MENORAH STORY. By Mark Podwal (Greenwillow: 24 pp., $15)

A simple and luminous story of the history of Hanukkah as the rich, abstract illustrations add depth and drama to the straightforward text.

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KWANZAA: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture. By Maulana Karenga (University of Sankore Press: 144 pp., $24.95)

A complete reference book on the African American holiday, with information about the origins of the celebration, the meaning of its symbols and suggested activities. Color photos and black-and-white illustrations are included.