(3) 1-3 Illustrated by S. Saelig Gallagher. Kung Shi Fair's wealthy widower father says he won't approve of her marriage to humble fisherman Chang the Good unless various unlikely events occur; after they do, he still won't sanction the union, to disastrous end. The shimmery illustrations, featuring a cast with hyper-expressive features, underscore the pathos of this bittersweet drama. Its refreshing moral? Parents should listen to their children.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Richard Egielski. Christmas Eve finds the Tub People, a group of bath toys, keeping a sleepy vigil for reasons about which they are unclear. Soon they're watching in wonder as a man arrives via the chimney and decorates a tree. As the final touch, St. Nick hangs the Tub People themselves on the tree as ornaments. Large, attractive watercolors adeptly capture the stiff but appealingly rounded toys, but the wordy story strains for a sense of wonder it doesn't achieve.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 The popular urban legend about a dead rabbit that does not stay buried is expansively retold, introducing a brother and sister who fear their dog has killed a crabby neighbor's pet rabbit. Though readable, the story lacks the oral version's brevity and punch. Making Old Man Hoover a pathetic figure who grieves for his deceased pet adds a depressing tone, which is matched by the dark-hued color artwork.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc.