(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Manders. On Christmas Eve, a lone sailor at watch witnesses the arrival of Master Chief Claus and his squadron of helpers as they deliver presents to the slumbering fleet at sea. The loose illustrations are caricaturish, but the rhymes are fairly precise. This treatment of Moore's classic poem may be best appreciated by military families.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Diaz. Paddling along the seacoast, a parka-clad mother and child bid goodnight to various animals as they are bedding down for the evening. Otters and walruses, dolphins and whales, puffins and albatrosses glow in Diaz's soft-focus, swirling paintings, which represent tenderness and comfort. The text alternates repetition with variation--just the right atmosphere for a soothing bedtime story.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(4) PS Harper Growing Tree series. Illustrated by Candace Whitman. This slight rhymed verse celebrates a day of winter activities. Printed on sturdy stock, the text's playful word pairs, "Wiggle wiggle / window squiggles," "Wag wag / tail zigzags," will amuse young listeners. The soft, textured illustrations depict sledding, snowman building, and finally a cozy grouping around the fire sharing cookies and warm drinks.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty