(3) K-3 Illustrated by Øyvind Torseter. In this quirky secular version of "Noah's Ark" from Norway, Noah gathers "as many creatures as he could" (not in pairs, but the story isn't concerned with that matter). When the ark springs a leak, his dog's nose serves as the plug, ensuring that all dogs henceforth shall have wet noses. The cutaway cartoon illustrations show animals playing cards, eating, and making merry.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Lily Moon. When a woodcarver from Lapland sees a brilliant star, he follows it to Bethlehem, where he finds the Christ Child. There, a strange miracle occurs; his clothing changes from blue to Santa Claus red. Moved by this encounter, he returns home and carves toys for children. Moon's richly colored, stylized illustrations enhance the folktale-like quality of the story, but the combination of the religious and the secular traditions is jarring.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley