Children's hour/ Books can whet kids' appetite for Christmas

Don't wait until Christmas to give these holiday books to your young readers. They'll enjoy them all the more while the anticipation builds.

"Christmas Is Coming"

By Charles and Debra Ghigna, illustrated by Mary O'Keefe Young, Talewinds, $15.95.

For youngsters not turned off to poetry, take this chance to inspire them to like the stuff and possibly write their own poems. This collection plays on the magic of the holidays, with such rhymes as, "When everyone's jolly/And there's lots of holly."

Snowmen, letters to Santa, Christmas cookies, a special grandma and grandpa, Christmas dinner and gifts are the subjects of these poems, illustrated with Christmas-card-style drawings children will love.

"Christmas Mice!"

By Bethany Roberts, illustrated by Doug Cushman, Clarion, $13.

A charming family of Christmas mice is busy getting ready for Christmas - wrapping gifts, decorating a tree, baking goodies and caroling around the neighborhood. When they return home, they find the paw-prints of a cat - uh, oh! But it's not what they expect. It's a story of giving and harmony suited to the season. The simple rhyming text is good for beginning readers.

"Night and the Candlemaker"

By Wolfgang Somary, illustrated by Simon Bartram, Barefoot Books, $15.95.

As Night drifts over the town, only one person remains awake and working - the candlemaker. Night doesn't like the candlemaker, because he violates the darkness. Night begins to harass him, even calling on the wind to snuff out the candles' flames. But the candlemaker isn't about to give up, because he knows tomorrow will bring back the light and defeat the Night. This is a moody, slightly dark book (no pun intended) that will appeal more to children 9 and up, and offers a subtext worth talking about.

"The Snowman's Path"

By Helena Clare Pittman, illustrated by Raul Colon, Dial, $15.95.

This fanciful, poignant story about a boy and a snowman is accompanied by old-fashioned looking paintings. A boy, Nathan, spots a snowman cavorting around his house and goes out to meet him. They become friends, sharing snacks and dreams. Eventually, the snowman tells Nathan his dearest wish and Nathan helps him get it. It's a sweet story and a good bedtime read.

"Santa and the Three Bears"

Written and illustrated by Dominic Catalano, Boyds Mills Press, $15.95.

Mrs. Claus prepares a surprise party for Santa and, while she's gone, three polar bears happen upon the house. Inside, they discover a warm fire, treats on the table and holiday decorations - and help themselves to everything. When Mrs. Claus discovers the mess they have made, she makes them help repair the damage and the bears discover what Christmas is all about.

"Hanukkah: Festival of Lights"

By Jeff O'Hare, illustrated by Arthur Friedman and Mary F. Rhinelander, Boyds Mills Press, $7.95.

Jewish children, overwhelmed by Christmas, may find their own ways of celebrating through this book of songs to sing, decorations to make, food to fix, games to play and traditions to honor. Learn how to make a dreidel or a Star of David mobile or to cook latkes with applesauce. And don't miss "A Hanukkah Story" and "The Mouse Mitzvah," a Hanukkah tale by Scott M. Drucker.

Copyright 2000
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