November 20-26, 2003

cover story

Children's Books

by Harriette Behringer

Silent Night

Illustrated by Susan Jeffers Dutton, $16.99, all ages

"Among Christmas books, Silent Night stands out like Mount Everest," says Publishers Weekly. It's true. The Nativity story gently unfolds in luminous blues and soft yellows from the brush of Susan Jeffers, a Caldecott Honor recipient. The words of this best-loved carol comprise the text, and music is also included. This is an heirloom book, to be taken down from the family bookcase every Christmas for years and years.

The Golden Christmas Tree

By Jan Wahl Illustrated by Leonard Weisgard Golden Books, $8.99, ages 3-5

This simple tale is for young animal lovers. When the elephant brings a giant fir tree into the woods, the wolf, deer and foxes are happy. The tiger strings berries to hang on the branches, baboons paint pinecones and the giraffe tops the tree with a star. "Then a delicate golden glitter" flashed through the night sky. Was it the star that led to the manger? A plus for this book is its inexpensive price, lower than the outrageous cost of most children's books.

Coming Together: Celebrations for African American Families

By Harriette Cole Photos by John Pinderhughes Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, $22.99, all ages

The weeklong celebration of Kwanzaa is thoroughly described here. Festivities begin with the lighting of candles -- green candles signify the earth, red the blood of ancestors "who gave their lives so we would have greater opportunities" and black the power of the people. Children learn reverence for heroes, families eat special foods and youngsters make place mats for the altar (directions included). This charming book describes other festivities: Christmas, naming ceremonies and family reunions. Recipes and how-to features "help families keep the beat that calls us to our common joy," says the author.

Oh, Chanukah!

By L.J. Goodman Illustrations by Liz Conrad Price Stern Sloan, $5.99, ages 4-7

"Every year my Bubbie reads the story of Chanukah." Then the family eats homemade latkes "fried in oil to remind us of how the oil burned in the temple." This sturdy board book describes all the traditions: lighting the menorah, games, opening presents and eating chocolate gelt. This lift-the-flap book provides interactive play -- always enjoyed by youngsters.

Cirque du Soleil: Parade of Colors

By Patrisha Robertson Photographs by Cirque du Soleil Abrams, $15.95, all ages

Fans of the world-renowned circus troupe will treasure this book -- the first children's book about the Montreal-born show that has mesmerized all who see it. Here the performers come alive, just as they do under the big tent. As the title suggests, colors abound: musicians all in white, Pierrot in red, a crew decked in gold, water nymphs in green, dancers in popping pink. Every action-packed photo enriches the circus atmosphere and makes you want to buy tickets for next time around.

Tails

By Matthew Van Fleet Red Wagon, $12.95, ages 2-5

Finger-tickling fun here. Critters cavort on every page: Tiger has a furry tail, piggy a fluffy tuft. The peacock's tail has a pull-tab that reveals sparkling blue spots, while stinky skunk sports one that's scratch-and-sniff. This is a witty children's book, but adults will enjoy the touchy-feely play, too. A hint: Toddlers will need a little help pulling the tabs.

Children's Encyclopedia of American History

By David C. King DK Publishing, $29.99, ages 8 and up

Some history books are boring -- just a series of unconnected dates. Others veil America in patriotism -- America as my-country-can-do-no-wrong. However, this book of 750 illustrations informs truthfully, from Colonial America to 2002. Warts such as slavery, the Ku Klux Klan and Joe McCarthy are not glossed over. The author, an educational consultant with New York state's Department of Education, has written a book with over 100 on-the-spot photos that will inspire both adults and children to learn more about the persons, places and ideas that make the U.S. what it is today.