Elvis Presley's the First Noel [With CD the First Noel]

A CD containing Elvis Presley's tender 1971 recording of a beloved Christmas carol accompanies this picture book, which pairs the lyrics with Whatley's (The Night Before Christmas, above) reverent paintings of the Nativity. The artist's skillful portraits often approach photo-realism; craggy wise men, awestruck shepherds and a portly innkeeper provide a supporting cast for the Holy Family. The tone is formal, from the calligraphic font to the dramatic backdrop of the midnight blue-black desert sky. All ages. (Oct.) \