THE LITTLE BOY'S CHRISTMAS GIFT

A young stowaway in the wise men's caravan sets in motion an original, cumulative Nativity story. After the wise men and many other travelers make their offerings in the starlit stable, the boy humbly steps from the shadows with a treasure that pleases the babe more than any other gift—a miniature evergreen, thoughtfully decorated with remnants form the others' gifts. In a graceful design, Speirs combines elements of illuminated texts, and altar pieces and paintings from 15th- and 16th-century Europe. Gold-paint page frames and embellishments throughout give this volume a sumptuous appearance. Ages 4-8. (Dec.)