Christmas on an Island

Not as impressive as much of Gibbons's previous work, this curiously flat portrait centers on holiday preparations on a small island (ostensibly in Maine). Frequent use of the passive voice (``Boxes of ornaments have been pulled out from storage'') and the namelessness of the characters (``In a cozy house someone clicks knitting needles together as a mitten takes shape'') make for an impersonal, sometimes stiff account. But as her text and perky artwork show how the islanders decorate their homes and boats, select a tree for the school and church, etc., Gibbons successfully imparts this community's earnest sharing and caring. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)