Christmas Eve

Elly and Violet, stars of the summery Do I Have to Take Violet? , are back in a winter story with baby sister Mae. And their conversationsthis time over the right and wrong ways of preparing for Christmasare still uncanny and real. When the younger Violet proclaims that she is getting a baby doll from Santa, Elly dashes her hopes. `` `He could forget you, maybe,' said Elly. `Santa Claus probably doesn't remember you .' '' Later, they make a present for their parents, a statue of themselves. `` `In that statue, where am I?' asked Violet. `This is you,' said Elly. `That's not me,' said Violet. `That looks like you .' '' Generous in details as well as holiday spirit, Stevenson gives the story of these rosy-cheeked bunnies and their zestful participation a healthy dose of sibling squabbles. The book, as a result, is both funny and dear. Ages 4-8. (Nov.)