DEAR SANTA, PLEASE COME TO THE 19th FLOOR

"Santa never comes here to this neighborhood," says Willy, a Hispanic boy who lives in a high rise. Nevertheless, Willy secretly e-mails Santa a request to visit his dejected best friend: "My pal Carlos is in a wheelchair now and could use a good surprise." Carlos, meanwhile, lobbies Santa on Willy's behalf. Santa indeed shows up on Christmas Eve bearing gifts—and hope. Yin's tale treads a bit heavily, but the urban setting is a welcome addition to the season's lineup. Soentpiet's brings high-wattage lighting and a high-contrast palette to his realistic watercolor scenes. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)