WHAT THE LITTLE FIR TREE WORE TO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY

The fir trees are abuzz with talk of what they will wear to the fast-approaching "Christmas party." But when her neighbors are taken to the "party" by a man with a powerful saw, and she's left behind, the tiniest tree fears she'll never don the dress of her dreams. While the story line is a little hokey, Ichikawa's (Bravo, Tanya) precise touch makes the crisp evergreens in these delicate, wintry watercolors seem truly alive. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)(Oct.)