THE DONKEY'S CHRISTMAS SONG

Stable animals that witness Jesus' birth welcome him with joyful noise in this fittingly melodic picture book. All the creatures wish to offer their unique songs to the baby, but the shy donkey refrains from taking part, worried that his bray is too coarse. In the end, his sincere "hee-haw" receives a most wonderful response. Tafuri's (I Love You, Little One) ability to combine a breezy storytelling style with economical text sets apart her timeless message that a gift from the heart is always the most appreciated. The outsize (10" x 10") format suits the large-scale, up-close perspectives of her softly edged pencil-and-watercolor art. Ages 2-5. (Oct.)