HOW MANY MILES TO BETHLEHEM?

Though young readers won't come away with an answer to the titular question, they will surely understand from Malone's paintings that something beautiful and important happened in the tiny biblical town. Key players in the first Christmas take turns narrating a piece of the story. Mary ("My baby will be born tonight. Where can I lie down?"), the brightest star ("Follow me"), King Herod and Jesus himself ("I am the child and king") all share their perspective. Crossley-Holland's (The Seeing Stone ) poetic style with its reverent, soothing quality smooths over some of the potentially confusing points in the story. Malone's gorgeous paintings, featuring a palette of opulent hues, intricate designs and sophisticated compositions, truly shine. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)