CHRISTMAS MAGIC

Magical merriment breaks out at Emily's house on Christmas Eve, when she sneaks out of bed to discover singing pets, a chorus line of stockings and a snowman and snowwoman dancing on the front lawn. The story line is a bit of fluff, but the real point here is Garland's (The Mouse Before Christmas) artwork. Exterior scenes fare best (notably a lilac sunrise seen through a stand of skeletal trees) while the interiors, with their surreal juxtaposition of objects and oddly flattened perspectives, are not as compelling. Ages 3-8. (Sept.)