Waiting for Christmas

Monica Greenfield. Scholastic, $15.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-590-52700-2

Two African American children try to savor the special pleasures of the season (""We slide outside on a snowy hill,.../ We drink hot cider with cinnamon sticks"") while they eagerly await the arrival of the big moment: Christmas morning. Greenfield's (The Baby) ebullient verse harnesses the frenetic build-up to Christmas that children everywhere will recognize. Gilchrist's (Lift Evr'y Voice and Sing) muddy acrylics of an attractively appointed household promote family togetherness in a way likely to appeal to readers of all races. Ages 3-6. (Oct.)

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