Christmas Fairy Tales

Tales both familiar (""The Nutcracker"" by E.T.A. Hoffman, ""Schnitzle, Schnotzle, and Schnootzle"" by Ruth Sawyer) and less so (""The Last Dream of the Old Oak Tree"" by Hans Christian Andersen) are at home on these elegantly edged pages. Philip's (American Fairy Tales) retellings, though occasionally stiff, glisten with the fantasy and magic associated with the spirit of Christmas. Brent's trademark rich, delicate watercolors accented with touches of gold paint (see Cats Love Christmas Too, above) exude an old-world feel that is perfectly suited to the classic storytelling tradition upheld by this collection. All ages. (Oct.)