Gargoyles' Christmas

A trio of Grinch-like gargoyles are reluctantly infected with the Christmas spirit in this marginally enjoyable story. Disgusted by all the holiday cheer, the grumpy statues go on a anti-Christmas rampage, trampling all decorations within reach before Santa intervenes and makes them put it all back. Redecorating is such fun that they give the holidays another chance. Taylor's illustrations have a retro appeal that counters, slightly, the predictable plot and overzealous prose. A soft-sculpture finger puppet of a gargoyle is included, but this enterprise is pretty much all thumbs. Ages 5-7. (Oct.)