Noel

The sound of Christmas chimes from "an icicle-pointed steeple" calling a community together to celebrate "this calm and holy night," in Johnston's (Cat, What Is That? ) joyful picture book. People young and old (and very cold!) gather in a quaint town square gaily lit by street lamps, twinkling holiday tree lights and warm smiles. With a wet-paper watercolor technique (explained in an artist's note) Chee (Old Turtle ) achieves gently smudged, impressionistic images of the wondrous Christmas Eve proceedings. Ages 5-8. (Sept.)