A HOUSEFUL OF CHRISTMAS

It's the more the merrier when a boisterous clan makes its annual descent on Granny's house in Joosse's (Mama, Do You Love Me?) animated and knowing story. Decorations, gifts, carols and, of course, dinner with candied-yam casserole are all part of the "Christmas fuss," vivaciously relayed in rhythmic language. And when "whhhh-ing" wind and "shhhhh-ing" snow make travel hazardous, Granny happily hosts a snug family sleep-over. Lewin's (Click, Clack, Moo) sweet and humorous pen-and-watercolor artwork rises to the cheerful occasion. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)