cover image Baby's First Christmas Treasur

Baby's First Christmas Treasur

Kay Chorao. Random House Books for Young Readers, $10 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-679-80198-6

Known for her appealing illustrations for the very young in such collections as The Baby's Bedtime Book and The Baby's Lap Book , Chorao here presents an anthology of well-known holiday prose, poetry and carols. Her sprightly, carefully done pastels lend a festive air to snowy scenes, cozy fireplaces, friendly reindeer, farms and baby dolls. This magical assortment of Christmas memories includes a cheery alphabet to bring to mind seasonal elements from an angel to a rocking zebra. Though music is not included, youngsters will eagerly raise their voices to ``Deck the Hall,'' ``Jingle Bells'' and ``The Friendly Beasts,'' the last about the animals' gifts to the Christ child. There are also longer selections--``Twas the Night Before Christmas'' and ``The Velveteen Rabbit'' featuring a fairy with flyaway red hair adorned with holly, pine boughs and snowflakes. As usual, Chorao's illustrations feature multiracial youngsters. Ages 6 mos.-4 yrs. (Oct.)