An Amish Christmas

Christmas without Santa Claus? Such a thing does exist, as Ammon (Growing Up Amish) shows in this enlightening and refreshing look at the holiday customs of Amish farm families. An Amish Christmas also comes without decorated trees and, of course, without twinkling lights--but it's celebrated over two days instead of one. Families exchange gifts (a wallet, a pocket knife, writing paper, a book) and visit with relatives and friends, but only after farm chores are finished. There's plenty of fun, too: sledding, skating, singing and eating cookies. Ammon will pique the reader's interest with snatches of Pennsylvania Dutch and glimpses inside a one-room schoolhouse. Patrick emphasizes the timelessness of Amish ways and suggests the characters' devotion by the illuminated expressions on their faces. Text borders of quilt-block motifs enhance the mood. Ages 5-10. (Oct.)