The Story of Christmas

French's simple yet reverent retelling of the biblical accounts of Jesus' birth is an excellent choice for very young children. The language, easy but never condescending, retains a certain freshness: ""A long time ago God called for the angel Gabriel and gave him a very special message to deliver,"" the story begins. The acrylics star a kindly cast with sweet smiles and shining black-dot eyes; the tone is friendly from cover to cover. Ages 4-up. (Oct.)