cover image SANTA'S LAST PRESENT

SANTA'S LAST PRESENT

Marie-Aude Murail, Elvire Murail, , illus. by Quentin Blake. . Peachtree, $12.95 (0pp) ISBN 978-1-56145-319-1

You're never too old to experience the magic of Christmas. So goes the resonant theme in this stocking stuffer–size gift book. Justin thinks he's too old for Santa, but to humor his parents, he pretends to believe in him, just one last year. A very special present left under the tree—one that Justin didn't request—makes the boy and his parents converts for life. Blake's (Clown ) relaxed and wiry-lined watercolors do much to convey a heartfelt turning point in a boy's childhood. Ages 8-12. (Sept.)