by Kacey Barron

illustrated by Various

One could spend hours poring over the paintings, from Monet and Picasso to Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Grandma Moses. The selection of art complements the stories, written by great writers like Washington Irving, Willa Cather, Louisa May Alcott, and Dylan Thomas. I also love the more contemporary offerings -- like Jimmy Carter's ''Christmas in Plains'' and a delicious piece called ''Christmas in Maine'' about a ''clear December night, with blue Maine stars snapping like sapphires with the cold...and Aunts of every complexion...and cousins by the cart-load. He-ones and she-ones.''

You'll find anything you fancy here -- from poignant stories that make you cry to funny tales like L. Frank Baum's ''Kidnapped Santa Claus or ''Mr. KAPLAN and the Magi.'' This is a book that will last for generations -- it deserves a place in every family's heart.

Hardcover, 10.25" x 14", 240 pages

All ages