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32 pp.
| Clarion |
September, 2001 |
TradeISBN 0-395-97015-6$$15.00
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Kristina Rodanas.
The Christmas song is set firmly in the Middle East with the boy narrator playing a traditional darbuka. While most of the main characters have dark eyes and complexions, Mary is a slightly jarring exception. Nevertheless, the realistic watercolor and pencil illustrations convey the affectionate connections between the characters. The "pa-rum-pum-pum-pum" refrain has been set in gray type, a pleasing design choice. Music is appended.