NUTCRACKER NOEL

Noel dreams of being a star in a ``real'' ballet, but alas- -in her class production she's only a tree, while arch-rival Mia, of the winsome curls and doting mother, is a gingerbread doll. Suffering pangs of envy, Noel connives for a change. When Mia falls, she scoots for her place, but Miss Olga's in full control; while Mia hops back up and her mom anxiously hovers, the teacher shouts, `` `Parents out! Second-to-last tree, back in line!' '' In the end, a surprise awaits the ambitious tree: her tiered white costume is lovely, the scene where it appears lit magically by candles, while the drab cookie costume covers poor Mia's head entirely; a happy Noel finds herself magnanimously comforting her adversary. From a creatively composed frontispiece of the eager parents, seen from the rear, crowding a doorway to peer at their rehearsing offspring, Jim McMullan portrays the denizens of the dance class with amused affection, satirizing postures and posturing with equal skill. A delightful addition to the annals of young performers. (Picture book. 3-8)