AN ISLAND CHRISTMAS
by Lynn Joseph & illustrated by Catherine Stock
In the vernacular Joseph used so effectively in A Wave in Her Pocket (1991, ALA Notable), Rosie describes her family's preparations for a Trinidad Christmas: plucking sorrel to make a traditional drink, baking currant cake, welcoming the ``parang'' men who serenade from house to house, repainting the guava branch the family uses as a tree. Finally, on the day, there's a large family gathering, gifts, and a visit to church to sing ``Happy Birthday to Jesus.'' In what may be her loveliest illustrations ever, Stock portrays the joyful activity in freely painted watercolors that beautifully evoke the island setting and vibrant, warmhearted characters. A welcome contribution. (Picture book. 4-8)