THREE WISE WOMEN
by Mary Hoffman
Three Wise Women (32 pp.; $16.99; Oct.; 0-8037-2466-7) This uninspired retelling of the gifts of the magi adds little to the original version. Three women from very different cultures share a journey to the birthplace of Jesus. Arriving at the manger, each woman offers a gift from her heart that represents something unique to her and that will become meaningful in the life of the child as he grows to manhood. Deep blues, glowing reds, and rich purples spill over the spreads, lending visual depth to an otherwise disappointingly shallow story. (Picture book. 4-8)