LULLABY FOR A NEWBORN KING

An internationally known Polish illustrator produces a variant on a familiar theme. Simon, a shepherd lad, is among those who go to honor Jesus at the manger; having forgotten to bring a gift, he plays his flute, thus quieting the crying baby. The story includes some well-chosen realistic details that give it immediacy, but what's special here is Wilko's luminous art in muted, subtly modulated tones enlivened by a sense of urgency as peasants (they do look European) and beasts hurry to the stable. (Picture book. 3-8)