On Christmas Eve, two Midwestern siblings set out on a snowy walk, discussing holiday matters and -dear old Santa,- when they spot him walking into the town-s church. They quietly follow and watch, wide-eyed, as he kneels in prayer at the Nativity scene. Santa begins in gratitude before voicing a -concern for the children- and praying that, rather than contributing to -fleeting fancies/ Rarely lasting beyond the day,- he might remind children of -your life and your love/ And the example you have shown.- After Santa exits, the children, too, approach the altar with thanks. Told in consistent rhyme, Roberts-s didactic message comes off strong, making it difficult to connect with the characters and the tale, while Moss-s sparse line-and-wash illustrations leave stark white space on each spread. A bland, albeit straightforward telling of one Christian ethos around Christmas. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)