On the first Christmas, Befana missed her chance to go to Bethlehem to welcome the newborn Baby. Now, each year, the good Christmas Witch leaves cookies and gifts at the homes of sleeping children, still hoping to find the Christ Child. Perfect for early independent readers, this simple retelling captures all the wonder of the Italian legend.

FROM AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED NAME IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

More than seventy years of educational research and innovative teaching have given the Bank Street College of Education the reputation as America's most trusted name in early childhood education.

Because no two children are exactly alike in their development, we have designed the Bank Street Ready-to-Read series in three levels to accommodate the individual stages of reading readiness of children ages four through eight.

- Level 1: GETTING READY TO READ-- (PRE-K to GRADE 1) Books are perfect for reading aloud with children who are getting ready to read or are just beginning to read words or phrases.

- Level 2: READING TOGETHER--(GRADES 1 to 3) Books are written especiallly for children who are on their way to reading independently but who may need help.

- Level 3: I CAN READ IT MYSELF--(GRADES 2 to 3) Books are designed for children able to read on their own. They also can be enjoyed as read-alouds.