Born on Christmas Eve 1920, John Langstaff probably heard his first family caroling party from the womb. By the age of seven, Jack was a boarder at Grace Church choir school and had committed his life to his music. After a successful career as a concert baritone and teacher, Jack’s interest in tradition music and dance made him The Magic Maker (Candlewick, $22.99). In 1971, Langstaff created the Christmas Revels, a celebration of the winter solstice that incorporates traditional music, dance, and drama into a communal performance with audience participation. Susan Cooper’s portrait of Langstaff shares the Revels’ “theatrical magic” and the man behind the enchantment. Ages 14 and up. HWP