Two of the most famous characters in recent Irish literary history have returned in a new book, actually two books. First, there is Frank McCourt, the longtime New York City high school teacher who exploded onto the literary scene with his Limerick coming-of-age memoir "Angela's Ashes" in 1997. Then there is Angela, Frank's mom. Frank has written a new book called "Angela and the Baby Jesus." It is based on his mother's youth, specifically an incident which occurred when Angela was six and she stole a baby Jesus from a local church nativity scene. The story revolves around young Angela, worried that baby Jesus, sleeping in the cold, dark church as Christmas approaches, will get sick. He is not even covered with a blanket, little Angela notes. As in his first, most famous book, McCourt gives a distinctive voice to a child with astonishing skill. Angela comes alive as a thoughtful, determined person, even if no one around her sees her that way. This is another magical tale blending grim surroundings with redemptive humor, and aimed at readers of all ages. Literally. "Angela and the Baby Jesus" has been published in two editions. One, for children, includes illustrations by Raul Colon ($17.99 / 32 pages / Simon & Schuster). The adult version of the tale includes (arguably) darker, more complex illustrations by Loren Long. As readers wait for another longer book from McCourt, "Angela and the Baby Jesus" should hold them over for a bit. ($14.95 / 40 pages / Scribner)