Best of
Christmas

1997

Jotham's Journey: A Storybook for Advent


Arnold Ytreeide - 1997
    Rejoice in his encounters with wise men, shepherds, and innkeepers until at last he finds his way to the Savior born in Bethlehem.

The Legend of the Candy Cane


Lori Walburg - 1997
    Who is he? Why has he come? The townspeople wish he were a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader. But the children have the greatest wish of all, a deep, quiet, secret wish. Then a young girl named Lucy befriends the newcomer. When he reveals his identity and shares with her the legend of the candy cane, she discovers fulfillment of her wishes and the answer to her town's dreams. Now will she share what she has learned? Warm, lavish illustrations by James Bernardin bring to life a timeless tale by Lori Walburg, a story that will help families celebrate the mystery and miracle of Christmas—for many Christmases to come.

Olive, the Other Reindeer


J. Otto Seibold - 1997
    the other Reindeer... I thought I was a dog. Hmmm, I must be a Reindeer!" So she quickly hops aboard the polar express and heads to the North Pole. And while Santa and the other reindeer are a bit surprised that a dog wants to join the their team, in the end Olive and her unusual reindeer skills are just what Santa and his veteran reindeer team need. Colorful graphic illustrations accompany this zany dog story from the well-known author and artist team, Vivian and J.otto Seibold. Adorable Olive and her hilarious adventures are sure to make anyone's Christmas merry.

Cosmic Christmas


Max Lucado - 1997
    Was the birth of Jesus a quietly profound event? Or could it have included heavenly battles, angel armies, and a scheming Satan? Come along as Lucado takes us on a journey into his imagination-pulling back the curtain as we see what might have taken place on "Cosmic Christmas."

The Parable Series: The Pine Tree Parable


Liz Curtis Higgs - 1997
    The Pine Tree Parable tells the heartwarming tale of a farmer and his family who nurture tiny seedlings into fragrant Christmas trees.When the trees are tall enough to offer to their neighbors, the farmer's wife plans to keep the most beautiful pine tree for her family, until one snowy December night when a child teaches her the true meaning of Christmas.Book Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 8/1/1997 Pages: 36 Reading Level: Age 3 and Up

December


Eve Bunting - 1997
    On Christmas Eve they take in a frail stranger who needs a place to keep warm, and the next morning Simon wakes early to find that the woman has vanished. Instead, he sees December, the angel from the picture, with her wings fanned out over their cardboard house. Could she be real?

Tidings of Comfort & Joy: A Tender Story of Love, Loss, and Reunion


T. Davis Bunn - 1997
    A story of love and loss and caring, of separation and reunion. Of small acts of heroism in a distant and war-weary English village, now half a century ago.As her grandmother shares this story with Marissa, the two discover that the most precious gift of Christmas is that of the present. And the season of giving is not limited to once a year.

Miracle of Saint Nicholas


Gloria Whelan - 1997
    Alexi's babushka was telling him what Christmas was like when she was a girl--before the soldiers came. "Our church was as crowded as a pod full of peas. Candles made the church as bright as the sunniest day. Watching over us was the blessed icon of St. Nicholas." Alexi had many questions, including, "Why can't we celebrate Christmas tomorrow in St. Nicholas?" Babushka sadly replied that it would take a miracle after sixty years. Well, Alexi had heard enough. If there truly was such a thing as a miracle, why couldn't it happen here? And so unfolds a story that poignantly reveals how, though quiet and hidden, faith and hope cannot be suppressed--by soldiers or by time.

A Christmas Carol


Shona McKellar - 1997
    An authoritative retelling of Dickens's classic Christmas story about an elderly miser who, with the help of some ghostly visitors, discovers the true meaning of the holiday is accompanied by detailed annotations providing background information about the tale and its setting.

A Little House Christmas: Volume 2


Laura Ingalls Wilder - 1997
    With foil-stamped and embossed title type, a Christmasy green background and holly border, lavish cream-colored paper, and full-color Garth Williams cover and interior artwork, here's a classic Christmas story collection that will be treasured year after year.

Little Red Buckets: A Story of Family and Giving


Lynda M. Nelson - 1997
    and Mrs. Nie. As a token of gratitude, Mrs. Nie gives Jenny a crystal angel -- her most prized possession. But the greatest gift comes after Jenny's family is struck by tragedy, and Mrs. Nie provides a miraculous Christmas Eve gift -- on the wings of an angel -- that heals their hearts...

An Angel Just Like Me


Mary Hoffman - 1997
    As Tyler combs the stores looking for a black angel, he discovers there are none to be found. But sometimes Santa has a surprise or two in his sleigh . . . Beautifully written and illustrated, this appealing story tackles the serious issues of race and gender in a way that all children can understand.

I'll Be Home for Christmas


Thomas Kinkade - 1997
    Full color.

Silent Night: The Song and Its Story


Margaret Hodges - 1997
    Filled with rich, warm illustrations, this delightful book tells how the beloved carol "Silent Night" came to be written and how its message of hope and peace has been shared through the world. Full color.

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking


Rick Osborne - 1997
    Kids will learn about what it means to give to others, and how they can share God’s love during the Christmas season.Inside, you and your children can discover:How the Christmas stocking was inspired by the life of Saint Nicolas, and why it became a way to give to those in needWhy giving is better than receiving, and the joy that comes when we give someone a presentWhy we still hang stockings on the mantel todayPeter has saved up for a special boat at the toy shop. But when it looks like his dad won’t be home in time for Christmas with the money his family needs for gifts, he hears the story of how a man named Nicolas secretly gave all his gold to three poor girls. Peter then has to decide what to do with money he’s saved.The Legend of the Christmas Stocking is:Perfect as a gift for boys and girls ages 4-8, grandchildren, and nieces and nephewsIdeal as a family reading tradition for Advent, Christmas, or anytime in the holiday seasonGreat as a gift for people who love the history behind Christmas and holiday traditionsIf you enjoy The Legend of the Christmas Stocking, check out other books in the Legends series: The Legend of the Candy Cane, The Legend of Saint Nicholas, The Legend of the Christmas Cookie, The Legend of the Christmas Tree, and The Legend of the Easter Egg.

My Master's Touch: A Heartwarming Tale of Love, Loyalty, and Devotion


Lynda M. Nelson - 1997
    By following and serving Jesus, Meshak grows to understand the importance of the goodness that Jesus tries to inspire in people's souls. And through faith and perseverance, Meshak is able to follow his master from this world into the next...

McDuff's New Friend


Rosemary Wells - 1997
    These endearing tales, illustrated by Jeffers and written by Rosemary Wells, follow the life and adventures of McDuff, a spunky West Highland terrier. With her realistic imagery and richly hued palette, Jeffers serves up a storybook version of 1930s England, the perfect playground for McDuff and his memorable cast of characters.In addition to the McDuff series, Susan has also illustrated this spring's Love Songs of the Little Bear, written by Margaret Wise Brown, an endearing picture book that celebrates the profundity in everyday moments and simple things. Jeffers has also adapted and illustrated the New York Times' best-seller Brother Eagle, Sister Sky and The Three Jovial Huntsmen, for which she received a Caldecott Honor Award and illustrated Lassie Come-Home, written by Rosemary Wells.Westie lovers will be thrilled to learn that McDuff's adventures continue this fall with Jeffers and Wells's latest collaboration, McDuff Goes to School, introducing a lovable new friend -- a black Scottie named Marie Antoinette.

A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories


Bettye Collier-Thomas - 1997
    Originally published in African American newspapers, periodicals, and journals between 1880 and 1953, these enchanting Christmas tales are part of the black literary tradition that flourished after the Civil War.Edited and assembled by esteemed historian Dr. Bettye Collier-Thomas, the short stories and poems in this collection reflect the Christmas experiences of everyday African Americans and explore familial and romantic love, faith, and more serious topics such as racism, violence, poverty, and racial identity. Featuring the best stories and poems from previous editions along with new material including "The Sermon in the Cradle" by W. E. B. Du Bois, A Treasury of African American Christmas Stories celebrates a rich storytelling tradition and will be cherished by readers for years to come.

Real 12 Days of Christmas


Helen C. Haidle - 1997
    Most people don't know the spiritual symbolism that was hidden into the lyrics of this cheerful song during a church-persecution era in England. Parents could then use this song to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas. For instance, a partridge is an ancient symbol of Christ, shown by the bird that will lay down its life for its young. Four calling birds symbolize the four gospels, and so on.

The Son of God: A Christmas Message


Gordon B. Hinckley - 1997
    

Dream of Santa: Haddon Sundblom's Advertising Paintings for Christmas, 1932-1964


Barbara Charles - 1997
    This gorgeous, full-color hardcover book brings the paintings together in a collection that will warm the hearts of generations brought up on these nostalgic holiday images. Features a historical introductory text and an essay on Sundblom's art as well as explanatory captions throughout.

Spunky's First Christmas


Janette Oke - 1997
    When he gets lost, a puppy remembers hearing the story about the birth of his young owner's Master and that helps him find his way home.

The Greatest Gift: The Story of the Other Wise Man


Susan Summers - 1997
    A fourth Wise Man delays journeying with the other Magi to see the newborn Jesus, but after thirty-three years of helping others he has an unusual opportunity to meet his Savior.

I Smell Christmas: Scratch-and-sniff Book


Mercer Mayer - 1997
    9 spreads.

Faces of Christmas Past


Bill Holm - 1997
    This Exceptional Memoir speaks with wit and grace to the perils of Christmas and self-imposed ritual duty (like the newsy Christmas xerox).

Christmas with Victoria


Adrienne E. Short - 1997
    Christmas with Victoria collects the year's best, centered on the holiday theme. Gorgeous photographs proclaim, in the words of editor-in-chief Peggy Kennedy, "the many moods of Christmas: nostalgic, pastoral, elegant, or ... pretty." In trademark Victoria style, the expected touches all make their appearance; the ornaments, trimmings, displays, and table settings all feature such elements as yards of pastel ribbons, lots of lacy flourishes, arrays of antique crockery and vintage flatware, the patina of the weathered farmhouse, the gleam of silver candlesticks. An extensive food section (comprising about half the book) supplies tempting recipes for an afternoon open house, a full-fledged winter feast, and a multitude of baked-goods gifts. There's really not much substance to the project component--a few ornaments and stockings, some sachets and garlands, and the like--but everything, as Peggy Kennedy declares, is very pretty. --Amy Handy

Christmas with Rosamunde Pilcher


Rosamunde Pilcher - 1997
    From the quiet preparations of writing her holiday greetings to the sweet smells rising from her kitchen as she bakes the cakes and cookies her children and grandchildren look forward to year after year, the entire family joins in to prepare the home for the arrival of friends. Share in the Pilcher family's laughter and joy through the season as they tell stories, play in the snow, sing carols, and simply enjoy being in each other's company. This handsome book is filled with photographs of the Pilchers as they celebrate the holiday-- wrapping gifts, decorating the tree, savoring a fine Christmas dinner. There are also stunning images of Scotland in all of its delicate December beauty. Rosamunde Pilcher reminisces about an unexpectedly special Christmas celebration and shares other bits of Pilcher holiday lore, as well as their favorite Christmas carols. Inside, you will find Rosamunde Pilcher's charming holiday story "Miss Cameron at Christmas." She also shares her holiday recipes for scones, shortbread, roast turkey, Christmas pudding, chestnut stuffing, and many more Pilcher family favorites. "Christmas with Rosamunde Pilcher" is a lovely gift. You'll find her home during the Christmas season as warm and inviting as her novels.

The Miraculous Child: A Christmas Folktale from Old Russia


Alvin Alexsi Currier - 1997
    Although the story has a Christmas theme, it can be read at any time of the year, as an illustration of the text of Hebrews 13:2: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." The classic folktale is retold by Alvin Aleksi Currier and is illustrated by Nadja Glazunova. Picture book for preschool and up.

The Greatest Gift


Melody Carlson - 1997
    The hearts of both children and adults will be touched as they read how Grace, smallest of the angels, chooses to leave the glory of heaven to become the Christmas star that lights the Son's way to earth. Because of her great love for Him, she gives all -- finally finishing her task, burning out, and falling to earth. But readers will rejoice over the redemptive ending and be moved by a life that has learned what it means to give The Greatest Gift!

The Tiny Star


Art Ginolfi - 1997
    The story teaches children that they are special, that God can and will use them, and that even the smallest are important to God.

Decorating for the Holidays


Martha Stewart - 1997
    Divided into three sections -- "Deck the Halls", "Trim the Tree", and "Set the Table" -- the book features hundreds of ideas for everything from wrapping a banister with traditional garlands and baking gingerbread snowflakes for the tree to creating candy cane centerpieces and folding origami ornaments. The editors of Martha Stewart Living have combined the magazine's most popular holiday decorating tips with new material -- more than 60 percent of the ideas have never appeared in any previous Martha Stewart publication.

Merry Christmas, Thomas the Tank Engine!


Wilbert Awdry - 1997
    

Traditional Christmas Two: Cooking, Crafts & Gifts


Cowles Creative Publishing - 1997
    -- Filled with crafts, decorating ideas and recipes.-- Helps create lasting Christmas memories.-- All projects are explained with step-by-step simplicity.

The Indescribable Gift


Richard Exley - 1997
    The arrival of our Lord was not in a fitting location for a king, but He began changing lives immediately. Richard Exley has crafted this mosaic of ten vivid and charming vignettes of the very real and human people whose lives were first touched by the Savior: Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, the shepherds, the wise men. The vibrant, profoundly moving artwork brings the stories to life, and makes this book an instant heirloom.