Best of
Christmas

2003

Silent Night, Holy Night: The Story of the Christmas Truce


Stephen Wunderli - 2003
    What lay between them in the early months of the First Great War was a field of sorrow - No Man's Land - littered with barbed wire and decaying corpses. This sober background is the setting for this very powerful and poignant true story previously known as "The Christmas Truce." For two days, their guns were silent as men who had shot at each other only hours before experienced a miracle, as they laid down their weapons to exchange gifts and special holiday traditions. This common bond of Christmas was shared in a spontaneous celebration that culminated in the singing of the beloved carol "Silent Night." Almost a century later this amazing story is retold by Walter Cronkite with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in this beautiful Christmas gift book, Beautifully illustrated by Robert T. Barrett. A CD with Walter Cronkite's incomparable narration of the story and the Choir's stirring rendition of "Silent Night" is included with this must-have Christmas keepsake. This book and CD will become a Christmas tradition for families across the country. The book contains Cronkite's narration and so families can listen to the CD as they follow along in the book. This story of peace on earth is as applicable today as it was then.

Season's Eatings: A Very Merry Garfield Christmas (Garfield Classics)


Jim Davis - 2003
    . . er, um . . . Greetings! Garfield knows Christmas isn’t just about the presents–it’s also about the cookies, the cakes, the lasagnas, the holiday hams, and all the delicious, creamy eggnog you can drink! From the day after Thanksgiving–when the season of goodies officially begins–to the last of the figgy pudding, Christmas is the best time of year to be America’s favorite fat cat!The perfect stocking stuffer, this uproarious collection features Garfield Christmas strips from the last twenty-five years–and that means a lot of good times and warm memories. So join Garfield, Jon, Odie, and the rest of the gang for some holiday cheer. There’s sure to be tree trimming, hall decking, bell jingling, over eating, Odie-teasing, and lots of yuletide fun. If everyone was good this year, who knows, Santa may even pay a visit! From the Hardcover edition.

Christmas in Mitford Gift Set


Jan Karon - 2003
    Brimming with the holiday spirit, an old-fashioned snowman-building contest, plenty of hot chocolate, and Esther's famous marmalade cake, this new boxed set of Mitford treats is guaranteed to fill readers—and stockings—with contagious good cheer.

The Jesse Tree


Geraldine McCaughrean - 2003
    "I'm carving a Jesse tree, if you must know. Now run along out of here. A church isn t for playing in." "Is that your name, then? Jesse?" The carpenter was impatient to get back to work. "Of course not. A Jesse tree is a very ancient tradition. A thousand years ago, every church had a Jesse tree. A stained-glass window or a carved wooden screen . . . Nowadays, it 's a lost art."As Mr. Butterfield carves a Jesse Tree in an old dusty church, a curious young boy distracts him, asking about the various symbols on the tree. Against his better judgment, the old man finds himself retelling the familiar Biblical tales that trace the lineage of Christ, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus birth. Under the carpenter 's skilled hands, the Jesse tree grows and an unlikely friendship begins to take root as well.Geraldine McCaughrean's fresh retellings of familiar Bible events and Bee Willey 's whimsical and striking illustrations create a rich and contemporary tale, perfect for reading during Advent or anytime.The Jesse Tree will captivate readers who know and love the Bible stories as well as those who are reading them for the first time.

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend


Julie Stiegemeyer - 2003
    This picturebook rendition of the historical roots of Father Christmas recounts the life of Saint Nicholas, a pastor in 4th-century Lycia (modern-day Turkey), whose generosity was so profound that he became known as Father Christmas.

Look-Alikes Christmas: The More You Look, the More You See!


Joan Steiner - 2003
    Simple verses challenge readers to identify the everyday objects used to construct nine three-dimensional Christmas scenes, including a cathedral, Nutcracker ballet, and Santa's workshop.

Are You Grumpy Santa?


Gregg Spiridellis - 2003
    Particularly on that fateful Christmas Eve. . . First off, Santa steps out of bed and stubs his toe on a bowling ball. Then the elves shrink his Santa suit, Mrs. Claus puts him on a diet, and his reindeer nearly crash into the North Pole. When Santa finally reaches the first house on his list, his "bowl full of jelly" gets him stuck in the chimney! Things turn from bad to worse when he's chased by a Parisian poodle and slips on a rigatoni noodle. Santa is ready to throw in the towel, when at his very last house he is reminded of what Christmas is really about-the gift of love. This merrily irreverent picture book, brought to life by Gregg and Evan Spiridellis, will tickle funny bones and touch hearts far and wide.

The 12 Days of Christmas: The Story Behind a Favorite Christmas Song


Helen C. Haidle - 2003
    In this beautifully illustrated book, you'll learn the history of the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany (January 6th) and the commemoration of the gifts given on each day. teaching of Christ other than their own, many parents who refused to join the church also used the song to teach their children in secret. beloved song as you learn the wonderful story of Christ redemption for all of us. souls.

Spongebob's Christmas Wish


Kim Ostrow - 2003
    When she tells SpongeBob everything about the holiday, he gets everyone in town to write letters to Santa Claus...everyone, that is, except for Squidward. But will Santa be able to find his way all the way down to Bikini Bottom? And will he be able to grant everyone's Christmas wish? Join SpongeBob in this touching yuletide story and find out!

It's a Wonderful Life: A Memory Book


Stephen Cox - 2003
    Paperback release of 2003 holiday bestseller which offers behind the scenes info on this holiday classic as well as current info on stars from the show.

The Wondrous And True Story Of Christmas


Gordon B. Hinckley - 2003
    

A Peter Rabbit Christmas Collection


Beatrix Potter - 2003
    Hidden among these favourites are some of her previously-unpublished Christmas-card illustrations.This beautiful treasury has something for everyone.Beatrix Potter is regarded as one of the world's best-loved children's authors of all time. From her first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, published by Frederick Warne in 1902, she went on to create a series of stories based around animal characters including Mrs. Tiggy-winkle, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-duck, Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Tom Kitten. Her humorous, lively tales and beautiful illustrations have become a natural part of childhood.Look out for The Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson, too!

My Merry Christmas: And the Real Reason for Christmas Joy


Sally Lloyd-Jones - 2003
    This charming book helps children relate secular holiday customs and symbols—lights, angels, trees, stars, and gifts—to something more important: the story of Jesus’ birth.

T'was the Night Before Christmas and Other Seasonal Favorites


Metropolitan Museum of Art - 2003
    From a medieval stained glass window to Arthur Rackham's familiar watercolors to Romare Bearden's collage, these artworks bring new meaning to classic Christmas readings by Walter de la Mare, Eleanor Farjeon, Langston Hughes, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, e.e. cummings, Edgar Allen Poe, and - of course - Clement C. Moore. A family classic, this volume will be treasured year after year.

Rockin' Around That Christmas Tree


Donna Hill - 2003
    As a matter of fact, it seems that is all she has been in the twenty-plus years she and her husband, Edward, have been married. But the kids are grown and out of the house, and she's ready to live a few dreams of her own. Edward, however, would like to keep things just the way they are, and Denise realizes that if she doesn't do something drastic, then all she will ever be is a mother and wife. When Denise drops the bomb at Thanksgiving dinner that she is leaving Edward and selling the house, everyone is stunned, and her announcement opens the door to Morrison Family Dysfunction 101. Edward moves in with his crazy Aunt Etta, their daughter Christine moves back home when she suspects her husband is cheating on her, and their son Anthony is simply dazed and confused. In the midst of it all, Edward hatches a plan to get his wife back. Not only does he plan to be back at home and in their bed, but he also knows that, come Christmas, he and Denise will be...Rockin' Around That Christmas Tree.

Santa's Suit


Kate Lee - 2003
    . ."RED is the best, and it matches Rudolph's nose."

Silent Night, Holy Night: The Story of the Christmas Truce with CD


The Mormon Tabernacle Choir - 2003
    What lay between them in the early months of the First Great War was a field of sorrow - No Man's Land - littered with barbed wire and decaying corpses. This sober background is the setting for this very powerful and poignant true story previously known as "The Christmas Truce". For two days, their guns were silent as men who had shot at each other only hours before experienced a miracle, as they laid down their weapons to exchange gifts and special holiday traditions. This common bond of Christmas was shared in a spontaneous celebration that culminated in the singing of the beloved carol "Silent Night." Almost a century later this amazing story is retold by Walter Cronkite with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in this beautiful Christmas gift book, Beautifully illustrated by Robert T. Barrett. A CD with Walter Cronkite's incomparable narration of the story and the Choir's stirring rendition of "Silent Night" is included with this must-have Christmas keepsake. This book and CD will become a Christmas tradition for families across the country. The book contains Cronkite's narration and so families can listen to the CD as they follow along in the book. This story of peace on earth is as applicable today as it was then.

The Candle in the Window


Grace Johnson - 2003
    Refusing to celebrate Christmas in his disillusionment, German cobbler Gunther is surprised when visitors to his shop place a candle in his window that they say will light the way for the Christ Child's visit.

The Gift of the King's Jewler


Steven L. Peck - 2003
    but to make it, he must defy the king. Should he risk his life? And if he does, what is to be done this this strange device?

A Christmas Gift for Mama


Lauren Thompson - 2003
    Times are hard for everyone this year, but especially so for Grace and her mother, since Grace's father died the spring before. Christmas was always a time of cheer and celebration before Papa died, but this year, in their cold, small apartment, and with Mama working long hours for a seamstress, Christmas has lost its magic.

The Nutcracker


Michael Hague - 2003
    In The Nutcracker, Michael Hague's show-stopping artwork brings the excitement of this festive holiday story to life.The timeless appeal of this classical Christmas tales in this visually stunning mini edition is a glorious tribute to the most magical night of the year.

The Christmas Guest [With CD]


Andy Griffith - 2003
    American icon Andy Griffith brings new life to this timeless tale. Included in the back cover of the book is a CD which has a narrative of the story by Andy Griffith. This special CD also features Andy singing "Go Tell It On The Mountain," from his latest Christmas album.

The Christmas Almanac


Lena Tabori - 2003
    Part reference, part anthology, part cookbook, part history book, part songbook, part shopping guide, part crafts, and part trivia book, this hefty volume with 200 color illustrations belongs on every family’s shelf. Each of eight chapters is a combination of elements based on its particular theme. They include:• Classic Stories–from The Fir Tree by Hans Christian Anderson to Eleanor Roosevelt’s Christmas at Hyde Park • Poems–including A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore and Lewis Carroll’s Christmas Greetings from a Fairy to a Child • Recipes–American standards such as Sugar Cookies and Cranberry Sauce; classic recipes from around the world; Christmas drinks; and entertaining ideas• History & Traditions–The legend of St. Nick, why we hang stockings and much, much more!• Carols–complete with lyrics and music, from “Deck the Halls” to “Silent Night”• Games–to entertain children and grown-ups alike at holiday festivities• Gifts–where to buy them, what to buy, gifts to make, stocking stuffer ideas, tipping guides, and Christmas card etiquette• Facts & Trivia–Where is a white Christmas guaranteed? Who made the world’s largest Christmas card? • Shopping–Want to get your tree fresh from Vermont? Serve the coolest hot chocolate around? Send out the best fruitcake? • Entertainment–celebrations around the country and the world, the best concerts, festivals, movies, music, and ballets• Tips–How to have a “green” Christmas, make sure Santa writes your kids back, and track him on-line as he makes his way around the world • Crafts–learn how to make tree decorations, orange clove balls, mini cookie & candy trees, cookie puzzles, scented sachets, and snow globes!• Volunteering–cook and deliver Christmas dinners, make a child’s Christmas wish list come true, or participate in a coat drive–here are tons of options!

The Christmas Story


Ian Beck - 2003
    A perfect first book of the Nativity; simply told and beautifully illustrated by Ian Beck.

A Christmas Carol


Lesley Sims - 2003
    But Scrooge is in for a shock. Three christmas spirits take Scrooge on a ghostly journey through life. Coming face-to-face with his past and present is bad enough, but what's in store for his future?The classic Dickens story retold for children growing in reading confidence. Ebenezer Scrooge is a mean-spirited old man who hates everything - even Christmas! But when three spirits visit him one Christmas Eve, Scrooge is taken on a journey into the past, present and future that will change him forever. Part of Young Reading Series 2 for readers growing in confidence.

Baby Blessings Christmas


Alice Davidson - 2003
    Baby's first presentation of the true Christmas story! Stories of the angles' announcements, the trip to Bethlehem, Jesus' birth, the shepherds' joy and the wise men's visit are enhanced by the simple art and holographic foil accents.

It Really Said Christmas


Laurie Parker - 2003
    Both children and children-at-heart will enjoy accompanying the family in the story as they take their annual holiday ride past brightly adorned homes and yards. It Really Said Christmas takes the reader on a delightful drive that culminates with a heart-warming reminder of the true reason why we celebrate the holiday.

The Gift of Christmas


R. Kent Hughes - 2003
    It is the story of salvation.This is the purpose of The Gift of Christmas: to retell the timeless story of Christ's birth in a way that will speak today with unique power. To that end, the book combines fine art with thoughtful meditations on the biblical story by R. Kent Hughes.It begins when the angel Gabriel appears to an old, childless man and tells him that his aged wife will bear a son who will prepare the way for the coming of the Savior.It tells how the angel again appears to an astonished young Jewish girl, telling her that she, as a virgin, will conceive and bear the long-awaited Savior of the world.It recounts the joy of Elizabeth and the magnificent song of Mary celebrating the salvation of the Lord.And when The Gift of Christmas turns to the birth of Christ, the familiar, ageless story comes to life, revealing the true meaning of the Incarnation in an unforgettable way.This is the gift of Christmas-the very Son of God-offered to all who will take the time to understand and accept what God has done to save us from our sin. With masterful art and writing, The Gift of Christmas celebrates God's perfect gift, retelling the story of eternity with freshness and vigor.

Clopper the Christmas Donkey


Emily King - 2003
    The Christmas story is beautifully illustrated by an award-winning artist and uniquely told by Clopper, Mary and Joseph's adorable donkey.

The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book


Rebecca Brennan - 2003
    Whether a guide or a gift, The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book is one book that will keep on giving Christmas after Christmas.Key Features:-- Over 400 full-color photographs of holiday decorating ideas-- 250 kitchen-tested holiday recipes-- Handy substitution charts and menu-planning timetables-- Over 250 step-by-step decorations; over 100 easy-to-make gifts, cards, and tags-- 100 helpful illustrations and full-size patterns

Angelina Ballerina's Christmas Crafts


Katharine Holabird - 2003
    A countdown paper chain plus 25 more projects will keep little girls busy right up till the big day! Includes 16 gift tags and 56 stickers.

My First Oxford Book of Christmas Poems


John Foster - 2003
    Imagine listening for carol singers or the sound of Santa's sleigh. Imagine following a star to find a baby in a stable. Here is a festive collection of poetry for children, with poems from Charles Causley, Eleanor Farjeon, Clement C. Moore, Berlie Doherty, A.A. Milne, and many more. Beautifully illustrated by Mark Marshall, Joanne Partis and Melanie Williamson, these are poems to enjoy again and again: from opening the first window on an advent calendar to putting away the Christmas decorations on twelfth night. My First Oxford Book of Christmas Poems is a must for every bookshelf, whether at home or at school.An excerpt from My First Oxford Book of Christmas PoemsTHE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMASby Clement Clarke Moore'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the houseNot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowGave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.To be continued.

A Medieval Christmas


Anonymous - 2003
    Intricate in scale and radiant with gold and colors, these manuscripts represent the popular ideal of the medieval illuminated book.The well-loved story is recounted in the words of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible. This masterly translation of the New Testament complements the magnificent illustrations, making this the perfect Christmas gift to be treasured by young and old.With the combination of the beautiful RSV translation and the glorious color miniatures, readers will be deeply inspired by both word and art. The RSV has been acclaimed for many decades as the most accurate, readable and beautiful translation of the Bible in English.

Samantha's Christmas Crafts [With GlitterWith Beads]


American Girl - 2003
    A collection of crafts and recipes, which Samantha, a girl of the early 1900s, might have used to celebrate Christmas.

An Unexpected Christmas


Donna VanLiere - 2003
    

Baby Jesus Is Born: Touch and Feel


Allia Zobel Nolan - 2003
    (20040603)

Corgiville Christmas


Tasha Tudor - 2003
    Mr. and Mrs. Bigbee Brown warm themselves by the wood stove as they drink their tea. Mr. Chicahominy, his two wives, and mother-in-law live in a house overlooking the pond. During the season he puts his haberdashery on wheels, peddling by wagon all about town. Families make special wreaths for the animals, and age Dundee cake for months. Finally, on December 25, the parlor door opens to reveal a magnificent Christmas tree with lighted candles and shining ornaments.

Tiny Snowflake Picture Book


Art Ginolfi - 2003
    Carried through a quiet, wintry night with gentle nudges from the wind, Lacy discovers that God will make us all sparkle, if we only trust His will. Through the soft words of Art Ginolfi and warm illustrations of Louise Max, The Tiny Snowflake tells a story of hope and reassurance for hearts of all ages.

Norman Rockwell Christmas


Margaret Rockwell - 2003
    This charming collection presents more than seventy of the artist's beloved Christmas scene s-including many rarities--and offers a taste of holiday cheer as seen through the eyes of the master illustrator.

Emma's Gift


Molly Schaar Idle - 2003
    Not only that, but the forecast calls for "no snow." Fortunately, Grandmother sent Emma's present early and calls to tell her to go ahead and open it. Emma finds boots, mittens, and a scarf. She sets out to buy the morning paper for her mother, and on the trip she gives away all her presents to people who need them more than she does. As she nears her home, a bus stops, and Grandmother gets off. It begins to snow.