Best of
Holiday

1998

A Christmas Dress for Ellen


Thomas S. Monson - 1998
    Her heart was full of sorrow, for there was nothing to fill the stockings, and there would be only a little mush for breakfast. Mary had written to her sisters in Idaho, asking for help with such necessities as wheat, yeast, flour, and cornmeal. She had also asked for clothing and some old, used quilts, for all of hers were thin and full of holes.At the close of the letter, she had written, "If you could just find a dress that someone has outgrown, I could make it over to fit Ellen. She is far too somber for such a young girl. She worries so about the family and about our needs. She has only one dress that she wears all the time, and it is patched and faded."Her letter had gone unanswered, it seemed, and their Christmas would be far from merry. But George Schow, their mailman, had a surprise in store. Could he brave the coming storm and bitter cold to deliver a Christmas miracle? And would there be a special present for Ellen? Find out in this classic tale of Christmas sacrifice and service.About this book: President Thomas S. Monson told the story "A Christmas Dress for Ellen" at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in 1997, and an adaption of his address was published as a Christmas booklet in 1998. The story was related to President Monson by Marian Jeppson Walker (now deceased), a daughter of Mary Jeppson, the mother in the story. Sister Walker and her husband, William, also exchanged correspondence about the story with President Monson over the years. Additional details were obtained through correspondence with descendants of George Schow, the mailman who delivered the long-looked-for packages to the Jeppson family on Christmas Eve. In addition to other family members, those descendants include Mark Schow (now deceased) and Gayla Woolf Holt. The help and information from all these family members is acknowledged and appreciated.

How Santa Got His Job


Stephen Krensky - 1998
    So Santa tried just about everything -- from a chimney sweep to a postman to a circus performer. But none of these worked out. It wasn't until he met a group of elves who helped him use all his special talents, that Santa was able to find his dream job.

Christmas in the Manger


Nola Buck - 1998
    With a simple, lyrical text and radiant artwork, this book is perfect for the youngest child to be a part of the wonder of the Nativity.Parents, grandparents, and caregivers have all embraced this telling. Don't miss this beautiful little book from the acclaimed team of Nola Buck and Felicia Bond.

Five Little Pumpkins


Dan Yaccarino - 1998
    Dan Yaccarino's vibrant and bold illustrations bring these pumpkins to life with personality and style. Toddlers are sure to laugh out loud as these pumpkins roll out of sight!

Winter Nights: Round Midnight\Until Christmas\Kwanzaa Angel


Francis Ray - 1998
    Three of Arabesque's most popular authors pen tales about three different celebrations during this magical time of year, when dreams of desire really do come true.

The Twelve Days of Christmas


Don Daily - 1998
    In this unique interpretation of the classic song “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” Don Daily has us singing along spiritedly with a bevy of animal critters! From juggling polar bears to dancing pigs, this carol comes to life and will be a constant page turner year after year.

The Fourth Wise Man


Susan Summers - 1998
    They knew it signified the birth of a great teacher -- someone who would bring change and hope to the world. There and then they decided to follow the star to pay homage to the newborn child. But along the way Artaban stops to help those in need, and his journey takes him far longer than he could have dreamed.Lovingly written and stunningly illustrated, here is a Christmas story unlike any other, about one man's lifelong search for virtue. The Fourth Wise Man truly captures the real meaning of Christmas and is sure to be a holiday favorite for all ages.

Miracle on 10th Street: And Other Christmas Writings


Madeleine L'Engle - 1998
    She continues this tradition with Miracle on 10th Street, a collection of poignant writings and reflections that give readers a glimpse of how the wonder of Christmas resonates in her personal life, which deeply involves her family and faith: "I think back to that Christmas when my husband and I did not know whether our little girl would live to grow up," she writes. "Between that Christmas and this, there have been many times when I have been in the fiery furnace, but I am beginning to understand who is in there with me and that when I need it, I am given courage I never knew I had." For anyone yearning for the childlike wonder of the Christmas season to arise in them once more, Miracle on 10th Street is a rich and delightful read.

My True Love Gave to Me


Regina Scott - 1998
    But she is shocked when the handsome oldest son Alan proposes a wager: if he can give her all the gifts from the Twelve Days of Christmas song, without spending a penny, she must marry him. Alan’s wild gambit is his last-ditch effort to win Gen’s heart. After all, no Munroe would ever consider marrying a Pentercast. But perhaps the joy of Christmas can open her eyes to the man behind the wager, a man determined to turn the twelve days of Christmas into a lifetime of love. Book 1 in The Marvelous Munroes series, this sweet, clean traditional Regency romance was originally published as The Twelve Days of Christmas by Zebra Regency.

The Very First Christmas


Paul L. Maier - 1998
    Christopher learns the Real Christmas story when he asks his mom to tell him only true stories.

Winnie the Pooh's Christmas Stories (Disney's: Big Book)


Walt Disney Company - 1998
    These lively tales are proven favorites for family sharing!

Mickey's Christmas


Walt Disney Company - 1998
    Help Mickey look for decorations, buy gifts for his friends, and bake to make this the best Christmas ever!

The Tamale Quilt


Jane Tenorio-Coscarelli - 1998
    It is Nana's tamale quilt that helps her get better. "The tamale quilt is yours now and the stories are now yours to tell", she will always remember. Instructional Spanish, recipe, and quilt patterns included.

Christmas with Southern Living 1998


Rebecca Brennan - 1998
    This books offers a full spectrum of recipes from appetizers desserts, as well as featuring both traditional and trendy Christmas decorations and gifts.

The Christmas Mice


Caroline Repchuk - 1998
    

Bat Bones and Spider Stew (First Choice Chapter Book)


Michelle Poploff - 1998
    Get ready to celebrate Halloween with this spooktacular beginning reader chapter book:Henry Hooper is a little nervous about going to his friend Artie Doomsday's house on top of Hallows Hill.  Everybody calls the hill HAUNTED Hill, and when Henry meets Artie's sister Wanda and Granny Doomsday, he starts to wonder if the Doomsday household is haunted, too.  Especially when Granny starts cooking up a big pot of bat bones and spider stew!  Is this some kind of crazy Halloween prank, or is the Doomsday family for real?Michelle Poploff is the author of two chapter books, Splash-a-Roo and Snowflakes and Tea Party for Two.  Bill Basso has illustrated many children's books, including the Dragon Slayers' Academy series and Wolfman Sam.

The Angel of Mill Street


Frances Ward Weller - 1998
    But not without Uncle Ambrose. Every year it is Uncle Ambrose who makes Christmas sing, with his eloquent fiddle and his songs about angels. But as evening wears on with no sign of him Francis Rosalie fears that he may be in trouble. The snow can be deadly for a man with a crippled leg, and even Ambrose's warm heart and fiery spirit are no match for the driving wind and cold. "Oh God, please take care of Uncle Ambrose!" prays Frances Rosalie. It seems that nothing short of a Christmas miracle will bring Ambrose safely home. But who would have guessed that that miracle would be a great, black dog? Frances Ward Weller and Robert J. Blake, author and illustrator of Riptide, team up again to create a most unforgettable angel in this enchanting Christmas tale.

An Old Fashioned Country Christmas: A Celebration of the Holiday Season


Time-Life Books - 1998
    It is the time when we pause to celebrate the joys of family and friends. And in the spirit of this most jubilant occasion, we decorate our homes, prepare special foods, and exchange tokens of love and good cheer.An Old-Fashioned Country Christmas celebrates the many timeless yuletide traditions carried out by families across the country. From a one-time tavern and a Texas ranch to a Victorian home and a modern hacienda, discover how others who love this season create old-fashioned holiday magic using personal flair and traditional accessories. But it's more than inspiration: Here is a practical guide to creating your own memorable Christmas celebration, from inspiring decorating tips and step-by-step instructions for creating handcrafted gifts, to delectable recipes for a traditional holiday meal.