Best of
Holiday

2009

The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks


Jan Berenstain - 2009
    But will Sister Bear’s pet turkey play the part of dinner? The Berenstain Bears Give Thanks teaches how God provided for the pilgrims and reminds children of God’s many blessings.

Turkey Trouble


Wendi Silvano - 2009
    Bad trouble. The kind of trouble where it’s almost Thanksgiving…and you’re the main course. But Turkey has an idea—what if he doesn’t look like a turkey? What if he looks like another animal instead?After many hilarious attempts, Turkey comes up with the perfect disguise to make this Thanksgiving the best ever!Wendi Silvano’s comical story is perfectly matched by Lee Harper’s watercolors.

The Christmas List


Richard Paul Evans - 2009
    Johnson, gave our class the intriguing (if somewhat macabre) assignment of writing our own obituaries. Oddly, I don't remember much of what I wrote about my life, but I do remember how I died: in first place on the final lap of the Daytona 500. At the time, I hadn't considered writing as an occupation, a field with a remarkably low on-the-job casualty rate.What intrigues me most about Mrs. Johnson's assignment is the opportunity she gave us to confront our own legacy. How do we want to be remembered? That question has motivated our species since the beginning of time: from building pyramids to putting our names on skyscrapers.As I began to write this book, I had two objectives: First, I wanted to explore what could happen if someone read their obituary before they died and saw, firsthand, what the world really thought of them. Their legacy.Second, I wanted to write a Christmas story of true redemption. One of my family's holiday traditions is to see a local production of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. I don't know how many times I've seen it (perhaps a dozen), but it still thrills me to see the change that comes over Ebenezer Scrooge as he transforms from a dull, tight-fisted miser into a penitent, "giddy-as-aschoolboy" man with love in his heart. I always leave the show with a smile on my face and a resolve to be a better person. That's what I wanted to share with you, my dear readers, this Christmas -- a holiday tale to warm your season, your homes, and your hearts.Merry Christmas

Fancy Nancy: Splendiferous Christmas


Jane O'Connor - 2009
    Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? In this merriest of stories from bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way!

Cowboy Christmas


Mary Connealy - 2009
    Trouble follows singer Annette Talbot to Wyoming—and rancher Elijah Walker finds himself directly in its path. Though still wounded by the betrayal of his ex-fiancée, Elijah finds himself attracted to the secretive singer. When it appears Annie is a threat to his mother’s life, Elijah must decide if Annie’s deep faith and love of God is genuine or if it’s all just a ruse. He decides to trust her—until he discovers she’s a wanted woman. As Christmas draws near, will Elijah respond to God’s gentle persuasion to find the truth before he loses Annie forever?

The Spirit of Christmas


Nancy Tillman - 2009
    But the best gift of all-the most magical gift of the season-is when we spend Christmas with those we love.Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for the Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy Tillman has hidden on every page!)

The Christmas Magic


Lauren Thompson - 2009
    He gathers his reindeer, feeds them parsnips and berries, and polishes his bells and his sled. Then lovingly, he chooses toys for every child in the world. For Santa loves them all, and he knows what each child at heart wants most. Then, with the thrum of magic that makes reindeers fly, he spreads the Christmas joy and warmth throughout the world--as he always has -- and always will until the end of time. Lauren Thompson is known for her uncanny ability to reach the hearts and minds of the youngest readers. Jon J Muth's luminescent watercolor strike all the perfect chords in this warm, reassuring Christmas story.

Angels at Christmas


Debbie Macomber - 2009
    Once a year, Shirley, Goodness and Mercy are allowed to intervene (or, more accurately, interfere!) in human affairs. Despite their frequent misadventures and the chaos they often cause, things always seem to turn out right . This Christmas, join Those Christmas Angels as they respond to Anne Fletcher's prayer request. She wants her son, Roy, to meet a special woman and the angels contrive to throw Julie Wilcott in his path (literally!). Watch as the heaven-sent messengers reunite a divorced couple, bring peace of mind to an elderly man and grant a little boy's fondest wish. Because there's always joy Where Angels Go. Shirley, Goodness and Mercy offer you laughter and Christmas cheer in these two heartwarming stories! "

Penny's Christmas Jar Miracle


Jason F. Wright - 2009
    Full color.

McKettricks Bargain Bundle


Linda Lael Miller - 2009
    Morgan Shane. Working side by side to help the survivors, Lizzie and Morgan's bond grows stronger. But will they find their way home in time to celebrate a McKettrick family Christmas?A century later, Meg McKettrick longs for a baby--husband optional. Her former flame Brad O'Ballivan wants to give her that child, but wants Meg's heart and hand in marriage, too! Will Brad win Meg's love, or will she do things her way in The McKettrick Way?

The Gingerbread Pirates


Kristin Kladstrup - 2009
    Jim’s favorite is Captain Cookie, who carries a gingerbread cutlass and has a toothpick peg leg. The captain is much too good to be eaten, so Jim keeps him close by his bed. But late that night, when Jim is fast asleep, Captain Cookie steptaps away on a daring adventure to find his pirate crew — and rescue them from that mysterious character he’s heard about: a cannibal named Santa Claus. At once contemporary and timeless, suspenseful and joyous, this masterfully illustrated tale is destined to be a new holiday classic.

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day


Lloyd Newell - 2009
    His poem Christmas Bells has become one of our most well- known and beloved Christmas carols, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. What is less known is the story behind the poem. Reeling from the tragic death of his wife and the crippling war wounds of his son, Longfellow penned the words to Christmas Bells during one of the darkest times in American history. And while the words reflect his obvious despair and grief, it is the triumphant message of peace on earth, good will to men for which this song and Longfellow s personal story is remembered. Beautifully written and illustrated, this story will touch your heart as it did for thousands of concertgoers who heard it presented by Edward Hermann and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at their annual Christmas concert in 2008. A DVD of that presentation is included in the book.

Christmas Memories: Gifts, Activities, Fads, and Fancies, 1920s-1960s


Susan Waggoner - 2009
    We all have them, locked away in our hearts. But what about the Christmases we weren’t there for? The one our favorite heirloom ornament came from, or the one we know only from a picture of our newlywed parents smiling under the mistletoe?In Christmas Memories, Susan Waggoner, author of STC’s It’s a Wonderful Christmas and Under the Tree, looks at bygone holidays from the perspective of those who lived them. Beginning with “Christmas in the Melting Pot,” which depicts yuletide in the early 1920s, the author presents detailed snapshots that re-create holiday seasons past. She chronicles the gifts, activities, fads, and fancies that made each Christmas unique; indulges in fantasy shopping at yesterday’s prices; shares thoughts from letters, diaries, and magazines of the era; and makes the past pop to life with vibrantperiod art. Readers will revel in the irresistible nostalgia of Christmas Memories.

Five Little Pumpkins


Ben Mantle - 2009
    The first said, My, it's getting late! ... Count with the pumpkins from one to five as they each experience the fun and spookiness of Halloween night! Spot-laminated pumpkins shine on the cover of this spirited padded board book.The soft padded covers, rounded corners and sturdy board pages make this title a perfect fit for preschoolers!

The Twelve Days of Christmas


Gennady Spirin - 2009
    It would be hard to imagine a Christmas celebration without it. From the partridge in the pear tree to the five golden rings to the twelve drummers drumming, carolers enjoy taking turns singing different verses.Gennady Spirin’s sumptuous paintings bring new life and spectacular beauty to this classic song, making it a gift to be treasured at Christmastime. An Illustrator’s Note is included which addresses the song’s origin and history.

Grumpy Badger's Christmas


Paul Bright - 2009
    The forest is a flurry of activity as everyone is putting up Christmas trees, wrapping presents and making yummy treats - don't they know they are supposed to be hibernating? Grumpy snuggles down for his "nap" but soon the merriment of Christmas comes right to his door. 3-7.

The Christmas Gift


R. William Bennett - 2009
    He has been held back five years in a row; he was exposed to nuclear radiation as a child; he was raised in the woods by bears. So went the many assessments of Ben Jackson by his sixth-grade peers. Over-sized and under-niced , Ben was the school bully. As the school year begins, new student Scott stands up to Ben, and as a result, becomes Ben s new daily target. From the annoying comments to the humiliating pranks, Ben assures a day doesn't pass without making Scott's life miserable. But in this story of forgiveness, tolerance, and unconditional love, both Scott and Ben make a remarkable transformation that will leave you with a fresh understanding of the meaning of Christmas in your life.

If You Love a Christmas Tale


Clement C. Moore - 2009
    The holiday magic behind each Christmas picture is the result of an inventive paper engineering technique that is part of this unusual book 's construction. These festive "moving " illustrations dramatize and highlight two favorite Christmas tales, "The Nutcracker "and " The Night Before Christmas. "Here is a beautiful book that makes a wonderful holiday gift--a volume that boys and girls will return to and cherish for many Christmases to come.

Snow Bugs: A Wintery Pop-up Book


David A. Carter - 2009
    This next installment of the wildly popular Bugs series captures what everyone loves about chilly weather! From snowflakes and ski lifts to hot chocolate and snow angels, this new title is a perfect way to stay warm during the cold days of winter!Paper-over-board book has cardstock pages with pop-ups on each spread.

Helen Steiner Rice: A Collection Of Blessings (Helen Steiner Rice Collection)


Helen Steiner Rice - 2009
    Her work will encourage you, as you experience the heavenly Father's blessings in Barbour's newest 160-page Value Book-a super value at only $1.99! You'll want to share Helen Steiner Rice's uplifting inspirational verse again and again with A Collection of Blessings. Poems like "Thank You, God, for Everything" and "The Blessing of Sharing" will refresh and inspire your heart.

All I Want for Christmas Is You


Mariah Carey - 2009
    And now its classic lyrics will bring that same holiday spirit to readers of all ages in this one-of-a-kind picture book about a young girl whose greatest Christmas wish is for a new puppy! Full of festive December moments with family, friends, presents, and of course, Santa Claus—and featuring lively yuletide illustrations alongside the complete song lyrics—All I Want for Christmas Is You will become a cherished part of your family's Christmas traditions for many years to come. Includes a special Christmas letter from Mariah to her fans!

The Life in My Years


Virginia McKenna - 2009
    This is the inspirational story of Virginia McKenna, who starred in some of the most popular and enduring movies of our time, such as Born Free.

Little Golden Book Christmas Favorites


Jane Werner Watson - 2009
    Perfect for gift-giving, and at the value Golden Books is known for!

A St. Nicholas Story: The Fiercest Little Animal In The Forest


Terri Reinhart - 2009
    Nicholas story to tell to my kindergarten children. I could almost see this little creature in my imagination carrying the gold coins in his teeth and dropping them into the stockings. When story time came, I just started speaking the story and I allowed the pine marten to lead me. The story in this book is what resulted. This is the first time it has been published in book form.

Halloween Romance


Donaya Haymond - 2009
    Ferdinand hides his vampirism from her for the same reasons, and must also hide from a world that thinks he's evil. He's just a melancholy English major who had a serious misadventure last summer. She's just a college student with a bizarre family history. A comedy of secrets and a romance of accepting what makes us different.

Duck for Turkey Day


Jacqueline Jules - 2009
    There's just one problem: her Vietnamese American family is having duck for Thanksgiving dinner - not turkey! Nobody has duck for Thanksgiving - what will her teacher and the other kids think? To her surprise, Tuyet enjoys her yummy thanksgiving dinner anyhow - and an even bigger surprise is waiting for her at school on Monday. Dinners from roast beef to lamb to enchiladas adorned the Thanksgiving tables of her classmates, but they all had something in common - family! Kids from families with different traditions will enjoy this warm story about "the right way" to celebrate an American holiday.

Christmas Village Miracle


Teresa Ives Lilly - 2009
    Will they find one another as part of the answer to their prayers?When Jane Smith stops to admire the lovely christmas village in the antique store she never realizes that her dreams of someday living in a place like the New England Village can come true with just a small prayer prayed over the christmas village. Ron a lonely banker, finds himself in the antique store as well, praying a similar prayer. Now can the two of them find one another? This is a story that Christian romance readers will enjoy for Christmas and be able to share with the whole family.Teresa Ives LIlly is the author of this charming Novella. She has authored a variety of Novellas that you can purchase on kindle .

My Valentine for Jesus


Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton - 2009
    The rhyming text and delightful illustrations tell the story of a child’s love for his family, from mother and father to even a brother!—and his special love for Jesus.My Valentine for Jesus:Perfect Valentine gift from parents or grandparentsPerfect Valentine gift for children ages 2-5Durable board book formatRhyming text is great for reading aloud

Talk French Grammar (English And French Edition)


Sue Purcell - 2009
    Using tried-and-tested principles, it de-mystifies grammar and guides you through the key structures of French in a way that s really easy to follow.

The Night Before Christmas


Becky Kelly - 2009
    Nicholas. * Becky Kelly's artwork captures the essence of wide-eyed youth and vividly transports readers to holidays filled with awe-inspiring wonderment. Best-selling watercolor artist Becky Kelly imbues Clement C. Moore's Christmas classic with a shimmering palette. Sugarplums have never looked as appealing and Santa's eyes have never twinkled as brightly as they do in this beautiful rendition of The Night Before Christmas. With Kelly's enchanting, award-winning illustrations, and innovative touches like a secret letter from Santa thoughtfully tucked into the book's front cover, as well as special glitter and gold foil accents, nothing captures the magic of Christmas better than this definitive edition of Moore's beloved holiday tale.

Sleigh Bells And Wedding Rings: With The Silver Thaw/The Christmas Basket/Mistletoe Marriage


Betty Neels - 2009
    Contains three romances spreading the special gift of love at Christmas, including The Silver Thaw, The Christmas Basket, and Mistletoe Marriage.

Seducing Santa


Dahlia Rose - 2009
    But sometimes the monotony of it could become tedious. Every year, Nicholas Kringle portrayed his guise for human children at Christmas time, but this year it wasn’t the same. He was burned out and needed a change. He wanted excitement. He wanted to play! What better way than to spend a few days relaxing on a beach in the Caribbean? He didn’t expect to see an exotic island girl wade out of the surf, and he didn’t expect his heart to jump in his chest when she stared into his eyes. There was much more to Neeva Monroe other than her beauty. There was a sadness that Nicholas longed to cure, and from their first kiss, Nicholas knew she would be his. She didn’t believe in him being Santa Claus, but he was determined to prove to her that magic exists, and his love would last longer than a lifetime.

Humbug: A Christmas Carol


Lee Baker - 2009
    A magical humbug that attracts the magical reindeer of Santa is brought to the town of Winterton by a little orphan girl. The warmth of the little girl and the magical music of the humbug bring Santa, the reindeer and Christmas back to Winterton.

Nighty Night, Baby Jesus: A Noisy Nativity


Molly Schaar Idle - 2009
    Children will happily share in the joy of the animals welcoming the baby Jesus-this is a cause for celebration! Finally, the animals must quiet down so the Babe can get his rest, "Nighty Night, Baby Jesus.

Happy Mother's Day!


Mercer Mayer - 2009
    Join in the fun as he plans the big day. Lift the flaps and discover what Mother's Day wonders are in store!

Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes


MSG Entertainment - 2009
    

Easter Experience Participant's Guide


City on a Hill - 2009
    The participant's guide to The Easter Experience small group DVD follows the six 20-minute episodes, providing additional information, discovery questions, and tips for helping your small group grow spiritually and bond with each other as well as with the eternal message of Easter.Also available are the Easter Experience Small Group DVD and the Easter Experience Ministry Devotional.

Hot Comfort


Maura Anderson - 2009
    Blazing hot stories to warm the cold days from four authors who know how to turn up the heat! Join manlove authors Maura Anderson, Kimberly Gardner, Jet Mykles and Luisa Prieto for toasty romantic tales to comfort and inspire a little bedtime snacking!stories:Cooking with Ergot by Luisa Prieto Bittersweet by Maura AndersonThe Shape of a Heart by Kimberly GardnerGiving Thanks by Maura AndersonDevon Cream by Jet Mykles

Nine Lives: Making the Impossible Possible


Peter Braaksma - 2009
    Her words reflect the irrepressible attitudes and actions of all the women and men who tell their stories here.As with all the titles in New Internationalist's World Changing imprint, Nine Lives sees opportunity in the midst of adversity and presents the life stories of people who have been confronted with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, opposition, and oppression.Whether it is human rights activist Harry Wu, who spent nineteen years in Chinese labor camps, or Nobel Laureate and President of Costa Rica Oscar Arias Sánchez, each of the nine voices in this collection has confronted an urgent and inescapable need to dig deep, either to rescue themselves or to forge a fresh way forward for others.To understand the key stories behind the headlines, Peter Braaksma believes that it is essential to feel the personal, intimate experience of people working on the frontline of human rights and humanitarian issues; that the stories, uninterrupted and unpolished, must speak for themselves.Reading like nine mini-novels, the nine remarkable stories belong to Bassam Aramin (Palestinian National Authority), Monireh Baradaran (Iran), Youk Chhang (Cambodia), Sompop Jantraka (Thailand), Malalai Joya (Afghanistan), Chaeli Mycroft (South Africa), Oscar Arias Sánchez (Costa Rica), and Harry Wu (China).Peter Braaksma has worked as an editor, communications advisor, and journalist in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Absolutely Chocolate: Irresistible Excuses to Indulge


Fine Cooking Magazine - 2009
    These days, however, it's vital to know the origins, varieties, and unique characteristics of chocolates available. The experts at Fine Cooking magazine have taken the guesswork out of making more than 125 scrumptious sensations from layer cakes, tarts, and pies to muffins, cookies, and brownies to candies, sauces, and hot cocoa. Each recipe features must-know tips on choosing and buying just the right chocolate; step-by-step, cant-fail instructions; and authoritative advice from America's most respected experts. In other words, Absolutely Chocolate is absolutely fabulous!

No Turkey For Thanksgiving


Jacqueline Jules - 2009
    When Tuyet finds out her Vietnamese family is having duck rather than turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, she is upset until she finds out that other children in her class did not eat turkey either.

An Angel on Main Street


Kathi Oram Peterson - 2009
    But with Christmas only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well. Can the towering officer be trusted not to tell what happened? Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will sidetrack him from spilling the day's events—or maybe his interest in Micah's widowed mother will do the trick. The last thing Dawn Connors needs is to hear her son is in trouble. She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill. Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town's holiday decorations, Annie is sure that unseen angels are building the crude stable—which means baby Jesus is coming, and he can make her better. Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll. But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds angels are closer than he ever would have believed. There are Christmas stories that touch your heart and there are Christmas stories that move your soul; An Angel on Main Street does both.—Michele Ashman Bell, author of A Candle in the Window Softcover 6" X 9", 112 pages ISBN 978-1-59811-721-9

All She Wants for Christmas / Be My Babies


Stacy Connelly - 2009
    Then handsome Clay Forrester stole her Father Christmas... Playing Santa was the only way to make it up to Holly. But could Clay convince her to give him a second chance?Be My Babies by Kathryn ShayLily Wakefield hopes to start a new life with her twins. One which includes the single father she is quickly falling for. Just as they become a real family, Lily’s past catches up with her. And it could ruin everything...