And at fifteen, Aubrey Lane Arrington is optimistically hoping that her first kiss will not only happen over the holidays, but that it will also be with her best friend and crush, Branson Johnson. They’ve been friends since they were kids and next fall, she’ll be joining him at Eastbrooke Academy. He’s hinted at their friendship turning into more, but as the holiday season progresses, she’s still stuck in the friend zone. His cousin Beckham Johnson, on the other hand, doesn’t believe in the friend zone. His cocky personality and charisma make him the ultimate flirt, so she’s never taken him seriously. But when he changes his plans to spend New Year’s Eve with her, Lane will have to make a decision. Will her first kiss be with her longtime crush, or will someone new sweep her off her feet?Find out when the clock strikes midnight!

    E. McMorrow and Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator James Ransome. An author’s note at the end provides additional information about the history of the Harlem Renaissance, and about the author’s inspiration for this musical retelling.

    The Austins have a full house on Christmas Eve when fate brings them a new mother and a young woman who is expecting.

    

    

    He was young and poor. She was young and rich. The gap between their two families was too big for the likes of Wendy’s father, and so, he made sure Wendy disappeared from Jack’s life. Until one day … When Wendy Preston spied Jack Carlson in Fort Worth, she thought she was seeing a ghost. But no, it was him, the man who broke her heart. After her father carted the family off to Dallas, leaving Montana behind, that was it. No more Jack. Not. One. Word. But what did it matter? She was supposed to marry another man. It’s what her father wanted. It’s what the family business needed. But seeing Jack made Wendy think. What did she want? The bigger question was, could she stand up to her father to get it? Enjoy this quick romantic romp and find outNote: Previously released as part of the Wish Upon a Christmas Star boxed set under Giant Love

    Featuring iconic art from Golden Books luminaries including Eloise Wilkin, Richard Scarry, J.P. Miller, Garth Williams, and more — this collection is a must for maintaining ever-important holiday cheer!

    Yes Here she is at Christmastime Complete with tinsel and holly Singing fa la la la lolly And over the roar of the jingle bells You can hear hear hear her say It's absolutely Christmas But I don't mind a bit I give everyone a present For that's the thing of it So when it's everly Christmastime And you're under your Christmas trees Simply tinkle a bell and have a trinkle And remember Me Eloise

    Determined to achieve her dream of a career in music, she strikes out on her own. Her new life away from her family is a reality check, and she soon finds her life on a downward slide.Two years on, her dream is still out of reach, and she's nearing rock bottom. With hope nearly gone and feeling no joy in the season that was once her favorite, Alessia wanders into a church in search of warmth and some quiet.He gave up his life in order to bring his brothers to justice.Gio Morgan (formerly known as Giovanni Moretti) was born into a mob family, but he'd never fit in. When he made the decision to testify against his mob boss brothers, he knew it meant the end to that life.He now lives in New Hope Falls in order to be close to his half-sister, Cara. He is trying to build a new life for himself, and part of that is participating in the church's 24 hour a day open door ministry for the month of December.Will a connection forged in the quiet of a church during the early morning hours be the start of something new? Or will it lead to heartbreak if the draw of a dream is to powerful to resist?

    Based on Polacco's childhood memories, this is the story of her Great-uncle Vladimir, known as Vova, and his colorful and inventive celebrations of the Russian Orthodox holiday of Epiphany. Polacco's art warmly depicts the vibrant costumes and decorations from her family's homeland, and the text conveys the magical feeling of a child's wonder and joy during the holidays. Uncle Vova's Tree is a perfect companion to Polacco's new holiday story, Christmas Tapestry, or a stand-alone classic that belongs on every

    

    Rainbow, the main character in the story, is able to help the hive realize that differences can be beautiful, and should be embraced."We're all a little different; some taller, some shorter, some wider, some slimmer, some yellow and black, and some rainbow. But inside we're all the same."

    I Am the Moon also takes preschool and kindergarten level children on an imaginary visit to the Moon, describing what an astronaut uses to land and explore the Moon's surface. Images are big and bright for kids ages 3-5.

    The Oklahoma City Thunder forward has gone beyond those expectations. Kevin was named the 2007-2008 NBA Rookie of the Year, and he's only gotten better from there. In 2010 Kevin was named the Most Valuable Player at the FIBA World Championship in Istanbul, Turkey, where the United States won the gold medal. During his short time in pro basketball, Kevin has proven himself to be one of the best players in the world. Learn more about this amazing athlete's journey to the top.