When the two travelers reach the stable at the inn, they find what they were searching for -- and a gift they weren't expecting.

    From the late Rebecca Caudill, author of The Best-Loved Doll and Tree of Freedom, comes the heartrending story of a young Appalachian boy, born mute, who speaks for the first time ever to a young couple and their newborn baby, who have taken refuge from a blizzard in a nearby church.

    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.

    With illustrations that are enchanting and unexpected, Julie Vivas reveals the human side to Mary's story, beautifully imagining the Angel Gabriel delivering the news to her, the exhausting journey with Joseph to Bethlehem, and at last the deliverance of the baby Jesus.

    The patron saint of Mexico who appeared to a poor Indian in 1531.

    A touching story of a young boy who befriends a Christmas angel.

    While he waits out the storm, the woman who lives there tells him the Christmas story. Starting with the very creation of the world and ending with the resurrection, the boy discovers the big picture of God's plan for his people and situates the nativity within the scope of history. Breathtakingly illustrated by renowned artist and author Richard Jesse Watson, One Wintry Night is the perfect gift for the young and the young-at-heart.

    This lyrical celebration of the miracle of Christmas is now just the right size for little hands! Margaret Wise Brown's simple, poetic language brought to life by Floyd Cooper's spectacular paintings offer a fresh perspective on the Holy Family and the miraculous birth of Christ.

    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.

    This year, they're also preparing for the birth of a new brother or sister, due after the New Year. Vicky is worried that the baby will come early―what kind of Christmas Eve would it be without Mother to help them hang up stockings and sing everyone to sleep with carols?

    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.

     "Who invented Christmas?" Mama's answer only leads to more questions like "Is God more important than Santa?" So she and Little Cub head off on a polar expedition to find God and to see how he gave them Christmas. Along the way, they find signs that God is at work all around them. Through Mama's gentle guidance, Little Cub learns about the very first Christmas and discovers that... Jesus is the best present of all. This enchanting tale provides the perfect opportunity to help young children celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and to discover how very much God loves them.

    This stellar volume holds seven of Jan Brett's gorgeous tales, all perfectly suited for the holiday. The Mitten, The Wild Christmas Reindeer, Trouble with Trolls, The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Hat, Christmas Trolls, and The Night Before Christmas all offer a warm retreat for family read-alouds and holiday gatherings. Brett's popularity stems from her talent for wonderfully depicting nature with precision and care. Match that with her attention to detail, powerful storytelling, and heartfelt appreciation of tradition, and it's easy to see why so many kids and adults can't get enough of this talented artist. Decorative borders fill each page of these tales, a charming detail that fans have come to expect. Offering a glorious frame for the exquisite illustrations, these borders draw young readers into a world of serenity. Every story is told with ease, with clear language and colorful characters. From the feisty trolls to the rambunctious forest animals, kids will giggle at the antics of these adorable creatures. From hedgehogs to hens, reindeer to rabbits, Jan Brett uses all the world's creatures to tell her classic stories. These timeless tales will warm the heart of every young reader.

    And now this stunning gift set invites friends and family to gather and enjoy the magic of holiday storytelling at its finest.

    All the animals are eager to welcome the baby Jesus to their home.A warm, lyrical book your family will cuddle up with for years.