Franklin's Christmas Gift


Paulette Bourgeois - 1998
    In a touching denouement, he discovers that generosity has rewards that more than compensate for the pain of parting with a beloved possession. Full-color illustrations.

Happy Birthday to You!


Dr. Seuss - 1959
    Seuss in his first all-color picture book, Happy Birthday to You! Fly with the Great Birthday Bird in this fantastical commemoration of YOU! And make the most of your special day, which only comes once a year! “Today you are you! That is truer than true!There is no one alive who is you-er than you!”The ultimate birthday gift for ages one to 101—from the one and only Dr. Seuss!

Stranger in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy


Carl R. Sams II - 1999
    Who is this Stranger? Why did he arrive after a winter storm and what wonderful surprises does he bring?Your children will love this photographic fantasy created by two noted wildlife photographers.You'll discover this tale is beta-carotene for the spirit in everyone.

The Mouse Before Christmas


Michael Garland - 1997
    Full-color illustrations.

Bunny My Honey


Anita Jeram - 1999
    "Bunny, my Honey," she says, showing him how to do special rabbity things, like running and hopping, digging, and twitching his nose, and thumping his great big feet. Bunny's best friends are Little Duckling and Miss Mouse. They play quack-quacky games, squeaky games, and thump-thump-thumpy games together. But one day Bunny runs too far on his own and gets lost in the deep woods. The more Bunny looks for his friends and his mommy, the more lost he becomes. Bunny cries, "I want my Mommy!" until, at last, she arrives to cuddle and kiss him and put her twitchy nose on his twitchy nose. A sweetly reassuring story by the illustrator of the award-winning GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU.

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.

Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story


Cynthia Rylant - 1987
    Year after year, Frankie hopes that one particular gift a very special gift will be tossed to him from that train. It is this enduring hope that will guide him to the true meaning of the season. Full color.

Mortimer's Christmas Manger


Karma Wilson - 2005
    Where can he go?He sees a huge tree covered with twinkling lights. And next to the tree, a mouse-size house. And inside the house, a wee wooden manger just Mortimer's size. But statue people seem to already live there! One by one, Mortimer lugs and tugs the statues out of the house -- only to find them all put back in their places each evening! What is Mortimer to do?It's not until he overhears a very special story that Mortimer realizes whose house he is sharing and where Mortimer himself belongs. It is the story of Christmas and the ngiht the baby Jesus was born that warms Mortimer's heart in this magical holiday offering from award winners Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman.

How to Catch an Elf


Adam Wallace - 2016
    You've been waiting all year long, and now it's finally Christmas Eve! Is this the year you'll finally catch an elf? Start a new Christmas tradition with this hilarious children's book from the creators of the New York Times best-seller How to Catch a Leprechaun!"It's Christmas Eve! Hip hip, hooray!Yes, Santa's coming 'round.He's bringing toys to girls and boysin every house in town.""Some kids have tried to catch him, but Santa's fast, you see!So they've set their eyes on a smaller prize, and now they're after me!"

I'll Be Home For Christmas


Holly Hobbie - 2001
    As in Holly Hobbie's earlier Toot and Puddle, Toot has the travel bug while Puddle contentedly tends the home fires. In his postcard from Scotland, Toot promises to be home for Christmas. But ice storms and delayed flights threaten to spoil the holiday plans... until an unexpected fellow traveler saves the day. Hobbie's marvelous illustrations are filled with telling details and subtle wit: Toot caroling his heart out in an Edinburgh blizzard with a few sheep buddies; Puddle curled up in an armchair with crayons and holiday cards (signed with a blank space before "and Puddle," in anticipation of Toot's signature). The devotion the pigs share for each other is sweet, never sickly, and young readers with best friends will know exactly how they feel, being apart at a most important time. Several more Toot and Puddle titles will also enchant, including A Present for Toot and You Are My Sunshine. (Ages 3 to 7) --Emilie Coulter

A Snowman Named Just Bob


Mark Kimball Moulton - 1999
    When a young child builds a snowman, he comes to life just long enough to impart a few thoughts about the importance of building and holding friendships dear.

Red Ranger Came Calling


Berkeley Breathed - 1994
    A moody young boy living with his aunt on an island, "Red" Breathed sees himself as the "Red Ranger from Mars", his hero from the movie serials, and cannot picture life without the gift of a Red Ranger bicycle. Red is far too "swanky a human being" to believe in Santa Claus, but nevertheless he pays a visit to the aged island hermit, Lord Sander Clos, rumored to be the legendary man himself, now living in lonely, joyless retirement. This meeting triggers an emotional response within the self-absorbed Red and leads to the most remarkable bicycle ever delivered on Christmas morning.

Pete the Cat Saves Christmas


Eric Litwin - 2012
    Spend the holidays with your favorite blue cat! In this rockin' spin on the traditional tale The Night Before Christmas, Pete the Cat proves that giving your all in the spirit of Christmas is the totally groovy thing to do.

The Biggest Snowman Ever


Steven Kroll - 2005
    But building a huge snowman alone is hard! They work and work, but their snowmen just aren't big enough. Soon they have an idea. As the day of the contest approaches, Clayton and Desmond join forces to build the biggest snowman ever.

The Gingerbread Man


Jim Aylesworth - 1998
    A new rendition of a beloved classic by award-winning author/illustrator team Jim Aylesworth and Barbara McClintock.Run! Run! Fast as you can! You can't catch me! I'm the Gingerbread Man! I've run from a husband! I've run from a wife! I've run from a butcher with a carving knife! I've run from a cow, and a muddy old sow, and I'll run from you, too! I can! I can!Jim Aylesworth's fresh, spirited tale --- to be read LOUD out loud --- and Barbara McClintock's expressive, exquisitely drawn characters combine to create a glorious new rendition of the favorite story about that sassy but delicious little cookie.