The Evil Princess vs. the Brave Knight


Jennifer L. Holm - 2019
    Sort of.Meet the Evil Princess and the Brave Knight. She casts terrible spells, while he fights dragons. He rescues cats in distress, while she makes mischief. No wonder there isn't much peace in this kingdom! But is the Evil Princess really so evil? And is the Brave Knight truly as chivalrous as he seems? Children and parents will laugh at seeing familiar family dynamics play out in this charming and imaginative new story.

The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale, with Bonus Cookie Recipe and Pattern for St. Nicholas Christmas Cookies


Aaron Shepard - 1994
    He always gave his customers exactly what they paid for -- not more and not less. So, he was not about to give in when a mysterious old woman comes to him on Saint Nicholas Day and insists that a dozen is thirteen! The woman's curse puts an end to the baker's business, and he believes it would take Saint Nicholas to help him. But if he receives that help, will it be exactly what he imagined? Find out in this inspiring legend from Dutch colonial New York about the birth of an honored American custom. TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK "FOLKTALES ON STAGE," OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE. //////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Legend of Lightning Larry," "The Sea King's Daughter," and many more children's books. Once a professional storyteller, Aaron specializes in lively retellings of folktales and other traditional literature, which have won him honors from the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, the Bank Street College of Education, the National Council for the Social Studies, and the American Folklore Society. Wendy Edelson has applied her award-winning skills to a wide range of illustration projects, including picture books, pet portraits, posters, and puzzles. Among her clients have been Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Northwest Ballet, the U.S. Postal Service, Cricket Magazine, McGraw-Hill Education, and the American Library Association. //////////////////////////////////////////////// HONORS American Bookseller Pick of the Lists Trumpet Book Club selection Valerie and Walter's Best Books for Children "The good will of legendary Saint Nick resonates in this tale about the origin of the term 'baker's dozen.' . . . Shepard's easy-to-follow retelling has an appropriate Old World flavor." -- Publishers Weekly, Sept. 18, 1995 "A particularly nice holiday story accented by paintings full of detail. . . . Well-paced and a good length for groups or individuals, this is right on target for audiences. Edelson's artwork is filled with marvelously-alive characters who almost step from the pages." -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist, Sept. 15, 1995 "A lush new version of a traditional tale. . . . Well-chosen words and a nicely-paced text that begs to be told aloud. A treat for the holiday season." -- School Library Journal, Oct. 1995 "Aaron Shepard retells a favorite colonial legend with the voice of the storyteller." -- Jan Lieberman, TNT, Fall 1995 "A fine tale of generosity for St. Nicholas Day or any day." -- Marilyn McPhie, Storybag, Special Review Issue 1997 "A story with a message to be heard during the holidays and all year long." -- Children's Book Review

Suzy Goose and the Christmas Star


Petr Horáček - 2009
    It’s perfect except for one thing: a star for the top. But Suzy sees just the right one, high in the sky, and no one can stop her from trying every possible way to get it! Bold, expressive illustrations follow the charmingly single-minded goose in a new adventure, a tale of seasonal magic found in surprising places.

Hooray for Hat!


Brian Won - 2014
    Off they march to show Turtle! The parade continues as every animal brightens the day of a grumpy friend. An irresistible celebration of friendship, sharing, and fabulous hats.

Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect


Richard H. Schneider - 1988
    Small Pine hoped to maintain its perfect form and be selected by the Queen as her Christmas tree. But as the warm-hearted little tree gave shelter to birds, rabbits, and deer in the forest, its branches became damaged. Fortunately, the Queen had a different idea of perfection...Young readers will want to read and reread the story of how Small Pine's love and charity for its friends helps make it the most "perfect" Christmas Tree of all.This magnificently illustrated story of a warm-hearted Christmas tree will surely become one of the most beloved classics of future generations. Schneider's storytelling will enthrall children and adults alike.

Over and Under the Snow


Kate Messner - 2011
    But under the snow exists a secret kingdom of squirrels and snow hares, bears and bullfrogs, and many other animals that live through the winter safe and warm, awake and busy, under the snow. Discover the wonder and activity that lies beneath winter's snowy landscape in this magical book.

A Very Marley Christmas


John Grogan - 2008
    Anticipating his very first snowfall and Santa's arrival, Marley jumps in to help his family every way he can. But Marley, being Marley, always ends up on the wrong side of right. It's not long before he tears down the twinkle lights, attacks a chain of paper snowflakes, and mistakes the Christmas tree for . . . well . . . his very own indoor bathroom. Will Marley's good intentions ruin everything before Christmas begins? Or will he manage to share some Christmas magic with his family after all?This follow-up to the #1 bestselling Bad Dog, Marley! delivers a heartfelt holiday story with many hilarious Marley mishaps along the way.

The Night Before the Night Before Christmas


Natasha Wing - 2002
    But one family is having trouble getting its act together. Once again, Natasha Wing follows the rhythms and meter of Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem, yet gives it her own entirely original twist.

A Wish to Be a Christmas Tree


Colleen Monroe - 2000
    With delightful illustrations by wildlife artist Michael Monroe and enchanting text from Colleen Monroe, the birds, deer and squirrel of this story help make their special friend's wish come true.

Jingle Bells


Susan Jeffers - 2017
    With playful animals in their path, their journey gets a bit sidetracked. But soon enough they arrive at Grandma’s—where an unexpected visitor fills them with holiday cheer!

Holiday in Enchancia (Sofia the First)


Catherine Hapka - 2013
    Sofia leads her family on a brave expedition to find him, and shows Amber that spending the holiday with loved ones is better than any present. This beautifully illustrated hardcover jacketed picture book is perfect for the holidays, and includes a special appearance by Princess Aurora!

Eloise at Christmastime


Kay Thompson - 1958
    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

The Great Eggscape!


Jory John - 2020
    Nevertheless, Shel doesn’t want to let his friends down, so he reluctantly plays, anyway. But after a morning of hiding and seeking, somebody’s still missing. Will the dozen eggs friends ever be reunited? Find out in this hilarious egg hunt adventure that reminds us to break out of our shells and help our friends in need!Includes two sticker sheets, perfect for decorating your own eggs.

Walt Disney's Santa's Toy Shop (A Little Golden Book Classic)


Al Dempster - 1950
    In this delightful story, Santa wants time to play with all the wonderful toys he and the elves have made, but he’s just too busy–until Mrs. Claus gives him an idea! Disney animator Al Dempster and the Walt Disney Studio artists created a holiday classic now reissued as a Little Golden Book.

The Legend of the Christmas Stocking


Rick Osborne - 1997
    Kids will learn about what it means to give to others, and how they can share God’s love during the Christmas season.Inside, you and your children can discover:How the Christmas stocking was inspired by the life of Saint Nicolas, and why it became a way to give to those in needWhy giving is better than receiving, and the joy that comes when we give someone a presentWhy we still hang stockings on the mantel todayPeter has saved up for a special boat at the toy shop. But when it looks like his dad won’t be home in time for Christmas with the money his family needs for gifts, he hears the story of how a man named Nicolas secretly gave all his gold to three poor girls. Peter then has to decide what to do with money he’s saved.The Legend of the Christmas Stocking is:Perfect as a gift for boys and girls ages 4-8, grandchildren, and nieces and nephewsIdeal as a family reading tradition for Advent, Christmas, or anytime in the holiday seasonGreat as a gift for people who love the history behind Christmas and holiday traditionsIf you enjoy The Legend of the Christmas Stocking, check out other books in the Legends series: The Legend of the Candy Cane, The Legend of Saint Nicholas, The Legend of the Christmas Cookie, The Legend of the Christmas Tree, and The Legend of the Easter Egg.