Book picks similar to
Hurry! Hurry! Have You Heard? by Laura Krauss Melmed


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The Christmas Tree Ship


Carol Crane - 2011
    The captain would sell the trees for 50 cents or $1.00 and even gave many away to needy families. The ship had been affectionately nicknamed the "Christmas Tree Ship." These trees would be sold, as many had been throughout the years, at the docks in Chicago.Author Carol Crane recalls her grandfather telling of the storm that took the shipmen's lives, their festive cargo, and the schooner down to its final watery resting place. True to the newspaper accounts of the day, Carol eloquently includes in her story how Captain Schuenemann's wife, ever dedicated to her husband's memory, carried on his tradition of delivering Christmas trees.Using oils and acrylics, Chris Ellison captures the humanity and emotion of this timeless tale.

The Donkey's Christmas Song


Nancy Tafuri - 2002
    The donkey wants to be the first to welcome the baby, but he is too shy. So the doves welcome him with their "Coo-coo," the cow with her "Moo-moo," and all the other animals in turn. Then, the baby welcomes the shy donkey with his own sweet smile. The donkey brays - "Hee-aw!" - and the baby laughs with joy! Then all snuggle around the baby and settle into sleep. This warm presentation of the first Christmas celebrates the wonder of a baby's birth and welcomes all into the spirit of holiday joy.

Christmas Is Here


Lauren Castillo - 2010
    Just as Linus reminded his community of the real meaning of Christmas, this touching tribute to an ancient text reminds us to focus on family and our fellow man instead of on gifts and indulgences. Accompanying the timeless, reassuring text is sweet, nostalgic artwork from acclaimed illustrator Lauren Castillo that embraces today’s ever-changing definition of family.

A Creature Was Stirring


Carter Goodrich - 2006
     And while upstairs his parents were dreaming and snoring, with Santa so close, sleep seemed pretty boring. Esteemed New Yorker cover artist Carter Goodrich retells the story of 'Twas the night before Christmas from the child's point of view. With Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem one one side of every page, and a child's comedic rhyming on the other, this magical book about seeing and dreaming of Santa Claus will inspire readers of all ages to believe. Against a luminous backdrop of midnight and silver, memories of Christmases past and present converge in a modern classic born in the tradition of The Polar Express.

Country Angel Christmas


Tomie dePaola - 1995
    Nicholas wants the Country Angels to plan the Christmas celebration for all of Heaven. They can't wait to get started.But the three littlest angels haven't bargained on being told to stay out of the way when they offer to help the kitchen angels sift and bake, the barn angels groom the animals for the procession, or the music angels compose and sing new carols.Just when they have given up, St. Nicholas finds the perfect job for Ari, Pip, and Kira. Because with all the baking, brushing, and singing going on, the Country Angels seem to have forgotten the most important detail of all.Tomie dePaola's love of Christmas and the wonderful preparations that lead up to the day shines through in story and art as his endearing cast of Country Angels create their heavenly tribute.

Singing Away the Dark


Caroline Woodward - 2010
    Along the way she faces wire gates, dark shadowy woods, a bull grazing with the cattle, and wickedly cold wind. Will she be able to sing her way through the dark morning? Lilting rhyming text by Caroline Woodward and stunning paintings by Julie Morstad create the look and feel of a classic picture book.

Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story


Sally Lloyd-Jones - 2011
    Beautifully illustrated and told from the perspective of the animals and all creation, Song of the Stars:features easy-to-read text and is perfect for ages 4–8is ideal for Advent and Christmas story timeexplores the joy, excitement, and celebration of creation and the coming of Jesusinspires discussions of why Advent is observedThis gorgeous picture book is great for Christmas-themed story times and an addition for your family library that will be treasured for many years.

Humphrey's First Christmas


Carol Heyer - 2007
    We have all heard the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the imaginative story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem. In addition to an engaging text and gorgeous, whimsical artwork, this story reminds readers of the importance of Christmas and the true meaning of gift-giving.

Santa Claus and the Three Bears


Maria Modugno - 2013
    But when they return, they are shocked at what they find! Their pudding . . . eaten! Their chairs . . . broken! Their cozy beds . . . slept in! And it looks like the culprit is still there! Fast asleep in Baby Bear's bed is someone awfully familiar. A fluffy white beard, a red jacket covered in soot, and two black boots sticking out from under the covers. Could it really be . . . ?With sparkling prose and splendid watercolor paintings, this delicious holiday treat glows with warmth and humor that will delight readers page after page.

Christmas in the Barn


Margaret Wise Brown - 1952
    From the bestselling author of classics like Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny comes a Christmas story sure to delight readers for generations.With gentle, lyrical text from Margaret Wise Brown and heartwarming illustrations from Caldecott Honor-winning artist Diane Goode, Christmas in the Barn introduces young readers to the story of the first Christmas.What child is this / who is born here / Where the oxen / stomp and peer…

Oliver Elephant


Lou Peacock - 2017
    They play peekaboo and hide in a dolls' house, and Noah even dances Oliver across the displays. But just as Mom has checked off the last thing on her list, disaster strikes: Oliver is nowhere to be found! And the department store is VERY big. Will retracing their steps be enough to reunite Noah and his beloved toy elephant?

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!

Dream Snow


Eric Carle - 2000
    But when the farmer awakens, he finds that it has really snowed outside, and now he remembers something! Putting on his red suit, he goes outside, puts some gifts under the tree for his animals, and presses a button near a Christmas tree, creating a most surprising musical treat for children everywhere."Few in number are the parents who have made it through their toddler's years on just one copy of Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Dream Snow has similar ingredients: a simple story, lively collage-like illustrations and a fun gimmick for little hands . . ." —Time"This is a simple, well-told story about a simple farmer. . . . Viewers. . . will want to get their hands on it." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"Carle fans and toddlers learning the basics will . . . enjoy the gentle text and creative design features." —Booklist"The pictures are in Carle's trademark richly colored and textured collages that capture the snowy magic of Christmas." —Kirkus Reviews

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.

Babushka


Dawn Casey - 2015
    When they leave Babushka stays behind cleaning and tidying, and preparing a gift for the baby. Next morning when she starts to follow the men she finds that the snow has covered their tracks and she doesn't know which way to go. But she keeps on searching, and as she goes she gives a gift from her basket to every child she passes who is hungry, or cold, or has no toys. This retelling of a traditional Russian folk tale is accompanied by glowing illustrations from an award-winning artist.