Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many they plant, how many perish, and how many grow to become Christmas trees.          This companion to the award-winning Pumpkins: A Story for a Field is a lyrical, behind-the-scenes look at the intricate lives of Christmas trees.          Includes an author’s note about the history and cultivation of Christmas trees.

    A little black bear wakes up to find a wintry world of white all around him. He wonders where all the colors have gone, and steps out into the softly drifted snow to look for them. The cub is soon helped in his search by a whole host of animals, including a raccoon, a blue jay, a lynx, and an arctic fox who bring the brilliant colors of the forest to him, one by one. What the animals finally create together with their treasures is a magical symbol of the Christmas season and a timeless testimonial to the joy of friendship and sharing. Readers will be enchanted by the lovingly rendered woodland animal and forest scenes, as well as the poetic text printed in elegant calligraphy.

    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.

    But twelve-year-old Bettina’s parents have been called away unexpectedly, leaving her in charge of the house, the farm, and baby Pia. In all the confusion, Bettina’s family neglects to set out the traditional bowl of Christmas rice pudding for the tiny nisse who are rumored to look after the family and their livestock. No one besides her grandfather ever believed the nisse were real, so what harm could there be in forgetting this silly custom? But when baby Pia disappears during a nap, the magic of the nisse makes itself known. To find her sister and set things right, Bettina must venture into the miniature world of these usually helpful, but sometimes mischievous folk. A delightful winter adventure for lovers of the legendary and miraculous.

    After all, would Santa even know how to find them in this faraway spot? But when Christmas Eve is ushered in on a wild storm and Papa risks his life to rescue a drowning man, the children realize that the most important thing about the holiday is being together.As in all great Christmas stories, a happy ending is in store, and Santa finds them after all. Cozy and nostalgic, this story was inspired by the Flying Santa program, a New England tradition since 1929. It's the perfect book for a family to read together in front of the fire on Christmas morning.

    Buck and acclaimed artist Mark Buehner comes a heartwarming story that illustrates the true meaning of Christmas.Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year—something that shows how much he really loves him. But it's Christmas Eve, and he doesn't have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all...The acclaimed author of nearly a hundred books for children and adults, Pearl S. Buck captures the spirit of Christmas in this elegant, heartening story about a boy's gift of love. Originally published in 1955, this timeless story with glorious full-color art by Mark Buehner will be a welcome addition to your holiday collection.

    From start to bang-up finish, Calico the Wonder Horse outruns and outsmarts the double-dyed villains -- and, of course, saves the day!

    Her granddaughter is reluctant to go. The weather is terrible and they have to wear fancy, uncomfortable clothes. But as the curtains rise on The Nutcracker, the girl's eyes light up as she's introduced to the magic of the theater. The bright costumes, the intricate dances, the magical music, and a new friend all combine to captivate the girl and to bring color to an otherwise dreary evening.

    But what happens when he finds the bear in an unexpected source? A delightful Christmas read-aloud!★ "All the elements of a winner come together in this enchanting effort: a charming main character, Ayto's stylish mixed-media illustrations with a jazzy color palate, polished prose and a rewarding story." ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"Likely to be a storytime hit well beyond the Christmas season." ―School Library JournalThe little wolf knows just what he needs to get a good night's sleep: a teddy bear to cuddle. So the next morning, the little wolf sets off to find one. But exactly where do teddy bears come from?The little wolf asks the Wise Owl and the Three Little Pigs, but nobody knows. Finally, the little wolf stumbles upon a kindly man with a bright red suit and a long white beard, and when the little wolf wakes up the next morning there, is a surprise at the foot of his bed...and the answer to his lingering question.Author Mark Burgess has woven an amusing, satisfying story that features a steadfast character and a memorable cast of familiar faces, including Santa Claus himself. Russell Ayto's distinctively quirky illustrations offer surprising perspectives and colorfully capture the delightful humor of the story.Awards: Best Children's Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of EducationChildren's Book Award (Nominee) ―Florida Reading AssociationFlicker Tale Children's Book Awards (Nominee, Picture Books) ―North Dakota Library Association

    But not this year! Froggy's best friend, Max the beaver, wakes him up to join the fun. Soon, Froggy's gotten into the swing of things: finding a tree, wrapping presents, singing carols, and enjoying a holiday feast. Join Froggy as he celebrates his very first, and very best, Christmas!"The humor and spirited artwork will put Froggy fans in the holiday mood!" (The Horn Book)"Children who have delighted in the earlier books about Froggy will cheer him along as he experiences his very first Christmas." (School Library Journal)

    Ooh la la! This year, Nancy is especially excited about decorating the Christmas tree. She bought a brand-new sparkly tree topper with her own money and has been waiting for Christmas to come. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? In this merriest of stories from bestselling duo Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser, Nancy proves once again that a little fancying up can go a long, festive way!

    Whether made by the tip of a pencilor the blade of a skate, the magic starts there.A wordless story about a young skater on a frozen pond and an artist.

    Painted in acrylics this is a delightful picture book which ends with a wonderful Christmas surprise - the promise of a new friendship between a tiny mouse, and a big bear, who doesn't seem quite so scary after all.

    But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa! This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco's heart. Frankie was her grandmother's youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago

    Be swept away in an unforgettable Christmas Eve, from Scrooge's first "Bah, humbug " to the arrival of the Ghost of Christmas Past; from the courage of Tiny Tim to the glory of Christmas morning. Brett Helquist's art bursts with spirit, humor, and an irresistible attention to detail. Here is a treasure for the whole family to share, year after year. A merry Christmas, everyone