Now available in a sturdy board book edition, this glittering Nativity, by the author of "The Rainbow Fish," is a perfect Christmas gift for the entire family to share.

    But why did Santa call? Now available in a new hardcover edition, this truly Joyce-ian crusade features villains and swashbuckling adventure, concluding with a most spectacular and touching Christmas celebration.A holiday extravaganza like no other, by the creator of Rolie Polie Olie, Snowie Rolie, Sleepy Time Olie, Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures wirh the Family Lazardo, and George Shrinks.

    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 when his friends see him and immediately launch into their Christmas lists, he doesn't know what to do . . . until he runs into Santa himself.

    "The Christmas book of the year. Twenty-six dazzling, magical pop-ups commemorate holiday sights and symbols in unforgettable ways....Most of the pop-ups themselves are white, which gives them an elegant look, and Sabuda...has designed them all to move gracefully when the flaps are opened....Besides being an imaginative paper designer, Sabuda uses form, color, and space expertly....Just terrific. "-- Pointer, KIRKUS REVIEWBook Details: Format: Hardcover Publication Date: 10/1/2004 Pages: 16 Reading Level: Age 4 and Up

    But when he goes out to look for one, Fly Guy meets a stranger in the house whom he has to fight off with his ninja action. Will Fly Guy defeat the stranger? Will he find a present for Buzz? Even reluctant readers will enjoy this fun, zany holiday story about Fly Guy meeting Santa Claus, knocking over the Christmas tree, and showing off his ninja moves!

    He says his name is Bob. The winsome tale of Bob opens this book of seven Boynton Christmas stories. Using the colorful picture tabs, little children can choose the story they want to hear:* Bob* Merry Christmas Party* The Star* A Big Box* Eight Wishes* Wake Up!* Christmas LullabyEvery perfectly silly selection is just right for snuggling by, all December long. And highly approved by Bob.

    No one in the whole world knows more about kids, toys, and gifts than Santa Claus. No one. (And of course, he loves his job.) But how does he do it?

    This carol, based on actual events that occurred in the tenth century, tells of a kind-hearted king and his page who set out to help a poor man on a cold winter's night and experience a miracle along the way.

    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

    But his favorite is the great spruce, with its sturdy trunk and branches that stretch up to the sky. Alec’s grandpa planted it as a sapling years and years before Alec was born, and every Christmas, Alec and his grandpa decorate the tree together, weaving tinsel and lights through its branches, making it shine bright. But one day, a few curious men from the nearby city take notice of Alec’s glistening great spruce, and ask to take it away for their Christmas celebration. Though it’s a huge honor, Alec’s heartbroken at the idea of losing his friend. With great courage and creativity, Alec comes up with a plan to save his favorite tree in this joyful holiday tale.

    It's been raining for days now, and Laura is afraid that Santa Claus won't be able to travel without snow. Mary is afraid that Santa won't be able to find them so far away on the prairie. Both girls are sure the rain has made the creek rise too high for Santa to cross it.Two very sad little girls fall asleep on Christmas Eve. But on Christmas morning they awaken to a noise outside their log cabin door. Could it be Santa?Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House On The Prairie has been treasured by children of all ages for generations. Now, for the first time ever, comes an illustrated edition of this complete and unabridged Christmas chapter taken directly from Wilder's beloved book. Little House artist Rene e Graef's rich paintings, combined with this heartwarming story, make this a new holiday classic for families to share year after year.

    Peformed on every continent and in many languages, it has been seen by more people than any other opera in history.The story tells of the night the Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem, stop for shelter at the home of Amahl, a poor, crippled shepard boy who lives with his widowed mother. Inspired by the Wise Men's tale of a kingdom "built on love alone," Amahl offers his own simple gift to the Christ Child. And then a miracle happens. . .In this warm and compassionate story, Gian Carlo Menotti has captured the essential spirit of Christmas. At its premiere, The New York Times called Amahl "rare art. . . tender and exquisite." Now brought to life in glowing watercolors, Amahl and the Night Visitors is a feast for the eyes and heart, one readers of all ages will want to return to again and again.

    David McPhail's inspirational holiday story emphasizes the importance of literacy while reminding readers that with patience and practice, you can achieve just about anything.

    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.