"I'm carving a Jesse tree, if you must know. Now run along out of here. A church isn t for playing in." "Is that your name, then? Jesse?" The carpenter was impatient to get back to work. "Of course not. A Jesse tree is a very ancient tradition. A thousand years ago, every church had a Jesse tree. A stained-glass window or a carved wooden screen . . . Nowadays, it 's a lost art."As Mr. Butterfield carves a Jesse Tree in an old dusty church, a curious young boy distracts him, asking about the various symbols on the tree. Against his better judgment, the old man finds himself retelling the familiar Biblical tales that trace the lineage of Christ, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus birth. Under the carpenter 's skilled hands, the Jesse tree grows and an unlikely friendship begins to take root as well.Geraldine McCaughrean's fresh retellings of familiar Bible events and Bee Willey 's whimsical and striking illustrations create a rich and contemporary tale, perfect for reading during Advent or anytime.The Jesse Tree will captivate readers who know and love the Bible stories as well as those who are reading them for the first time.

    This interactive and lively book is sure to be a family favorite at Christmastime year after year.

    Instead, a desert zephyr blew And palm fronds sang a rustling tune To welcome the awaited birth. There was no snow, no fireplace, no need for woolen caps and gloves on that very first Christmas. Instead there was a humble stable, and weary travelers with light robes and sandals on a desert night. This luminous picture book manages to take the familiar story of the Nativity and make it fresh and immediate, reminding young children of the miracle of Christmas and the true nature of the spirit of the season, no matter what the weather.

     It's not Christmas without Santa! But what does Santa truly look like? Does he match the figurines on the mantel, or the faces on our favoriteholiday sweaters? Does he look like you or like me?Find out in this joyous and cozy celebration of family, representation, and holiday spirit! Destined to be a new classic, and perfect for any child looking to see some of themself in Santa Claus.

    Christmas is only days away and Arthur can't find the perfect gift to give Santa! Finally, he has an idea and with a little help from his sister, Christmas will be a success!

    Grandma is stuffing the turkey. Dad is chopping firewood. The cousins are shucking corn. But the youngest member of the family fells left out. He has nothing to do! Until Grandpa has an idea, and invites him along to share in the most special Thanksgiving treat ever!

    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.

    Even if they don't have much money for presents, they always have one another, and that's enough to make any Christmas merry. This lavish gift book gathers together five of Laura's classic Christmas stories from Little House in the Big Woods, Little Houes on the Prairie, and On the Banks of Plum Creek, and is illustrated with gently colorized versions of Garth Williams' original art. Bring these stories home with you as part of your own Christmas celebration!And, this Christmas, you can also be Laura with the Little House Christmas Theater Kit! Inside this wonderful new kit is everything you need to put on two Christmas plays adapted from the Little House books. Ask for this kit at a bookstore near you, and make your Christmas this year a Little House Christmas!1994 "Pick of the Lists" (ABA)

    But why not make the last week until Christmas more fun by counting how many sleeps until the arrival of Santa and his reindeer?Accompanied by the beautiful and energetic artwork of Rich Deas, enjoy the humor of Jimmy Fallon as he prepares readers for the most exciting week of the year in this new holiday tradition for your family—5 More Sleeps 'til Christmas.

    And when Mothball takes an unexpected sleigh ride, it′s not just Santa who faces the prospect of getting stuck in the chimney.Christmas from a wombat′s eye view is always going to be interesting - especially when that wombat is Mothball.Ages 3+

    Santa comes to the barnyard in this holiday addition to the award-winning Click, Clack series from the New York Times bestselling and Caldecott winning team who brought you Click, Clack, Moo and Click, Clack, Peep!It's the night before Christmas and all through the farm, not a creature is stirring, not even a...duck?Farmer Brown is busy decorating his home in preparation for Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve! All seems calm in the barnyard, but Farmer Brown isn't the only one who is getting ready...Ho Ho OH NO!Once again, Duck has gotten the whole barnyard STUCK in quite a predicament! Will anyone be able to un-stuck Duck and save Christmas?

    Nick and his elves.Greg Paprocki works full-time as an illustrator and book designer. He has illustrated several Curious George books, as well as The Big Book of Superheroes for Gibbs Smith. He began his career as an advertising art director after studying fine art and graphic design at the University of Nebraska.

       It’s Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift tumbles out of his sleigh, landing in the woods. The friends find the gift and read the tag: “For the new baby at the farm. Love, Santa.” And so, in spite of Squirrel’s grumbling—“It’s not our baby”—they set off on a long journey to deliver it. Sweet, poignant, and starring a cast of truly adorable characters, this is a story sure to be shared year after year at Christmastime.

    His essay has been reprinted countless times since, and the phrase "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" has become part of American Christmas lore.Based on these actual events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.

    Makes a thoughtful gift, especially accompanied with some home-baked cookies.From making the same kind of cookies at the same time each year (tradition) to decorating them with lots of sprinkles (celebrate), emergent readers will gobble up gentle holiday lessons in this charming book.Amy Krouse Rosenthal's timeless morsels of wisdom paired with Jane Dyer's cozy illustrations are as irresistible as the aroma of cookies fresh from the oven. Perfect for learning concept words as well as for readers of all ages as they celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.