They set fire to Fred Shoemaker’s toolshed, blackmailed Wanda Pierce to get her charm bracelet, and smacked Alice Wendelken across the head. And that’s just the start! When the Herdmans show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. It’s obvious that they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdmans, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way.This year’s pageant is definitely like no other, but maybe that’s exactly what makes it so special.

    Stick Man lives in the family tree With his Stick Lady Love and their stick children three ..."a cracker of a book" - Financial Times"You'll read this book again and again" - Daily Mail

    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

    Told simply, in language even the youngest family members will understand, the story beings with three young trees who dream - as children do - of doing big deedsWhen the woodcutters come, the trees each find that the reality of their existence doesn't match their dreams... and yet... This touching story contains a simple lesson about God's Plan for every life, told in a way that will touch hearts.A beautifully animated video anchors this trio of products for the whole family.

    Ann McGovern's simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today - THANKSGIVING.

    Full-color, fun illustrations will keep the attention of pre-readers. Volume 3 stories include: "Captain Moroni Finds Power in Righteousness," "The Brother of Jared Has Great Faith," and "Lehi and Nephi Follow the Spirit." Family home evening ideas and activities are also featured at the end of each story. Who's Your Hero? is ideal for teaching children to love the Book of Mormon.

    Evoking both winter’s changes to the world outside and well-loved traditions taking place within, here is a story to encourage readers to curl up with their loved ones and bask in the magic of the Christmas season.

    He has Santa posters, Santa action figures, and even Santa underwear. But there is one prize Freddy desperately wants: A photograph taken with Santa, fresh out of the chimney. Oh, is it risky! It's awfully hard to sneak anything by someone who can see you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake. That's why Freddy has been extra good this year . . . at hiding his plans. Will Freddy get away with his delightfully devious scheme to outwit Santa Claus himself and capture the ultimate selfie?

    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?

    Ehlert creates a wintry world with her signature style by collaging vibrant cut paper and textured found objects, like buttons, fabric, and seeds, to illuminate the most wonderful time of the year. Readers young and old will marvel at the innovation in this dazzling snow-filled tale and just might feel inspired to build their own unique snow creations.

    But when the forest animals gather around the lonely little tree to cheer it up and celebrate the season, it finds the warmth of the holidays in the heart of a cold, snowy forest.This is a charming and classic-feeling holiday story with a heartfelt message about celebrating our differences and sticking by our friends. Families will love reading it together and talking about kindness, generosity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

    Evie's roots contribute to the authenticity and warmth with which she narrates the story, including additional thoughts and feelings from Annika's own perspective suggested by the artwork on each page. Music and sound effects will pique the imaginations of young and old alike This picture book with CD makes a cherished gift for families with children of all ages and will be enjoyed long after the Christmas season. The audio format is a great tool for early readers.

    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.

    In this hilarious modern spoof of a favorite holiday song, the trip to Grandfather's house is no peaceful sleigh ride!

    With style and warmth, debut author Patricia Toht and Jarvis, the author-illustrator of Alan's Big, Scary Teeth, evoke all the rituals of decorating the tree -- digging out boxes jam-packed with ornaments and tree trimmings, stringing tinsel, and, at long last, turning on those twinkling lights. Joyously drawn and rhythmically written, this celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season is as merry as the tradition it depicts.