A crash-landing puts Christmas in peril in this quirky, funny, and heartwarming holiday classic from the New York Times–bestselling author of Inkheart. Scared by a storm, Twinklestar, the least reliable reindeer, bolts—causing Santa and his sleigh to crash-land. And though Santa has dropped into a friendly neighborhood, he’s not safe: Jeremiah Goblynch, the ruthless new leader of the Council of Yuleland, is determined to put an end to children’s wishes and turn the holiday season into his own personal moneymaking scheme. As the last REAL St. Nick around, only Santa stands between Goblynch and his grinchlike plan. With the help and hope of kids Charlotte and Ben, Santa must face Goblynch and his Nutcracker goons to save Christmas! “Wonderfully imaginative details, adventure, danger, and a brave young Santa who fights to preserve all that is magical and special about Christmas make this a perfect read over a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night.” —School Library Journal “The humor, plus some unusual character types, sets this apart from the general run of holiday tales.” —Kirkus Reviews
Before they got him, Clyde performed an act so heroic it won the admiration of man and beast, and even charmed the angels... Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, O. J. Bryson's gift-book novel Clyde, the Elf That Santa Fired is a heartwarming tale for the entire family (ages twelve through adult). At the heart of the story is Favorite, a little girl who has been terribly wronged. Her parents, both attorneys, die in a suspicious plane crash. Their law partner, Charlie Striker, is suspected, but not charged. Striker takes over the firm, moves himself into their mansion, and sticks Favorite in an orphanage in the poorest part of town, hoping she'll catch pneumonia and die. Favorite has no one to take her side. Until... Along comes Clyde! (Heaven help her!) Santa's elves have the measles, so Santa has hired Clyde to help deliver the toys. Clyde, a carefree but loveable prankster, could not care less about children. Besides, he has troubles of his own-the Capture Team from where he used to live is hot on his trail. Right off the bat one of Clyde's pranks goes awry, embarrassing Santa and leaving Favorite heartbroken. Weighed down with shame, and aching for a chance to make things right, Clyde later learns that Favorite is "sick unto death"-her enemies have done their worst. Clyde, alone, has the cure. To save the child, he will have to run the race of his life. But first he must escape. Tonight, he will make the death jump! Clyde...is a dynamite story with child-giggling explosions at every turn. The happiest of all sad endings.
All year long, Santa and Mrs. Claus prepare for Christmas ... but where do they go on vacation? Do they go on a retreat to do yoga and to stretch? Do they go to a museum to learn to paint and sketch? From the author of "Where Do Elves Go on Vacation?", this story continues to push one's imagination. From idea generation to creative thinking skills, your child will have so much fun, they won't realize they are learning too! You'll be amazed at how this book encourages children to ask questions and imagine all the possibilities. The author's use of rhythm and rhyme make it an excellent independent read, bedtime story, or read-aloud! It's beautiful illustrations match the author's playful text and leave you wondering ... where do they go on vacation? While it is perfect for the holidays, this book is a fun read no matter the season!
This season, add a new classic to your holiday collection with this heartwarming Christmas picture book about a little boy who learns there's more to Christmas than being on the naughty or nice list. Dear Santa, Let me explain...Parker knows he is definitely not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes, and it's tough being a kid! So when Ms. Holly asks the class to write their letters to Santa, Parker gets nervous. Why are all of his friends telling Santa how perfect they are? Santa knows if you've been bad or good... It's best to be honest. Right? Parker hands in his honest letter and hopes that Santa will understand. When Christmas morning arrives, Parker finds a big surprise under the tree—and a letter from Santa! The perfect holiday stocking stuffer or Christmas gift book for ages 4-7, this heartwarming and interactive story will delight kids, parents, grandparents, and caregivers alike! Includes special stationery to write your own letter to Santa. PLUS, get a FREE PERSONALIZED letter from Santa! BONUS: Kids can write a letter to Santa using the festive holiday-themed stationery included in every book. Parents can also visit Put Me In the Story for a FREE downloadable personalized letter from the desk of Santa Claus, or get a letter and official 'Nice List' certificate sent in a magical envelope all the way from the North Pole! It's never been easier to make your child's Christmas wishes come true than with this activity for kids!
Tis the season to fall in love! These five bestselling authors bring you great tiding of highlanders and romances this holiday season! A HIGHLANDER'S HOPE by Terri Brisbin A village harlot who would never dream she could have a different life meets a Highlander who visits for the holidays and brings with him an offer and hope. A HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS WAGER by Lecia Cornwall When a snowstorm forces a charming lass hiding a broken heart to take shelter in a castle with three fine Highland lairds just days before Christmas, there’s a game afoot—who will be the first to win a kiss and maybe her heart. A SCOT FOR CHRISTMAS by Bronwen Evans She's ready to embrace her life and future as a spinster, he's trying to have one last hurrah before he gives into his family's wishes and proposes marriage to his neighbor, but fate has other ideas when the lady and the Scot meet at a holiday house party in the wilds of Scotland. LEFTOVER MISTLETOE by Lavinia Kent What happens when a highlander finds himself stranded, maybe kidnapped, with an English lady around Christmas... maybe the mistletoe will help answer that question. SWEET HOME HIGHLAND CHRISTMAS by May McGoldrick An encounter between an English officer and a desperate aunt trying to keep custody of her young niece leads to a little magic during the holidays.
The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition is an activity the entire family will enjoy. Based on the tradition Carol Aebersold began with her family in the 1970s, this cleverly rhymed children's book explains that Santa knows who is naughty and/or nice because he sends a scout elf to every home. During the holiday season, the elf watches children by day and reports to Santa each night. When children awake, the elf has returned from the North Pole and can be found hiding in a different location. This activity allows The Elf on the Shelf to become a delightful hide-and-seek game.
A heartfelt, hilarious look at the evolution of a half-trillion-dollar American holiday Hank Stuever turns his unerring eye for the idiosyncrasies of modern life to Frisco, Texas, a suburb at once all-American and completely itself, to tell the story of the nation’s most over-the-top celebration: Christmas. Stuever starts the narrative as so many start the Christmas season: standing in line with the people waiting to purchase flat-screen TVs on Black Friday. From there he follows three of Frisco's true holiday believers as they navigate through the Nativity and all its attendant crises. Tammie Parnell, an eternally optimistic suburban mom, is the proprietor of "Two Elves with a Twist," a company that decorates other people's big houses for Christmas. Jeff and Bridgette Trykoski own that house every town has: the one with the visible-from-space, jaw-dropping Christmas lights. And single mother Carol Cavazos just hopes that the life-affirming moments of Christmas might overcome the struggles of the rest of the year. Stuever's portraits of the happy, mega-churchy, shop-until-you-drop community in Tinsel are revealing and riotously funny, showing how our ancient rituals of celebration have survived—and succumbed to—the test of time.