A young couple begin their life together in the Colorado wilderness--they clear the land, build a house, and plan for the baby that will soon be born. But when a fierce winter storm blows in, they are left with little hope. Thomas Locker's glorious paintings and Keith Strand's inspiring reverie bring the Christmas spirit to life.
Set in the early 1950s, "Grandpa's Christmas Tree Story" is about a young boy's struggle to bring a Christmas tree to his school. In a letter to his grandchildren, this true story is based on the recollections of a grandfather many years later. The scene unfolds in a small rural community along the Hudson River... celebrating many of the traditions of the times...
This bestselling Christmas picture book by renowned children's author Michael Morpurgo and illustrator Jim Field, is now available in paperback for the first time. Michael Morpurgo frames his powerful message about protecting the environment in this beautiful personal story about a grandpa's wish for his granddaughter to live in a better world. This vital and timely story is paired with Jim Field's emotive illustrations in this gorgeous Christmas picture book, perfect for the whole family to share. Dearest little Mia, This Christmas, instead of a Christmas card - you'll have plenty of those - and instead of a present - you'll have plenty of those too, I am sending you a letter ... Every Christmas Mia and her family read a letter which her Grandpa wrote to her. His letter is a warm, impassioned and heartfelt wish for a better world for Mia to live in. He remembers fondly the times they spent in his garden finding frogs and worms and planting seeds. But Grandpa worries that all the things they love so much are in danger ... His letter is a hopeful plea to Mia (and to all of us) to continue to care for and protect our precious world. Michael Morpurgo is a master storyteller who has written over one hundred books and won countless awards. In 1976 Michael and his wife Clare started the charity Farms For City Children, which aims to relieve the poverty of experience of young children from inner city and urban areas. In 1999 they were awarded the MBE for their work in creating these farms and in 2006 Michael received an OBE. His novel War Horse has been adapted into a hugely successful and critically acclaimed West End play as well as a film adaptation directed by Steven Spielberg. Michael is a tireless champion for children's books and was formerly the Children's Laureate. Jim Field is an award-winning illustrator, character designer and animation director. He is perhaps best known for drawings frogs on logs in the bestselling picture book series Oi Frog! He has illustrated children's books with Kes Grey, Michelle Robinson, Rachel Bright, Jeanne Willis, Steve Cole and comedian David Baddiel. His first picture book Cats Ahoy won the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and he has been nominated for several other awards including the Kate Greenaway Award and the Sainsbury's Children's Book Award. In 2016, The Bookseller listed Jim as the 6th top selling illustrator. Jim grew up in Farborough and now lives in Paris with his wife and daughter.
On November 21, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons set sail from a small northern Michigan town across Lake Michigan. Affectionately dubbed the "Christmas Tree Ship," this was an annual trek for the Rouse Simmons. With its cargo of Christmas trees, the ship was bound for Chicago. There Captain Herman Scheunemann would sell the trees for 50 cents or $1.00 and even gave many away to needy families. But the schooner never makes its destination. The Rouse Simmons, with all hands and cargo, disappears into the cold waters. The ship's wreckage is not found until 1971. Drawing from stories told by her grandfather, author Carol Crane weaves a fictional tale based on the true events of the doomed schooner. And she explains how the captain's widow went on to continue his tradition of delivering holiday trees to Chicago. Carol Crane's many books for Sleeping Bear Press include the best-selling P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet and The Handkerchief Quilt. As a literacy advocate, Carol speaks at schools and conferences. She lives in North Carolina. Chris Ellison has illustrated children's picture books and adult historical fiction for nearly 20 years. His book Let Them Play was a 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. Chris lives in Mississippi.
A little boy who hand makes a present for his grandmother for Christmas first feels upset when he sees his cousins presenting expensive, store-bought gifts, but soon realizes the true meaning of Christmas.
This unforgettable tale, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Barbara Cooney, has become a seasonal classic-a touching and joyful story about courage and the power of family.
In this sweet and softly illustrated picture book, a young girl journeys through downtown Baltimore with her father on the way to find the perfect Christmas tree in the deep woods. Christmas is coming! And all Chita can dream about is choosing her very own Christmas tree. “Mama!” Chita calls. “Mama! Is today the day?” “Yes,” says Mama. “Papa is almost ready.” And so Chita and her father set out in the buggy into the deep, snowy woods to find Chita’s very own Christmas tree. And when Christmas morning comes, Chita has many surprises, but none as beautiful as her tree—with its full and graceful branches and her name carved in its trunk.
Even though its kind sacrifices for the animals of the forest have marred the perfection of its shape, Small Pine is selected to be the Christmas tree in the Queen's castle, demonstrating that living for the sake of others makes us most beautiful in the eyes of God.
In the middle of a beautiful forest is a grove full of young pine trees. Their father gives them advice and shares his unusual plan on how to grow up and avoid being cut down by humans, taken out of the forest, and decorated as Christmas trees for their holiday. All the young pine trees follow their father's advice except for Little Stevie who cares more about how he looks. He refuses to listen to his father and grows up to become a beautiful tree. One winter's day, humans arrive with their saws and axes looking for the perfect Christmas tree. They spot beautiful Little Stevie who quickly realizes how foolish and vain he has been all this time. Will Little Stevie learn a lesson before it is too late? Can He escape the saws and axes? This is a book all children should read!