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    CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOKS

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    This list contains our family's favorite Christmas picture books, ones that have stood the test of time!

    While there are some silly reads sprinkled throughout, my hope is that this list points back to the true meaning and story of Christmas.

    **This list does not contain stories about Santa.

    Our family talks about Santa, but we do not celebrate him as a character.

    SILENT NIGHT

    SILENT NIGHT

    One of the world's most inspiring Christmas carols had its humble beginnings in a small village near Salzburg, Austria. Just before Christmas at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, organist Franz Gruber prepared to practice. But, instead of beautiful music, out came a terrible wheeze.

    LITTLE CHRISTMAS CAROL

    LITTLE CHRISTMAS CAROL

    In 1843, Charles Dickens penned a story—a classic Christmas tale full of ghosts and the endearing humbug Ebenezer Scrooge. That story—which has captivated readers for over 150 years—is now accompanied by the delightful illustrations of Joe Sutphin.

    APPLE TREE CHRISTMAS

    APPLE TREE CHRISTMAS

    The old apple tree that stands near the Ansterburgs’ barn house is an important part of their lives. Its sweet, juicy apples go into pies, applesauce, lunch pails, and even decorate their annual Christmas tree. But then an ice storm brings down the old tree, splitting it down the middle.

    CHRISTMAS IN THE BIG WOODS

    CHRISTMAS IN THE BIG WOODS

    Christmas has come to the Big Woods of Wisconsin! Laura and her family are excited to celebrate. When Laura’s cousins, aunt, and uncle arrive, they spend their time together eating sweets, playing in the snow, and reading.

    MARY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

    MARY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

    On the night you were born the whole sky exploded with love, and the angels shouted, and more than a thousand hearts were in love with my baby Jesus on his birthday! Listen as Mary tells five-year-old Jesus of the first Christmas -- of his own birth and the remarkable events that surrounded it.

    CHRISTMAS FARM

    CHRISTMAS FARM

    When Wilma decides her garden needs a new beginning, she gathers string, scissors, shovels, sixty-two dozen balsam seedlings, and Parker, her five-year-old neighbor. Year after year, Wilma and Parker nurture their trees, keeping careful count of how many they plant, how many perish, and how many grow to become fine, full Christmas trees.

    CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS

    CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS

    Old Cyrus Grape doesn't like children. And he insists that the skating pond is "his." Mr. Whiskers knows this isn't true, but since he can't prove it, there'll be no skating...not even on Christmas Day! Unless cleaning Mr. Whiskers' house uncovers some important information.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS, BIG HUNGRY BEAR!

    MERRY CHRISTMAS, BIG HUNGRY BEAR!

    From the author of the bestseller THE LITTLE MOUSE, THE RED RIPE STRAWBERRY AND THE BIG HUNGRY BEAR, this delightful picture book brings back the same beloved characters, the timid Little Mouse and the mysterious unseen Big Hungry Bear, and ends with a wonderful Christmas surprise.

    THE THIRD GIFT

    THE THIRD GIFT

    The three wise men, or the three kings, are familiar figures in the Christmas tradition. Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park has taken the brief biblical references to the three as the starting point for a new story.
    In it we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby.

    BABUSHKA

    BABUSHKA

    On the eve of the very first Christmas, an old grandmother is busy tidying her home when a bright star illuminates the sky. Soon three wise men arrive and invite Babushka to join them in their travels, following the star in search of a newborn babe, the Prince of Peace.

    'TWAS THE EVENING OF CHRISTMAS

    'TWAS THE EVENING OF CHRISTMAS

    'Twas the evening of Christmas, when all through the town, Every inn was so crowded, no room could be found. Tired Mary and Joseph, who went door to door,At last found a place on a small stable floor.

    THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

    THE GIFT OF THE MAGI

    In a shabby New York flat, Della sobs as she counts the few coins she has saved to buy a Christmas present for her husband, Jim. A gift worthy of her devotion will require a great sacrifice: selling her long, beautiful hair. Jim, meanwhile, has made a sacrifice for Della that is no less difficult.

    JACOB'S GIFT

    JACOB'S GIFT

    Jacob is a young boy with a gift for carpentry who is busy finishing up a project for a contest. His teacher, Rabbi Simeon, not only instructs him in carpentry, but also teaches him important lessons about God. Rabbi has just taught Jacob that when you give a gift to one of God's children, it's like giving a gift to God.

    HUMPHREY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

    HUMPHREY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

    We've all heard the story of the three wise men who brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. But what about the camels who carried them? Here is the story of Humphrey the camel and his long, cold journey to Bethlehem.

    THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE

    THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE

    On a dark November night, a man arrives in a small town. While the townspeople are curious about who he is, and what he brings, only Lucy is brave enough to offer him her help. As she unpacks candy jars and sweets, he tells her the story of the candy cane and its origin.

    THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY

    THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY

    Jonathan Toomey is the best woodcarver in the valley, but he is always alone and never smiles. No one knows about the mementos of his lost wife and child that he keeps in an unopened drawer. But one early winter’s day, a widow and her young son approach him with a gentle request that leads to a joyful miracle.

    THE CRIPPLED LAMB

    THE CRIPPLED LAMB

    The Crippled Lamb follows the story of Joshua, a lamb with a crippled leg who feels left out because he can't run and play like the other lambs. But God has a special plan for Joshua's life, as He does for all who feel alone.

    A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

    A SIMPLE CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

    When a little girl finds out her family is planning a "simple" Christmas this year, she's not so sure about it. But soon she gets into the spirit of simplicity and generosity by making presents and Christmas decorations with her parents and grandparents on their family farm.

    THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE

    THE CHRISTMAS PROMISE

    This storybook is a captivating retelling of the Christmas story, showing how God kept his promise to send a new King, a rescuing King, a forever King! Perfect for children aged 3 to 6.

    LITTLE BLUE TRUCK CHRISTMAS

    LITTLE BLUE TRUCK CHRISTMAS

    It's the most wonderful time of the year! Little Blue Truck is spreading cheer by delivering Christmas trees to his animal friends. Can you help count each green tree from one to five and back again? Don’t forget to save one for Blue! Beep! Beep!

    THE LITTLE DRUMMER MOUSE

    THE LITTLE DRUMMER MOUSE

    In a quaint woodland setting that bustles with animals and activity, the timid little drummer mouse plays his acorn drum wherever he goes. Then, one night, a bright star leads him to a stable. To the mouse's amazement, Mary invites him to play his drum for the new king.

    ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS

    ALL ABOUT CHRISTMAS

    Bursting with colorful photography, this essential reference guide helps curious young minds check out the facts behind the very first Christmas, as well as enjoy fun stories about the way Christmas is celebrated around the world.

    CONSTRUCTION SITE ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT

    CONSTRUCTION SITE ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT

    Excavator, Bulldozer, Crane, Dump Truck and Cement Mixer are building a new home for fire engines. As they finish their big, important job, they get their own Christmas surprises.

    CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN

    CHRISTMAS FROM HEAVEN

    Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.

    WINTER'S GIFT

    WINTER'S GIFT

    It may be Christmastime but on a small, forlorn farm the holiday season is best forgotten, along with painful memories of loved ones lost. A chance snowstorm brings together two unlikely hearts, one human and one beast, yet both yearning for comfort, companionship, and that most elusive gift of all, hope.

    A VERY MERCY CHRISTMAS

    A VERY MERCY CHRISTMAS

    When Stella gets the sudden idea to go caroling, she has a little trouble getting someone to join her. Will Stella need to sing by herself—with enthusiastic contributions from the pig, the cat, and the horse she picks up on the way?

    SILENT NIGHT: THE SONG & ITS STORY

    SILENT NIGHT: THE SONG & ITS STORY

    Tells how the well-known Christmas carol, "Silent Night," first came to be written and performed in Austria in the early 1800s.

    CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING

    CHRISTMAS DAY IN THE MORNING

    Rob wants to get his father something special for Christmas this year—something that shows how much he really loves him. But it's Christmas Eve, and he doesn't have much money to spend. What could he possibly get? Suddenly, Rob thinks of the best gift of all...

    THE LITTLE BELL THAT WOULDN'T RING

    THE LITTLE BELL THAT WOULDN'T RING

    In a church tower, three bells practice ringing for Christmas Eve. But the newest and smallest bell in the tower is silent. What could be wrong? The dove, the wise crow, and all the other animals find good words to try to encourage the little bell to ring. But nothing works . . .

    THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

    THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY

    A procession travels to Bethlehem, bringing gifts for the newborn baby Jesus. The little drummer boy comes along, although he is too poor to bring a present fit for a king. Instead, he plays a song on his drum for the Christ Child.

    SILENT NIGHT

    SILENT NIGHT

    Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol.

    AN ORANGE FOR FRANKIE

    AN ORANGE FOR FRANKIE

    The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece.

    UNWRAPPING THE NAMES OF JESUS

    UNWRAPPING THE NAMES OF JESUS

    “Tell us the story again, Mama!” Unwrapping the Names of Jesus for Kids begins with this enthusiastic plea. What follows is the captivating story of how the mother encountered Jesus—and His beautiful names— as a little girl.

    A LITTLE WOMEN CHRISTMAS

    A LITTLE WOMEN CHRISTMAS

    It’s almost Christmas, and Jo March is determined that this year, unlike the last, there will be presents. It is in this spirit that she and her dear friend Laurie build a snow maiden for poor, sick Beth. The next day, Beth is thrilled with her present, and each of the girls, in turn, receives a little something from the others.

    CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

    CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY

    Rylant evokes the warmth of the joyful Christmas season and celebrates the greatest gift of all--the love of family. Diane Goode's cheerful watercolors capture the festivities of the season, from Christmas trees loaded with homemade ornaments to the snow-covered countryside. A warm, evocative portrait of a loving family and a favorite season.

    THE TALES OF THREE TREES

    THE TALES OF THREE TREES

    “Once upon a mountaintop, three little trees stood and dreamed of what they wanted to become when they grew up …” So begins this enchanting American folktale. Perfect for all ages, Angela Elwell Hunt’s ingenuous retelling of this timeless story has delighted readers for generations.

    THE CHRISTMAS BOOK FLOOD

    THE CHRISTMAS BOOK FLOOD

    As northern lights dance and snow blankets the ground, a young girl searches for the perfect book to give her loved ones for their annual book exchange on Christmas Eve. When December 24th finally arrives, they gather together to share magical stories, curl up by the fire, and read all night long―so the Book Flood begins!

    A VERY NOISY CHRISTMAS

    A VERY NOISY CHRISTMAS

    Best for ages: 2-4 years. Some people think that Christmas was a "Silent Night". Far from it. It was filled with shouting, singing and screaming! It was as noisy as any of our Christmas celebrations.

    THE CARPENTER'S GIFT

    THE CARPENTER'S GIFT

    Opening in Depression-era New York City, The Carpenter's Gift tells the story of eight-year-old Henry and his father selling Christmas trees. They give a Christmas tree to construction workers building Rockefeller Center. Through the kindness of the construction workers and neighbors, Henry gets his wish for a nice, warm home to replace his family's drafty shack.

    SILENT NIGHT

    SILENT NIGHT

    It is a silent, snowy December night. Shopkeepers and country folk in the tiny Vermont village are hurrying everywhere, lighting candles, wrapping gifts, baking pies--getting ready. But for what? For Christmas Eve? Or is there more? The Miller family knows there is! Pa and the boys, little Andy and Jamie, rush to the train station through the blizzardy twilight to pick up Grandma Stokes.

    THE LITTLEST WATCHMAN

    THE LITTLEST WATCHMAN

    As children wait with anticipation for Christmas, they can follow the adventures of Benjamin­­–the littlest watchman–who waits for and then witnesses the first Christmas.

    THERE'S A LION IN MY NATIVITY

    THERE'S A LION IN MY NATIVITY

    In this story of a Christmas nativity play, Mary thinks she is the star of the show. However, as the play goes on, she finds that every scene has been stolen by an unlikely character or object, such as a tent, a phone and a lion!

    LITTLE MOLE'S CHRISTMAS GIFT

    LITTLE MOLE'S CHRISTMAS GIFT

    It was going to be the best Christmas ever because Little Mole had found the perfect gift for Mama: the biggest, most beautiful mushroom he had ever seen. But on his way home, Little Mole encounters other woodland friends in need.

    GOOD KING WENCESLAS

    GOOD KING WENCESLAS

    This story, 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. Tim Ladwig's energetic paintings bring new life to the familiar words and remind readers of all ages that helping others is a blessing.

    THE BEST NEWS OF ALL

    THE BEST NEWS OF ALL

    The Best News of All helps preschoolers remember the angel’s announcement to the shepherds in Luke 2:10–11: “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

    CHRISTMAS IS COMING

    CHRISTMAS IS COMING

    Christmas is for celebrating Jesus, God’s greatest gift to the world. While Christmas excitement often focuses on hanging lights, opening gifts, and decorating trees, Christmas Is Coming! offers a different—and true—reason for our joy and celebration.

    ROOM FOR A LITTLE ONE

    ROOM FOR A LITTLE ONE

    That cold winter's night, beneath the star's light...a Little One came for the world.

    SEEK & FIND: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

    SEEK & FIND: THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

    Young children will love interacting with the Christmas story as they find, count, and sort over 450 hidden things in this large-format board book.

    A CHRISTMAS FOR BEAR

    A CHRISTMAS FOR BEAR

    One frosty night, Bear hears a tap, tap, tapping on his front door. “Merry Christmas!” cries Mouse. Mouse is there for a Christmas party, and Bear has never had one before, but he’s certain that pickles (preferably from France) must be an essential component, along with the reading of a long and difficult poem.

    MORTIMOR'S CHRISTMAS MANGER

    MORTIMOR'S CHRISTMAS MANGER

    Mortimer the mouse lives in a hole under the stairs. Everyday he creeps about looking for good things to eat. One time, he sees something new--a house that's just his size!

    BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS

    BEAR STAYS UP FOR CHRISTMAS

    Bear’s friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs. Bear stays up—by discovering that giving is one of the best Christmas presents of all!

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