By E.T.A. Hoffmann
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

Lisbeth Zwerger's stunning interpretation of The Nutcracker, adapted from the original Hoffmann tale, rounds out the story depicted in the ballet, exploring the background of the feud between the Nutcracker and the seven-headed Mouse King, the true role of the mysterious Drosselmeier, the tragic fate of Princess Pirlipat, the spell cast by Mistress Mousie that is finally broken by the loyal Marie, and the satisfying, happily-ever-after conclusion to the great battle and fantastic journey. In pictures filled with wit, whimsy, drama, mystery, and magic, Lisbeth Zwerger transports us to the darkest reaches and sunniest splendors of this fairy-tale world.

By Charles Dickens
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

The internationally acclaimed illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger spent over two years creating the illustrations for her interpretation of this beloved story. She lends her signature wit, charm, and insightful clarity to pictures that add new dimension and depth to Dickens' tale of redemption. The result is a splendid new edition of A Christmas Carol that is sure to be cherished for generations to come.

By O. Henry
Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger

One dollar and eighty-seven cents is all the money Della has in the world to buy her beloved husband a Christmas present. She has nothing to sell except her only treasure - her long, beautiful brown hair. Set in New York at the turn of the twentieth century, this classic piece of American literature tells the story of a young couple and the sacrifices each must make to buy the other a gift. Beautiful, delicate watercolors by award-winning illustrator Lisbeth Zwerger add new poignancy and charm to this simple tale about the rewards of unselfish love.

By Tomie dePaola

In this wonderful Christmas memoir for all ages, Tomie dePaola shares his love of the season in fifteen vivid memories spanning six decades filled with delightful twists and turns.

By Clement Clarke Moore
Illustrated by Robert Sabuda

Award winner Robert Sabuda brings Clement Clarke Moore's classic tale of The Night Before Christmas to life in this festive pop-up edition, sure to become a perennial family favorite.

By Robert Sabuda

A true holiday classic literally comes to life in this stunning pop-up edition of a season favorite. With a partridge popping, snow scattering, and lords a-leaping off the page, this lavish book is a gift for readers of all ages. For this special anniversary edition legendary paper engineer Robert Sabuda encloses his own gifts to the reader: extra pages with a pop-up Christmas tree with real lights aglow, and a beautiful pop-up ornament of two turtledoves. The ornament is packaged with the book and is perfect for adding a celebratory touch to your tree. This beautiful anniversary package is one to treasure!

By Dylan Thomas
Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

A lost but not forgotten childhood is evoked in this nostalgic recollection that endures as one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time. Trina Schart Hyman's sensitive illustrations reflect the joy and magic of a special day in the youth of Dylan Thomas.

By Holly Hobbie

It's almost time for Christmas at Woodcock Pocket, and Puddle is ready to bake fruitcake, make paper chains, and decorate the house and tree. But Toot - wouldn't you know! - is stranded in a winter storm far away. How will Puddle's best friend get back home by Christmas Eve? The answer involves a little bit of magic and some unexpected help from another holiday traveler.

By Jan Brett

Rollo loves to romp and play. He just can't help being a wild little troll who does whatever he wants whenever he wants. One morning in late summer, Mama and Papa Troll ask for his help one time too many. Rollo grabs his rucksack and runs off across the tundra. He has no trouble finding animal families to live with, and he moves from one to another, causing mischief and mayhem. He's traveling with a friendly moose family way up on the mountain when he smells smoke drifting up from his home below. It is nearly Christmas. It is time to go home? How will he get there?

By Tomie dePaola

In Strega Nona's village, the holiday season is a time of celebrations -- and nothing says celebration like a feast! All the kitchens are bustling from the Feast of San Nicola in early December, when the children choose the food, to the Feast of Epiphany in January, when someone gets to be king or queen for a day. Even the animals share in the holiday spirit, for there is one feast where the tradition is to cook for them. When Big Anthony smells the delicious treats Strega Nona is cooking up for her animals, he decides that just a taste couldn't hurt, right? Wrong! Big Anthony gets his just desserts, while Strega Nona surprises everyone with a special gift.

By Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen

So begins this charming Christmas counting tale from bestselling author Jane Yolen. In simple, lovely verse, Yolen guides her readers ever closer to the manger, as increasing numbers of angels and wisemen, horses and cows, fathers and mothers and children follow the star in the eastern sky. Accompanied by Vlasta van Kampen's stunning artwork, the story builds to a delightfully crowded finish as one and all gather around the creche. Written and illustrated with the youngest reader in mind, Under the Star is sure to find a place beneath many Christmas trees.

By Katherine Paterson

In unexpected and heartwarming ways, two–time Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson has written a collection of nine inspirational short stories that illuminate the true meaning of the Christmas story. Hope and celebration are the common threads in this exploration of the mysterious workings of the human heart. Featuring a new foreword by the author, this new hardcover edition is perfect for sharing with loved ones both near and far during the holiday season. Ages: 8 – 13

By Sharon Robinson
Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Jackie Robinson is getting ready for his family's first Christmas in Brooklyn -- with a little help from Steve Satlow, a young baseball fan who lives two doors down. When the Robinsons first moved to Tilden Avenue, Steve's family stood up against the prejudice of their neighbors to welcome the neighborhood's first black family. Since then, the Dodgers' famous second baseman -- and Steve's baseball idol -- has become his friend. When Jackie finds out that Steve's family doesn't have a Christmas tree, he sees the perfect chance to return the kindness they showed his family. But there's something Jackie doesn't realize: The Satlows don't celebrate Christmas because they're Jewish! Funny, touching, and true, this tale of Jackie Robinson's first Christmas -- and Hanukkah -- in Brooklyn celebrates the unity of the holiday season.

By Marla Frazee

It's true. No one in the whole world knows more about kids, toys, and gifts than Santa Claus. No one. (And, of course, he loves his job.) But how does he do it?

By William Joyce

Art Atchinson Aimesworth -- inventor, crime fighter, and all-around whiz kid -- journeys north with his sister, Esther, and his pal, Spaulding, by special invitation from Santa himself. But why did Santa call? Now available in a new hardcover edition, this truly Joyce-ian crusade features villains and swashbuckling adventure, concluding with a most spectacular and touching Christmas celebration.

By Jan Brett

THE WILD CHRISTMAS REINDEER is one of Jan Brett's most popular Christmas stories. Now a whole new generation of readers can discover this rollicking original yuletide tale in this elegant twentieth-anniversary edition.

The fun begins when Santa asks Teeka to get the reindeer ready to fly on Christmas Eve. But the reindeer have been running wild and free all year on the tundra, and despite Teeka's firm hands and strong voice, they don't respond to her training -- in fact, they seem wilder than ever! It's only when Teeka apologizes to them and uses a gentle voice that they respond. And just in time, too, for as Teeka's story plays out, the elves are busy in the border illustrations, creating enchanting toys and gifts and preparing Santa's sleigh for his Christmas ride.

By Jerry Pallotta
Illustrated by David Biedrzycki

When Santa needs help in his workshop, he tries everything from dragons and fairies to unicorns, with hilarious results. Will he find the perfect helpers in time for Christmas?

By David Biedrzycki

Santa is worried...It's almost Christmas Eve, but the reindeer are too out of shape to fly Santa's sleigh. Fortunately, the elves build a fancy jet in time to deliver all the gifts. They've even installed a talking computer. But Santa finds that it's not easy landing a high-tech jet on a rooftop. And where's Rudolph's shiny nose to guide the way? This Christmas, Santa and his jet are in need of some serious help!

By Mary Newell DePalma

Kepley's dream is to dance in The Nutcracker. She practices diligently in her ballet class, and remembers to smile at the audition - even though her tummy is doing pirouettes. When the audition results arrive in the mail, Kepley is elated. She's a doll! then come the rehearsals, the fittings for the beautiful poufy dress, and finally...the thrill of stepping out under the glowing stage lights. For every little girl who loves to dance comes The Nutcracker Doll, a story as sweet as the sugarplum fairy.

By Mary Higgins Clark
Illustrated by Wendell Minor

Johnny's grandparents lived in an old house in New England where Johnny's father had been born. The smells of the cookies baking, the snowy Christmas tree farm with trees of so many shapes and sizes, and most of all the wooden horse Johnny had told his brother, Liam, about would make this the best family Christmas ever. In this grandparent's attic Johnny finds many treasures, but the wooden horse he remembered so well is broken. How can Johnny make his brother's Christmas wish come true?

By Jerry Pallotta
Illustrated by David Biedrzycki

By Jane Werner
Illustrated by Eloise Wilkin

By Leslie Norris
Illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein

At Christmastime, Albert learns just what his mother would like most -- the precious gold medallion on a delicate gold chain that she lost years ago. Where will he find the money to replace it? Thanks to his talking dog, Lucille, Albert gets an idea: he'll play his flute on the street! A policeman quickly puts a stop to this. However, he gives Albert a gift that enables him to pursue his goal. And after a strange shopping excursion, Albert and Lucille head home satisfied. Then disaster strikes. But Albert will not give up, and the real adventure begins when he and Lucille set forth in the dark, snowy night before Christmas, looking for the present Albert wants so much for his mother.

By Tomie dePaola

Christmas Eve in Santa Fe is celebrated by the traditional procession Las Posadas. Sister Angie arranges for the people of a nearby mountain village to re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter the night baby Jesus was born. This year was going to be extra special. Sister Angie's niece, Lupe and Lupe's husband, Roberto, were to play the part of Mary and Joseph. The whole village had been practicing for weeks. Everything was going to be perfect. But when sister Angie becomes sick and Lupe and Roberto get stuck in a snowstorm, only a miracle can save Las Posadas.

By Janet & Allan Ahlberg

By Clement C. Moore
Illustrated by Charles Santore

Few holiday stories have brought more joy and delight to children over the years than the wondrous visit from St. Nicholas in The Night Before Christmas. Award-winning illustrator Charles Santore perfectly captures the magical sparkle of Santa's special trip with unforgettable images that bring this legendary figure to life as no picture book has done before. This spectacular family keepsake is sure to enchant young believers -- and older ones -- for Christmas Eves to come.

By Chris Van Allsburg
Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

Late one Christmas Eve after the town has gone to sleep, the boy boards the mysterious train that waits for him: the Polar Express bound for the North Pole. When he arrives, Santa offers the boy and gift he desires. The boy modestly asks for one bell from the harness of the reindeer. The gift is granted. On the way home the bell is lost. On Christmas morning, the boy finds the bell under the tree. The mother of the boy admires the bell, but laments that it is broken - for you see, only believers can hear the sound of the bell. In strange and moving shades of full-color art, Chris Van Allsburg creates an otherworldly classic of the Christmas season. Caldecott Medal winner.

By Melanie Watt

'Tis the season for worrying, planning, decorating, buying, wrapping, party entertaining, caroling and fruitcake re-gifting! Therefore I, Scaredy Squirrel, have put together a collection of helpful safety tips and step-by-step instructions to guide you through common holiday obstacles such as avalanches, shopping for difficult individuals and encountering the Abominable Snowman.

By Jackie French
Illustrated by Bruce Whatley

A wombat is an Australian animal that looks a little like a bear, but smaller. Its favorite pastimes are scratching, digging, sleeping, and eating, especially carrots. In this book, a single-minded wombat is swept up in the Yuletide festivities and discovers that there are many, many carrots in the world.

By Astrid Lindgren
Illustrated by Ilon Wikland

By Ian Falconer

...Not a piglet was stirring. Well, maybe just one.

By Clement C. Moore
Illustrated by Robert Ingpen

This beautiful new edition brings together the classic verse with enchanting illustrations by Robert Ingpen that perfectly capture the magic of Christmas for young and old alike.

By Ree Drummond
Illustrated by Diane deGroat

In this hilarious follow-up to the New York Times bestselling picture book Charlie and the Ranch Dog, Ree Drummond -- the Pioneer Woman herself -- delivers a story about getting into the holiday spirit and finding the good in all. Even though Charlie may not have put a kitty on his Christmas list, he learns that if you keep an open heart, new friends can come in unexpected packages.

By Jane Yolen
Illustrated by Linda Graves

There was a young girl named Halva up in Finnmark who found a white bear cub alone in the woods...Halva takes the cub home, where they name her Sister Bear. Not only does Sister Bear hunt for the family and protect Halva, but she likes to dance while Halva plays the flute. Halva decides to show off Sister Bear to the king of Denmark. But on their journey, they run into trouble with some big, ugly, hungry trolls, and Halva learns just how lucky she is to have a loving friend like Sister Bear.

By Eric Carle
Illustrated by Eric Carle

"Soon he dreamed of falling snowflakes. They gently covered him with a white blanket."

In this magical winter tale, readers follow the good farmer through his cozy dream, each page a new snowy discovery. Eric Carle's beautiful and clever illustrations reinforce that dreams of a White Christmas really can come true.

By Dr. Seuss

By Deborah Underwood
Illustrated by Renata Liwska

The holidays are filled with joyful noise. But some Christmas moments come wrapped in quiet: the hush of snow, the silence of a winter walk, the peacefulness of twinkling lights. Deborah Underwood and Renata Liwska celebrate all kinds of Christmas quiets in this magical ode for readers to savor while snuggling up by the fire or settling in for a long winter's nap.

By Brock Cole

When Pa brings a turkey poult home to fatten for Christmas dinner, he assures Ma that it will be no trouble since it can live in a box by the stove and be fed on table scraps. But raising a turkey in a tiny three-room flat is not quite so simple. Can Pa and the children manage the willful and growing Alfred and keep the neighbors happy until Christmas? In this exuberant romp through a holiday season set in a nineteenth century New York tenement, Pa finds a solution for every difficulty -- until he encounters one that threatens to ruin Christmas completely. How the family joins together to solve this last difficulty provides a heartwarming climax to a very funny and satisfying holiday story.

By Jane Freeberg
Illustrated by Astrid Sheckels

Times were tough in the small New England fishing village where Marcie lived. No one had any money, and work was hard to find. So the villagers rejoiced one glorious fall when an unexpected bounty of scallops filled their little bay. For young Marcie, a week of harvesting scallops also brought an unexpected adventure and a lesson about love that she would never forget.

By Gennady Spirin

Gennady Spirin's sumptuous paintings bring new life and spectacular beauty to this classic song, making his rendition a gift to be treasured at Christmastime.

By J.R.R. Tolkien

Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien's children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents everywhere; how accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas's house; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house. This updated volume contains a wealth of new material, including letters and pictures missing from early editions.