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The Legend of Old Befana
FROM SARAH:
One of my favorites among Tomie dePaola's many Christmas picture books. An absolute delight for Christmas!
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This is a delightful reading of the favorite Italian Christmas story about an eccentric old woman and her never-ending search for the Baby King.
More info →The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree
FROM SARAH:
Barbara Cooney is one of my very favorite illustrators (obviously! 😉), and this is one of my very favorite Christmas picture books!
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
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.
More info →Christmas in the Big Woods
FROM SARAH:
Nothing gets me in the Christmas spirit faster than this delightful, gentle tale of the Ingalls family at Christmastime. With Renée Graef’s charming illustrations, Christmas in the Big Woods brings the warmth and wonder of the holiday season to life.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
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. Their holiday celebrations are full of simple joys.
More info →The Baker’s Dozen
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
The baker, Van Amsterdam is known in Colonial America for baking his St. Nicholas cookies; however, his greed drives him to become stingy in his business, selling people short of quality cookies. Until one day, when a strange, old woman buys a dozen cookies from him.
She expects to receive 13, but the baker withholds the last one. Unbeknownst to the baker, the woman curses the baker, and his business goes downhill. The woman returns for another dozen cookies, but this time he gives her an extra measure. This is the story behind a "baker's dozen," and the custom of offering 13 items instead of the usual 12, spreads throughout the colonies. The baker learns that his customers respect him more for his kindness, not his wealth.
This holiday story is the perfect companion to a day of cookie making and Christmas lessons about giving and humbleness. In addition, readers will learn the importance of fairness, trustworthiness and selflessness.
More info →The True Gift
FROM SARAH:
From the author of Sarah, Plain and Tall. All year long Lily and Liam look forward to the holidays at their grandparents’ farm. It’s always the perfect trip, but this year it's different than any other... Also available on audio (Audible I Libro.FM).
Recommended for ages 7+.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This holiday classic from a beloved author rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.
More info →Christina’s Carol
FROM SARAH:
A gorgeously illustrated version of the poem, “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Christina Rossetti with Tomie dePaolo’s unmatched art.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Based on the 1872 Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter” by English poet Christina Rosetti, this stunning, wintry picture book from acclaimed author-illustrator Tomie dePaola will be cherished all through the holiday season.
More info →The Christmas Owl
FROM SARAH:
Based on the true story of the owl found in the 2020 Rockefeller tree, this beautifully illustrated picture book invites us into thoughtful conversation about compassion, nature, and what it means to care for others — especially when they’re small.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
Co-written by Ellen Kalish, caretaker of the real owl found inside the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, The Christmas Owl is a charming story of friendship, compassion, and the true meaning of this special time of year.
More info →The Tale of Three Trees
FROM SARAH:
This timeless classic is perfect for Christmas, Easter, or any moment of reflection as we consider the dreams we carry and the Divine calling upon our lives. A beautiful reminder that we are all made for a glorious purpose.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
“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.
More info →The Friendly Beasts: an old English Christmas Carol
FROM SARAH:
A lovely picture book by my all-time favorite: Tomie dePaola. It is said that singing is praying twice. What a beautiful prayer this one is!
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
"The simple strains of this old Christmas melody are superbly reflected in the graceful, delicate, yet strong images that dePaola brings to the page....A Christmas remembrance to be long treasured." -- Booklist (starred review)
More info →The Carpenter’s Gift
FROM SARAH:
David Rubel, a historian, researched the origins of the Rockefeller Christmas tree and crafted this beautiful story as an “origin myth” — a fictional tale that aligns with known facts, but fills in emotional and imaginative gaps with a heart-felt story. The illustrations are magnificent, perfect for lingering over with a cup of cocoa.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
This modern classic Christmas story teaches children the spirit of the season by bringing together two great New York City traditions: the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the neighbor-helping-neighbor program of Habitat for Humanity.
More info →Bird Count
FROM SARAH:
Calling all bird-watchers! This darling picture book is the perfect introduction to birding, filled with soft illustrations and plenty of facts for nature-loving kids and grown-ups alike.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A young girl and her mother participate as community scientists in the Christmas Bird Count. The girl is excited when Big Al, the leader of their team, asks her to record the tally this year. Using her most important tools―her eyes and ears―she eagerly identifies and counts the birds they observe on their assigned route around town. She and her team follow the rules, noting the time of day, the habitat, the birding ID techniques used for each sighting.
More info →Who Is Coming to Our House
FROM SARAH:
Curl up and get cozy with your littlest ones to share this sweet Christmas story. A holiday board book with beautiful language and timeless illustrations - a classic in my home!
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A modern Christmas classic about how the animals prepare a cozy welcome for the baby Jesus, perfect for under the tree or in stockings.
More info →














