Old Favorites Made New

The 12 Days of Christmas Set in Africa, this beautiful rendition of the classic Christmas carol has a unique twist: colorful icons illustrate the various gifts repeated in each verse of this cumulative song, creating a rebus-style text that gives young children a fun way to follow along and chime in with the lyrics. The gorgeous, wonderfully detailed collage illustrations, comprised of colorful kente cloth and cut paper, feature tribal drummers and dancers, traditional clothing and native wildlife, making every scene as visually striking as the last.

Christmas Is Here
The only text in this book is a few sentences from the King James Bible, and many of the ink and watercolor illustrations, in soothing tones of brown and gray with bold outlines, are wordless. They show a modern family–mom, dad, babe in arms, and dog-walking child–out for a stroll on a snowy evening, when they come across a small, outdoor Christmas pageant. As the child peers into the manger, readers are taken back in time to Bethlehem, with illustrations of sheep grazing over a dry Middle Eastern landscape as the shepherds learn of the birth of Jesus. As light from the star streams down over the holy family and shepherds leaning over the manger, the scene switches with a turn of the page back to the modern family singing carols in the snow in front of the manger. The theme–that the most basic meaning of Christmas has remained the same over the centuries–is conveyed with a warm and captivating simplicity that even the youngest child will understand. (via School Library Journal)

The Nutcracker
Based on the Balanchine ballet, this sumptuous package is the perfect gift for any fan of The Nutcracker, young or old. The nicely balanced text (not too much, not too little) captures all the best moments and sets the stage for Alison Jay's richly imagined art. Sharp-eyed readers will notice tiny details playing out thrillingly over the course of the story (keep an eye on the gifts under the Christmas tree!). From the cozy Christmas party to the delectable Marzipan Palace, Alison Jay's artwork is truly enchanting, snow-globe version of The Nutcracker to read every night before Christmas and all winter long.

Joy to the World: Tomie's Christmas Stories
For generations of his fans, Christmas has been synonymous with Tomie dePaolaÑafter all, it's his favorite holiday! Now, readers will find three of his best-known and beloved Christmas stories together in one handsome volume.

Comprised of The Night of Las Posadas, The Story of the Three Wise Kings, and The Legend of the Poinsettia, along with several exquisitely illustrated Christmas carols, Tomie dePaola's. Christmas treasury will become an elegant addition to every family's holiday celebrations.