that has been compiled and illustrated by James Ransome is one of the most beautiful compilations I have seen in a long time. I love how Mr Ransome mixes the classic with the new. The new being new stories by such celebrated authors as: Pam Munoz Ryan, Joseph Bruchac, Katherine Paterson, Nancy Willard to name a few. I also love this book because it includes the poem Christina Rossetti "What Can I Give Him" which was one of my mothers favorites. I remember when I worked in the stores, eons ago, that I had one customer that constantly came in looking for his books because she loved his artwork. She would love this book. I too have always loved his artwork. This makes a great gift for families as it has something for everyone. I think it is also a great book to get for a baby's first Christmas as it can be cherished throughout their life.
by Doreen Rappaport and illustrated by Bryan Collier is a wonderful way to introduce John and his talent to a younger audience. The mix of lyrical words and striking illustrations are a perfect way to tell the story of an extraordinary life. I have always been a fan of Bryan Collier's illustrations and this book is one of the reason's why. This is a must have for a child who loves music or for any child who has a free spirit inside of them.
by Hisako Aoki and illustrated beautifully by Ivan Gantschev has always been one of the best Santa stories to be told at this time of year. I was first drawn to the illustrations which were nothing like I had ever seen before. They are unique in a warm and sweet way. When I first read the story I loved how even Santa knows that there is more to Christmas than getting presents. It is the perfect way to remind children what this magical season is all about. A must have Christmas Tradition!
by Caroline Mac Killian is technically a fiction book but it is the kind of fiction based on fact. It is an interactive book that tells the story of a fictional explorer who is the "uncle" of the author. Even though the story and character is not real the places he visits are. This is a great travelogue for kids. It has great information about different parts of the world and their traditions, languages, beliefs, foods and rituals. It is interactive in that it has maps that unfold, letters, sketches and drawings and much more. This is for the child who loves adventure. They will have fun reading the book and at the same time, dare I say, learn something in the process. I would have loved a book like this when I was a kid.....
by Steve Light is a beautiful new Christmas story. The cover immediately drew me in to look at at. It is a sweet story of a giant and an elf who create the wrapping paper for Santa's workshop. There is nothing like finding a new book that has a twist I have never seen before---wrapping paper maker---genius! I also love the spare text that uses the mostly illustrations to tell the story. We feel for the Giant and the elf when they are sad that their work is done for the year. This is a wonderful new Christmas picture that should be read every year. It gives the feeling of a classic with a wonderful freshness that is timeless. A must have new book for a child's bookshelf.
. I love the illustrations and the simpleness of both stories. It is because of books like these that I wish I were still a buyer. I would have loved to have discovered Mr Jeffers before anyone else. His illustrations are the kind that give me that ache in my heart when I look at them. He is very talented and inspiring. He knows how to bring story and art together in a truly magical way. These are great books to read to children as both the adult and child will get something out them. A definite must have for any child's library!
by Linda Glaser and illustrated by Nancy Cole is a sweet Hanukkah story about a family wanting to share the holiday with a neighbor. A wonderful story of love and sharing. 
by Deborah DeCosta and illustrated by Gosia Mosz is great because it is about Latin American Hanukkah traditions~ or at least the combining of the two. A perfect way to show a different perspective on this celebrations.
by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Elisabeth Schlossberg is a new book that is more a book of rhymes to be read each night. A nice addition to a holiday celebration. 