The gentle beasts of sky and earth prepare their stable for Christ's birth. With a beautiful narrative by author and poet Carole Gerber and stunning and intricate art by renowned Japanese artist Yumi Shimokawara comes one of the most anticipated Christmas gift books ever published. The Gift of the Animals shares the miraculous offerings the humble animals in the manger gave to the baby Jesus. The birds on the roof of the lowly shed prepare a pillow for His head, with feathers pulled from downy breasts . . . mice carry them to where He'll rest. Celebrating the Savior's birth, this full-color, gold-embossed hardcover is must-have addition to a family's Christmas library and Christmas Eve traditions.

A simple version of the familiar story of a miserly man who learns the true meaning of Christmas.

"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)"Beautiful." -- The Horn Book"Meticulous attention has been paid to every detail of design, color, and layout." -- School Library Journal

When the animals of Winter Wood awaken to find that their favorite pine tree is missing from the forest, they join together and mount a grand search. Having no luck in the sky, the treetops, the briar, or the brook, Cardinal, Bear, Squirrel, and Deer eventually discover their precious pine displayed in the town square of nearby Merryville, just as the annual tree lighting celebration begins. They watch in wonder as the festive villagers decorate the tree, making it more beautiful than ever. The Mayor declares that he will plant a new tree in Winter Wood, and the animals vow to love and nurture the young sapling in order to give it back to the Merryvillians next Christmas! Recommended for grades K-5. Performance time: approximately 20 minutes.

A simple version of the familiar story of a miserly man who learns the true meaning of Christmas.

This sweet barnyard Christmas counting story makes the perfect gift! In the barn on Christmas Eve, After all the people leave, The animals, in voices low, Remember Christmas long ago . . . So begins a sweet rhyming story in which a group of animals recounts the events surrounding Jesus' birth in the manger, and the parts some of their ancestors played in it.