Explores the roots of the Christmas tree tradition, tracing customs from the Middle Ages to the present day to reveal how it first became part of mainstream American culture and has since become popular worldwide.

An illustrated history of the decorated Christmas tree in America, with old newspaper accounts, contemporary engravings, personal stories, and pictures of the old ornaments themselves, collector's items all.

Give the gift of holiday spirit with this classic picture book that celebrates how one Christmas tree brings joy to a whole forest of critters! Christmas is here and Mr. Willowby's tree has arrived. There's just one big problem: The tree is too tall for his parlor! He cuts off the top so it will fit, and soon the top of that tree is passed along again and again to bring holiday cheer to all the animals in the forest. Kids will love watching the tree move from home to home, and families will appreciate the subtle message of conservation and recycling, as the tree top spreads joy to all. This heartwarming story is the perfect way to start the yuletide season, and a warm addition to any family's festive holiday traditions.

At Christmas time, a nun agrees to donate to Rockefeller Center a fir tree which has been her best friend since the time she arrived at her convent as a young orphan.

Get ready for the newest installment of the New York Times Bestselling Biggest Ever series!It's the day after Thanksgiving, and Clayton and Desmond feel the chill in the air. The cool weather makes them think of Christmas . . . and Christmas makes them think of Christmas trees! Who'll find the biggest one?In the newest installment of this beloved, bestselling series, Clayton the town mouse and Desmond the country mouse team up to bring the spirit of Christmas to Mouseville-in a BIG way.

On November 21, 1912, the schooner Rouse Simmons set sail from a small northern Michigan town across Lake Michigan. Affectionately dubbed the "Christmas Tree Ship," this was an annual trek for the Rouse Simmons. With its cargo of Christmas trees, the ship was bound for Chicago. There Captain Herman Scheunemann would sell the trees for 50 cents or $1.00 and even gave many away to needy families. But the schooner never makes its destination. The Rouse Simmons, with all hands and cargo, disappears into the cold waters. The ship's wreckage is not found until 1971. Drawing from stories told by her grandfather, author Carol Crane weaves a fictional tale based on the true events of the doomed schooner. And she explains how the captain's widow went on to continue his tradition of delivering holiday trees to Chicago. Carol Crane's many books for Sleeping Bear Press include the best-selling P is for Pilgrim: A Thanksgiving Alphabet and The Handkerchief Quilt. As a literacy advocate, Carol speaks at schools and conferences. She lives in North Carolina. Chris Ellison has illustrated children's picture books and adult historical fiction for nearly 20 years. His book Let Them Play was a 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. Chris lives in Mississippi.

Through the eyes of a child, we can rediscover the true meaning and hope that only Christmas can bring for the magic of the heart to open us, shake us, identify us, and transform us. An extraordinary tale told on a Christmas Tree Farm, in the vintage time of 1960, shares the touching story of Liam, a young balsam fir tree. He discovers he is lost when all hope turns to despair from losing his loved ones all around him. One night, he gets the urge of inspiration in him to hope again. After reaching out to one of the stars, he asks if he'll ever be with his family again. When he meets Abner, a friendship builds as Abner tells him the story of The Greatest Christmas Tree, in which Liam discovers who he is and the meaning of his life's purpose. In this richly illustrated tale for all ages, a tiny balsam fir discovers hope as a beautiful star opens his heart, helps him find his identity, and guides him to realize peace.