Children's Literature - Genres/Indianapolis

Family members admire the ornaments on their Christmas tree and share their memories of previous holidays as evoked by the ornaments.

Mr. Willowby's Christmas tree is too tall, so he trims off the top and gives the top to the upstairs maid for her tree, and she finds it too tall, so she cuts off the top, which the gardener uses for his tree, but it is too tall ...

Brother and Sister Bear and their little sister, Honey, get a nutcracker for Christmas, and when they quickly tire of their other gifts and their parents suggest they use their imaginations instead, they are inspired to act out the ballet.

Although a Mexican family comes to the United States to work as farm laborers so that their children will have opportunities, the parents still consider Mexico their home.

Amy makes all the animal inhabitants promise to leave a tree by Christmas so she can bring it indoors to decorate, but on the day they depart, she is overcome by the silence and her loneliness.

A very old man, yearning to recapture and share the simple pleasures of Christmases long ago, picks up a pair of scissors and begins to shape a miracle.

Eight-year-old Johnny, who lives in Arizona but feels a special connection to his grandfather's 265-year-old farm house in Washington, Connecticut, is overjoyed when his family spends Christmas there.

Llama Llama becomes overwhelmed as Christmas preparations progress, until his mother reminds him of the real gift the holiday brings.

A rhyming book that outlines the preparations for and celebration of the Christmas season, with Spanish words for each letter of the alphabet translated in a glossary.

A young reindeer becomes a surprise Christmas gift for a city boy.

Rollo the troll is tired of chores, but after spending time on the tundra with various animal families, from owls to moose, he realizes that he wants to be home for Christmas even if that means behaving himself.

A farmer and his wife who grow trees to sell for Christmas give their prized, perfect tree to a poor family who cannot afford to pay for it. Text is interspersed with Bible verses.

The Christmas season at Mae's house is enlivened by the arrival of a new baby and Mae's appearance in a Christmas play.

Kate is heartbroken when her favorite tree is cut down and shipped off to Rockefeller Center for use at Christmas, along with the bird who has been living in the tree.

Elmer the patchwork elephant helps the excited youngsters prepare for the Christmas visit of Papa Red.

One snowy Christmas Eve a Vermont community makes preparations for the holiday as well as for the arrival of another Christmas miracle.

Nancy is devastated, which is even worse than heart-broken, when her fancy Christmas tree topper breaks, threatening to ruin Christmas.

Various people and animals are drawn by a magnificent star to Bethlehem to see the newborn Christ.

"A picture book adaptation of the novel The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, by Barbara Robinson"--T.p. verso.
The six horrible Herdmans, the worst children in the history of the world, take over the annual Christmas pageant.

When young Steve, who is Jewish, tells his new neighbor, Jackie Robinson, that his family does not have a Christmas tree, Jackie brings one to his neighbors, not knowing that they celebrate Hanukkah instead of Christmas. Based on a true story.

In Depression-era New York City, construction workers at the Rockefeller Center site help a family in need--a gift that is repaid years later in the donation of an enormous Christmas tree.

Describes how the weather was on the first Christmas many years ago.

The inhabitants of Busytown prepare for Christmas in this collection of stories, songs, and holiday activities.

The Grinch tries to stop Christmas from arriving by stealing all the presents and food from the village, but much to his surprise it comes anyway.

Maria tries on her mother's wedding ring while helping make tamales for a Christmas family get-together. Panic ensues when hours later, she realizes the ring is missing.

As Santa prepares for the upcoming holiday season, it is the Christmas magic that truly makes everything happen.

A magical train ride on Christmas Eve takes a boy to the North Pole to receive a special gift from Santa Claus.

A group of pigs discover the meaning of Christmas.

Everyone in Morris's family is pleased with his Christmas present but Morris.

On Christmas Eve, McDuff's persistent "woofing" begins to annoy Fred and Lucy, but it leads to the rescue of Santa, whose sleigh has gotten stuck in the snow.

Bear is awakened by his friends the day before Christmas. He tries to stay up all night to share and celebrate Christmas with his friends.

After finding a red ball of yarn, Dewey the cat, who lives in the Spencer, Iowa, public library, finds a way to help decorate the Christmas tree.

When Santa falls ill and Christmas may have to be canceled, Pete the cat comes to the rescue.

Christmas from a wombat's point of view, including competition for the carrots children have left out for Santa's reindeer.

On the morning of the first Christmas, the colorful birds of Bethlehem gather to talk about the exciting events they have witnessed, from the long line of people approaching the town to the stable where a newborn baby lies.

Charlie, a bassett hound who considers himself to be "King of the Ranch," finds an unexpected Christmas gift under the tree.

Santa Claus finds a way to help Turkey avoid becoming Christmas dinner.

Who built the stable where Jesus lay? Multiple Coretta Scott King Award-winner Ashley Bryan has a very good idea in this beautiful and moving new layer to the nativity story. Riding in an open Jeep across the plains of Africa, beloved and nationally acclaimed author and illustrator Ashley Bryan found himself comparing the terrain to Jerusalem, and the bumpy journey to that of Mary's travel on a donkey. And he came up with a question: Who built the manger where Mary and Joseph found shelter? The answer is conveyed in this beautifully crafted picture book that envisions a young boy, a shepherd and carpenter both who, out of love and kindness, cleared the way for another shepherd and carpenter to be born on Christmas day. The boy looked in the infant's eyes And in his heart he knew The babe would be a carpenter He'd be a shepherd too. Told in gentle rhyme and illustrated with Ashley Bryan's enormous talent, this is a picture book that captures the reason for the season in all its wonder and beauty. Who Built the Stable? is a celebration of Christmas, of the kindness of children, and of the new hope born with each new baby.

A brilliant companion to the best-selling SNOW - ideal for the holidays - from a Caldecott Medal winnerOne December afternoon, boy with dog and grandfather with beard take a walk to watch the sun begin to set over the river. When the sun drops low in the sky, they start home. Buildings grow dimmer. People are rushing. As nature's lights go out, one by one, city's lights turn on, revealing brilliant Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Christmas displays in streets, homes, and stores. A stunning picture book that's sure to be a winter holiday classic by Caldecott Medalist Uri Shulevitz.

A NEW HOLIDAY CLASSIC FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING CREATOR OF OTIS AND THE ILLUSTRATOR OF THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD It's Christmas eve on the farm where Otis and all of his friends live. The farmer has given Otis his first real Christmas present--a shiny new horn! A tree has been decorated, a big snowstorm is on its way, and all of the animals are excited. Best of all, one of the horses on the farm is about to give birth to a foal! Yet in the middle of the night the horse begins neighing in pain and when the farmer says, "We'd better get Doc Baker out here or we'll lose 'em both," Otis knows the horse is in trouble. Snow has been falling hard for hours and the roads are unpassable. How will they got Doc? Otis to the rescue! He knows a shortcut through the woods and he arrives at the doc's house flashing his headlights and revving his engine. When Doc fails to awake, Otis uses his new horn. Then, with Doc in tow, he races back to the farm just in time for a Christmas miracle . . . and the arrival of a new friend to play with.

Beloved author-illustrator Patricia Polacco’s holiday story is a wonderful ode to the magic of family, Christmas, and giving the right kind of gifts#151;gifts filled with love.   Richie and Trisha want to buy Christmas gifts for their family, but they don't have enough money. Enter Kay Lamity, a new housekeeper . . . but is that all she is? She comes into their lives like a whirlwind, brimming with positive energy and a can-do attitude. Kay not only straightens them out when it comes to whether or not Santa Claus is real, she teaches them something about gifts: the just-good-enough kind that come from the pocketbook and the unforgettable kind that come from the heart. Because of Kay, Trisha and Richie and the family have a Christmas morning they will never forget. Celebrating the joy of homemade gifts, Patricia Polacco introduces readers to a new character who is truly a force of nature in this story reminiscent of Christmas Tapestry and An Orange for Frankie. This is a magical Christmas story the author swears is true, right down to the sleigh tracks on the farmhouse roof!

Peter Rabbit and his cousin Benjamin Bunny have a new friend, William the Turkey. The trio is excited for Christmas--until they realize that William is meant to be Mr. McGregors Christmas supper Just in time, Peter and Benjamin hide William, and the three enjoy a lovely Christmas dinner of pickled radishes and barley cake at the Rabbit family burrow. This story is inspired by a real turkey named William that Emma Thompson met on Beatrix Potters farm in the Lake District.

It's Christmas Eve, Have you been good? Santa's packed up all the presents and is headed your way! With the help of a certain red-nosed reindeer, Santa flies over Indianapolis Historic Union Station,William H Natcher Bridge,Notre Dame University, Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Solders and Sailors Monument,Evansville Greyhound Station,Santa Clause Town Hall,ndiana Statehouse;Hinkle Fieldhouse,Indiana Landmarks Center. "Ho, ho ho!" laughs Santa. "Merry Christmas, Indiana!"

"As remarkable a writer as he is an illustrator."#151;Publishers Weekly Poor Bear, who will send him a letter? Come rain or shine, he works so hard delivering the post to all the animals of the wood but he never receives anything himself. Hardly surprising since he's never actually sent a message! One day Bear decides to write some mail of his own, inviting all the forest animals to a party. David Lucas is a well-loved British illustrator and writer whose fairy tales and folk stories have enchanted children and adults for years.

A new Christmas classic based on Raymond Briggs's holiday favorite The Snowman.   In this holiday picture book, a companion to Raymond Briggs's The Snowman, a little boy builds a snow puppy next to his snowman--in hopes of getting a real puppy for Christmas. That night the Snowman comes to life and takes the boy and the Snowdog on an adventure to the world of Snow People. But the best is yet to come on Christmas morning, when a real, live puppy is waiting under the tree.   Based on the original classic by Raymond Briggs, which has sold over 8.5 million copies and is available in fifteen languages, the story and illustrations are by the creators of the animated special by the same name.

The original story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer-written in verse by his creator, Robert L. May-now with charming new illustrations! Every year at Christmastime, everyone-young and old alike-has one catchy, joy-inspiring song stuck in their heads: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!" Now fans of the most famous reindeer of all-time can fall in love with the original story, written by Robert L. May in 1939. Rudolph, a youthful reindeer buck who possesses an unusual luminous red nose, is harassed mercilessly and excluded by his peers because of this trait. One particularly stormy Christmas Eve, Rudolph manages to prove himself after Santa Claus catches sight of his nose and asks him to lead his sleigh for the evening. Rudolph agrees, saving Christmas, and is finally treated the way he deserves by his fellow reindeer!

Perfect for cozy winter story time and gift-giving, this 9 x 9nbsp;paper-over-board contains a collection of storiesnbsp;that will keepnbsp;Maxnbsp;& Ruby fans busynbsp;throughout Christmas and chilly winter days.nbsp;This treasury includes Max’s Snow Plow, Snow Day, Rocket Run, A Christmas Tree for Ruby, Merry Bunny Christmas, Ruby Gets Crafty, Picture Perfect,nbsp;and Ruby’s Amazing Maze.

Before he met Lisa, Corduroy was just a little bear in the toy department of a big store, waiting for somebody to take him home. It's almost Christmas and Corduroy wishes he could be a child's holiday gift--but he's a plain bear, and nobody seems to notice him. He sets out across the store to ask Santa Claus for help, but he can't visit without wearing a special outfit! After stopping to try on hats, boots, and even baby clothes, Corduroy finally arrives at the North Pole. Can Santa help Corduroy find a new home in time for Christmas? With warm humor and classic art, A Christmas Wish for Corduroy takes readers back to the beginning and shows how Corduroy became the beloved bear we know today. This is a heartwarming story about the power of hope, perseverance, and friendship--an important addition to any Corduroy collection.

Ho, Ho . . . Who?Cat! not again.The holidays are around the corner, and Cat knows what he has to do.  But being nice . . . it doesn't come naturally.Still, Christmas is a time for miracles, and with a little luck, even Cat may find the holiday spirit - and a festive surprise of his own.

Treat your taste buds to a feast of traditional holiday delights! With simple step-by-step instructions, helpful cooking tips, color photographs, and charming character art, this book is the perfect way for parents and children to make holiday magic in the kitchen! A rating system lets kids know how difficult the recipes are, and cooking tips are sprinkled throughout. Kids will enjoy making Rolly's Spotted Cranberry Pancakes, Sugar Rush Popcorn Gumdrop Garland and Anna's Frozen Ice Candy!

The littlest evergreen lived a quiet life on a peaceful hillside. Then one December evening, everything changed. . . . Henry Cole’s The Littlest Evergreen sends a beautiful and timely message about nurturing life.

On the third day of Christmas, a mademoiselle from Paris sent her true love three French hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree.The hens never arrived . . . . Colette, Poulette, and Fifi end up delivered not to Philippe Renard, but to Phil Fox from the Bronx. Phil can't believe his luck-he hasn't had a square meal in weeks, and here's a free lunch right on his doorstep! But his plans to dine on the delectable fowl are foiled as the French hens work their Christmas magic on him, proving that the spirit of the holidays can bring the most unlikely folks together.

1986 Caldecott Medal Winner A young boy, lying awake one Christmas Eve, is welcomed aboard a magical trip to the North Pole . . .     Through dark forests, over tall mountains, and across a desert of ice, the Polar Express makes its way to the city atop the world, where the boy will make his Christmas wish.    For millions of readers worldwide, this mysterious journey to the North Pole has become a beloved classic. In this 30th anniversary edition, the inimitable artistry of Chris Van Allsburg is revealed in a never-before-seen fashion, with a new jacket design and expanded interior layout. Includes author's note, downloadable audio read by Liam Neeson, and golden "All Aboard" ornament.     

Kay Chorao's version of the Nativity, adapted from the King James Version of the Bible, is beautifully spare, and her illustrations quietly radiant.

Snowmen at Night shared with us the magical, slip-sliding adventures of snowmen after dark . . . but have you ever wondered what snowmen do for Christmas? Well, now's your chance to find out! The snowmen are back, and this time they're celebrating Christmas--the snowman way! This snappy and entertaining companion to the New York Times bestseller Snowmen at Night depicts all the best parts of the holiday, replete with icy treats and a snowman Kris Kringle. Told in the same bouncy verse as the original, Snowmen at Christmas is perfect for a snowy evening read-aloud.

Virginia and her brother are never allowed to pick first from the donation boxes at church because their father is the priest, and she is heartbroken when another girl gets the beautiful coat that she covets. Based on the author's memories of life on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
Early 1940's.

A baby in Cincinnati whose first words are "ho ho ho" grows up to become Santa Claus.

Every year at Christmas a rich man rides a train through Appalachia and throws gifts to the poor children who are waiting, in order to repay a debt he owes the people who live there.

Countdown to Christmas with captivating STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) activities that will wow the boredom right out of kids!Created by an MIT engineer, award winning educators, designers, and homeschooling experts, STEAM Kids will inspire your children to: question like a scientist design like a technologist build like an engineer create like an artist deduce like a mathematician - and, most importantly - play like a kid! We've partnered with Rudolph and given STEAM a frosty coating of snow, North Pole antics and a lot of sparkling Christmas trees. Inside the book you'll find:-- 25 days of holiday projects for kids-- Printable, buildable advent calendar-- Christmas STEAM Challenge Cards-- Shopping lists to make prep easy-- And more... The book is packed with engaging projects that will keep parents and educators going through December like:-- Psychedelic Snowflakes-- Jingle Bell Painting-- Santa Challenges-- Christmas Tree Circuits-- Candy Cane SciencePerfect for children ages 4-10, all the step-by-step activities are helpfully coded with difficulty indicators and estimated project times. Helpful project extensions promote further exploration and learning for enthusiastic children.So gather up your curious kids and get your STEAM on this Christmas!

"A standout among books to share on Christmas Eve." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "The Christmas Choir series launches with this reverent and accessible adaptation of a favorite carol." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) Silent night, holy night All is calm, all is bright Celebrate the magic of Christmas with this beautifully illustrated book, based on the world's best-loved carol. Rediscover the Nativity Story in all its glory--from quaking shepherds to heaven-sent angels--as the song lyrics are brought to life on every spread. The world's diversity is reflected in a cast of characters with a range of skin tones. A gorgeous book for all the family to share during the festive season.