A magnificently illustrated fable explains how Nicholas Claus became transformed into Saint Nicholas, how he journeyed to the North Pole to set up a toy workshop, his relationship with the elves and reindeer, and how he came to embody the Christmas spirit.

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Remember the true meaning of the holidays with three touching novellas from best-selling author Lurlene McDaniel.

In the opening novella, “Christmas Child,” 15-year-old Melanie is just getting used to the idea of having a sister when she learns that the child will only live for a few hours.  But Melanie learns much about love during her sister’s brief but poignant life.  In “The Last Dance,” Brenda is faced with the difficult choice between good intentions and what she really wants when she becomes the last chance for happiness for a dying boy.  In “Kathy’s Life,” two 16-years-olds seem to have everything on the surface, but not everything is as perfect as it appears.

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Fans of short fiction will love Christmas Stories. Each tale in author Kevin Moore’s debut collection celebrates the hope, magic, and memories so central to the true meaning of Christmas.

Celebrate the season of miracles with this collection of short stories about the lives of ordinary people and the lessons they learn during an extraordinary time of year.

You’ll meet a young boy who reevaluates his perceptions after he’s forced to spend Christmas with his stern grandfather, an attorney who seemingly has everything but really has very little; a burned-out homecoming queen who grows weary of her own excuses for failure; and many other memorable characters. As Moore’s protagonists face adversity and sadness, they learn important lessons, gain hope, and experience powerful transformations.

The perfect length for reading before bed, on your daily commute, or during a quiet hour, these tales offer you the opportunity to step away from your own life and into a world where it’s always Christmas and where—despite the often painful realities of life—there is always a lesson to learn and a reason to celebrate.

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This is a story you might tell if you wanted to combine all the things you love about Christmas.

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This is an example product description.

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A huge blizzard covers all the apples and potatoes disrupting the Menashe family’s plans to feast on latkes and applesauce. In the end, the family is rewarded for their generosity to hungry animals with latkes and applesauce. Full color throughout.

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“He saw the distinct shape of a hand carefully placing one more stocking alongside the others. Though Jakob was sure he saw it, at first he didn’t believe it was real. It took him a long time to figure out there was no Santa, and short of a miracle, he wouldn’t be quick to change his mind.”

Another Christmas and nothing had changed for 5-year-old Jakob. Papa still had no job, the family still had no money, and Jakob still had the same pair of old, threadbare socks only now with holes in them. This was the Great Depression, a time of hardship for many families, the Strumpfs included.
Year after year, Santa brought nothing for the Strumpfs but a hand-written promise that next Christmas would be better. Jakob’s older brothers and sisters believed Santa would keep his promise and bring them a gift this year—even Mama and Papa believed—but Jakob doubted. When a sensitive boy loses heart, his family must help him find it.

These days, Christmas may be a season of abundance, but this solemn tale introduces young readers to an era of struggle. A generation after Bern learned to believe in Santa in Light in the Snow, Jakob carries on the Strumpf tradition of turning hardships into happiness. With contemplative and compassionate prose, this remarkable story reminds us that where there is love, hope can flourish despite poverty.

Cold Feet is a 4,300-word short story.

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Zanta Claus is a hilariously funny, fresh story guaranteed to brighten your holiday season. David Kringle, Santa’s brother, realizes his destiny is to start his own fairy tale, Zanta Claus, which starts where his brother’s ends. The new fairy tale is an extension of the family business, but is different in every way! David is a slender, handsome man with a quick wit and a certain charisma with the ladies. He is hopeful he will find the one, even after searching for over a thousand years! David had found a niche in life as an author, writing about the family business with titles such as “Elves Gone Wild”, “One Reindeer You Don’t Want to Pet”, and others. Despite these less than flattering views of the North Pole, Kris and Claire support David in all his endeavors – that doesn’t mean there isn’t restitution! The Council of Fairy Tales approves the Zanta Claus charter for a one-year provisional trial. The race is on to prove the new South Pole fairy tale can make a difference in the world. The success of Zanta Claus relies on the edgy elves appointed by the Elf Union, a rookie reindeer team and their strict trainer, an inexperienced head elf, a cantankerous plant foreman and the rest of a colorful, hilarious cast of characters. Their journey is sure to become part of your holiday season for years to come.

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Once, in America…
chemicals killed plants and animals. Cars and factories filled the air with toxic fumes. Oil spills destroyed ocean life. The sewage floating along America’s rivers was so thick it sometimes caught fire. The Earth was dying.

Senator Gaylord Nelson believed that attitudes about ecology could change if people understood what was happening. He charged student organizer, Denis Hayes, with setting a plan for a national Earth Day in motion. What these men began on April 22, 1970, would change the world for the better.

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“Santa is scary with his pot stomach and beard that God knows what’s inside and his abusive name calling. I mean, he calls everyone hoes.”

Evelyn Monroe hates Christmas with a passion, and she vows to hate it till the day she dies. Up until she was seventeen, she was a firm believer about all things Christmas, including that Father Christmas exists. But after reality slapped her hard, all she wants to do with Christmas spirit is to shoot it down. Christmas season drives her borderline crazy, and things just got a tad harder when an insanely hot Santa with a six-pack starts following her around.

Nik McArthur a.k.a ‘Santa’ was busy greeting kids when he saw the Grinch in human form, albeit a prettier and more charming version. Now, he wants nothing short of her for Christmas, and he’s gonna find her and turn her into his own little elf no matter how fast she runs.

Between holiday parties and a Santa stalker hot on her heels, Evelyn is clearly struggling to keep up. Everything only goes off the charts hilarious when a jealous ex and a six-year- old kid whoknows way too much join the mix.

Will this daft turn of events push her over the edge? Or will it make her believe in Chistmas once more? On a different note, will Nik ever discover why she hates Christmas so much? One thing’s for sure, this will take a Christmas miracle to sort out.

Looking for a witty yet heart-warming Christmas tale that’s sure to crack you up? Join Evelyn on her most awkward Christmas as of yet, grab your copy now!

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The Red Wings of Christmas is a holiday story that is sure to warm the hearts and inspire the imaginations of readers of all ages. Set mostly inside of Santa’s magical red sack, the action takes place in a land that most of us would call make-believe.

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They’ve loved, lost, and totally obsessed, and now the Insiders’ girls are out for revenge . . . which means turning the Insiders into real boyfriends.

Meet:

Flan-the youngest and the ringleader. She’s ready for Jonathan to care about her . . . exclusively!

Philippa-Mickey’s messed things up so many times, but he does love her. Can she turn him into the boy of her dreams?

Liesel-remember the girl from uptown who drove Arno crazy? She’s ba-aack.

Sara Beth Benny -she’s a star, and wants David to be one, too. Can David fake feelings?!

And Patch’s mystery girl-he doesn’t even know her, but boy, does she know him…

Watch out: The Insiders may never look at each other-or girls-the same way again!
About the Author

J. Minter grew up in New York City and attended Columbia University. He lives in Tribeca, in New York City.

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Prudence, James, and Christopher Kitson would love to see their sister, Annaple, marry her sweetheart, Francis Vere. To help things along, they tell Francis to be as romantic as he can when choosing a Christmas present for Annaple. When he arrives on Christmas Day with a partridge in a pear tree, Annaple is delighted! But that is only the first day of Christmas and the presents don’t stop there. Soon the house fills up with a seemingly endless stream of turtle doves, French hens, swans, dairymaids, and more. As the townspeople gather outside to watch the daily delivery of gifts, will Annaple be charmed or alarmed by the chaos of it all? And will the thirteenth day of Christmas bring the wedding that everyone is hoping for?

The Thirteen Days of Christmas was first published in 1972 and this illustrated edition sees a return to its original presentation, making this a wonderful book to give and share with children.

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A magical tale full of mystery, suspense, and contemporary issues. The first installment of the witch’s Cauldron series revolves around All Hallows’ Eve – A young witch lives alone in a forest full of magical beings and mysterious powers in a time when the boundaries between our world and the outerworld are thinned. This short story is the first in a series of new and progressive books created to entertain and create awareness for real world issues later generations will face. A fun and intelligent read for the entire family.

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‘With her gifts of insight and compassion the author weaves [9 contemporary] stories about miracles of the Christmas season [in which] the lowly are raised up and the proud are brought low.The stories are deeply moving and filled with humor. They are based on a faith that is rich with human understanding.’ —H. ‘For family sharing.’ —BL.

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IS GERRY GHOST… “GERRY THE MENACE?”…YIKES!!!!
Or, is Gerry Ghost just innocent and sweet? Hummmm

You’ll find out… when you read this very funny little storybook written for children ages 3 to 9, and it’s perfect for teaching children all about rhymes. It’s about the crazy adventures and mishaps of a charming little ghost named Gerry Ghost, who’s really just an adorable little goofball who loves to eat and Gerry’s amusingly clumsy, with “two left feet.”

Gerry’s very best friend, Holly aka “Miss Woman”, who is a three year-old girl with a very wild and vivid imagination makes a wish for Gerry Ghost to come and he magically appears on her 3rd Birthday. But, her parents and her Granny can’t see him so they don’t believe he’s real, until one magical night when her Granny gets a big Surprise! “Miss Woman” knows he real because they play ball, ride bikes, go to school together and Gerry Ghost loves to sing songs to “Miss Woman,” (and you get to sing right along with Gerry!) But, “Miss Woman’s” big imagination spirals out of control and the real “Gerry Ghost” takes over. Gerry is so happy to be alive and he wants to be a real kid, just like “Miss Woman.” But, Gerry Ghost is like a magnet that attracts lots of unforeseen accidents, mishaps and plenty of big old messes! And, guess who gets all the blame for Gerry’s messes? “Miss Woman,” of course!

But, there is a cute and adorable side to the outrageous little “Gerry Ghost.” Gerry is actually filled with compassion and he’s a bighearted little Crackerjack who loves kids and especially his BFF, “Miss Woman.” Gerry Ghost is a little Over-The-Top Character who will delight and amuse you, even when you are least expecting it. Some days, he’s “Gerry the Menace,” and he washes “Miss Woman’s kitty, Toby, in the Toilet Bowl, and other days, he’s just sweet, innocent and adorable little “Gerry Ghost.” But, no matter what day you meet “Gerry Ghost,” he will charm the pants right off you, and you will fall in love with this bizarre little character that is extremely unconventional and excitingly offbeat!

AUTHOR’S INSPIRATION:

Charlie Simpson based the characters on her very imaginative daughter, Holly, and her “Forever Loved and Never Forgotten Son”, Gerry, who never made to full term and she never got to hold. Charlie’s writing these stories as her own sweet way of helping Gerry live the life that he never got to live. In her own words, it’s like,“…Gerry is reading his very first book and loving it, all the way from heaven!”

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Set in Mexico amidst the monarch butterflies’ annual migration and during the Days of the Dead, Ghost Wings, written by Barbara M. Joosse, author of the best-selling Mama, Do You Love Me?, and illustrated with the luminescent artwork of Giselle Potter, is the touching story of a little girl whose very best friend is her grandmother. But one spring, Grandmother becomes thin as smoke. When she dies, Papa says, “When you love someone they never really leave.” But to the little girl, Grandmother seems impossibly far away. Who will sing to her? Who will chase the monsters from under her bed? Then, during the Days of the Dead, something extraordinary happens that brings Papa’s words vividly to life. Ideal for one-on-one sharing as well as a group discussion, Ghost Wings’ poignant message of the endurance of love and the power of memory is sure to linger long after the book is closed. A discussion guide is included.

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The story of Liberty Justice Jones, a sixteen-year-old girl living on a Christmas tree farm in Depression-era Texas. When hard times fall on the family, it’s up to Liberty to risk everything to save the farm and realize her dreams–Provided by publisher.

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In this lighthearted book filled with hip illustrations and children’s actual letters to Santa, Glassman shows readers how to become an “undercover Santa” by becoming involved with the U.S. Post Office’s Operation Santa Claus. 15 illustrations.

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It was Christmas Eve. Probity’s family was going to church for the Christmas pageant. Probity herself was to be the Fear Not Angel, the best part she ever had in her life. But Probity Jones was sick.

She could hear her family laughing outside as they walked away to church. She gazed through the window at the lonely moon, perfectly round, perfectly white. And she felt miserable.

Knock! Knock! Someone was knocking on their third-floor window. Probity caught her breath. Outside was a beautiful person dressed all in white, bright as the moon, and tall as the night. She opened the window on the tips of her fingers: Come, Probity Jones. It’s time to go.

And so begins a breathtaking flight up to the pathways of the moon, across a sea as deep as dreaming—and down, down to a Christmas pageant beyond imagining. And Probity is there, hovering above strangely familiar shepherds, joining the Fear Not Angel’s great glad tidings. This is a story that will enchant the entire family and bring warmth, joy, and new meaning to every Christmas season.

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What is life worth, when nothing is left?

Young Aharon, no more than twelve, tells us his struggles during the Holocaust. Despite the atmosphere and religious differences, he was able to relive the Passover Seder with a gentile friend. How can a young boy subsist when he lost almost everyone he loved? Did he find solace through his friend’s words? Even though, the days were long and harsh Aharon gave strength when he had none left. Even though, the nights were dark and scary.

Aharon gave hope when he had none left. Even though the days and nights turned into years of tears,
Aharon gave courage when all else fails.

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A fanciful Christmas tale that brings new meaning to the idea of giving. The hearts of both children and adults will be touched as they read how Grace, smallest of the angels, chooses to leave the glory of heaven to become the Christmas star that lights the Son’s way to earth. Because of her great love for Him, she gives all — finally finishing her task, burning out, and falling to earth. But readers will rejoice over the redemptive ending and be moved by a life that has learned what it means to give The Greatest Gift!

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Jesse and his mother face the challenges of making a new life in a small town. But it’s hard. Jesse has no friends, and his mother’s carved wooden Santas aren’t selling. Will there even be a Christmas? Jesse wonders. But before the season is out, Jesse and his mom discover the true spirit of Christmas.

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A Holiday Novella

SNOWSTORMS. MAGIC. LOVE.

A mega-snowstorm hits the Seattle area and teen psychic Jenny Crumb and her family brave the blizzard to travel to Leavenworth, Washington—a picturesque Bavarian-style village—for the holidays. With mishaps occurring along the way, Jenny hears the song The Twelve Days of Christmas—even if sometimes, it’s in her head. Every time she hears the song, a little magic happens. At their bed and breakfast, they meet young widow and innkeeper Traci and her little daughter. The inn that Traci and her husband worked so hard for is about to go into foreclosure. Jenny suspects the magic happening every time she hears the song is being sent by Traci’s husband, who was killed in the war in Afghanistan. Will his love have the power to deliver a Christmas miracle for the family he left behind?

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The New Year’s Eve party is a time of new heartbreaks and discoveries for the five girls, Kip, Anne, Beth Rose, Emily and Molly. But when the evening’s over, they’ve each learned important things about themselves and each other.

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“… Christmas is about love and giving. It’s a time to remember past traditions and make up new ones…” The Anderson family loves Christmas. You could even call them Christmas junkies. After moving up north, Mark, Carla and their children Cindy and Tony, finally get their postcard Christmas of warm fires and snow. As the big day approaches, it’s a joyous time for everyone, except for Tony. Adjusting to a new school can be hard on a nine-year old and he’s ruining Christmas for everyone. In this holiday story, the magic of Christmas comes to life in the most unusual of places. For young and old alike, this magical tale of finding Christmas spirit is sure to become a new tradition for Christmases to come.

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Robin Hood in Red Fur!Refreshingly different, this early biography tells the story of Santa Claus from birth through his first ride. It presents Santa as a full-blooded young man, a reluctant hero motivated by love.The story is fun and exciting, featuring sword fights, dank castles, hidden treasure, fierce Vikings, daring escapes, the secret elf civilization, deceit, jealousy, humor and young romance.The Book answers historicalquestions about Santa such as: Where was Santa was born? What was he was like as a kid? How did he get his name? How did he get to the North pole? What are the Elves names? Why does Santa brings us gifts on Christmas eve? Why is his suit red? Why does he go down chimneys? Why do bad kids get soot in their stockings?YOUNG SANTA is destined to become a holiday classic for young and old to enjoy year after year!

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Todos queremos organizar nuestra propia fiesta y disfrutarla al máximo, sin embargo, cuántas veces hemos vivido la experiencia de encargarnos de todos los detalles para darnos cuenta que al final del evento terminamos agotados, mal humorados y estresados.

La más cruda realidad nos golpea cuando descubrimos que, a pesar de haber pasado muchas horas planificando, el día de la celebración dedicamos toda nuestra energía a resolver detalles e imprevistos de última hora que nos robaron el derecho de disfrutar como un invitado más.

Seguramente, si eres de los que les encanta celebrar y organizar esos momentos especiales, te habrás hecho la siguiente pregunta: ¿Existen herramientas para planificar un evento de una forma sencilla, práctica y efectiva, de tal manera de poder disfrutarlo al lado de mis seres queridos e invitados?

Pues bien, hoy tengo el placer de presentarte mi libro: ARMA TU FIESTA

Tener la posibilidad de conocer y manejar herramientas sencillas de planificación te dará la oportunidad de desarrollar cualquier evento social que quieras y, lo más importante, tendrás todo a tu favor para pasarla bien junto a los tuyos. No permitas que el azar y la improvisación tomen el control de tu fiesta.

Este libro está dirigido a personas que:

•Les encanta organizar sus propias fiestas y esmerarse con los detalles.
•Aman disfrutar el evento que han desarrollado con tanto esfuerzo y están cansados de resolver imprevistos durante la fiesta.
•Necesitan ideas novedosas para potenciar su imaginación.
•Desean conocer y saber cómo manejar herramientas sencillas de planificación para organizar mejor sus eventos.
•Les llama la atención el tema de la organización de eventos y quisieran explorar las posibilidades de dedicarse a eso.

Con este libro aprenderás:

•Cómo identificar los pasos básicos de una buena planificación para tu evento.
•Cuáles son las herramientas mínimas que necesitas conocer para comenzar a desarrollar tus propios eventos.
•La importancia del Timing o cronograma en la planificación.
•Los beneficios de la figura del Coordinador de Eventos.
•Cómo calcular la cantidad óptima de alimentos y bebidas que necesitas para que tus invitados la pasen bien y tú no gastes más dinero del que se requiere.
•Las normas básicas de seguridad que deberías respetar a la hora de organizar un evento masivo.

En ARMA TU FIESTA comparto contigo un amplio repertorio de conocimientos, habilidades y destrezas que obtuve a través de muchas horas de investigación y experimentación, haciendo posible que esta obra de consulta sea ágil, amena y accesible.

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Look out Gull Island! Neeve, Phoebe, Kate and Hillary – the twelve-year-old Callahan cousins – are back at their grandmother Gee’s rambling seaside estate for Christmas break! It’s winter break and the Callahan Cousins are together again at their Grandmother’s Gee’s rambling estate on Gull Island. Eager to make the most of their reunion, Phoebe, Kate, Neeve, and Hillary set out to fill this holiday with extra-special adventures like sledding, snowman contests, caroling, and even a drama-packed wintry sleepover at the Gull Island Whaling Museum!This is the fourth in a four book series featuring the Callahan cousins, where fun, family and friendship rule the day! Aimed at middle grade girls, the Callahan Cousins will find a home with fans of the American Girl Books, Lizzie McGuire and Nancy Drew

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First published in 1960, this is the cheerful tale of the resourcefulness of a pig family. On the day before Christmas, each of the four Mellop brothers get the same idea–to surprise the family with a special Christmas tree. As a result, Christmas Eve is filled with too many trees and tears. But the Mellops put their heads together and come up with a solution that leads to the best Christmas ever. 32 color illustrations.

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