Christmas Books

 

Miss Mary's Christmas Mittens
Written by Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by Renée Andriani
Sleeping Bear Press, August 2022
ISBN-13: 978-1-53411-167-7         
Miss Mary is beloved by her students.  She makes learning fun and easy, and her brightly colored knitwear brings a smile to people's faces.

SPACE HOLDER TEXT

SPACE HOLDER TEXT

Walking to school in freshly fallen snow on the last day before the Christmas break, Miss Mary envisions all the fun they will have at recess. But recess isn't fun because the children don't have any mittens. But not to worry, Miss Mary has the answer, a Christmas surprise for her students!

"This charming holiday picture book lovingly captures the essence of those teachers who go above and beyond for their students. VERDICT: A heartwarming Christmas tale that celebrates the love one special teacher shares with her students." - School Library Journal - September/October 2022

"...images of the teacher tucking into her project fireside - replete with cuppa and kitties - are a knitter's dream." - Publisher's Weekly - September 2022

"...the story focuses on the holiday values of giving and gratitude." - Kirkus Review - September 2022
 

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and your local independent bookstore.


APPLE TREE CHRISTMAS
Written and Illustrated by
Trinka Hakes Noble
Sleeping Bear Press, 2005
ISBN 1-58536-270-0

Katrina loved the old apple tree. One special branch was Katrina’s own spot to sit and sketch to her heart’s content. She pretended it was her studio. But just before Christmas, a bitter ice storm takes down the lovely old tree, and along with it, Katrina’s special place to draw and create. How could she be an artist without her cherished apple tree studio?

Trinka grew up on a small farm in rural southern Michigan. “So much of Apple Tree Christmas – the vine swing, the old apple tree, Mrs. Wooly, the drawing board, and the little girl who dreams of becoming an artist – is from my cherished Michigan childhood.”

Ever since its first publication in 1984, Apple Tree Christmas has touched thousands of readers young and old with its simple heartfelt message.

Now in this handsome, classic edition, Trinka's holiday remembrance reminds us once again of the strength of family ties and the boundless roots of love.

• Junior Literary Guild Selection
• Child Study Association Book of the Year
• Featured in Cricket Magazine
• Included in The Golden Books Treasury of Christmas

Available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and your local independent bookstore.


A CHRISTMAS SPIDER'S MIRACLE
Written by Trinka Hakes Noble
Illustrated by Stephen Costanza
Sleeping Bear Press September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-58536-602-6

Long ago in a faraway place there lived two mothers.  One, a humble peasant woman who struggled daily to provide for her children.  And the other, a mother spider who also worked hard to care for her family.  And, although they may appear as different as night and day, these two mothers had more in common than would first seem.

One bitterly cold, bleak Christmas Eve their two lives and stories intertwine like gossamer threads stitching together a quilt.

As the only holiday gift she can give her children, the peasant woman goes to the forest to get a small tree, never noticing that someone has made a home among it branches.  During the night the mother spider repays the gift of shelter, resulting in a Christmas celebration that neither mother will ever forget.

Based on an old Ukrainian story, acclaimed author Trinka Hakes Noble crafts an entirely original and heartwarming tale of kindness, compassion, and the grace that can be found in the true spirit of Christmas.

“The story unfolds smoothly… with lyrical, dramatic text. An appealing story with a magical aura spun by the shimmering illustrations and memorable story.”
– Kirkus Review, September 2011

“Enchantingly told, the story is enriched by the visual magic of colorful, textured compositions.  An excellent choice for lap-sit reading or group sharing.”
School Library Journal, October 2011

Available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and your local independent bookstore.