Applesauce was convinced that there can be no Christmas this year -- her heart, where Christmas comes from, was as small as a gumnut and there was no Christmas in it at all. But then something special happens and Applesauce discovers that Christmas does not need to be all about glitzy decorations, fancy foods and expensive presents. It does indeed come from the heart.

Against a very Australian setting of drought and bushfire, a little pig called Applesauce learns that Christmas comes from the heart. Ages 3+ This beautiful tale is a clever and whimsical take on the Christmas story - from the bestselling author-illustrator team of Glenda Millard and Stephen Michael King. Applesauce is convinced that there can be no Christmas this year - her heart, where Christmas comes from, is as small as a gumnut and there was no Christmas in it at all. But then something special happens and Applesauce discovers that Christmas does not need to be all about glitzy decorations, fancy foods and expensive presents. It does indeed come from the heart. This heart-warming, CBC-shortlisted picture book is guaranteed to become a family favourite this Christmas. Ages 3+

Hunter Wood wants to be respected. A talented cook, he’s ventured out on his own, opening a breakfast and lunch diner in Charity, Montana. He’s got a lot to prove—mostly to himself—and more than a few people to convince he’s a changed man. Tracy Blevin is a registered nurse and pie baker extraordinaire, who is drawn to a most unlikely man, Hunter Wood. A nurturer by profession, she likes to feel needed, but the only thing Hunter needs her for is her pies. Their friendship has changed over the last six months as business partners. The more time Hunter spends with Tracy, the more he finds things to like about her. She’s smart, organized, and…those bright green eyes and delicate mouth are really starting to get to him. Maybe it’s time to move beyond just partnership… When a Montana winter car crash leaves a baby an orphan, Godfather Hunter, lives up to his promise, taking in the ten-month old. With the season of miracles upon them, Hunter can no longer deny his strong attraction towards Tracy. Is her life-long wish for her own family finally being answered this Christmas?

This book is a small description of the life of Jesus infused with the well-known children's figure of Santa Claus. It tells the story of Jesus and his importance and the importance of his life. The book intertwines the spirit and meaning of Christmas by telling the compelling story of how Jesus recognizes the love that Kris Kringle has for children and the lord. Recognizing this special love, Jesus visits the Kringles and makes them a very special offer. A gift that will continue to give the world joy and love. Through his selfless giving, Santa Claus is born through Jesus to continue on the true meaning of what Christmas is.

Originally published over twenty years ago, and out of print since 1998, Sleeping Bear Press is proud to bring this beloved Christmas tale to a whole new audience. Moving and nostalgic, and brought to life by glowing watercolor paintings, it reveals the joy of a very special present and the love that a father and daughter share.

"Brad and Sherry Hansen Steiger are two of my favorite people. Their wonderful book Christmas Miracles is a treasury of uplifting stories that demonstrates the wonders that can and do accompany our lives." —Shirley MacLaine, Academy Award-winning actress and author The promise that miracles can happen is never more certain than during the holiday season, when it really does seem that your dreams and wishes can come true. From a guardian angel who finds a desperately needed job for a man whose wife is about to give birth right before Christmas to pair of grieving parents who receive a warm Christmas message from their recently departed son, these incredible-but-true, larger-than-life miracles celebrate the wondrous joys of this special time of year. Because the first Christmas—and every one since—is a miracle.

Sophie and her brother are excited by the arrival of Hanukkah, and they happily clean the cottage and shine the Menorah as their gift to the family. But when their mother shares her worry that they do not have enough cooking oil to last eight days, their father tells them the story behind the holiday celebration and the miracle of the oil. Inspired by the story, the family creates its own Miracle Jar and watches the oil disappear as they enjoy the special food that each day brings. The family's hope and faith is confirmed when a last wipe of the cloth produces enough oil to prepare the eight day's treat.

The short biographies in Australian Children's Authors are arranged alphabetically. They include a brief description of the genre and style of each author, and a select bibliography of their publications. Children can browse through the list and look for an author whose work they would like to read. They can also find out about the history of writing for children in Australia. Included are tips for writing your own books and explanations that reveal how a writer turns thoughts into a finished book. Famous Australians presents short biographies of people who have made notable contributions to society, and who have helped make sport and children's literature such important and popular aspects of Australian culture.