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.

Each winter Captain Herman fills his fishing schooner with Christmas trees, sails down Lake Michigan, and delivers the trees to the residents of Chicago.

With the help of animated toys, Joey and Sam the toymaker board a magical ship to help Father Christmas distribute gifts on Christmas Eve. Reprint.

Every year Captain Herman Schuenemann and his 'Christmas Tree Ship' would bring a load of fresh Christmas trees from Michigan to Chicago. But in 1912, the fully loaded ship was unable to withstand a winter storm and sank in Lake Michigan near Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Thomas loves his summer visits to his grandmother's on Cape Cod. He spends his days wondering about the sailing ships of the past and imagining their stories. One afternoon, after a night of terrible thunderstorms, Thomas finds, deep in the sands, a weathered old-fashioned belt buckle. When he picks it up, a boy his own age appears before him. His name is Silas Rich, a cabin boy from a ship called the Monomoy that sailed almost 250 years ago. As Silas tells his tale, suddenly the world of sailing ships is very near indeed.

It was a miracle worthy of the season. When Captain Leonard La Rue spied from his twelve-man merchant ship, the Meredith Victory, the throng of Korean refugees on the docks of a city in flames, he didn't hesitate to do what others would consider impossible. In December of 1950, La Rue and his skeleton crew rescued fourteen thousand Korean refugees from the hands of the rapidly-approaching Chinese army in the city of Hungnam. Through the night and next day, a seemingly endless succession of refugees boarded the Meredith, their will to live and strong spirit steeling them against the bitter cold and incredibly crowded conditions. Standing shoulder to shoulder for three days the refugees and crew stoically endured as La Rue steered the ship through sea battle, a thirty-mile web of sea mines, and enemy shelling. "Ship of Miracles" is the incredible story of what has been called "the greatest rescue operation by a single ship in the history of mankind." Against all odds, the little merchant vessel transported its precious cargo to the island of Koje-Do on Christmas Eve completely unharmed, all fourteen thousand refugees alive and well, including an additional five new lives begun on this incredible journey. As the fiftieth anniversary of this miraculous rescue approaches, "Ship of Miracles" is as touching today as it was then; a tale you'll hold close to your heart, and return to time and again. While the United States Navy prepares to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the perilous evacuation at Hungnam and honor the Meredith Victory's miraculous feat, read this never-before-told account from the crew themselves, as they relate the incredible and unbelievable details of their three-day journey from fear to freedom.

Johnny’s wish had come true. His family would be visiting his grandparents for Christmas. His grandparents lived in an old house in New England where his father had been born. The family together, the smells of the cookies baking, the snowy Christmas tree farm with trees of so many shapes and sizes, and most of all the wooden horse he had told his brother Liam about would make this the best Christmas ever. In his grandparents’ attic Johnny finds many treasures, but the wooden horse he remembered so well is missing. How can Johnny make his brother’s Christmas wish come true? Beloved and internationally bestselling author Mary Higgins Clark’s loving story together with Wendell Minor’s captivating paintings make The Magical Christmas Horse a book that captures the true heart of Christmas and one that families will make part of their Christmas tradition year after year.

Mabell S. C. Smith's 'Ethel Morton and the Christmas Ship' is a delightful children's book that follows the adventures of Ethel and her friends as they uncover the mystery behind a Christmas ship that docks in their town. The book is written in a charming and engaging style that captures the innocence and curiosity of youth, making it a timeless classic for young readers. Set in the early 20th century, the novel provides a window into a bygone era, showcasing the values and traditions of the time while also delivering an entertaining and heartwarming story. Smith's vivid descriptions and engaging plot make 'Ethel Morton and the Christmas Ship' a captivating read for children of all ages. Mabell S. C. Smith, a prolific author of children's books, drew inspiration from her own experiences and observations of young people to craft engaging and relatable stories that continue to resonate with readers today. Her keen insight into the minds of children shines through in 'Ethel Morton and the Christmas Ship,' making it a must-read for fans of classic children's literature. I highly recommend 'Ethel Morton and the Christmas Ship' to anyone looking for a heartwarming and nostalgic tale that captures the magic of the holiday season. Smith's charming storytelling and lovable characters make this book a delightful read that will enchant readers of all ages.

A New York Harbor tugboat captain and his family take the tug up the Hudson River to pick up and tow the barge carrying the enormous Christmas tree that will be displayed at Rockefeller Center.