Books in the Christmas around the World series

After their parents are lost in an avalanche, two Swiss orphans, 11-year-old Peter and 8-year-old Trudi, arrive at their aunt's home a few weeks before Christmas. Tante Maria is sick and barely able to support herself, much less care for two children.Peter and Trudi bring cheer to their aunt through their faith in Christmas and their determination to help. And as Trudi says, they have a wonderful start toward Christmas joy with the Christmas stove in Tante's parlor-a beautiful enamel stove that has pictures of the Christ Child and other Christmas scenes.Enjoy reading about traditional Swiss customs to celebrate Christmas as the children and their aunt work and plan for a happy holiday. A beautiful story of family and friendship that is a delight to read all year round.

Eleven-year-old Michel knows his grand'maman is the best in all France.¿And she deserves a donkey just like everyone else. A donkey would be a great help carrying loads of wood and kindling, fruits and vegetables, and it could even pull a little cart to take them for a Sunday ride.But how could he get a donkey?¿They cost a good deal of money and it would take a long while, even working two jobs. Yet Christmas is four months away!Michel is short of money, but he has plenty of determination and is not afraid to work. Everyone will be delighted at how he manages to make this Christmas a special one for his grand'maman. Full love, full of French Christmas customs, this story makes a heartwarming read-aloud the whole year through. Illustrated by W.T. Mars

Ten-year-old Kaatje yearns for her older brother Karel's approval, but he acts like the boss treating Kaatje as if she's careless and incompetent. Karel has all the adventures too, going on sailing trips and entering races with his sailboat.When Kaatje gets left behind on the way home from a school trip, she falls into a canal and gets fished out by a boy living on a canal barge. This leads to new friendships and exciting trips on the barge with his family.Dive into this moving tale full of Dutch customs, family bonds, fun and adventure, ending with a traditional Dutch Christmas celebration. Don't miss out on the two brand-new Dutch recipes at the end, for the gingerbread cake and speculaas cookies, which both Kaatje and Karel enjoy!Illustrated by W.T. Mars.

During an orienteering race, twelve-year-old Erik Dahlquist is lured off course to snap photos of a little wren on her nest. He loses his bearings until spotting a familiar landmark, the red hut on the cliff by the sea.It's Gunnar Eklund's place. The reclusive old fisherman is said to not take kindly to trespassers. After a brief God Afton, the two strike up a friendship. Later, it turns out old Gunnar has good advice for Erik when his know-it-all cousin Bertil arrives from Stockholm to stay for the summer.Join the Dahlquists and learn Swedish customs as they celebrate the holidays. There's Midsummer's Eve, crayfish fishing in August with a huge feast, culminating with St. Lucia Day and then Julafton.This endearing read-aloud, of warm relationships between family and friends, is sure to become a favorite. Charming illustrations by Lorence F. Bjorklund.