Christmas

Old Dog and the Christmas Wish. Written and illustrated by Christine Davis. Lighthearted Press, 2006. Publisher's summary: It is Christmas Eve, and an old dog lies chained to a tree, alone and forgotten. Beyond the fence something is about to happen that will awaken the strong spirit that still runs deep within his tired old bones.  Whispers of a Christmas wish will reach the heavens, and suddenly anything is possible on this very special night. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 2+

One Winter's Night. Written by John Herman. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon. Puffin, 2003. 32 pages. On a wintry night, a lost and pregnant cow is welcomed into a small shed by Mary and Joseph. Soon after Jesus and a calf are born in this poignantly told Christmas story. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades K-3.

Winter's Gift. Written and illustrated by Jane Monroe Donovan. Sleeping Bear Press, 2004. 32 pages. On Christmas Eve, a recently widowed farmer rescues a pregnant mare during a snowstorm and is given a very special gift. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades 3-6.

Easter

Smudge Bunny. Written by Dr. Bernie Siegel. Illustrated by Laura J. Bryant. Starseed Press, 2004. 32 pages. Two little bunnies purchased from a pet shop for Easter and subsequently abandoned are fortunate to find a loving home. The author provides excellent rabbit care information as well as the URL for House Rabbit Society, the most authoritative rabbit care information resource. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Gr. 1-3.

Thanksgiving

Turkey for Thanksgiving. Written by Eve Bunting. Illustrated by Diane deGroat. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1995. 32 pages. Mr. and Mrs. Moose want a turkey for Thanksgiving but not like everyone else, much to Turkey's relief. Fiction picture book. Interest level: Grades K-3.

'Twas the Night before Thanksgiving. Written and illustrated by Dav Pilky. Scholastic, 1990. 32 pages. School children on a field trip to a farm save the lives of eight would be Thanksgiving turkeys. Poetry Picture book. Interest level: Grades PreS-3.

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