In this warm, delightful, Christmas tale, a 13th century lamb named Bart wants to know more about a mysterious man from the town of Assisi who talks to animals. Bart and his friends face challenges and danger, learn the meaning of love, honor, and sacrifice, and help start the tradition of the Christmas crèche we still enjoy today.

Christmas is a holiday of symbols. Evergreen trees stand for life in the dead of winter. Nativity scenes remind Christians of JesusÕs birthday. Santa Claus is the image of cheerful gift-giving. In this title, young readers will discover the meaning behind a few popular Christmastime traditions.

Connie Willis has won more Hugo and Nebula awards than any other science fiction author. Now, with her trademark wit and inventiveness, she explores the intimate relationship between science, pop culture, and the arcane secrets of the heart. Sandra Foster studies fads—from Barbie dolls to the grunge look—how they start and what they mean. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theorist studying monkey group behavior. They both work for the HiTek corporation, strangers until a misdelivered package brings them together. It's a moment of synchronicity—if not serendipity—which leads them into a chaotic system of their own, complete with a million-dollar research grant, caffé latte, tattoos, and a series of unlucky coincidences that leaves Bennett monkeyless, fundless, and nearly jobless. Sandra intercedes with a flock of sheep and an idea for a joint project. (After all, what better animal to study both chaos theory and the herd mentality that so often characterizes human behavior?) But scientific discovery is rarely straightforward and never simple, and Sandra and Bennett have to endure a series of setbacks, heartbreaks, dead ends, and disasters before they find their ultimate answer. . . . Praise for Bellwether “One of science fiction's best writers.”—The Denver Post “Connie Willis deploys the apparatus of science fiction to illuminate character and relationships, and her writing is fresh, subtle, and deeply moving.”—The New York Times Book Review “Keen social satire touched with genuine humanity . . . Connie Willis's fiction is one of the most intelligent delights of our genre.”—Locus “A sheer pleasure to read . . . Sprightly, intelligent fun.”—Publishers Weekly

From giving gifts to attending church, Christmas is a favorite holiday for many. This beginning title introduces basic facts about the holiday to young students just starting to read independently. Simple, easy-to-read sentences and colorful photos combine to discuss the holiday’s date, meaning, and traditions. A facts page reinforces the text, and a photo glossary aids with difficult words. Young readers can learn why this holiday is full of joy!

The winner of multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, Connie Willis capture the timeless essence of generosity and goodwill in this magical collection of Christmas stories. These eight tales boldly re-imagine the stories of Christmas while celebrating the power of love and compassion. This enchanting treasury includes: "Miracle", in which a young woman's carefully devised plans to find romance go awry when her guardian angel shows her the true meaning of love. "In Coppelius's Toyshop", where a jaded narcissist finds himself trapped in a crowded toy store at Christmastime. "Epiphany", in which three modern-day wise men embark on a quest unlike any they've ever experienced. "Inn", where a choir singer gives shelter to a homeless man and his pregnant wife-only to learn later that there's much more to the couple than meets the eye. And more . . .

'A stunningly good debut ... that will keep readers up all night' Steven Galloway, author of the Cellist of Sarajevo 'The novel has at its lodestone Brideshead Revisited. Donna Tartt's The Secret History is also in the DNA here ... Readers will find themselves transfixed by this richly drawn cast of characters' Independent Bright, bookish Oscar Lowe has grown to love the quiet routine of his life as a care assistant at a Cambridge nursing home, until the fateful day when he is lured into King's College chapel by the otherworldly sound of an organ. There he meets and falls in love with Iris Bellwether and her privileged, eccentric clique, led by her brother Eden. A troubled but charismatic music prodigy, Eden convinces his sister and their friends to participate in a series of disturbing experiments. However, as the line between genius and madness begins to blur, Oscar fears that danger could await them all ... Benjamin Wood's brilliant debut novel will delight fans of The Secret History and Never Let Me Go. Praise for The Bellwether Revivals: 'Read it. Quite a debut' Patrick Neate 'Suffused with intelligence and integrity' Guardian 'Effortlessly vivid ... Wood's confident, sometimes creepy novel draws you in ... and then, once you're inside, holds on, ever tightening the grip' Independent on Sunday 'There's more than a hint of Donna Tartt's The Secret History about this novel … highly effective' Daily Mail

Every November, Christmas Island red crabs take over Christmas Island as millions march to the shores of the Indian Ocean. These crawling critters stop at nothing to reach their mating grounds. They halt traffic and even fall from cliffs! This title is filled with facts, maps, and fascinating graphics that take readers through the rain forest to the ocean with Christmas Island red crabs.