A collection of fiction, poetry, and nonfiction, most not previously anthologized, ranging in theme from the nostalgic to examinations of the dysfunctional side of the Christmas season.

Take a holiday trip to Kentucky! As each of the twelve days of Christmas pass, VERY unusual gifts from around the state pile up. Lucky readers are in for a wild countdown!

Are you looking for a refreshingly different children's Christmas musical? Twelve Days of Christmas is certain to delight you with its ingenious story that combines the captivating images of a popular carol with religious symbols for each day, adapted in rhyme and riddle from an ancient poem. By Jean Anne Shafferman and Anna Laura Page and approximately 30 minutes long, it features nine unison arrangements of traditional carols and hymns (some opt. 2-part), 13 short rhymed speaking parts, and narration for a Storyteller. Fully orchestrated recordings are also available. Grades K-8.

"On the first day of Christmas My true love gave to me A partridge in a pear tree." For many centuries young and old alike have been singing about the maids a-milking, the lords a-leaping, and a partridge in a pear tree. A Christmas carol, a parlor game, and a delightful counting song-The Twelve Days of Christmas- is indeed a favorite of the holiday season. In this book, sumptuously illustrated by Jan Brett, all the splendid images of The Twelve Days of Christmas come joyously alive. Look closely and you'll see not only the extravagant gifts given by a suitor to his lady, but a love story, a family's busy Christmas preparations, "Merry Christmas" in eleven languages, and a veritable menagerie of charming creatures. Jan Brett's exquisitely detailed illustrations so rich in traditional folk motifs, make this book a visual treat to be enjoyed over and over again.

“A gigantic gift full of literary goodies . . . holiday stories poems, songs and essays, there should be something for anyone who opens this package.” —Kentucky Monthly A celebration of holiday poetry, fiction, essays, recipes, and songs by more than sixty of the Bluegrass state’s finest writers. Gathered here are writings from some of the legendary voices of Kentucky—and the nation—as well as original Christmas stories and poetry from some of the state’s emerging talents. Among the contributors to this handsome collection are Kentucky’s visionaries, storytellers, historians, singers, cooks, children’s authors, and poets, including all five Kentucky Poet Laureates. A delight for anyone interested in Kentucky literature, history, or traditions, A Kentucky Christmas promises to be a wonderful holiday gift, a treasured family keepsake, and a necessary addition for libraries and for personal collections. “This book could accurately be called ‘A Kentucky Christmas Tree,’ since it is a structure with various good-sized branches, all hung or draped with bits of holiday cheer.”—Appalachian Center Newsletter “Celebrates Kentucky traditions from the first Christmas on the Falls of the Ohio to settlement days along the Cumberland to Appalachian country store windows on Christmas Eve.”—Floyd County Times “This cornucopia of a book will appeal to all who count the season as the best time of the year.”—Southern Living “This book will become a holiday classic.”—Suite101.com

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me... a book filled with all the joy of the beloved holiday carol! Susan Spellman's sweet illustrations bring the sentiment and whimsy of the classic song to life in beautiful color, making this the perfect keepsake item for anyone looking to capture the delight of the Christmas season. You can even personalize the book to make it extra special.

Traditional Christmas song. All grades.