title: The Story of Christmas (Trophy Picture Books)
author:  Barbara Cooney 
description: Gr. 2^-4. Cooney begins by conveying the feeling of excitement that surrounds Christmas and then slips easily into examining the holiday's history. The religious significance of Jesus' birth is first related, followed by explanations of older midwinter celebrations (for example, Yule and Saturnalia) that show the blending of various customs into one special season. Krupinski's gouache-and-colored-pencil illustrations reflect different cultures and time periods and are suitably celebratory. There is a lot of information in this little book, including recipes for rolled Christmas cookies and instructions for making a clove-covered orange, and a pinecone bird feeder. <i>Kathy Broderick</i>
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  # Franklin’s Christmas Gift
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  For Hannah and Charlotte Cowan, two very special girls – P. B.
  
  
  To my parents, for the warm Christmas memories – B. C.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  # Franklin’s Christmas Gift
  
  
  _Written by_ Paulette Bourgeois
  
  
  _Illustrated by_ Brenda Clark
  
  
  ![img](titlepage.jpg)
  
  
  Kids Can Press
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  **F** RANKLIN loved Christmas. He could name all of Santa’s reindeer. He could
  tie ribbons into bows and play “Silent Night” on his recorder.
  
  
  Franklin liked to give presents and to receive them. But this year he couldn’t
  decide what to give to the Christmas toy drive.
  
  
  ![img](4_img01.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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  ![img](6-7_img01.jpg)
  
  
  Every December the students in Mr. Owl’s class donated toys for needy
  families. The toys could be new or carefully used.
  
  
  When Mr. Owl put out the collection box, everyone was excited. They had three
  days to choose the perfect gifts to give.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![i