• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

Christmas is a popular holiday celebrated by people all over the world. This informative and engaging exploration of Christmas is aimed at the middle grades but will entertain readers of a much wider age range. Learn about the games played, foods eaten, music played and favorite ways of decorating in different parts of the world. With lots of fun facts (about everything from frumenty to the jolly old man in red himself) and recipes, there's plenty in this beautifully illustrated volume to satisfy anyone with an interest in the festive season.

Nikki Tate was born in Birmingham, England, but spent her childhood roaming the globe. She is the author of nearly 20 books for young readers, many of which are about horses. Nikki has always enjoyed both writing and telling stories, as well as camping, kayaking and horseback riding. She currently hosts a book club called "Teens, Titles and Tate" on CBC Radio's All Points West. Nikki lives with her family (and her collection of goats, ponies, dogs, cats and assorted feathered friends) on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Visit Nikki's website www.nikkitate.com for more information.

Nikki Tate's profile page

Dani Tate-Stratton was born on Salt Spring Island and set off on her first journey when she was just a toddler. After living in Florida, Toronto, Tokyo and Vancouver, she is back in Victoria, British Columbia, where she now works as a graphic designer, writer and editor and also keeps pretty busy with SKOG, a company she and her husband started that makes cool things out of wood. She owns an old Greyhound bus that's slowly becoming a home, and while she waits for the house on wheels to be ready, she travels as much as possible. For more information, visit www.danitatestratton.com.

Dani Tate-Stratton's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“With personal anecdotes, this is a complete guide to a multiplicity of customs behind Christmas celebrations.”

The International Educator

"A very personal feel. The design is particularly pleasing…[and] adds to the festive feelings suited to the season…One cannot stop reading snippets aloud with the comment 'Did you know this?'"

Resource Links

“An informative history of the Christian holiday…The narrative is well illustrated.”

The Horn Book Online

"The conversational tone is as delightful and jovial as Santa Claus himself…[A] survey of the holiday in a pretty package, made a bit more special with its personal touches."

Kirkus Reviews

"Fun-filled, with fascinating facts that will appeal to young readers."

Booklist

"A delightful stocking stuffer for any Christmas lover."

Rocky Mountain Outlook