Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.

As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would “bomb” Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.

Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as “Uncle Wiggly Wings” or “The Candy Bomber.” Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen’s small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.

Famed broadcast journalist and author Tom Brokaw brings this remarkable true story to life in a stunning live performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, captured on the accompanying DVD. Also included in the book is a template and directions for creating your own “Candy Bomber” parachutes.

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Westward ho, with the American pioneers! Why did pioneer families risk it all to move west? Who settled the frontier towns of the Wild West? Did pioneer children go to school? Kids will love learning about the dangerous journey, the Gold Rush, the building of the railroad, cowboys, and much more about this important period in US history.

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Why Did the Whole World Go to War? helps children understand one of the 20th century’s most tragic conflicts. It answers their most basic questions, including: What started World War II? How did Hitler take over so many countries so quickly? What happened at Pearl Harbor? Where were the fiercest battles fought? What ended the deadliest conflict in human history? A fascinating look at a complex topic.

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Written in free verse, this book tells the life of Michelle Obama from her birth and early years in Chicago through her career and early marriage to Barack Obama and ends with his inauguration.

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The latest landmark book from Paul L. Maier gives children a biblical, historically accurate description of the Flood. Illustrations by Robert T. Barrett add realism and perspective to the story of faithful believer Noah and his family who obeyed God and were preserved from death and destruction. In eloquent, authoritative language, The Real Story of the Flood describes what is known about the Flood as revealed in Scripture. Young readers learn about the sinfulness of man, one faithful man and his family, and how God saved them from perishing. The book also addresses common questions about the story, such as the logistics of building a vessel large enough to house all the animals for a year. The story ends with the rainbow, Gods sign that He will never again destroy the earth by flood. Children learn that Gods Word is true and the story of the Flood is biblical fact rather than fairy tale or myth.

Henry Van Dyke wrote “The Other Wise Man” in 1896, and since that time, this enduring classic has woven its mystical appeal for countless children and adults. Here Pamela Kennedy retells the story for the young reader, making it easy to understand, while retaining the magic of Van Dyke’s words. Robert Barrett’s rich oil paintings create a tapestry of color that adds to the mystery of the ancient world.