A number-one New York Times bestseller when it was originally published, THE SILMARILLION is the core of J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginative writing, a work whose origins stretch back to a time long before THE HOBBIT.

Tolkien considered THE SILMARILLION his most important work, and, though it was published last and posthumously, this great collection of tales and legends clearly sets the stage for all his other writing. The story of the creation of the world and of the the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in THE LORD OF THE RINGS look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. THE SILMARILLION is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy.

This second edition features a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien describing his intentions for the book, which serves as a brilliant exposition of his conception of the earlier Ages of Middle-earth.

Why is Santa sitting behind a clear protective barrier? And how can parents and caregivers explain to the children in their life that, even though some things will be different this year, Christmas magic remains the same?

That’s easy! Let Santa do it!

Santa in a Snow Globe is the origin story of how and why St. Nick will be found sitting “in a place that is clear and quite round” when families come to share their wish lists with him this holiday season.

Relayed straightforwardly by Santa to author AH Edelman and illustrated with inclusiveness by Serge Gall, Santa in a Snow Globe offers a starting point for grownups to talk about life’s new realities–including climate change, the Coronavirus and protests–with their kids.

So curl up with your children while Santa shares some recent observations, offers some timeless advice and concludes with a big dose of Christmas cheer.