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It Begins: , the first of Peter Jackson’s three-part film version of the popular Tolkien novel, hits theaters December 14. (Warner Bros.)

Mother Mary: Lee Bennett Hopkins’s picture book gives children a look at the Christmas story from the loving mother’s point of view. (Eerdmans)

More Music: Christmas albums are popping up everywhere—you might like by Jeremy Camp (EMI), by Steven Curtis Chapman (Provident), or by Francesca Battistelli (Fervent).

Fish Tales: is William J. Vande Kopple’s second collection of stories centered on “families, fishing, and faith.” (Eerdmans)