Advent Books

I echo the review from "A Customer".
In addition...
I'm a preschool teacher and the kids definitely understood the story. It's a great addition to a multi-cultural program and can open up conversation about culture.
As for the book, I enjoyed the illustrations!

I bought this book for my three year old daughter. She absolutely loved the story. Now when she plays in her kitchen she makes me homemade tamales. :-)

Our family loves this book! We checked it out from our local library and soon it was my four year old daughter's favorite. When December rolled around, I checked it out again, bought tamale makings and my four year old and I made cheese tamales. We took them to her pre-school class for snack along with the book. Her teacher read the book to the class and then they all had the tamales that my daughter and I made. It was a huge hit!! Now that she is in kindergarten, we will do it again (I am buying the book since I have two girls and I think this tradition will go on for a while!). Tamales are a really kid friendly activity and it was a great experience for both of us. You should try it!

I love this story because it brings back memories of when my family would get together at Christmas time to make the annual batch of tamales. Everyone was involved and when all the work was done, we couldn't wait until they were ready to eat. The story is well told and my students look forward to hearing the story year after year.

My class of second and third graders really enjoyed this book. Many of them make tamales at home every year. They enjoyed reading about someone else that shares the same traditions. It opened up a lot of discussion about telling the truth. The only problem was all the talk about tamales made them hungry!

This is another book I purchased to use with my elementary students. What an absolutely delightful story! Any book that so wonderfully illustrates respect of many different beliefs gets high marks from me.....and this book does just that. Through this delightful story the reader learns of Christmas and Hanukkah traditions AND that they can compliment each other very nicely. I also think the story is a great example of service and being a great neighbor.

My teacher does an "author study" program and our first featured author was Patricia Polacco. My teacher read some of her books to my class and during reading I would read them to myself. I read this book and it was one of my favorites. We bought it and I love it. I recommend this book for anyone who loves to read! The author writes about the time when she was a young child and a lot of her neighbors got scarlet fever. The girl and her family is Jewish, and since they are not sick, the girl, her older brother, her mom, her babushka, and her grandpa go out and chop down trees and decorate them with colorful animal figures. I won't tell you the surprise ending, but this book is awesome! I recommend this book highly.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to overhear our school librarian recommend this book to another parent at the school book fair. There was only one copy left so I took it.

Now, each December I get out our family's box of holiday books and this is the first one we read. My youngest child handed me a tissue before I started reading it last December! She knows how this book touches my heart and warms my soul.

I have given this book to family and friends ... young and old. Great book to spread the message of what is really important -- at the holidays especially.

Trees of the Dancing Goats is a beautiful, poignant story and one of my all time favorites. Grown-ups love it as much as the kids. If you don't have this one on your bookshelf, you should get it! If you've been good, maybe Santa Claus will drop a copy in your stocking this year!

Drawing upon her own family's experience, Patricia Polacco shares a story of true holiday giving. Her Russian grandparents teach the meaning of friendship and miracles as they relate the story of Hanukkah and as they reach out to their Christian neighbors who are suffering from a deadly epidemic of scarlet fever. They adapt the symbols of their Jewish celebration to bring Christmas to those who are too ill to create their own festivities. Polacco's colorful illustrations capture the warmth and spirit of the characters and do much to enhance this wonderful story.

A Very Dairy Christmas is the story of teenaged Callie and her friends and their struggles growing up. On the surface that may sound like a very ordinary story line, but I can assure you that Callie's experiences are anything but ordinary. Callie and her posse live in a world of wealth and privilege. They attend a prestigious boarding school and enjoy all of the tangible benefits that financial security can offer. Even though she appears to have it all, self-assured Callie lacks the things that every young girl needs most--love, attention and the guidance of a caring parent. As a reknowned fashion photographer, Callie's mother travels the world and is often absent when her daughter needs her most. As a result, Callie has become demanding and self-absorbed and dominates her relationship with her friends.

A Very Dairy Christmas is truly the story of Callie's redemption. When her mother insists that she spend her Christmas vacation on her grandparents' dairy farm in Wisconsin, Callie is furious and does all that she can to make everyone around her as miserable as she is. However, through a series of funny and heart-tugging events, Callie comes to realize that giving to others can be very rewarding. When she turns her considerable intellect and resourcefulness to the good of others, her midwestern family and friends come to see a very different side of Callie.

As a former high school teacher, I found Callie to be a delightful character. Her evolution into a caring and compassionate person serves as an object lesson for young readers. I liked A Very Dairy Christmas so much that I included it in my educational resource A Novel Approach to Family and Consumer Science. Written to encourage reading across the currliculum, Callie's exploits developed into great classroom learning activities.

I highly recommended A Very Dairy Christmas! And though it's a great holiday read, don't wait for Christmas. Check it out today!

Although this was released in November of 2005, the story in A Very Dairy Christmas is timeless. It deserves to be revisited every holiday to remind us of the possibilities for all of us - the possibility to change, the possibility to help. It is especially relevant during the holiday season to give us a nudge in the direction of giving something of ourselves, not just our pocketbooks.

As for pocketbooks, Callie has a large, designer one filled with credit cards. The daughter of a famous fashion photographer she is queen of her teen group, all girls at the very exclusive private school Ridgecrest Prep. She has it all, all except a close family. Her mother is usually off on fashion shoots and rarely has time for Callie. Her mother, Zoey, does not feel good about it but it is a situation she can not change. So they are both looking forward to the Christmas holidays and a promised ski trip together to Aspen. But at the last minute these plans change and Callie is forced to spend her vacation at her grandparents' dairy farm in Deer Creek, Wisconsin.

Callie's grandparents are very happy to finally have Callie back in their lives. As a child she spent many holidays there but after her father, their son, died Zoey cut off all contact. But Elsa and Johann are shocked by the attitude and behavior of the girl Callie has become. Since their feelings are not tempered by family love, their friends and farm workers are even more disgusted by Callie. They go out of their way to make life difficult for the rude, arrogant girl. It takes a reunion with her childhood friend Amanda, who is suffering from leukemia, for Callie to realize what a brat she had become. The fact that Amanda has a very attractive brother is an asset too. With help from her ever loving and patient grandmother, Callie works to mend friendships and find a mission in life. For her it is the discovery of the children's cancer ward at the local hospital. The story of how she meets their needs is the warm, touching story line in this feel good book.

This book is marketed as a teen book because of its teenage main character but it can certainly appeal to adults also. It is a also a fun book to read, filled with many comic moments that amuse and entertain. The author is able to take a serious subject and make it accessible to all readers.

Sylvia Hysen has used this book to promote Locks of Love, the nonprofit that collects long pieces of hair to make into wigs for children who would like them due to hair loss caused by a variety of diseases. She emphasizes not only the need for donors but also to get the word spread that this is available.

The author is planning a sequal "A Very Dairy Summer" where we hope to be reunited with Callie and her new found family.

This is the story of Callie Michaels and her pals the ABC debutantes. It is a story of contrasting social acceptance and generational differences. It is a story of a teenager's desperate attempt at winning a parent's affection and attention. After years of separation from her estranged German grandparents, Callie is coerced to spend Christmas vacation with them on their Wisconsin dairy farm.

From the moment of her arrival Callie creates an atmosphere of conflict, resentment and attitude. Isolated and alone Callie is confronted with a sense of guilt as her grandfather recovers from a near death accident caused in part by her selfishness.

Reconnecting with a childhood friend, who is suffering from leukemia, Callie assesses her priorities as she tries to make amends with her grandparents. After visiting the children's oncology ward with her friend, "She thought about her life at Ridgecrest and compared it to Amanda's. All the things she and her friends considered important seemed so petty compared to having leukemia. And yet it didn't stop Amanda from helping others. Callie had never witnessed such altruism."

Sylvia Hysen is brilliant writer. She has incorporated, into the plot of this story, a touching message. Hysen introduced the work of "Locks of Love". This is an organization that provides children undergoing chemo-therapy treatments hair pieces, made from real hair. This hair is donated by concerned individuals. Callie sacrificed her long tresses to provide Amanda with a new sense of normalcy, dignity, and self confidence.

Callie's mother, Zoey, joined the family for Christmas day at the dairy farm. As healing gave birth to reconciliation Callie's mother saw a new maturity in her daughter. "Looking at her without the bias of a mother, she saw a beautiful, compassionate young woman."

Hysen kept a balance of conflict, compassion, and romance throughout the story. I hated to have it come to an end and am looking forward to the sequel. "A Very Dairy Summer" is due to come out soon. This novel is written for a young adult audience, however; the author's sensitivity to parent-teen relationships makes it a good read for parents of teens as well.

Top notch!

You can't help but fall in love with the characters from A Very Dairy
> Christmas by Sylvia Hysen. It is heart warming to watch Callie Michael's
> dynamic character develop from a spoiled little rich girl to a generous
> caring teen. Callie leaves all her indulged comforts in the Big Apple
> to spend Christmas on a dairy farm in Wisconsin with grandparents she
> barely remembers. While she thinks she is heads above all the people she
> meets in Wisconsin the locals can't wait to see her leave. I appreciated
> the mishaps the farm hands played on Callie, she deserved them all and
> more. Despite how poorly she treats her grandparents and their friends,
> her grandparents stick by the girl they loved as a little girl and they
> give her time and opportunity to grow and come to her senses on her own.
> Just when you are ready to throw Callie out with dirty dishwater, she
> does a 180 degree turnaround and realizes that people from varied walks of
> life should be valued and respected. This story also has a just the
> right amount of romance. Casey is a handsome young boy that is connected
> to the grandfather's dairy farm. He definitely is a match for Callie and
> eventually she has to convince him to give her a chance. You can't help
> but fall in love with him.
> I think girls ages 12 - 15 would enjoy this book. I also enjoyed it and
> would recommend it to others.
>
> Lillian Armijo
> Reading Specialist
> Ranch View Middle School

Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (3/06)

Teenager Callie lives a luxurious life bouncing between New York City and her prestigious prep school, but she's forced to spend her Christmas holiday with grandparents in Wisconsin whom she barely knows. She arrives with a chip on her shoulder having been disappointed by her over-achieving, guilt-ridden mother, Zoey, and makes sure that everyone is as miserable as she is.

But as in all entertaining books, twists and turns deliver a very different teen by the end as she learns valuable life lessons about the importance of family and friends. We also meet a variety of entertaining characters, from the farm hands that reminded me of those on the Wizard of Oz to Callie's outrageous friends. And we know exactly what kind of girl Callie is when the staff at Tiffany's knows her by her first name!

Admittedly, I didn't expect to enjoy this novel for several reasons. First I only read Christmas books in December. Second, designer and brand names are dropped right and left which makes it either more realistic or more like one big advertisement, depending on your perspective. And I'll confess I am many years removed from wearing a teenager's shoes. But I told myself each night just one more chapter, and then found I had read ten more before I put the book down. Ample dialogue and short chapters kept the story moving as it delved deeper and deeper into Callie's family history and that of a potential love interest and his family.

Sylvia Hysen is a screenwriter and this contemporary family comedy is an adaptation of her own award-winning screenplay. I can easily see how it would translate to film. Plenty of details make it a visual read. As a writer, I enjoyed learning how she took a personal interest in the Locks of Love organization, which uses donated ponytails to make hairpieces for ill children, and incorporated it into the story.

While we can't all relate to prep schools or dairy farms, most of us can understand family conflict and the importance of resolving it. It is always compelling to read abut a female character with brains, spunk and heart. A Very Dairy Christmas amuses and warms our hearts. And it's not just for the holidays either!

This book is really great. It is full of cute bugs and great pop-ups. My daughter loves it and we sing it all year.

Our great grandsons (ages 2 and 4) are enjoying the book and begging constantly to have them read.

My 3 1/2yr old bug lover is enamored with this book (and Jingle Bugs too). He LOVES to sing the 12-bugs-of Christmas and it is good for his memory skills to try to remember them all. When he hears the 12-Days-of-Christmas on the radio, he always points out how it is so similar to HIS song! Ha!

I am a big fan of David Carter's bug pop up books. At first the concept seems a bit odd and off setting, but they really are cute bugs, and the interactive elements are quite thoughtful and inventive.

This book goes through the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas," but makes up new words that are related to his buggy creations. Throughout the book, you open each present (lift the flap), to see the bugs inside. Inside each package is some type of pop up element (my favorite is the one that comes complete with tinsel). Each is creative, delicate (as one reader mentioned), and attention getting.

My only reservation about this book is that the interactive elements are not as diverse as in his other Christmas book, Jingle Bugs. With this book, it is basically entirely lift the flap, whereas the other one has different types of activities throughout. However, I do like the fact that you can sing to this one (a great plus in keeping little ones interested).

My 6 and 2 year old kids love this book and wanted to read it over and over during Christmas. The bugs are really cute and Christmas themed. There are tinsel bugs, gingerbread bugs, fruitcake bugs, yodeling Christmas tree bugs. The pop ups work smoothly.

You can even sing the book to the tune of 12 days of Christmas - if you can stand it.

We bought this book for our 2 year old niece, Zoe. This is a book that both children and adults can love. The pictures are breathtaking. The story is wonderful too ~ about family and friends and a beautiful winter evening.

A well written, heart warming story about the importance of friendships as we journey.Beautifully illustrated, I took my chances on this one by the cover and was not disappointed.I purchased 2, one for my 15 mo. old grandson and one for myself to share with my other grandchildren.Simply stated, a must read for the little ones during the holiday season.

I BOUGHT THIS BOOK FOR MY 5-YEAR-OLD GRANDDAUGHTER. I DID NOT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO READ THIS WITH HER, BUT I WAS TOLD SHE LIKED IT VERY MUCH. THIS BOOK PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO TELL ANOTHER KIND OF CHRISTMAS STORY.

bought this for a baby 1st christmas present. story is sweet..adventures of a new bear and pictures are beautiful and big.

Christmas is about sharing, and that's the lesson this book is trying to teach. A young bear is woken from his hibernation by the sound of Christmas songs, and on his way to find the source of the music, he runs into animals who are in need of help. As he helps them, both he and they learn the real meaning of Christmas: Sharing and giving selflessly is the source of Christmas happiness.

The art is very nice. When the story describes the bear listening for the music, the artist was able to recreate the scene perfectly. The children in the house singing carols are portrayed in rapturous joy and the tenderness of the bear is lovingly painted.

Despite the author's portrayal of bears as playful, happy, and helpful animals, I think this book is very enjoyable and appropriate for kids 2 and up. I don't think it's a good idea to portray bears like that since they are actually strong, wild animals which should not be approached, but so many other kids books portray them as cuddly, so I can't be too hard on Kinerk here.

What I can be hard on is the choice of font. The skinny, broken, scraggly font is hard to read. It is difficult to read ahead while reading aloud since the font needs deciphering. It took a couple readings before I could effectively read this aloud to my son.

One other problem for some parents is the omission of Christ and/or any other religious significance for the holiday. The Christmas tree is given an unnecessary significance, and the book has a heavy dose of naturalism. This may be a turn off for those parents who wish to teach their kids "the reason for the season".

All in all, the book is entertaining, well drawn, and has enough plot to be read over and over again. Naturally, the book only has a shelf-life of a month or two before the Christmas season is over, but the book's physical binding and size make it a keeper. 4 stars for an excellent book, but a point off for the font.

"...Christmas is such a special time that very special, almost magical things can happen. And the most magical thing of all is Santa Bear: I'd say he has the best job in the whole world, because the joy of giving is what Christmas is all about." -- From the book

This lovely book by Stan and Jan Berenstain follows the Bear family as they navigate through the trappings of Christmas: making lists, feeling the tug of store-front windows loaded with toys, kids worrying if they've been good enough to merit Santa Bear's visit, the spirit of giving and more.

I love that this book doesn't demonize wanting things (like The Berenstain Bears Get the Gimmies), and shows kids deciding to spend their own money to buy their parents special gifts from Christmas.

One adorable scene in this book is when the kids encounter a bell ringing Santa outside the mall, standing in front of a pot that says "Help the Needy". Paper Bear explains "His job is to collect money to help the needy--birds who need seed, squirrels who didn't put enough aside for the winter".

Especially good for Christmastime, The Berenstain Bears Meet Santa Bear is a heartwarming story with an uplifting message that children will no doubt enjoy.

This is such a cute book! This one has the Bear family going to the mall two days after Thanksgiving and finding that it's all decorated for Christmas. Mama thinks it's too early, but Papa thinks that the kids will be fine and they will be able to handle it. Then the next page shows the cubs jumping up and down in front of the toy store way too excited for the season to begin. Sister has a ton of questions about Santa, like how does he get down our skinny chimney, how does he drive his sleigh when there's no snow, etc., etc. Just the same questions just about every child has at one time or another. It also goes through how hard it is to wait until Christmas Eve and all the things a kid goes through waiting for that wonderful event. Lastly, it shows the cubs buying thoughtful gifts for their parents and being very excited when they open them on Christmas. The book closes with Papa explaining all of Sister's questions on Christmas Eve while they are looking up into the sky, waiting for Santa Bear to come. Then, it starts to snow and blankets the entire town with Christmas snow.

This is such a great little book - it shows all the joys of Christmas through a child's eyes but also teaches about giving. When Sister says that Santa Bear has the hardest job in the world making all those presents and then delivering them, Papa counters with the fact that he thinks that Santa Bear has the best job because he gets to give all those gifts to so many cubs. That's the last sentence in the book too - when the cubs give their gifts to their parents, they realize that Papa was right - Santa Bear did have the best job in the whole world because it feels better to give than to receive.

We LOVE this book in our house and I just can't recommend it enough!

I got this book as a christmas present in 1990 and really enjoyed it. All the toys looked exciting to me and I really loved the illustrations.

I gave this book four stars because it is a great book for children dealing with questions about Santa Claus. Papa Bear answers all these questions with a simple answer, "Christmas is such a special time of year that very special, almost magical things can happen. And the most magical thing of all is Santa Bear."

This book is about how the cubs start wanting their presents for Christmas. Brother bear wants just a couple of things and makes a small Christmas list, while sister bear makes a really long one. Sister gets thiknking and she realizes she's being greedy.

I reccomend this book to any child who is havinbg a want problem. The point of this story is don't be greedy. This is for children 5-8 yrs. of age.

This book is hilarious. I bought it when a fairly generous employer gave me purchasing power at the wonderful Sam Weller's Book Store in SLC; I said I wanted to do book reviews as the books and readings editor for an online pub, but really I just needed books for my daughter and couldn't afford any.

I was surprised and pleased to see I liked it as much as my daughter, though I found I had much to explain as she watch me laugh till I cried. I could see this book being used in an adult western civ class...a person could read all kinds of things into it...about cultural appropriation, about egocentrism, about colonialism... I have two daughters now, and both absolutely love it, but sometimes I read it for myself and to other adults after the girls have gone to bed. The illustrations, by the way, are fantastic. If I were to suggest one Christmas book for kids, this would definitely be it. This is the one Christmas book I don't put away in January, but keep around all year.

This is a funny, quirky story about a girl who finds a crocodile under the Christmas tree. The illustrations are watercolors of a Victorian mansion, the characters are fun (most of them are sterotypes but funny to read in different voices) and the story is just very original. Children will enjoy the idea of a crocodile and it's antics, while adults will get the jokes that are probably over most kids' heads...including the last illustration without any words that ends the book with a last laugh. I would definetly reccomend this one!

My kids and I all love this book! The text and the illustrations perfectly complement each other, giving the story an old-fashioned feel and lots of humor. The quirky family members are a treasure. I highly recommend this fun story!

Crocodiles do not conjure up images of a well-behaved pet! Alice Jayne sure tries to convince her eccentric family to keep a "puppy eyed" crocodile she finds under the Christmas tree. Our sympathy immediately goes out to the Christmas Crocodile who really "didn't mean to be bad." He sure gets into trouble in this book.

From page one, get ready to laugh at the adorable antics and pictures of less than amused family members. If the "Cat in the Hat" had been found under the Christmas tree, even he could not have created this much chaos! After gobbling down just about everything (a water bottle, candy canes, a Christmas roast, pumpkin pie, twenty-nine crumpets on the kitchen counter, a box of pralines, one fruitcake, five golden oranges, the left stove top burner, and a plate of ginger star cookies), the family locks the crocodile in the back room. They then retire for the evening.

What happens next can only be told by Bonny Becker and illustrated by David Small. We have copy which says: "For Alexia, Season's eatings!" signed by Bonny Becker! This is a magical book from start to finish. You don't want all this fun to ever end...and you know...it might just being again. Don't peak at the last page! This is the perfect gift for any child at Christmas time. They will enjoy reading it all year long.

~The Rebecca Review

Start a new holiday tradition by reading the Christmas Crocodile with your family. You'll laugh at the crazy antics of the eccentric family members and the crocodile who "didn't mean to be bad." This book is a winner from beginning to end and the illustrations capture the hilarity perfectly!

I found this book on the back of an old bookshelf full of some old books. I saw that it was in good condition and had a beautiful cover.
The SECOND I read the first page, I couldn't put it down. I love this book and read it like crazy. Now my dad got it for me off the internet somewhere. It will come in the mail soon and it will be mine. Some parts, such as the line Glory says: "Merry Christmas, Charolette. And Merry Christmas, Morning Glory, wherever you are." made me cry! I love this book and I'm counting down the days until it arrives!

A child's book that an adult can enjoy is a wonderful book indeed.
This one is wonderful!

IT WAS THE BEST I MEAN TOPS I EVEN CRIED SOME IT IS A TOUCHING SWEET STORY YOUR KIDS WILL LOVE IT TO I AM SURE PLEASE READ IT IT IS WORTH IT IT IS A VERY EDIFIYING AND TOUCHING STORY IT LOOKS BORING BUT IT REALLY IS NOT IT IS THE TOP OF TOPS BOOKS

This book I really liked. I had this book for a very long time, but never really got to read it. I started it one day and I couldn't stop. I finished it within two days. Glory and Lucy Wollcot are sisters living in the workhouse (The home for little orphan girls)in London Town.Their meal are scarce their nights are dark and cold and they hear many terrible storys of little girls who escape then get caught. To brighten up their spirits, Lucy "creates" storys of their family that she barley rembers- and a doll named Morning Glory that they are sure they will find again some day. When a deadly fever comes accross the workhouse, the girls escape without getting caught to the terrible streets of London. When the sisters find an old, discarded doll, Glory is positive that it is Morning Glory. Morning Glory is different from other dolls... And she works her magic on every body!

The Christmas Doll is a children's story about two orphan girls who live and work in a workhouse in Dickensian England. Life is hard for the girls who are constantly cold and hungry. When some of the children in the factory become sick, Sara (the eldest), fears for her younger sister Glory. The two girls run away and have many frightening and exciting adventures on the streets of London, before finding a place they truly belong.

I listened to the audio edition of this novel and really enjoyed it. Sarah and Glory are two strong-minded powerful little girls, whose friendship and loving hearts endure many terrible tragedies. Wonderful. 5 stars. Suitable for all ages. Sensitive really young children should read with a parent.

A touching Christmas story for all ages. It's a wonderful read-aloud for my grandchildren which lends to discussions of Christmas. The beautiful illustrations also by Patricia Polacco add to the story. A story that captures your heart and gives meaning once again to love, faith, and the true meaning of the Christmas season. This is a definite Christmas favorite.

Although I read this story to my students every year, I can never get through it without choking up. Elementary through high school, all students are deeply touched by this tale. The timeless message of love portrayed by all the characters in this book is one you will never forget. It's a wonderful read-aloud, and a useful segue into discussions about the true meaning of Christmas and Hannukah.

This story is a wonderful story anytime of year. This may be my all time favorite Patricia Polacco story. It will touch your heart and leave you with a feeling of optimism and joy.

This is a very special Christmas story. It is timeless in it's message of hope and caring. It will be a story to read every Christimas with your family.

Christmas Tapestry will warm the cockles of your heart, soul, and mind. I'm not sure if it's based on a true story or not, but it sure could be. It appealed to me, as a Christian, (as it would to a Jewish person) because it shows that God is in control, and He works out His purposes, even when we don't understand what's going on.

If you like these heart-tuggers, also try The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey.

I loved this book and the message it is teaching. God is telling us that by helping others, we are doing His word and carrying on his message. I read it to my grandchildren on Christmas Eve.

The Bible tells of the three wise men, Magi, who came from the East, following a star to the newly born King of the Jews. But, there was a fourth wise man, Artaban, who sold all that he had, and acquired three jewels, to give as his gift to the babe. But, when Artaban stops to help a sick man, he is delayed and misses accompanying the other three, and so he must set off alone. This is the story of the fourth wise man, who seeks the King of the Jews, and finds him in the most unlikely of places.

This is an absolutely wonderful story. It takes the famous 1896 story, written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933), and puts it in simple and yet powerful words which can be read by the younger reader. But, this isn't just a kids' book. Indeed, the author wrote an excellent parable for all Christians, telling a powerful story in an easy-to-understand manner. I loved the story, and Jackie Morris's excellent illustrations.

I am glad to have this book, and highly recommend it to everyone!

How about something fresh and new to cut through some of the Christmas clutter that seems to spring up around the holiday each year and must always be pruned away before the season can be properly celebrated and enjoyed ?

How about a powerful and moving story that has stood the test of time for a hundred years and is available as a children's book?

How about a meaningful and inspiring tale that the whole family can enjoy together, a fictional story that helps to put the real story of Christmas into its proper historical and cultural context, and expose some of its true meaning?

Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) graduated from Princeton in 1873, was pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City (1883-99), professor of English literature at Princeton (1899-1923), and U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands (1913-16). He wrote the well known hymn Ode To Joy (Joyful, Joyful). He also wrote The Story of the Other Wise Man which was originally published in 1895.

He wrote how Artaban desperately desired to travel with the other three wise men to worship and adore the Christ Child, but delayed his quest to bring his gifts to the newborn king in order to help a dying man, save the life of a baby, and rescue a young girl from slavery. Artaban finally loses every one of his gifts but finds and is found by the King of kings. Henry Van Dyke wrote a touching story of someone who spends his life doing good and searching for truth and beauty.

Susan Summers was a teacher in England. During an epiphany service at a small church she first encountered Henry Van Dyke's story. She was so impressed and moved by it that she began to use it each year as a school assembly topic. After leaving teaching she rewrote the story for children, and dedicated it to her former students.

Jackie Morris created the beautiful watercolor illustrations that accompany the text. They include large panoramic vistas and moving portraits.

[...]

This is a great book, especially for anyone trying to teach the real meaning of christmas. It is in the format of a child's book, but its language and subject matter (including the murder of all babies under Herod) is pretty advanced, so it's appropriate for kids who would normally read chapter books: I'd say 7+ years.

This book should be on the gift list for everyone you know! The original story was written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933). Susan Summers has rewritten and brought forth such gorgeous illustrations of a very special tale! No holiday season should go by without bringing this wonderful book out to read in a cozy gathering around the fireplace.

The Fourth Wise Man tells the story of Artaban who had originally planned to journey to Bethlehem with the other three wisemen to pay homage to the new King of the Jews but was delayed by his acts of kindness to others along the way. He does miss the birth of Jesus but continues a lifelong search of the King with a most wonderful journey and blissful end.

This is one of my all time favorites for any season and always brings tears to my eyes to think of the beauty of Artaban's life. Here's what Mr. Van Dyke had to say about his story:
"Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul May keep the path, but will not reach the goal; While he who walks in love may wander far, Yet God will bring him where the blessed are."