Advent Books

This is a gorgeously done telling of the 12th Century carol. The drawings make some of the language more understandable to modern readers. Sweet book for teaching the song to younger children.

I loved the pictures. My son (7 y.o.) read the book in school and asked for it for a Christmas present. I am very pleased
Great for all ages.

This book is an eyeful! Tomie dePaola's gorgeous illustrations to this simple story have a sort of pre-Raphaelite glow to them, and the animals' faces seem almost soulful. I also appreciated the music in the back that enabled me to sing the words rather than simply telling them. Reading the book to a one-year-old, I would prefer that more of the pictures actually show the baby Jesus rather than implying his presence, which is a little hard to explain to a very young child. But all in all, it's a lovely Christmas book for children and lovers of Christmas carols alike.

I have loved this Christmas carol since my children learned it in their Episcopalian school. It captures the essence of the season...giving of yourself is the most precious gift of all. Each "beast" in the stable honors the Christ child by giving of itself. What a powerful message illustrated by one of the finest authors/illustrators, Tomie dePaola. I have urged every parent I know to purchase a copy.

I believe this is a 12th Century French Carol -- and not an old English Carol,as stated. Well, regardless of which side of the Channel it comes from, it's charming. If ever you have the chance to hear this sung by little ones, don't miss it -- it was meant for their sweet voices.

I run a board on Paltalk ( Chat room ) called Ex Jehovah's Witness who now follow Jesus. We cite this book continually. Carl Jonsson presented this material to the top guys at Brooklyn NY and he was told to keep quite, he did not, and for this they disfellowshipped him. I am sad that the truth is hidden by the powers that control the Watchtower supress this information that is found in this book.

Carl Jonsson, does excellent work, check out his other books as well!

I can honestly say that Carl Olof Jonsson deserves a Ph.D for this incredible work. "The Gentile Times Reconsidered" is an exhaustive investigation of the historical, archaeological, and biblical evidence used in support of the Watchtower's date of 1914 for Christ's second coming. Needless to say, Jonsson completely obliterated, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the Watchtower is incorrect in their chronology.

For those uninformed on the issue, the Watchtower maintains that Christ returned invisibly in 1914 to establish His kingdom. Allow me to sum this up as succinctly as I can. Luke 21:14, according to the Watchtower, supports the contention that the "Times of the Gentiles" began in 607 with the destruction of Jerusalem and will continue until "that time comes to an end." This is connected with Daniel 4, whereby Nebuchadnezzar describes a dream in which a large tree gets cut down. The Watchtower claims, on what authority I have no idea, that this represents God's rulership. The dream mentions "seven times," which corresponds to 2,520 years in accordance with their "year-day principle" in comparing Revelation 12:6,14 with Numbers 14:34. In other words, Revelation 12:6,14 claims that "3 1/2 times" equals 1260 days. Therefore, 7 times would equal 2,520 days. In order to fit this with their timeline, the Watchtower interprets these days as years. So when you add 2,520 years to 607 B.C., you get 1914.

Of course, this is littered with problems. About half of the book deals with archaeology and history; the other half with theology. I was thankful to find an emphasis on Jonsson's part to harmonize the secular evidence with the Biblical. It is no secret that most of today's archaeologists are no friend to the Bible. Therefore, when scholars attempt to find conflict with the Bible and archaeology, Jonsson was quick to refute. At any rate, the Jonsson reasoned, beyond any doubt, that the Watchtower's chronology is incorrect.

Basically, the chronology fails in their attempt to defend 607 B.C. as the date when Jerusalem fell. If the Watchtower is correct, then the witness of thousands of independent sources from various locations and times are wrong. But how can this be? Was there a conspiracy amongst the ancient Babylonians to throw the Watchtower's chronology off by 20 years? The Watchtower would never suggest this, but attempts to override these irrefutable evidences by attacking them with unsubstantiated claims and assumptions.

Fortunately, Jonnson's work spends a great deal of time rebutting the Watchtower's attempt to deal with the evidence. Anyone who has studied Watchtower literature knows that they are experts at misrepresenting scholars. The quoting of scholars in this case is no exception. Let me share an example. In the Watchtower publication, "Let your kingdom come," p. 187 they try to present the picture that Babylonian history might be in error, and that yet undiscovered material could drastically alter the chronology:

"Professor Edward F. Cambell, Jr., introduced a chart, which included Neo-Babylonian chronology, with the caution: 'It goes without saying that these lists are provisional. The more one studies the intricacies of the chronological problems in the ancient Near East, the less he is inclined to think of any presentation as final. For this reason, the term "circa" [about] could be used even more liberally than it is.'"

As Jonnson points out, the Watchtower did not mention that the chart referred to "covers the chronologies of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, Assyria and Babylon from c. 3800 to the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C., and although the term "circa" is placed before many of the reigns given in the lists for this long period, no circas are placed before any of the reigns given for the kings of the Neo-Babylonian period!" (p. 292)

So much for doubting the accuracy of the Neo-Babylonian sources!

The theological treatment of the chronology in this work was outstanding. It is the temptation of many Jehovah's Witnesses, when bombarded with this information, to say things to the affect of, "well even if the history doesn't match up, we're sticking to the Bible!" The problem is, you cannot establish an absolute date in this period of ancient history without appealing to the evidences mentioned in this work. Therefore, the Jehovah's Witness has two options, 1) abandon the 1914 date since we apparently can't accurately establish an ancient date, or 2) abandon the 1914 date because it conflicts with the evidence. The Watchtower can't have their cake and eat it too. Their standards are inconsistent and it is about time that they accept the reality.

But what about the Watchtower's claim that 1914 is supported Biblically? Nothing could be further from the truth. The Babylonian chronologies are in strong agreement with the Bible. The Watchtower would have us believe that the 70 years prophecy of Jeremiah 25:11 began in 607 B.C. with the fall of Jerusalem. There are two errors here. First, the destruction of Jerusalem didn't begin in 607 B.C., as pointed out earlier. But second, the 70 years did not begin with the destruction of Jerusalem. Instead, it began with the vassalage and servitude given to Nebuchadnezzar.

Jeremiah 25:11 says, "This whole land will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years." Even a cursory reading of this verse shows that the seventy years isn't referring to the destruction of Jerusalem; it is referring to the servitude to the king of Babylon. In other words, the nations will serve Babylon for seventy years. Yes, the desolation is part of the prophecy. But the text simply says "this whole land WILL BE a desolation," not "for seventy years this land will be a desolation." But there are more problems. The Watchtower would, in fact, agree that Jerusalem would live in servitude to Babylon. And it cannot be denied from the text that this servitude would last 70 years. But think about this. If the servitude to Nebuchadnezzar began in 607 with the desolation, when did it end? 70 years would lead us to 637. But did Jerusalem stop serving Babylon in 639 or 637? Exactly. 639 B.C. In fact, according to Jeremiah 25:12, the seventy years would end when the king of Babylon is punished. When did that happen? 639 or 637? (the answer is 639) It sounds to me like the Watchtower chronology isn't that "biblical" after all! What's more is what Jeremiah 25:9 says:

"and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land and against its inhabitants and against all these nations round about; and I will utterly destroy them and make them a horror and a hissing, and an everlasting desolation."

Who are "all these nations round about?" Surely this is not simply referring to Jerusalem alone? Jeremiah 25:17-26 make this clear. But were these nations all destroyed in the same year? I think we're beginning to see that the Watchtower has a few things on their plate that they overlooked.

But why does this issue really matter? This issue matters because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jehovah's Witnesses are under the control of the Watchtower. They do not think for themselves; they think what the Watchtower tells them to think. I've been involved in personal Bible studies with Jehovah's Witnesses for practically the entire year of 2007 and i've seen this firsthand. The gospel is completely repelled because these people refuse to look at it because of their blindness. Few realize how important 1914 is to the Jehovah's Witness:

"Let the honest-hearted person compare the kind of preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom done by the religious systems of Christendom during all the centuries with that done by Jehovah's Witnesses since the end of World War I in 1918. They are not one and the same kind. That of Jehovah's Witnesses is really 'gospel,' or 'good news,' as of God's heavenly kingdom that was established by the enthronement of his Son Jesus Christ at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914." (Watchtower, May 1, 1981)

It is clear from the above quote that 1914 is, to the Jehovah's Witnesses, "gospel." This is why the Watchtower has been able to survive, given all the false prophecies they've given in the past; they cannot deny the "reality" of 1914 and Christ's heavenly kingdom established. The organization stands or falls on this fact. That is why this is so important. Your everyday Jehovah's Witness, unless he is a scholar of the organization, has no idea that there is controversy and reason to doubt the chronology (which encompasses the vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses that would come to your door). One only hopes that, when shown this information, the Jehovah's Witness will begin the process of thinking for himself. And, by God's Grace, this will lead him to accepting Jesus Christ as his God and Savior (Titus 2:13).

Great book. Very detailed and technical so that there's no doubt that the information that is relayed is understood. The author obviously did his research by the wealth of information that he provides for the basis of his thought. For anyone out there that doubts this authors facts or still holds onto the 1914 date, he has cited all works (a plethora of them), people and places (i.e. museums) so that you can go back and check the information for yourself.

Having been deceived, for so many years into believing that the 607/1914 doctrine of Jehovah's witnesses, I decided not to repeat the same mistake of blindly trusting someone, so I thouroughly checked everything that is stated by Carl Olof Jonsson.

I bought dozens of books that deal with the Neo Babylonian era, I contacted historians and astronomers, and came to the conclusion that Carl Olof Jonsson did a wonderful work.

For all those that want to save time and money, just read Gentile Times Reconsidered, 4th edition, it is all in there. You do not need to look any further. The lie of 607/1914 is clearly exposed.

As most who would read this book know, the 1914 date is doctrinally central to the Jehovah's Witness movement (often referred to by Witnesses as "the Truth"). Unlike the Faithful Slave or the Paradise or the rapidly approaching End, the 1914 date does not play a vital emotional role in Jehovah's Witnesses' lives, but these doctrines are all inextricably bound up with the 1914 date. And 1914 CE is founded on 607 BCE.
If the 607 BCE date is really the one indicated by the Bible, this would be one of the greatest proofs for how unhistorical the Bible is, for it would put the Bible in conflict with the harmonious chronologies of Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon for a significant period of ancient history. As with its claim to have "restored" of the name "Jehovah" to the New Testament after it was removed in hundreds of instances so completely and at such an early date that not a single manuscript survives containing the ineffable Name, the Watchtower Society demonstrates more interest in supporting the doctrines unique to its sect then in defending the Bible. However, the Bible's value for a religion should not be dependent on its value as a historical book; to dismiss a whole religion over trivial details of history is unfair. Nonetheless, one would expect truth in one area of life (religion) to be in some sort of harmony with truth in another area (history). The chronology used by scholars is established by thousands of ancient texts, some of which are contemporaneous with the events described. Furthermore, without these ancient texts it is impossible to convert the Bible's relative chronology into an absolute chronology. Jonsson's comprehensive and authoritative book defends the Bible's essential harmony with history against the claims of Jehovah's Witnesses, their apologists (particularly Rolf Furuli), and those whose similar agendas cause them to create new chronologies. In order to do this, he explains how the chronologies of Babylon and Assyria are determined and comments on relevant passages in the Bible. He also provides an outline of the history of the development of the hermeneutical principles underlying the Jehovah's Witnesses' exegesis of time prophecies related to the calculation of the Gentile Times. His work is authoritative precisely because it is not original. Rather, it represents a systematic and virtually exhaustive presentation of data from scholarly authorities.

The country where you were born rarely stops being home. Especially if you lived there for very long. This book highlights a family from the United States whose parents come from Mexico. The parents still feel very strongly that Mexico is home though they are firmly planted in the US. The kids are very uncomfortable with the knowledge. They prefer to speak English and feel that the US is home. What is this place their parents call home? What if they want to stay there? How do their parents really about about home in the US which the kids consider home? It's a confusing dilemma for kids and parents have to have mixed feelings too.

Eve Bunting takes her readers on journey with a Mexican family going home for Christmas. The text she uses is elegantly written. Through the feelings expressed by Carlos and his family you get a real sense of the Mexican culture and the importance of family. David Diaz's illustrations lead you into the journey with Carlos and his family. With the use of collaged background and inset illustrations the pages come alive. The text of Bunting and the illustrations of Diaz give you the sense of being there. This is a book that a child of any age would enjoy.

This book is very touching...it sensitively portrays the sacrafices Mexican immigrants have to make to move to America for their children to have a better life. Very well done themes of parental love, long car trips, the sadness of leaving one's home country, sibling realtionships, husband and wife being romantic (tasteful and age-appropriate), and a child's growing understanding of the complexities of life. Buy and read it to every child (and adult) you know.

This story is well told, with a nice pace and sense of language. Diaz is up to his usual standards, creating a colorful world that you just want to hop right into. Judge this book by its cover - it's beautiful!

Eve Bunting's books have a wisdom that transcends their simple stories. As an ESL teacher and a teacher in classes with immigrant students, I have often shared this book with middle school students and adults. In a brief and poetic narrative, it tells the universal story of parents sacrificing so their children will have a better life, through the eyes of a child. The adults in my ESL classes love it and take it home to read to their children.

My Grandaughter now has the complete "Tucker" series and this one does not dissapoint! Another winner... hat's off to "Tucker" and McGuirk.

Tucker never disappoints. I purchase the Tucker books for all the children on my list. The colourful illustrations and mischievous adventures of Tucker captivate them as they read it over and over. A wonderful gift to put under the tree for children and adults.

My son (2 yrs) received the board book of this title for xmas this past year. Here it is severl months later and he continues to ask for "Tucker" at bed time. In fact, we have sought out some of the other Tucker stories since he loves them so much.

I have a Tucker myself but he is my 5 year old little boy. He has loved his Tucker books since day one. He just loves that there is a cute westie with his name. What makes it even it more fun to have those books is that we have a westie also.

Another great Tucker book by Leslie McGuirk for babies to pre-schoolers. Tucker, a little white terrier, is an irresistible enchanting character. In Ho,Ho,Ho, Tucker, the delightful mischievous pooch romps through the snow, Christmas decorations, and a tray of hot cookies which burns his nose. After his exhausting day Tucker is anxious to sleep and dream of dancing bones. Little does he know what a remarkable surprise he is about to receive. Tucker meets a new friend who takes him on a great adventure.

Ho,Ho,Ho, Tucker is a tender hearted flight of fancy with charming illustrations. McGuirk's sheer exuberance and artistic creations will captivate any young child as well as any adult reading to them. This artistically illustrated superb treat is a "must have" Christmas book.

A great book for the child who loves cats.

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

When Alex loses her kitten it seems like another terrible thing that happens to her after the disease she already has. Fortunately the Adam Hope family comes down with a plan not only to find the little cat but also to collect money to send her to have treatment in London. This is a very cute cuddling story that will make you cry.

Kitten in the Cold
By: Ben M Baglio

This heartwarming story is about Alex Hastings who is sick in Europe. For a Christmas gift Alex and her family are going to America for the operation. Three days before Christmas, Amber, the cat, is missing. Can they find her, or will she freeze?

I like this book because it has excitement. It takes you and draws you in. It's sad when Amber is missing. I like Mandy in this book because she will do anything to save an animal in need.

I think the main idea in this book is that friendship never ends. Alex doesn't want to leave Amber in Europe. See if Alex will solve her problem! Ben Baglio makes you think about your cat or pet and makes you wonder if your pet would run away in the freezing cold.

Mandy and James meet a very ill little girl named Alex who has a beautiful kitten named Amber. Alex has to go to America for a very serious operation, but won't go until she finds Amber, her kitten, because she is too worried about her. Will Mandy and James be able to find Amber to make Alex feel better about getting her operation?

This is an absolutely fabolous book! One of the best books I have ever read! Here is what it is about: Mandy Hope and James Hunter work at The Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Welford, England. It is Christmas time. When an ill Alex Hastings {she has a severe heart problem} has to fly to the United States to get an operation, her beloved cat, Amber, mysteriously vanishes. Can Mandy and James find the lost kitty before Christmas Eve, or is she lost forever? Find out in this funny, tense, heartwarming story that deserves 4 paws up!

Loved these simple writings about special memories of the Christmas of different Latinamerican authors. Simple enough to share with our children during Christmas season so they can have a bite to our typical celebrations and learn more about our roots. Christmas is a season of devotion, parties, and just special realities that mix together bringing about our unique typical lives. Recipes, songs, poems our typical way. It is plainly: typical. Excellent.

Brought tears to my eyes as I remembered when I, as a child, would get up before the first rays of tropical light to participate as an altar boy in all the early morning services, and then go have breakfast at someone's house and quickly head back home to put on my school uniform before starting the day. Thanks for rekindling those long lost memories.

Las Christmas is a collection of stories celebrating Latino families and the celebrations around Christ's birth. Although many of the stories are full of warmth and happiness, (and recipes), there are a few with sadness and the poignant remembrances of poverty. This book is a must for Spanish teachers, like me, who want to try to capture the true "flavor" of La Navidad.

I bought this book for my daughter and before I wrapped it,I started browsing thru it. The different memories of Christmas past bought tears to my eyes when I recalled my 1st Christmas in Puerto Rico. It was so exciting going door to door and greeting our neighbors with "Parandas". The recipes included are an excellent way of passing our LATIN TRADITIONS down from generation to generation. What a great gift for anyone who is interested in how different cultures enjoy Christmas or for anyone who would like to learn to cook traditional holiday food. Recipes are very "reader friendly".

Such a fun read, even the sad stories since they, too, are part of our shared history. Can't wait to make the pernil. Helped me understand the crazy notion of "asalto" that I grew up with but had no idea was cultural in nature; I just thought my Dad was nuts. As a second generation "born here" there was so much I had an inkling about but this book taught about our history and traditions in the best way possible - through food and music, tears and laughter.

I have enjoyed all of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas cd's and this is no exception. We used it at the yarn shop during Christmas season and it was well received by our customers. Yes, people do ask what cd is playing. I know people do purchase these cd's for their own use.

I like very much this book, have good thoughts and is special for the seasson.

The pieces were written and/or collected by Chip Davis and are poignant and nostalgic. A most enjoyable reading at the holidays.
Also includes a 2-song CD...very nice.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration
The music of Chip Davis in Mannheim Steamroller is like no other music I've ever heard. The instruments come through beautifully. I have several Mannheim Steamroller CDs and have given many to friends over the years. You have to listen and enjoy!

It is a great piano reduction. It sounds mannheim steamrolleresque, even though it doesn't have all the drums and horns and stuff. You have that feel of it just in the piano. it's great.

This book is a MUST have! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, the words powerful. What a wonderful book to bring out season after season.

This beautifully illustrated book is a keepsake item that the receiver will treasure for years to come. The story of Mary and Jesus' first hours together is so tender and meaningful to all who are familiar with this event. It's really hard to describe the impact this book has. It is a companion and expansion to the Christmas Song "Mary, Did You Know?", written by Mark Lowry.

If you have ever heard the beautiful song, "Mary Did You Know?" then you can truely understand the excellence of this book. The illustrations are magnificant giving a young child more understanding to the words of the song. It also inspires us older people as well. I just shared this book with the members of my choir and am back here tonight ordering many of them a copy. It is an excellent book for this wonderful time of the year to be able to sit back and reflect rather than get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Enjoy and God Bless.

The words to this Mark Lowry song are awesome enough, and, to add the beautiful pictures makes this book a must have. We have a continuous check out of this book from our church library, and will be purchasing it for our daughter's next birthday!

My kindergarten class did a Mass based on this book, they themselves had come up with very similar questions. Did Mary know everything? This book really makes one think, and such beautiful questions.

The experiences and perspective of this author seemed to me, at times, to come from all things universal - as if he is a universal reporter - showing us his findings. Findings and observations that in fact could be observed by any one of us if we just took that moment to stop, look around and contemplate our own awareness that there's more to this world than meets the eye. And, upon closer examination, discovering an understanding of the nature of life itself. These are extraordinary times in which we now find ourselves and through this journey offered to us we may become cognizant of the extraordinary beings who are in our very midst and the phenomena - miraculous and supernatural - that comes with that. I think that most readers will find something in this book that they will be able to relate to in their own lives. Since, in reality, we are truly one and there is no separation, the author is, in a very interesting and captivating way, telling a story that is in our collective consciousness - yet from his own personal experience and perspective. I recommend this book anyone who's ever asked themselves "Is this all there is?"

In Masters Among Us, Thomas Curley reminds us that the essence underlying all world religions is love for ourselves and each other. Although this message is timeless and has been presented repeatedly in various works, Mr. Curley has written a unique book filled with experiences of individuals who have met living Masters, from many traditions, to demonstrate that this message is Alive and Well. Interviewing persons who have had visions, seen apparations, and had direct communication with The Divine Presence in various forms - Christian, Muslim, and Hindu, for example - Mr. Curley fills our hearts with wonder and awe as he documents how God revals constantly His compassionate concern for us and is guiding us in both seen and unseen ways. This book also presents a brief history of spiritual researchers and visionaries over the past 150 years from Madame Blavetsky to Benjamin Creme. Filled with pictures and quotes from diverse sources - from the Virgin Mary's predictions to Maitreya's appearances - this book will infuse any spiritual seeker with a greater desire to understand and know the Supreme Reality.

Hello folks. Forgive my indulgence for rating my own book at 5 stars, but what the heck - I like it. I want to announce the imminent release of the revised, 2004 edition of Masters Among Us, which will be available through Amazon.com and other major book outlets by Spring of this year. This revised work contains loads of new material. one entire new chapter, and the addition of photographs of many of the miraculous events discussed within the book. The book will retail for under $25.00, and is being published by 1stbooks.com. Come back soon. I highly recommend this new edition, and I look forward to your feedback in the future.

Masters Among Us takes on a subject of incredible moment. As he rightly points out in his book, a majority of people have experienced unexplainable things in their life that could be fairly considered supernatural, yet only rarely do people speak of these things. Mr. Curly has done so from the heart in this book, as well as correlated his and other's stories to many different spiritual traditions. Interesting and compelling to say the least. In fact, galvanizes readers into altruistic action.

A journey of faith across belief systems and spiritual traditions. A
joyful affirmation of God's presence among us. Thomas Curley offers a
detailed account of his remarkable discoveries and miraculous
experiences in the past twenty years.

I finished the book with a
powerful realization. Comparative theology is not only useful but, to
those with right motivation and spiritual understanding, it becomes a
ladder to God. Without rejecting his solid Catholic background, Curley
embarked on an exploration of other spiritual traditions. In the
course of his quest, he encountered extraordinary sages like Swami
Muktananda, Benjamin Creme, and a relatively unknown Pakistani
initiate, remarkable individuals like an American diplomat with direct
experiences of the Masters of Wisdom, and a luminous string of fellow
seekers of truth. In the end, Curley revisits his own religion with
renewed fervor and deeper understanding. Faith and trust in God is all
we need to experience bliss and recognize the presence of the
Christ.

An evident disciple of Jesus, the author shares his
spiritual pilgrimage with millions of fellow Christians. May they heed
his generous call and begin to see that behind the wooden Christ of
dogma awaits the living One of Love.

I don't think there a Maisy book that I would give less than 5 stars to! My 2 year old has loved Lucy Cousins books since she was 6 months old. Maisy is simple, sweet and to the point. The fun little mini edition is easy for little hands.

I was skeptical that a full sized Maisy flap book could be reproduced as a miniature, but they actually pull it off. Every time you turn the page, there are 2 - 4 flaps to open, as well as the occasional pull tab. Open the oven to check the cookies, open Maisy's Christmas cards to see who they're from, or peek under the bed covers to find Panda -- they're very creative and not always conspicuous.

As other reviewers have noted, the focus is largely on Maisy buying, wrapping, baking and decorating for when her friends come to visit Christmas morning. Tallulah comes complete with a sparkly silver dress and panties that say "jingle bells" -- one of the more interesting flaps I've seen!

The paper is sturdy, but imho, the flaps tend towards the petite and are a bit on the fragile side -- I'm amazed my rough 2 yr old hasn't ripped any off yet. All in all, though, a thoroughly charming book conveniently sized for a stocking. My daughter *loves* it.

My 2.5 yr old loves this book....It does focus mostly on the material side of the Holiday (much ado is made about getting the presents, wrapping them, making the dinner, the tree etc)....but honestly at this YOUNG age THAT is exactly what makes her so excited about Christmas!!!....You don't need every Xmas book to teach about religion...I think that fact that it DOES center on the stuff that for kids make this time of year so exciting is exactly WHy she loves it so much....

I think it is a very well made book...great colors, flaps and pull tabs.....As an adult , I enjoy reading it to her....

If your child loves Maisy or just Christmas - this is the book for them. Cute lift-flaps and story keep them entertained. My daughter loves to read this one over and over!

This is a good Christmas book for a younger toddler or child. Although it is not a board book, the pages are made of a heavier paper stock and will withstand some abuse. Maisy's Christmas story is consistent with the style of her other books: lots of bold primary colors and simple illustrations that younger children seem to prefer. Throughout the book, there are also flaps to lift and shiny objects. Overall, if you like the Maisy books, I'm sure that you will find this one a good addition to your Christmas collection.

My only mild complaint is that the focus of the book seems to be entirely on the material side of Christmas with presents taking center stage. I know that this book is for very young children, and I'm not suggesting that every book have a heavy handed message, but it would be nice for more books to touch on the larger spirit and message of Christmas.