Advent Books

Our pastor read this book as part of his sermon during our Christmas celebration. I loved it! It was a great story giving reasons for Christmas,getting the free stuff and helping the needy, but this curious little lizard finds out the true meaning of Christmas. I loved this story so much I wanted to buy it,(my neighbor attends the same church and said she got it from amazon) I bought two copies and my kids are 12 and 16. I gave one copy to my niece.(by the way Cory Edwards also wrote the screenplay of Hoodwinked, although I have not seen it I have heard it is a wonderful movie and family friendly)

This book was on display at our local library and I picked it up to read to my 5-year old Lizard loving daughter. I was in tears by the end, and yes we checked it out. It is a charming story that talks about Christmas being about parties, and toys, and Santa and giving to the needy, and family traditions, but it then goes on to explain how these things are all ways to "celebrate Christmas" but that Christmas is about Jesus and God's love for us, and that is why we celebrate. I love this book. We have books that explain the nativity story etc, but this talks about all the other stuff, but brings it back to Jesus' birth. It is very well done.

This is an intriguing story about a curious pet lizard who escapes his cage on Christmas Eve and ventures up the Christmas tree. He is greeted by an array of ornaments who proceed to tell him their definition of Christmas. Holiday parties, family and friends, Santa and presents are a few of the explanations he receives but when he reaches the top he is greeted by the angel who shares with him the real meaning of christmas. This story is both funny and heartwarming as it unifies all of the different christmas themes into one. My children (4 & 7 ) loved it!

My daughter, her bearded dragon, and I loved the beautiful text and pictures in this book. My daughter took it to her preschool on share day - her preschool friends also loved it. Not only is it a great story with whimsical pictures, most importantly it is a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of "Christ"mas.

This book is wonderful for several reasons. The big,bright pictures hold my childrens interest,they are 2& 1/2 and 1 years old. The text is short enough on each page to let me read it all before they turn the page. The story explaines all the "things" kids see with the christmas season, and tells them that these "things" are ways to celebrate the real reason for christmas,the birth of Christ!

My family loves this book especially my 4 year old daughter. The illustrations are beautiful. It's the first night before Christmas story that is truly unique and doesn't focus on toys for once!

We began reading this right after thanksgiving when all the christmas stuff came out. We are still reading it with my 2 and my 4 year olds both requesting it. I read a lot of books to them and this one by far grabs their attention more than most. I do not normally write reviews but felt obligated to write something positive about something that has made such a positive impact on my children. Thank you Michael Garland.

I am 8 years old and this is my favorite book. I love the illustrations and my favorite part is when the Christmas Tree dances and when Katrina turns into a real person! I have a dog Max also so I liked when the cat and dog sing. This is a fun book and I think everyone should have this book to read at Christmas time!

Dancing on the lawn,singing cat's and dog's,mice making pies,snow men and women. You can find all of these in Christmas Magic by: Micheal Garland.
The main character is a little girl named Emily.This magical story takes place in a victorian house and her lawn. When she was building a snow woman, a new kid was moving in next door. When she was about to go to bed, she looked out the window and saw the new boy building a snow man.All of a sudden she hears a noise.What was it?Is something wrong?

You will find out when you read Christmas Magic.I recomended this book because if you like how many magical things happen in one day.

I would have given this book 5 stars if the story line had been a little bit stronger and possibly involved the next-door neighbor more into the plot. However, the illustrations are wonderful. They say you can't judge a book by it's cover but I was drawn to this book by the artwork on the front cover and was just as pleased with the beautiful illustrations inside. That alone makes the book worth purchasing.

For anyone wanting to recapture the nostalgia and "family friendliness" of the Christmas season, Wilhelminia Ripple's Christmas Parties: What Do I Do? is a terrific place to start! This attractively presented compendium offers more than 125 creative ideas for games, crafts, and holiday snacks that will make every Christmas gathering fun and memorable. The themes offered for consideration including Christmas Trees, Stockings, and Candy Canes; Snow, Snowmen, and Snowflakes; Santa Claus and His Elves; Rudolph and His Reindeer; I Believe in Angels; and Christmas Here, There, and Everywhere. 36 easy craft projects are clearly laid out with step-by-step illustrations. Christmas Parties is enhanced with 40 simple and delicious recipes for Holiday treats and drinks; 36 "Santa-Approved" games; and more. There's even suggestions for celebrating the end of the Christmas season with "New Year's Tips and Fun Party Ideas" from here at home and around the world. Christmas Parties is a thoroughly "user friendly" instructional reference that will be appreciated by one and all, year after year, Christmas after Christmas.

A sparklingl book and many ideas to use for Chritams affairs. The games and crafts are tremendous. This book is great for anyone hosting a Christams Event for any ages. The chapter of The What, Why and How of Christmas Parties is a great beginning for any type of party and gives you a starting point. Suggestion: Purchase a complete set.

I bought this book hoping that it would have some fresh ideas for my kids' class parties instead of the same old games and crafts we've been doing it seems year after year. I was worried that even if it had new ideas they might be too invovled/time-consuming for the hour and a half we typically have for the whole party. I was pleasantly surprised that this book had so many ideas to choose from that were original and fit into our limited time frame. I highly recommend this book.

So you're planning a Christmas party, one where there will be fun and games, and lots and lots of kids. But where do you start? Well, first of all, purchase CHRISTMAS PARTIES...WHAT DO I DO? Wilhelminia Ripple has created the perfect book for anyone planning a Christmas party. Filled with over 125 wonderful ideas for crafts, games, and holiday snacks. Wilhelminia teaches you everything you need to know to throw the most fantastic Christmas party of the season, complete with instructions on how to create Elf Handprints, how to build an Edible Snowman, make a Human Christmas Tree, and much, much more. Whether you've thrown Christmas parties before or not, CHRISTMAS PARTIES...WHAT DO I DO? is the one thing you'll need to make your Christmas party better than anyone else's. A wonderful book that absolutely must be a part of your book collection.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

This book has Christmas Spirit on every page, with holiday games,crafts, and goodies from all around the world. It really brings out the child inside us all. With an added bonus of 13 pages for New Years Eve. I am a Parent and Day Care Provider, to me this book is as much a part of Christmas as the Tree.

I've lost my copy of this book, which I acquired while in high school 40 years ago. I loved it! When I saw the old movie with Glynnis Johns, All Mine to Give, based on the book, I was in heaven. I must have another copy to read to my grandchildren.

I first heard this book read on the "Chapter a Day" program from the University of Wisconsin radio station at Madison Wisconsin 48 years ago. I was so moved by it that I HAD to get the book! Since then, it became a family tradition to read it together with the family every Christmas afternoon. As our four children grew and left home, they, too, made it a part of their Christmas tradition. Our oldest son was a pilot in the Air Force. Wherever he was stationed at Christmas he introduced the book to families with whom he shared his Christmases (in the States and overseas). Invariably I would get an S.O.S letter to PLEASE send copies of the book because others were impressed with the story, too. Our daughter taught in grade schools and made the reading of this book to her students a part of "before Christmas" tradition. She, too, requested more copies as students bought the book as presents and wanted to start the traditional reading of the book in their families. The brave children capture your heart. You cannot forget them. And... it is a true story!

You will laugh, You will feel anger, You will be filled with compassion. And you will cry. A very tender account of one family's struggle to cope under devastating and heart wrenching circumstances. This true story is very well written and deserves to be read by everyone.

This is the story of a young boy's decision to honor his mother's deathbed wish. With strong family values instilled in him by both parents, thirteen year old Robbie must decide the fate of his siblings before the town does it for him. With a heavy heart and a commitment to his mother, he sets off on Christmas day to place each brother and sister in a home. This well written true story is excellent reading material for young and old.

This story brings to life the history of the US; poor immigrants struggling and succeeding, raising families, towns pulling together to take care of their own, sons fulfilling the last wishes of their parents. I found this by looking for the source of one of my favorite old movies, All Mine To Give. The movie ends with the children's finding homes and the eldest going off to work in the lumber camps. The book gives more information about thier lives after that Christmas. This is a wonderful combination to use in the classroom to bring history to life for students and to help them see that history is not dates, but people like themselves.

another 'worth the money' disney product. loved it! bought this as a christmas present for my 3yr old g'dghtr. watching her 'read along' outloud was too funny. i actually got this as a help-mate for bedtime because neither she or her 7yr old sister ever want to go to bed let alone fall asleep w/in minutes. this worked out great..first read the story to them (books are adorable) and then pop in the cd and they can 'listen' to it again. worked like a charm and no more "please..just one more story??!!" i highly reco this product and getting her the little mermaid next for her february bday :)

It has all my daughters favorite princess songs. She loves it.

My daughter (4) loves these read it yourself books. The box (packaging) it comes with isn't very sturdy though, and we have had to find alternate holders to store the CD in. Would have preferred the cd to come with a case, rather than a clip in to the box cover.

A perfect gift and sound experience for young children with original voices from the movies!

Simple stories told in simple ways to initiate children about sharing and caring, with Christmas as a reference for "holiday season" only.

The voice characterizations are fantastic and very appealing (Russi Taylor is top-notch as the recreation of Cinderella's God-Mother); the music (traditional Xmas music) is really "background", subdued and nice enough to set the mood.

Three colourful books with exquisite Disney illustrations tell the stories with the printed text of the narration!

AND... there's even a NEW character named after ME, François, I must humbly say!

So, who could ask for anything more?

This bargain-priced boxed set of three full color Disney books with one Read-Along CD contain a brand-new Cinderella story called SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS.
The new story takes place before Cinderella meets the Prince. The stepmother orders her to prepare a grand party for the mysterious Countess LaRue, who turns out to be ... well, I don't want to give it away!
Two classic Princess stories round out the set, Beauty and the Beast in ONE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS by Karen Krieder and The Little Mermaid in CHRISTMAS UNDER THE SEA by Paula Sigman.
All the stories are performed by the great Disney voice actors including Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, Jennifer Hale, Robbie Benson, Joanne Worley, Russi Taylor, Corey Burton, Rob Paulsen, Sam Wright, Roy Dotrice, Brian Cummings, Linda Gary and many others,
A great Disney set at a great price!

As a lifelong participant and member of the United Church of Christ, I have listened to countless sermons. Alex Gondola has the gift of clarity while basing his inspiritional sermons on a solid foundation of intellectualism and historical fact. His words stay with you. I recommend "Don't Forget The child" for meaningful reading during the Advent season.

"Don't Forget The Child" are wonderful written sermons for advent and Christmas with inspirational parables that gave me a greater insight of the meaning of the advent season and the birth of Christ.

I have just read the book "Don't Forget The Child" by Alex A. Gondola,Jr
and find his words inspirational giving me renewable meaning and faith.
With the advant season upon us we need to experience the true meaning of
Christmas. Alex was my pastor at Dennis Union Church and I too take part
in the Dennis Village Green Living Creche. It is truly the spirit of
Christmas.May we all read his sermons "Don't Forget the Child".

Advent is always an exciting time for churches and pastors. But it is often difficult to remain fresh and informative. Dr. Gondola provides 20 sermon starters for both experienced and novice pastors. The sermons include traditional advent Sundays, Christmas Eve/Day, and Christmas tide. This book will help develop excellent sermons during this time of expectation.

Rex Fortney, Licensed Lay Pastor, UCC

This book contains good, concrete illustrations that fortify and clarify the more abstract thought of the author.
Short, simply stated, but well written segments bulild to a point of understanding that take the reader forward toward being a more fully realized Christian

This a beautiful version of one of my favorite stories. It is just perfect for read-aloud. Must have!

I have always loved the story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker" and have searched and searched for an adaptation that evoked the memories that I carried from my childhood. (As children, my sister and I fell in love with the Scholastic version which, sadly, is off the market.) But this version is as good, if not better! The pictures are simply beautiful ~ so full of color and expression and detail! And the story is told in a simple yet profound way so that children as young as three but as old as eight or nine will be able to find meaning and enjoyment. I can not recommend this book enough! In my mind, it deserves a space on every child's bookshelf!

The illustrations in this book are wonderful. A true artist. Very cleverly hides the elves in each page and its much fun for a 3 year old to find them and the mice and birds too.

Everyone knows the story of the elves and the shoemaker - the poor cobbler who is visited by a pair of elves who (for reasons that are purposefully never revealed) help him out by crafting exquisite pairs of shoes. After the shoemaker is made wealthy, he and his wife stake out the workshop and discover their secret benefactors. Seeing how poorly they are dressed, they make for them tiny clothes and shoes, and delighted with their gifts, the elves leave forever as mysteriously as they came.

It is an unforgettable story of anonymous charity and giving, and children all across the world love it for its simplicity and mystery. Jim LaMarche is utterly faithful to the old Grimm's version of the tale and using vibrant colour throughout his illustrations.

Jim LaMarche's illustrations are lovely when depicting the old shoemaker and his wife, as an old and loving couple in the warmth and cleanliness of their little shop. However, the elves themselves were not quite to my taste, though I have no doubt they'll appeal to most parents reading to their children. Rather than show them as miniscule adults, they are portrayed as small children with pixie-features. However, to my eyes they looked very modern, especially the girl who actually reminded me of a Jan McLean doll.

However, this is a personal gripe due to memories of my childhood version of the tale in which the elves looked adult, mischievous and vaguely wicked, making it all the more interesting that they were helping an elderly couple in need. Anyone else who picks up this book will be certain that they've found the definitive version of the famous Grimm's fairytale.

This book is a wonderful companion to any collection of classic fairy tales. The illustrations are lively and charming; the tale is retold simply and well. This book also does an excellent job of conveying what a cobbler does, if you are looking for some books to bring history alive. Not many children now think twice about where their shoes come from. Above all else, the illustrations really bring the tale alive. The quality of the expressions on each character's face is truly incredible and any small child can easily "read" along by seeing the delight on the faces of the customers, the patience and careful work done by the elves (you can practically hear them whistle as they work), the astonishment and gratitude felt by the shoemaker and his wife. This heartwarming story is a must for any preschool or first grade classroom.

Reviewed by Sophia McElroy (age 5.5) for Reader Views (9/08)

This is a good book about Christmas. The drawings are really, really, really good! The saddest part of the book is also the funniest part of the book. Ernest goes to find his friend Chester in the snow and he ends up standing on top of him and Chester yells at him to get off of him. He was covered in snow, so Ernest couldn't see him. My favorite part of the story is when Ernest and all of the barnyard animals and the birds help get Chester out of the storm and back to the barn for Christmas. I really like this book, "Ernest's Special Christmas" by Laura T. Barnes.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Ernest, the miniature donkey, and his friend Chester, a retired draft horse, couldn't be more excited about Christmas. The sky is changing colors, there are wreaths hung around the barn. But when it starts snowing, Ernest and the other barnyard animals head inside, where they will be safe from the cold. However, once inside the barn, Ernest realizes that Chester is nowhere to be seen, and sets out looking for him. He soon finds him lying in the snow, unable to get up. It is now up to Ernest to get the other barnyard animals to help Chester up, so he can find shelter away from the cold. After all, the true meaning of Christmas is giving and helping others.

I have been a donkey and horse lover ever since a VERY young age, so I was ecstatic to find ERNEST'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS, as it combined two of my favorite animals together with my absolute favorite holiday, and created a lovely new children's book that will warm everyone's heart around the holiday. Filled with an adorable adventure story, as well as magnificent illustrations depicting various barnyard animals in their everyday routines, ERNEST'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS is sure to be a hit.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Slowly the skies began to turn gray and it started to snow. The animals looked up as small snowflakes fell from the sky. It looked magical. "It's going to be a beautiful, white Christmas," thought Ernest. ~Ernest's Special Christmas

Ernest is a lovable miniature donkey who has appeared in three previous stories. He is friends with a kind, white draft horse named Chester. They know Christmas is near when they see the red bows on the wreaths decorating the pasture gates. It is almost time to celebrate Christmas, but the barn seems rather lonely. Ernest realizes that Chester is not in the stall.

"I better go find him. After all it's Christmas Eve. We should all be together."

As snow blankets the farm, Ernest braves the snow to look for Chester. Since Chester is white and the snow is getting deeper, Ernest almost trips over Chester. Ernest is a thoughtful little donkey and he knows he has to get Chester back to the barn. So, he quickly rounds up all the other animals and even the birds and mice join in to help. Ernest shows love and determination and helps his friend so they can celebrate Christmas together.

The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and Carol A. Camburn has created the cutest miniature donkey who looks like a huggable cuddly stuffed toy. Chester and Ernest are real friends and you can see their "real" picture on the inside of the cover. Carol has a horse named Billy and also loves cats. Laura and her husband live on a farm in New Jersey. They have made a home for homeless horses and miniature donkeys who enjoy a quiet retirement. Her life on the farm is her inspiration for "The Ernest Series."

Ernest holiday greeting cards are also available in packs of 18 cards. The inside message reads: "True Friends are the best gift of all. Merry Christmas." The book cover is darker than shown here at Amazon. There is a powdery blue background with snowflakes that is quite pretty. I even found the tiny mouse on the cover. Children and "adults like me" will have fun finding the tiny mouse hidden on every page.

"Ernest's Special Christmas" is a charming Christmas Eve adventure that shows children how love, thoughtfulness, and kindness can make the holiday season a more heartwarming time of year.

Additional books in this series (age 4-8):

Ernest and the BIG Itch - A story about problem solving and you can search for the ladybug hidden in each illustration.

Twist and Ernest - Lessons about not judging others based on appearances and prejudice

Teeny Tiny Ernest - Ernest realizes that who you are really comes from the inside and then he is not so sad about being such a small donkey.

~The Rebecca Review

Ernest's Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes is a heartwarming story of friendship between a little donkey and a hardworking draft horse. When snow falls thickly, the old horse finds himself unable to move, the little donkey must get help from his animal friends to ensure that everyone comes safely home. Enhanced with illustrations by Carol A. Camburn, Ernest's Special Christmas is an engaging tale of spirit and compassion, based on real-life events and animals at Barnesyard farm.

I give this beautiful book either to newlyweds on their first Christmas or as a shower/wedding gift. It is so poignant. I hope to remind them that the sacrifices you make in early love/marriage need to be continued through all the years of your marriage. Always wanting to make your partner happy often times means forgoing your own happiness. The red cover I like for Christmas otherwise the white cover for wedding gifts.

No words to describe the poignancy of this tale, gift it to everyone you treasure.

I do not know why Amazon recommended this book for me....I have been giving it as gifts since before Amazon existed....am somewhat frightened at their insight.....most wonderful treasure to carry through life

I ordered this story so the special person in my life could read it - we had a similar incident in which we both had done something for one another without knowing. I choose this book because of it's appearance. And although it is set up like a children's book, it was a neat Christmas gift all the same. I only was concerned about the story and mission was accomplished. It is a larger size book and very beautiful so we have decided to sit it out each Christmas as part of our decor.

I picked up this book out of nice-cover curiosity and for some light reading to my 2nd grade CCD class, and instead of finding simple children's Christmas book I found a literary masterpiece. Lizabeth Zewerger has transformed O. Henry's very mature adult short story about social poverty and vicarious giving into a children's tale about the true meaning of Christmas. I was awed by the delicateness of Zewerger's watercolors and amazed by the way she perfectly expressed each emotion of O. Henry's tale.
In a world where every holiday (especially Christmas) has been commercialized this book is a symbol of the true meaning of giving. Before you get lost in the hustle and bustle (or if you unfortunately already have) do yourself and your loved ones a favor and pick up this book. It's a great gift for children of all ages and adults too. This is a gift from the heart to give at Christmas.
Reconnect and STAY connected!

I really liked this book it's really funny. It takes place in December. I would explain, but that would give it away.

I dont know what to say it was great. I just finshed reading it so its still fresh in my mind. The one thing I can say is Naylor better make another!! If you raed the frist three books you must read this one. The whole book is great but what i reall want to read is one where the Benson's move back but the Mollys find a house in that same place that would be great. Like I said this is a must read!!

Having read the other three books in this series I was delighted to find this installment. Naylor's plot twists are unpredictable, yet belivable. Her hints about an upcomming relationship between Beth and Josh will draw mixed reactions from readers, but all will eagerly read on to find out what will develop. Funny, fun, fabulous reading!

The Girl's Revenge is one of many books about the Hatfords and the Malloys.I love the sieries and think that this author is a very good writer!

The Girls' Revenge is a really good book. I like the way Phyllis Reynolds Naylor can continue this series to the fourth book without having the excitement or comedy drag. I especially liked the fact that Peter keeps going over to the enemy camp, much to his brothers' anger and embarassment. I would recommend this book to any Phyllis Reynolds Naylor fan.