Advent Books

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.

I received this book last Christmas and found it to be a treasure.

I bought this book on sale for several people, and I didn't know exactly what to expect. When I received it, I started reading and couldn't stop. I got to the point of tears (good ones) several times! So I am keeping one for myself and ordering an extra. This is just a wonderful book about the true meaning of Christmas - the salvation, power, and love of God for mankind. Each short story or reflection is true as well as touching, and the illustrations are warm and inviting. I am giving this book as a gift to several friends who have been Christians for a long time, and also to a friend who is a new Christian. It will be meaningful for all of them, so it really is a great gift. I look forward to pulling this book out each Christmas and enjoying the stories over and over again.

This is a gift worth giving. It gives your spirit a well deserved uplifting, and those to whom you give it, will rejoice with you.

Not a "New Age" perspective at all, Max Lucado and Chuck Colson have done an exciting job of collecting writings on the western world's biggest holiday. From a Christian, Evangelical, Biblical viewpoint you will have the information needed to get away from the commercialism and back to what was intended when the angels told the shepherds outside Bethlehem "Peace on earth, good will to men."

This book is so wonderful that I have given it as a gift to several friends who also treasure it. The writings are the very best of Swindoll, Lucado and Colson and should be read many times.

My husband and I are reading through these Advent meditations and they are rich and beautiful. Of course we're only half way through, so I can't review for the entire book, but we've shared excerpts with friends and family, and very much enjoyed these readings.

This book guides readers through the four weeks of advent with short devotionals and prayers that lead one into new and wonderful contemplations of the Incarnation. It also includes histories of feast days and every other page is illustrated with a breathtaking sacred masterpiece. I would highly recommend it as a rich pre-Christmas gift for any deep-thinking, art-loving individual.

One quote in particular by Neuhaus struck me with awe:

"God who is the fullness of Being infiltrated our world of beings in order that we might fully be. Christmas is about incarnation, and incarnation is God's becoming what he is not, in order that we might become what he is."

I was looking for a way to focus my attention during Advent this year and heard about this book from the journal Image. As promised, the book has beautiful reproductions of art to go with each daily reading during Advent. There are also scripture passages each day and a short reflection written by one of the six contributors. Information and reflections on feast days are included, and I really like the fact that the book continues until Epiphany. I've been able to keep up so far and have been challenged and encouraged by the readings to remember Jesus in the midst of what can be a very distracting time of year. This book will make a great gift for my friends and family for next year's Advent season.

I discovered this book while doing some last minute shopping on Christmas Eve day. I was experiencing that familiar feeling of "missing" Christmas again this year. I found it again in this book. It has inspired me to celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas for the first time. The readings are timely, thought provoking, prayer inspiring, and quite simply BEAUTIFUL! I'm already looking for copies to give as gifts for next year. I hope the authors are planning on a similiar collection for Lent and Easter. I would order it sight unseen.

Every Christmas my wife and I think, "O my, we've done it again - Christmas is here and we've allowed the busy-ness of the season to keep us from preparing our hearts and our home for the coming of the Christ child." We started using this book at the recommendation of a friend and whole-heartedly recommend it to you. We are being prepared this Advent and this book has much to do with it. The paintings, Scripture verses, discussions and prayers have been a great help to us and those in our small group as well.

This is a valuable buy for anyone who enjoys beautiful artwork and loves to snuggle up with a good story on a cold evening. My parents had purchased this book for my little sister and asked me to read it to her one night before bed. I had expected dreading the little children's stories, but as I opened the book and began reading, I found the artwork so enchanting and interesting and the stories so enthralling that I had a great time. I would recommend this compilation to anyone who loves Christmastime.

This is a valuable buy for anyone who enjoys beautiful artwork and loves to snuggle up with a good story on a cold evening. My parents had purchased this book for my little sister and asked me to read it to her one night before bed. I had expected dreading the little children's stories, but as I opened the book and began reading, I found the artwork so enchanting and interesting and the stories so enthralling that I had a great time. I would recommend this compilation to anyone who loves Christmastime.

I bought this book for my little daughter and I'm sure she will enjoy reading it as much as I did!

This is a valuable buy for anyone who enjoys beautiful artwork and loves to snuggle up with a good story on a cold evening. My parents had purchased this book for my little sister and asked me to read it to her one night before bed. I had expected dreading the little children's stories, but as I opened the book and began reading, I found the artwork so enchanting and interesting and the stories so enthralling that I had a great time. I would recommend this compilation to anyone who loves Christmastime.

I love this book! Content selection is good and illustrations are wonderful. The artist has created a fascinating world of characters and images. The quality of print is excellent too.
I bought this book as a Christimas gift for my son and will now order another one for my friends' kids.

My children loved this book. If you have children, buy this book for they will really enjoy it, and if you still have a little child inside yourself you, are really going to enjoy it also!

Millions know Jamie Farr by his beloved M*A*S*H character, Maxwell Klinger. What few remember is the fictional camel named Habeebe "Klinger" introduced in one episode. In this book, Jamie and his wife Joy tell the rest of the story that will delight a whole new generation of fans. You meet not just Habeebee and wife Habeeba, but their young one named, you guessed it, Hababy. And with Hababy come several other friends from the animal kingdom. The story is fun and it has a point. The pictures are bright and sure to delight any youngster. I hope this isn't the last time we meet this wonderful family ... both the camels and the Farrs.

Jamie and Joy Farr's book, "Hababy's Christmas Eve" is so delightful. Habeebee, Habeeba and Hababy are almost lifelike and sends a joyful message about Christmas. Illustrations by Alice io Oglesby bring the Camel family to life. This book is a great read and I would recommend it to all adults and children.

Joyce Rapier, author: "Windy John's me 'n tut" and "Windy John's, Rainbow and the Pot o' Gold"

I received an eBook for review and the pages progress slowly, however it is worth the wait while the wonderful illustrations move into place. I would be interested to see the paper copy of the book. This is a children's 32 page picture book I am happy to recommend for use by teachers, and parents.-Molly Martin, 20+ years teacher

I bought Jamie & Joy Farr's book to read to my great-grandchildren, and I think it's an inspirational little story about the camel family that Jamie first introduced on M.A.S.H. I especially enjoy the little fantasy that HABABY's ancestors were the camels that carried the wisemen as they followed the star to Baby Jesus.
The book is well-made and beautifully designed, too; the paper slick, and the illustrations especially colorful. My grand-children really loved it, and kept pointing to details in the fabulous illustrations.
Thanks, Jamie, Joy, & illustrator Alice for entertaining us in such a delightful way. I plan to place this book on our table every Christmas and hope it becomes an annual tradition ... reading it to our youngest ones ... beside a cozy fireplace.
Reviewer: BETTY DRAVIS, author of THE TOONIES INVADE SILICON VALLEY and MILLENNIUM BABE: THE PROPHECY



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Well researched and very interesting. Our family highly enjoyed these advent readings this season. Great selections from the Messiah combined with historical and Biblical insights. Great for any family.

We have used "Handel's Family Advent Reader" for a couple years in a row and it is just as wonderful every time we read (and listen to) it. Who can resist the music of Handel's Messiah? Even if my sons pretend they're singing in the opera (lip synching) as they listen to the selections, I know they are still enjoying it and appreciating it. The stories are all very unique and each has a special "Christmas gift" to give the reader. If you enjoy Advent devotions, you'll love this one! It's my favorite Advent devotion so far!

I bought two books, one for my mother as an early Christmas gift and the other to use as a Sunday School lesson helper. Many in my adult class are in the church choir and not only appreciate great music, but need to leave sessions early, or arrive late because of their choir commitment. The various stories, references to current living circumstances and history are great tools for keeping interest high within the class setting and throughout the Advent Season. I get the best of both worlds- the opportunity to read it over and over as I prepare lessons and the CD to listen to those wonderful tunes from the Messiah.

I bought two books, one for my mother as an early Christmas gift and the other to use as a Sunday School lesson helper. Many in my adult class are in the church choir and not only appreciate great music, but need to leave sessions early, or arrive late because of their choir committment. The various stories, references to current living circumstances and history are great tools for keeping interest high within the class setting and throughout the Advent Season. I get the best of both worlds- the opportunity to read it over and over as I prepare lessons and the CD to listen to those wonderful tunes from the Messiah.

If you have never bought a family devotional before, thinking your family would never sit still for it, you're in for a real surprise! This is one thing you will want to add to your family's list of "to do's" over this Christmas season. I have never read a devotional quite like this one. Based on the great Handel's Messiah, this beautiful book is full of stories you most likely will never find anywhere else. Chock full of surprising and very interesting but little known facts. For instance, why do people all stand up when the "haleluia chorus" is played? How about this story intitled "Daughter of Her Son". This is a beautifully written piece about Mary and her relationship with her Savior/Son. Children will love the stories entitled "The Flying Snakes", "The Reindeer People" and "No Christmas allowed". Each story has been carefully researched and well written with beautiful color artwork. There is a story for each day of advent. I guarantee your family will be eager to sit down each evening to hear what story will be read that evening. If you have never had family devotions before, this is a great way to introduce your family to a time of learning, reflection, and what Christmas is truly all about. This is the best book of the Christmas Season. I can't wait to go through it again this year with my loved ones.

This book is so touching and adorable. One of those books that not many people are familiar with b/c it's older. I highly reccommend it. I believe it's out of print and so Amazon is a great place to find it! A must have for Santa belivers!

We have to read this book multiple times every Christmas season. My son loves the great trouble that Santa will go to in order to reach poor little Harvey Slumfenburger on top of the Roly Poly Mountain, who will not be getting any other Christmas presents this year. It also gets us talking about how many people do not have enough money to buy everything they need or want. It has a message AND it's funny and entertaining. We really love this book.

I disagree with the designation of 4 - 8 years old as the reading level for this book. Students of 4 to 5 years old could not read this book themselves. I would say some first-graders, and most second and third-graders could read it independently. But it's a great story, whether it's read to children or by children. This story about a determined Santa, rope-climbing, skiing and traversing impossible terrain to reach Harvey on Roly Poly Mountain, is just inspired. Harvey is a little boy from a poor family who only gets one present each year - the one Santa brings. When Santa gets home and realizes the one present left in his sack was supposed to have reached Harvey, he immediately sets out to reach him - despite the fact he must get there without his sick and exhausted reindeer. This story captivated a class of kindergarteners - and it's not a really short book. When I got to the end, the students were clearly touched, and one sighed, "I love Santa." A second-grade teacher wants to borrow it now, to read to his class. Great Christmas story!

This is a heartwarming story about Santa's determination to ensure that every child has a wonderful Christmas morning. Santa's journey to Harvey's house on the top of Roly Poly Mountain teaches children and reminds adults that it is better to give than receive. The ending will spark conversations between all ages! Read this story every year to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

This book reveals Santa as he's never been revealed, starting with an exhausted Mr. Claus who is home after a long Christmas Eve journey. He really just wants to nurse a sick reindeer and get some sleep. Except, to his chagrin, he notices a lump in his sack and realizes he forgot to deliver a package. And this package, unfortunately, will be missed. It's for Harvey Slumfenburger, and it represents the sole Christmas booty that the young boy will get. You just know how much Santa wants to go back out to deliver this gift, but he does so without complaint.

Of course, the reindeer are tired and sick, so Santa has to find creative and sundry ways to the top of Roly Poly Mountain, where Harvey lives. He gets the present to Harvey and finds his way back, although it's a long and tiring journey.

My children love this story. The idea that Santa would go to such lengths is really appealing, and they adore trying to guess what Harvey's gift is. (The author smartly leaves us wondering). The story is about love, and any parent who has tried to obtain a hard-to-find toy or move mountains to get from work to the school play would completely relate.

Don't be put off by the monotonous aspect of Santa's trip, or the unfortunate tongue-tying name of the young boy. This book will be a Christmas favorite, one that brings parent and child together in understanding sacrifice and love and generosity of spirit, truly the things that make Santa and the season magical.

I have four children, ages 8 through 3, and this is their hands-down favorite Christmas book. Well, possibly, all-time book. Each page has tons of details for the kids to notice and find -- even as an adult, I seem to find new things in it each time we read it. And thanks to this book, they are learning all the words to the song.

Hilary Knight's Twelve Days Of Christmas tells of a bear who struggles with an overabundance of holiday gifts from her sweetheart. Whimsical animals parade in each scene as poor Bedelia struggles with a house increasingly filled with odd gifts. The illustrations are especially whimsical.

This is a definte must for the Holiday Season. Wonderful details of a courtship between two bears using the song the Twelve Days of Christmas. Each page is a treasure trove!

I've loved Hilary Knight's work since I was a child feasting on his *Hilary Knight's ABC.* In his *Twelve Days of Christmas," Knight provides an original and meaningful interpretation of the traditional carol. I especially love the way Bedelia returns the "true love" of her beloved gift-bringer by making a fair for him to enjoy--love is reciprocal in this book! The second thing I love about this book is the subplot, in which the raccoon struggles to open the mysterious can, only to find a true love of his own. Finally, the concept of each day as a "pick-up," in which Benjamin brings a partridge and a pear tree (and ensuing gifts) on *each* day, adds a new dimension to the story. Well-planned, beautifully executed, and the finest children's picture book version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" that I've seen.

It's Christmastime, and Benjamin Bear looks out his window, and down the path to his beloved, Bedelia Bear's little cottage, and you can almost see the gift ideas popping into his furry head. So, on the first day of Christmas, he arrives with a partridge in a pear tree, and the fun begins..... Hilary Knight, author of Where's Wallace and The Owl And The Pussy-Cat, and illustrator of Kay Thompson's Eloise books, takes this old familiar holiday song, and turns it into a joyous and engaging picture book. His marvelous artwork, full of bold, bright color, and expressive detail, grows busier, and more intricate with each page turn, until it almost spills off the paper. Young and old alike will be mesmerized as they pore over the pictures, finding something new and fun each time they open the book. With a delightful and creative surprise at the end to get everyone in the holiday spirit, Hilary Knight's The Twelve Days Of Christmas is a wonderful read-aloud book the whole family can share together, and is sure to become a "must have" classic to help usher in the Christmas season, year after year.

This book is amazing! The pictures are gorgeous and I love how it explains Christmas celebrations all around the world! Definetly a classic to have in any Christmas collection.

We were late on this book too. My 8 year old and I sung this book together. It is Jingle Bells with the words changed to show children in different countries enjoying Christmas. It is a fun book with great pictures. Recommended for preschool - 2nd grade.

As a storyteller at the local library, I am always looking for new and different books to read to my preschool group." Jingle Bells" was one of the best holiday selections I have read. The illustrations are large enough for a group,and the colors and detail are superb. Trapani tells a story of Christmas around the world, describing how the children in Poland, Sweden, Italy and several other countries celebrate their own special holiday. Great book!

The book is an extention of the Jingle Bells song, with new verses added to talk about how kids celebrate in other countries. It gives very minimal details really, but it's a cute intro with a flying sleigh that flies around the world. They visit Mexico, Philippines, Italy, Sweden, Kenya, & Poland. My 2-year-old enjoys it & I'm sure it will be one that we continue to read in future years as well.

This is a wonderful addition to your Christmas book collection. I just purchased two copies for my niece and nephew's young families. I was really pleased that even I who is muscially challenged could sing the new verses without much difficulty. I loved that the book introduces children to Christmas customs in other parts of the world as I am always on the lookout for books that make my youngest nieces and nephews aware of people beyond their own neighborhoods. I think this will be a must have Christmas offering.

This Josefina story blends the joyous with the bittersweet. Like the other books in the series, the book explores the grief that a family has after the death of the mother. That being said, it is not a 'sad' story -- there are happy portions and the ending is full of Christmas cheer. I heartily recommend it.

In this book Josefina gets to be Maria in the Christmas play. She has a happy Christmas.

This is another book in the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a ten-year-old girl living in the New Mexico of 1824. In this book, Josefina and her sisters prepare for Christmas, a grand celebration in New Mexico, made all the more special by the towns use of the Christmas altar cloth made by Josefina's late mother. However, when the altar cloth is brought it, they find out that the flood (Josefina Learns a Lesson) damaged the cloth. The girls rally round to fix the cloth...and perhaps fix themselves at the same time.

The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at Christmas in New Mexico in 1824. Jean-Paul Tibbles' excellent illustrations complement the story nicely, and add a great deal to the joy of reading this book.

This is a wonderful story, with some excellent lessons. I liked the way the family pulled together, and worked hard towards something beyond themselves. Also, I like how the family's religion is worked into the book in a warm and inspiring way. This is another excellent American Girls book, one that my daughter and I recommend to you.

Josefina and her sisters, Ana, Francisca and Clara are struggling to keep the Christmas alive after Mamå's death. Every year when a girl would turn eight they would recieve the Nina doll. But when Josefina turned 8 they forgot about the tradition since Mama had just died. But this Christmas Josefina is 9 and she wants the doll. But Clara doesn't want to give the doll up since she wants to remember her mother. Then when the doll is lost Josefina just gives up hope but Christmas Eve is always filled with love and surprises.

Josefina Montoya is a nine-year-old girl growing up on her family's rancho near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1824. Mama died last year, and since then, life for Josefina, her father, and her older sisters, Ana, Clara, and Francisca. Even though things have been better since Mama's sister, Tia Dolores, came to help out, the Montoyas still grieve. Josefina feels that celebrating the Christmas traditions will make her miss Mama more - but they bring her peace and happiness. And one special night gives Josefina courage and hope for the future, and brings Josefina an unexpected gift. This book was very good and I learned a lot about the traditions of Mexican families living on the Southwest frontier in the 1820s.