Advent Books

This wonderful little book makes available to English-language readers the stories told by Huguenot pastor Andre Trocme in the village of Le Chambon in southern France during the dark days of rule, first by the collaborationist regime of French fascists Henri-Phillipe Petain and Pierre Laval and later directly by the German occupation regime. Trocme and his wife, Magda, both pacifists, had come to Le Chambon in 1934 from northern France where they had been ministering among industrial workers. The front page of his church paper bore this passage (from 1 John 4:20): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen , cannot love God whom he has not seen." In his memoirs, Trocme wrote that his faith was in the possibility of goodness on earth "without which the theoretical existence of God doesn't interest me." Trocme's role as their shepherd during Vichy and the occupation surely played a role in the rescue by the 5,000 people of that plateau of 5,000 refugees, 3,500 of them Jews. These were Christians who - like their pastor and unlike most of Europe's Christians under the Nazis - practiced what they preached. The living faith of this true disciple of Jesus shines through these Christmas stories. See Pierre Sauvage's documentary about Trocme and the people of Le Chambon. Weapons of the Spirit

What a rare and precious thing - a book to inspire compassion in children and adults, without heavyhanded moralizing. Nelly Trocme Hewett and Good Books have done the world of children's literature a great service in translating Pastor Andre Trocme's one-of-a-kind stories. Words do instill courage - in the people of a French mountain village 50 years ago, and now, thanks to this lovely little book, in the hearts of people everywhere.

Mary Stucky Minnesota Public Radio Producer

Perfectly marvelous. The triumph of light over darkness. Christmas, the winter solstice, Chanaka, Kwanza, New Years are all celebrations of the triumph and return of light over darkness. True darkness however is not from the solar system but from the heart of darkness, from man, and in this case, from hitler. We live in a cruel world where history is the history of humans acting rather borish to one another. Light triumphs over hearts of darkness. These stories communicate the story and the triumph of Christmas in a new and fresh way to children - to adults - that will touch the soul. The story of the Birth of Jesus seen in a contrast from the rich neighbor and a poor neighbor. What would the three wise men think about looking for the King of the Jews in a donkey stall? How an old lady can give everything to god. Hear the story of Christmas as you have never heard it before, from those who lived in the valley of darkness.

A wonderful little collection of stories for anyone from eight to ninety-nine who wants to know the real truth of Christmas. Told out of the experience of the bravery of several of the folk of the Plateau Vivrai-Lignon in France during World War II, crafted by their most famous spokesman,Pastor Andre Trocme, these stories, mostly told at Christmas, combine poetry with unflinching truth. I especially appreciated the story of the elderly, misanthropic woman who, when she finally hears of the plight of the Holy Family, dismantles her own furnace and sends it, at considerable cost to her welfare, to Bethlehem.... Charm never hides the truth that prompted the stories--saving over 5000 refugees from Hitler. Still, the hope that is the point of the coming of Christ is portrayed in contemporary situations that certainly charmed me. I'm sending it to several friends, from eight to ninety-nine (pace Amazon.com)for Christmas presents.

This is a beautiful story with a good moral. The illustrations are captivating. The are reminiscent of those of Jan Brett. This is a heart-warming tale of choosing between pleasing yourself or bringing happiness to someone else.

Even if the story were not so poignant a study in the selflessness of a young girl with her own special wish, the illustrations, worthy of consideration for the Caldecott Medal, would be reason enough to purchase this beautifully done book.

Every child has their own secret wish and Annika's is to have a beautiful black pony. According to Swedish tradition, the person who gets the almond in their Christmas pudding has a better chance of getting their wish. At ten years old, Annika has yet to find that almond. But even when she does find it, the spirit of Christmas supercedes her own desires.

The story is a lovely testimony to the greater joy found when practicing the principle "it's better to give than to receive."

This book will definitely be a lovely gift to give and receive!

Our daughter, Annika, was thrilled to find this book under the tree last year. The story is light, and a bit sentimental, but well told, and the illustrations are so very Swedish...this is a fine tale of giving for Christmas. Of course, now Annika suggests we need to have a traditional Swedish Christmas pudding, with almond, and a wish for a pony...

As a book loving family, we have many books, but few capture the warmth & beauty in the illustrations as here! Each page brings bright sunrays and . . . just BEAUTY!

My husband is Scandenavian, and we enjoy the rice pudding each year, complete with the almond hunt. What a delightful way for my girls to look forward to this tradition!

The moral of the story is so pure and honest, as Annika struggles with her own desire to do right and yet to please herself. A virtue seldom seen in our time! (Sad but true!)

An incredible book!

This is a fun story about Santa's challenges in delivering Christmas. I especially love the engaging illustrations by Greg Newbold.

This is a charming and beautifully illustrated book about our barnyard friends and Santa.
I highly recommend this wonderful story. Enjoyable to all young people during this
Holiday season. Your children will love it.

it's fun to read even though it's for my son because it's not all cutesy. The animals start off like my kids, not getting along and fighting but then at the end they learn to like each other and end up saving christmas

In the beginning, the barnyard is frought with selfish interests until Santa
asks for help. The sweet animals rally in charming ways. The book ends with
a poignant wish---an important message for any age group!!! It's terrific!!

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows. This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows.This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

The glorious stained-glass cathedral windows of England inspired Fiona French to create this wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The words, directly from the book of Luke from the King James Bible, are brought to life with bright beautiful designs. Although the traditional words may be too advanced for very young readers, they will be drawn to the book for the illustrations. This concise version of the Nativity would be an asset for personal collections.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows.This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

Written by Jeffery L Schatzer with the assistance of Mark Bush and Don Rutt, The Bird In Santa's Beard: How A Christmas Legend Was Forever Changed is superbly and imaginatively illustrated by Ty Smith combinations of art and photography. This is the story of how a bird was given Santa's permission to nest in his beard in order to keep warm in the winter. Santa is having trouble making his rounds across the world. But with the help of the bird, he comes upon a solution that worked so well it is still the one used to this very day! Lively, colorful, original, and fun, The Bird In Santa's Beard is a wonderful contribution to the every growing library of Santa Claus lore and legend!

this is a terrific story for mom's and dad's who need to explain why there
are so many "Santas" around at Christmas. My Grandkids love this book.
I read it before I gave it to them and am pleased with the story, the
illustrations, and the theme. Also, it's a nice hard cover book that will
become a treasured keepsake for your child.

I highly recommend this book to all the children who believe in the
wonder of Santa.

Written by Jeffery L Schatzer with the assistance of Mark Bush and Don Rutt, The Bird In Santa's Beard: How A Christmas Legend Was Forever Changed is superbly and imaginatively illustrated by Ty Smith combinations of art and photography. This is the story of how a bird was given Santa's permission to nest in his beard in order to keep warm in the winter. Santa is having trouble making his rounds across the world. But with the help of the bird, he comes upon a solution that worked so well it is still the one used to this very day! Lively, colorful, original, and fun, The Bird In Santa's Beard is a wonderful contribution to the every growing library of Santa Claus lore and legend!

Winter can be a cold, lonely and dangerous time for a bird that didn't fly south. But in The Bird in Santa's Beard, help comes from Santa Claus himself. Santa invites the cold and hungry bird to nest in the warm safety of his beard. During the long winter Santa and the bird develop a deep friendship. They solve problems and share the secret of Santa's helpers. And when Christmas morning arrives, Santa receives a grand gift just for him.

The Bird in Santa's Beard is the story of an unlikely friendship between Santa and a bird and how a simple kindness makes a difference.

I so enjoyed learning how Santa came to have all of his helpers. Children will enjoy this book with a subtle and important message. The photographs are wonderful and a nice change of pace from other illustrated books. The cover is exactly the way I have always pictured jolly old Santa.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a splendid addition to a child's Christmas library.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to bring spirituality and love into their advent celebration. In an easy to understand message, many of the tradtions are explained, such as why we have a Christmas tree, why we use lights, etc. Whether you're a Catholic or a protestant, it is meant to be used by all Christians to give depth and meaning to Christmas!

The book is a red hardcover, printed in quality paper, which also has beautiful illustrations coming from churches all over Europe.

These meditations were written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger 25 years ago, and yet still popular and actual. It's a wonderful reading to do during Advent.

It's important to say that the font this book is printed in is pretty big, so it's easier on an old person's eyes. Furthermore, despite its being deep, logic and insightful, the language is very simple. Even a kid preparing for receiving his/her First Communion can understand these words.

Finally, there are some meditations about the meaning of illness and sufferance that deserve being read.

This reading written by Pope Benedict was written before he was elected Pope. It is so much more than just Christmas Meditations. These writings cause us to reflect on our spiritual lives and discusses more in the life oc Christ and well beyond the birth.

I bought this book for my best friend for Christmas. It is beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper. The meditations really focus on the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. I think my friend will be very pleased.

First of all, the song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! I am not exaggerating. The first time I heard it, I cried. Growing up Catholic, this song meant so much but it doesn't matter what denomination you are affiliated with. We all understand the fear and struggle when asked to follow God's plan but we know that he will bring us through. That is what this song is about. It is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written!

The story that Amy Grant writes to accompany the song is heart-wrenching. It's a modern-day version of the song. This song will bring comfort to anyone going through trials. This is an especially great gift fot expecting mothers.

I highly recommend this CD/book to all customers. It also makes a very nice and unique gift. It's for both the music lover and book lover.

I was introduced to the song my senior year of high school when my choir sang it for the yearly High School Christmas concert. The teacher spent a class prior to the concert explaining the meaning of the song. I, and many others, were humbled when we discovered the power of the message that we were conveying. On the night of the concert it took all my skill as a singer not to cry as I sang the song. Just this last christmas I recieved the book and CD from my grandma. Even though I recieved several great gifts, it was this book and CD that touched me the deepest. The book gave the song a greater depth and meaning, and hearing the song again was a magnificent experience. I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially to women. It offers a message of strength and hope in uncertain times.

I got this book at the annual Amy Grant Christmas concert but was very happy when I saw it on Amazon the next day so I could buy it for presents for family and friends. The book tells the story of how Amy came up with the lyrics to one of the most powerful Christmas songs ever written "Breath of Heaven." The song is about Mary and the way she must have felt with all the responsibilty of carrying the savior.

The book itself is very colerful with pictures and verses throughout it. And the best part of the book in My opinion is the Story written about Amy on the reasons behind the lyrics to the song! As an added bonus the Book comes with the Single to the Song the book is about as perfprmed by Amy! A must for any Amy Grant fan or Christmas lovers!

I received this book in the mail and was excited about it because I had not really wanted to spend the money on it, but did want to read it. I have to say I was nearly brought to tears and certainly humbled by the experience of reading Amy's words and listening to her beautiful song in which she pays such a loving and reverent tribute to Mary. I remember Amy saying once at a concert just before she sang the song "Mary was not better than anyone else...she was just willing." I STRONGLY urge you to read this book and then sit and listen to the song while looking at the incredible illustrations.

This book is a MUST for anyone with kids. It shows them how it feels better to give something of yourself rather then recieving from everyone else. The illustrations keep everyone's attention through the whole wonderful story while teaching a very valueable lesson.

This book offers a great message for children about the spirit of giving. It's beautifully-illustrated with characters and situations that captured kids' attention.

This is a great book that children need to show them that having more toys is not the most important thing but sharing with others less fortunate! The illustrations are also very good!

I picked up this book last Christmas at my local independent toy store to read to my kids as the Christmas holiday approached. I enjoyed the fact that it gave them a great message about graceful giving without beating them over the head with it. The artwork is sweet and uncluttered. I ended up returning to the store to buy the rest that they had in stock to give as gifts...all well received!

We started a Bible study using 'Chosen and Cherished'. Everyone loved the first session, we are looking forward to the next one. It's an excellent study for future brides as well as married women. It highlights Proverbs 31. If you are looking for an effective Bible study for women that is easy to facilitate, this is it. If you can get the book for the participants, it has an outline that lists all scriptural references for each DVD session as well as questions for small group or individual reflection in the back.

Kimberly Hahn has a clear and direct writing style that is relaxed and easy to understand. She does a great job of mixing personal experience with scriptural and church teaching. The message she conveys is so appropriate for marriages today and will inspire those who are married or thinking of marriage.

Proverbs 31: 10-12, the basis for this work, quotes the mother of Lemuel, King of Massa, giving her son guidance on choosing an appropriate bride. Chosen and Cherished, based on these sections from Proverbs, grew out of bible study Kimberly Hahn has offered for years to Franciscan University students. The verses describe the worthy wife as more valuable than pearls, an unfailing prize, and one who brings good rather than evil to her husband.

Each of the six parts takes its title from a verse in Proverbs 31 and is broken into two chapters that feature Hahn's experiences as wife and mother, additional Scripture passages, and Church teachings. This structure provides an opportunity for Hahn to address such issues as premarital sex, adultery, divorce, contraception, and abortion. She also offers practical advice and stories to illustrate the principles at hand. In the chapter What Really Counts, Hahn contrasts "behavior fit for a prostitute a century ago (that) now parades across the TV screen" with qualities she observes in her mother and other older women who exemplify "godly womanliness." A section on pursuing purity in A Woman of Worth lists guidelines to help unmarried persons avoid near occasions of sin. The chapter on the sanctity of marriage discusses the role of parents in supporting the marriages of their adult children. It contains a series of bullet points under the headings quality time, physical touch and closeness, gift giving, and words of affirmation.

Overall, this is a balanced resource, tackling issues head on while affirming and reaffirming the immense rewards for couples who, with faith, hope, love, and prayer, live their commitment to the vocation of marriage.

Kimberly Hahn has developed a beautiful study for women of all ages that helps us see how God created us and in what way we can live our life to the fullest as wives and mothers. She helps young women prepare for marriage, she helps women bring more to their marriage than they perhaps thought about, given the culture we live in, and she helps mothers raise their children to cherish their purity and to become good spouses themselves. She speaks with clarity and with experience and is someone that we can trust, knowing that she lives what she teaches. The DVD series allows us to have her into our homes and share her knowledge of Scripture as it relates to women, marriage, and family. Kimberly touches our hearts, whatever our age may be. She is a treasure to Christianity!

A delightfully light-hearted tale of Christmas adventure, "The Christmas Aliens" has become a new Christmas tradition in our family. While most Christmas stories revel in the past, this one encourages children to dream of the Christmases to come when they meet their new friends on planet Krelb! Full of charm and wit, this unusual Christmas tale pleases the entire family.

By the time Santa Claus emerges from the washing machine, not the chimney, you and your child will be hooked. What a rollicking, foot-stomping wonder of a book! Why aren't more kids reading Mr. Silber's work?

Silbert is a genius. The best book I have read since Murakami's "A Wild Sheep Chase".

I highly recommend this book to any parent. My infant was clearly engaged. I'd like to see more from this author/illustrator team!