Advent Books

I personally like this series because Froggy has two good friends, Max and Travis. Both are my son's names. It's nice to see their names in books. The story lines are genuine and teach good lessons too.

They also use fun sounds "Zap, Zup, Zoom" etc.

My class loves the Froggy Series. I know they'll love this book too. Great condition. Prompt service.

Another great Jonathon London book! My daughter has all of his books and just absolutely loves reading these fantastic books over and over again! And the illustrations by Frank Remkiewicz are just marvelous!

All I can say is if you want a good book for your child that is enjoyable and pleasant and has a wonderful character then you need to invest in the Froggy series of books!

Poor Froggy, he sleeps all winter and has never been able to celebrate Christmas. But this year, his friend Max the beaver has other plans. He wakes Froggy up from his long winter nap to not only wish him a Merry Christmas, but to give him his first Christmas present ever...a Christmas tree. Froggy and Max hurry to wake up Matthew, the turtle and Travis, the bear from their winter hibernations (because Christmas is about friends) and all four head out to find the perfect tree. They carry it back to Froggy's house, decorate it, make home-made presents for Froggy's family (because Christmas is about family too) and then it's time for Froggy to put the star on top of the tree. Over goes the tree as Max shouts "timber"! This wakes Froggy's mom and dad and they have a wonderful celebration, doing everything...opening presents, roasting chestnuts, singing, eating and even having a snowball fight. And as the day ends, Froggy wishes "Merry Christmas to All" Jonathan London has written a funny, happy, gentle story about the real meaning of Christmas...spending time with friends and family. His easy to read text, full of cheerful animal dialogue and wonderful sound effects is complimented by Frank Remkiewicz's colorful, busy, detailed illustrations. Together they've created a wonderful holiday story that's just perfect for pre-schoolers and that's sure to become an instant favorite in your house.

This small book contains four stories: "The Gift of the Magi," "The Ransom of Red Chief," "The Rose of Dixie," and "The Momento." The first two stories were especially entertaining, although all four stories are great examples of O. Henry's work. Although the stories use a vocabulary and style that are reflective of the author's own era (O. Henry lived from 1862 to 1910), the humor and irony of the stories still shine. This book can serve as a good introduction to the great writing of one of America's most prolific short story writers.

"The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories" has a nice variety of stories. I have the 1997 edition, which includes the stories "The Gift of the Magi," "The Last Leaf," "Springtime a la Carte," "The Purple Dress," "One Thousand Dollars," "Transients in Arcadia," "A Chaparral Prince," "The Clarion Call," "The Hiding of Black Bill," and "A Retrieved Reformation." "The Gift of the Magi" is the best of them all, with "The Last Leaf," "A Chaparral Prince," and "A Retrieved Reformation" all coming in second place. O. Henry is an excellent short story writer - it's amazing how we can fully engulf ourselves within these stories, which are no more than ten pages long! I recommend.

Although the original feel of O. Henry stories is maintained in this book (the dialogue, the solid values and homespun wisdom), the illustratons in this book really make it a stand-out. They are full of warmth, rich colors and just a delight in and of themselves, perfectly complimenting the text. There are no shortage of O. Henry collections out there, but this has to be one of the best ,especially for teen to young adult readers.

Honestly, I wasn't really too enthused when I found out that my 7th grade reading comprehension class would be reading this book. My thoughts? O'Henry. Classics. Ugh.
I ended up loving each and every story included in this book. You have to get into these stories, but the surprising endings are really something to look forward to. Some stories move you, some put a smile on your face, and some just make you go "ooooooooooooooooooooh" if you get it. This book is definitely worth your time, no matter how little of it you have:)!

A collection of timeless stories with unforgettable characters. They depict people who could live in any era with the weaknesses and strengths of "everyman." And of course, always with the "O'Henry twist." The illustrations are so real you think they are actual people.

The best book I have ever read regarding the birth of Christ from an aboriginal viewpoint. Those in the pulpit need to move over and make room.

The Give-Away is beautifully written and illustrated. Mr. Buckley's story is simply the story of Christmas, based on the tradition shared by many Native people known as 'the give-away." A friend recommended this book and I share that recommendation with you. The Native people have much to teach in their tradition of the give-away.

Both the illustrations and the story are wonderful. The book artfully combines Native American spirituality aspects with Christian aspects. I used this book in a "children's church" class at our Native American / Catholic church at Christmas. The kids loved the story and afterwards made a collage of Jesus in the manager surrounded by all the animals mentioned in the story. The book could be used during Easter as well or during a discussion about Native American give-aways.

I became aware of this book yesterday when I heard Ray Buckley read it at a Christmas Tea & Tree for the Red Bird Missionary Conference. The book touched the hearts of each of those present. Small children, youth and adults were warmed with the story.

The Give-Away is for all families, with children and without. It would be an excellent resource to give to families that do not attend church.

Ray re-presents God's story of love and self-giving by sharing from his tradition the story of giving.

Beautifully illustrated story of family 100 years ago moving westward to Colorado and making a new home and battling the elements. Saving a family of geese, one injured, from a rough winter, and staying committed to each other thru rough times makes story engrossing and rewarding.

Grandfather's Christmas Tree is a beautifully written and illustrated non-fiction book. The story is about the author's grandfather and a tall spruce tree outside his home. The illustrations are done in oil paints. This is a wonderful story about family and should be included in everyone's Christmas reading collection.

Beautifully illustrated story of family 100 years ago moving westward to Colorado and making a new home and battling the elements. Saving a family of geese, one injured, from a rough winter, and staying committed to each other thru rough times makes story engrossing and rewarding.

This is a true story about the author's grandfather. Over 100 years ago his grandfather moved west to Colorado to start his family. All around the land was coved in spruce trees. One winter the weather is really bad and they think they will have to cut all the tress for fire wood. 2 geese have made their home under one tree and one is hurt and can't move on. The grandmother in the story begs the grandpa to leave the tree a little longer. He does and the story has a happy ending.

This book can be valuable as a teaching tool. It is a book that teaches the value of family, material things, memories, nature, and history. Life cycles, the seasons, and holidays are so important to the family in the book.
I would recommend this book to others. The book is a great holiday book but the themes in the story should be taught year around.

This is a beautiful Christmas story that I have enjoyed each year from childhood to adulthood, and delight in now sharing with my 3-year-old daughter. The phrasing of the words is a bit stilted for reading aloud, but the illustrations and the message of peace, tolerance, and the importance of helping and knowing each other better is well put for the younger audience and quite timely. It is such a shame that this book is out of print. My 30+ -year-old copy is pretty timeworn and it would be lovely to replace it with a newer copy that my daughter can take with her into adulthood to share with the next generation.

Excellent book. I love this author and this children's book didn't disappoint me. Recommended highly.

Illustrated throughout with beautiful and striking woodcuts by Betsy Bowen, Great Wolf And The Good Woodsman is a picturebook about a majestic wolf, feared by all denizens of the forest, who watches a deer, a squirrel, and a chickadee as they wait expectantly for the Good Woodsman to bring them a feast of cedar, corn and seeds for Christmas. When the woodsman injures himself and there is no fire in the stove, the animals fear that he will freeze. Only the Great Wolf can create a plan to save the woodsman, and in return the woodsman invites the wolf to share in Christmas dinner. The text of Great Wolf And The Good Woodsman is slightly more involved than that of most picturebooks, yet entirely suitable for young people who have graduated from easy-reader text but aren't quite ready for chapter books yet. Great Wolf And The Good Woodsman is a Christmas story so eye-catching that it will prove to be treasured picturebook reading all year round.

This is one of the most beautiful illustrated stories ever --- really excellent for all ages! It's been a favorite fable since I was a child, and still gets me sentimental as an adult. It's got the look and feel of an old Russian story with the main characters meeting as animals in a winter forest. The drawings are brilliant! It is unforgettable and will soften even the coldest hearts.

Excellent! I read this book to more than 70 elementary students (preschool through 6th grade - many with language and reading weaknesses. My students were glued to the story and beautiful illustrations! Written in both English and Spanish, this book is a great way to bring culture to the classroom. It also serves as a learning tool to help children think about their own goals and desires.

I have been following Gwendolyn Zepeda's writing for quite a number of years and ordered her new book, Growing Up with Tamales, as soon as it became available on Amazon. The five month wait was worth it!

I ordered a second copy for my niece who teaches a dual language kindergarten classroom because finding such wonderful books to teach with is difficult. I'm sure Growing Up with Tamales will become a favorite at Sheldon ISD as it has in my home.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill picture book. Gwen gives the character, Ana, an inspiring personality that kids can look up to.

We all know of the story of a younger sibling who wants to be just like their older brother/sister. This tale of Ana following in her older sister's footsteps, as she learns more about making tamales, gives the reader a sense of ambition that makes it a joy to read.

I recently saw Gwen at an event, reading this book to a group of elementary students and their reactions were very delightful. I witnessed the kids connecting with the character and being able to relate to, "wishing they were older," in order to experience something more grown up.

The illustrations have a unique personality about them that doesn't immediately scream out "kids book," but has an artistic quality that makes you want to find out what happens next.

This book would be great for any child, as the story is so relatable.

"Growing up with Tamales," Gwendolyn Zepeda's first children's book is a joy to read and to look at. I've read it to my seven year old daughter twice and my son has heard it once. The only reason he didn't hear it the first time was because he was already asleep. They both love it! So much so, that my daughter asked to hear it again the next night.

The illustrations by April Ward are beautifully done and they really capture the feeling of Gwen's (and Ana's) words. As an adult, it made me feel nostalgic for simpler times when our life was ahead of us like a big easel waiting for us to throw our paint on it. Gwendolyn Zepeda makes her hometown of Houston proud. www.shoegirlcorner.blogspot.com

I was looking for a small gift for several people that I work with and this book came to my eye. I ordered several from different sources (used) and when they came in I was so pleasantly surprised I had to order several more for some of my co-workers. Not only was the book in great condition, the story itself was a page turner and a blessing!

The collection of sermons in this book provided a springboard of ideas for themes to preach this Christmas season. Max Lacado's sermon provided the background for our Christmas program this year.

This book is a powerful reflection upon the circumstances & events surrounding Christ's birth. Within each of the (6) author's section, there are a multitude of heart provoking directions for the Holy Spirit to take you. It has touched me deeply, and also touched the life of a friend I gave a copy to for Christmas. I highly recommend this for personal reading and gift-giving.

"The Heart of Christmas" employs the writing talents of six inspirational authors, with the message they would most like people to learn and see at Christmastime. John Maxwell relates the wise men following the star and finding a lowly stable, to our search for greatness and finding instead disappointment, in our lives. He allows us to understand that we can find God even in our lowest moments. Bill Hybels challenges us to really look at the nativity, and God's purpose for choosing the location of the Christ-child, this season. Hybels parallels the nativity to our relationship with God. Max Lucado ponders what Joseph's thoughts were on that wonderful night and how we oft-times questions God ourselves. David Jeremiah writes about the name and significance of Jesus, the reasons God may have chosen to give his only son that common, yet most revered name. Rick Warren encourages us to seek that which we want to find this year. He gives us special insight and tells us what we should really be seeking for. Jack Hayford examines the Mary Miracle, as he calls it. He shows us how God is still "birthing" his holy word in us, today. If you are like me, growing weary with all the hype and stress of Christmas as society defines it, year after un-inspirational year, this is a book that will offer you a new vision and understanding of this wonderful holiday. It will put Christmas back into your heart so that it may shine forth, just like the star that marked Jesus' birth.

My grand-daughter, Sofia, has been transfixed by this dynamic, eye-catching, black and white charmer of a book since she first set eyes on it. Now that she's 8 mos. and can turn the pages, she reaches for it first among all her books. I appreciate the aesthetic of the book--simple,creative,meticulous images that stimulate infant curiosity.

Eddie (5 months) absolutely loves Hello Santa. We read it to him almost every night. When he sees the picture of the moon and stars over the city he squeals and kicks his feet.

I purchased this book and was thoroughly delighted and impressed with it. The physical quality of the book itself is outstanding. In addition to the eye-catching illustrations, the idea of Ms. Turner utilizing just the black and white style attracted and kept the attention of my granddaughter, as I created a wonderful story of Santa's journey on Christmas Eve. I look forward to when she can tell me the her story of Santa's journey. "Hello Santa" will make a perfect gift to give for Christmas!

This is a beautiful and unconventional book, that's bold, black-and-white illustrations create drama and separate it from the crowd. Pre-schoolers will love it! Because there are no words "Hello, Santa" lets our imaginations run freely. Each time we read it together, we find ourselves making up a completely unique, fresh, new story. "Hello, Santa" allows us (the readers) to be the authors, and so, we looking forward to opening it again and again.

This book captures the true meaning of Christmas and what the holiday is all about. Captain Scheunemann was truely a giving person and his family were very brave to carry on his legacy. I have been to the ceremony of the Christmas Tree Ship at Navy Pier and it is an inspirational ceremony.
Because of this book, the story of Captain Scheunmann has been revived and lives on. Thank you Rochelle.

This is truly a touching story. I purchased the book after attending one of Rochelle's presentations on the tale of the Christmas Tree Ship, an event which I also enjoyed very much. This story has since become a family favorite and we read it every Christmas. Rochelle also has another, smaller book on the Christmas Tree Ship, which is full of beautiful artwork--also a great read!

This was an amazing book! I loved reading Rochelle's first Christmas Tree Ship book I wanted more information about the story. The Historic Christmas Tree Ship is overflowing with early 1900s newspaper articles, historic photographs, and more details surrounding the story of Captain Schuenemann and his family than you could even imagine. If you're interested in the story, or just looking for a heartwarming Christmas book, I would definately recommend this one!

This is a beautiful book that tells the story of Captain Schuenemann and his family and crew who brought trees from northern Michigan to Chicago for the people to buy at Christmas, and the disaster that took the captain and crew's life. It is a story of hope following sadness as the Schuenemann family carried on the work after the shipwreck. The pictures and historic articles are great. Nice story to read just prior and during the Christmas season.

What a wonderful gift! I just received this from a friend and LOVE IT! It comes in a beautiful package that contains a great book that includes Christmas stories, recipes, and even the history of the holiday Yule log -- which I didn't know was so fascinating! It also comes with several sets of Christmas Carol booklets (which is great around our home as I can never remember all the lyrics past the first line of a Christmas song!) and a great DVD that turns our television into a hearth warming fireplace. We're using it now as Autumn approaches and it's a great way of adding the sight and sound of a crackling fire without stoking up the fireplace.( I bet this would also be a nice gift and useful for those living in a dorm room or an apartment (even for those living in a retirement home) where there isn't a fireplace to light!)

I found this half of at the book store after Christmas and bought it because I thought it was funny. It is actually really relaxing and I have played it quite a few times since buying it. Although it is not the original Yule Log that played on TV, it is great. You can play it with or without music. It also comes with a Yule Log history book and song books to go along witht the carols. I was pleasantly suprised with the entire thing.

I got this for a friend of mine for Christmas and she thought it was hilarious. It has a lot of songs and comes with multiple song books so a group can sing around the "fire". Also there are tons of recipes. It's a great gift for anyone with a sense of humor who doesn't have a real fireplace.

DVD of fire in a fireplace. This is a neat/silly gift for anyone who doesn't have a fireplace. I gave this to newlyweds along with a pair of Christmas stockings to hang on their TV (virtual fireplace). Audio is Christmas carols, but can turn volume down for other occasions. Also good gift for party host.