Advent Books

What a wonderful book! Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime will help anyone get their Holiday season off to a great start. Learn how to make time for all the family and friends. A must read!

If you get a feeling of anxiety rather than joy during the Christmas season due to too many obligations, too many presents to buy, too many family trips to juggle, and too little time in which to do all this and more, then this is the book for you. Judy gives you concise and practical advice to get your holidays under control.

I have read this book twice and keep it by my bedside to read a little each evening. Following her suggestions will help me create a holiday season which will be less hectic and more enjoyable for each member of my family! Judy Christie is a humorous, spiritual,"thought-provoking" writer. This is a fun book...give it as a pre-holiday gift to help each of your friends and family enjoy their holidays immensely!

Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime is an easy-to-read choice for finding balance and joy during the busy holidays. I found quick tips that can be applied on their own, or in combination with other suggestions in the book. The short stories were inspirational and the strategies are practical -- and make sense for busy people. I'm looking forward to seeing how I transform this upcoming holiday season, thanks to this great book!

I Bring You Glad Tidings is one of the best books I have read this year! The stories were truly touching and inspirational. I just purchased several copies to give as gifts.

This is a beautiful book for yourself or for a gift. Even if you don't believe in angels you will be touched by the true stories in this book which come from the heart of the people who shared them.

Rosemary Ellen Guiley is a multi-published author of nonfiction books. Some of her other books are Angels of Mercy and The Miracle of Prayer. I met Guiley when interviewing her for my cable TV show Author Chat. She is a charming woman of quiet grace and beauty. She explained the way she gathers true stories for her books is to interview people who share their experiences with her. She is usually referred to these people by other authors or church groups. Another method she uses for some of her books is in-depth research. Her two books on prayer were completed after thousands of hours spent hunched over old prayer books in the Library of Congress.

I have Blessings: Prayers for the Home and Family and Wellness: Prayers for Comfort and Healing by Rosemary Guiley. These are part of my permanent collection.

All Rosemary's books are inspirational but I BRING YOU GLAD TIDINGS is special because of the diversity of people who participated in this compilation of true stories of Christmas Angels. Rosemary trusted her angelic forces to guide her to the right people to share their stories for this book.

The book opens with a brief introduction about Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. Rosemary states, "...the story of Jesus cannot be told without angels."

She reminds us that the messengers of God play an important role in all of our lives, though we often aren't aware of it. At Christmastime, especially, we are more open to belief in miracles. It truly is a time for glad tidings. It is a time when we are reminded that whatever trials we face, we have the strength to prevail.

At Christmas, our thoughts naturally turn to angels. They are on greeting cards, depicted in ornaments and other Christmas decorations. But Angels are not a figment of the imagination. They are real beings of power and majesty who have as a purpose to help mankind.

An encounter with an angel is called an angelophany and doesn't usually involve a winged creature. Angels appear as real people to us in a visual presentation, or they may be the inner voice. If you wish to be blessed with the realization of angels in your life, read this book with an open mind and heart. It could change your life for the better.

While all the experiences in the book are different they share one thing in common: transformation. Whenever we accept an angelic presence it is for our greater good.

I highly recommend this book because every story is special and uplifting. It makes a wonderful gift as well as a keeper for your own library. Imagine, over 200 pages of nothing but good news. It's something we all need in this upside down and inside out world of cares and trouble.

This book is not only beautiful on the cover, but the stories on the inside are fantastic. They are all true short stories that have happened around the Christmas holidays. I have purchased one for EVERY member of my family, young and old. It is a moving book, and you will be brought to tears. It will make a believer out of you. Enjoy!

Finally, the definitive angel book has arrived and just in the St. Nick of time for all to enjoy. The eighteen inspirational stories --based on true life experiences --are beautifully stated by best-selling author Rosemary Ellen Guiley. She channels into her book amazing stories from individuals spanning all walks of life.

I so enjoyed reading each individuals account of his or her own special miracle. I was especially moved by the story "The Miracle of the Light and the Life where I was introduced to the wonderful 'smidgens.' "The Greatest Gift," was another where listening to and heading the inner and external voice proved a miracle. The profoundess of each story touched my heart and soul. I found myself crying happy tears.

The golden thread that is woven throughout each special story is one of hope and trust in the magnificant power of prayer- the highest healing. This wonderful little angel book is pure enlightenment for all of us as we manage through this life's journey and most important beyond...

For the Christmastime spirit I found this book to be a blessed read.

Set during the hard times of the Great Depression, Wonder As I Wander by Gwenyth Swain is the enchanting picture book story of Annie Morgan, a young girl pondering the mysteries of life. Annie wonders how her beloved mother could have died in the spring, when the land was full of life; how her wandering preacher father will pay for gas and food when he gives away so much to the poor; and why a sheriff won't let her father preach on the courthouse square. A haunting, evocative, and emotional story, superbly illustrated Ronald Himler with windswept colors, Wonder As I Wander is especially recommended for young readers ages 5 to 8.

'Ornery' was what Annie Morgan's father called her in "I Wonder as I Wander," the 2003 story (Eerdmans) of an Appalachian carol that has become a favorite at Christmas-time: "...the way Papa tells it Annie was too fine a name for the kind of baby I was -- full of fire and vinegar. So, all of a snap, he took to calling me Ornery." The author, Gwenyth Swain, dedicated the book to a friend of the family who used to call her 'Ornery'.

The story tells how John Jacob Niles, premier collector of mountain folk tunes, discovered the young girl singing in a village square to divert the local sheriff from insisting that her preacher-father move on. Niles persuaded Annie to sing the verses over and over until he had them written down to his satisfaction, and the words were preserved for generations to come.

The drawings by award-winning illustrator Ron Himler fit the story beautifully, and coincidentally show Annie's father strongly resembling the Swain grandfather of the author!

SAVOR THIS STORY WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

I know this song. I have sung it as a solo and directed choirs to sing it. The words and the music combine to make a beautiful sadness...a sense of being alone and yet peaceful. Gwenyth Swain has used her imagination and sensitivity to create a story of the song's beginning and Ronald Himler has added perfect illlustrations. The characterization of Annie Morgan and her Father is written and illustrated without a flaw. It is a lovely book, one to share with a friend no matter what age. It is sure to bring a tear to your eye.

The Appalachian carol "I Wonder as I Wander" has a haunting melody - and words with staying power. *Perhaps* it came to the attention of American balladeer John Jacob Niles as described in this story. And the sweet, poignant words *may* tell about young Annie wrestling with the loss of her mother and the struggles of an itinerant life that followed.

The author's imagination paints word-pictures that artist Ron Himler shares in watercolor for our delight. Annie questioned God, honestly, with innocence and hope. Today when we hear that song we will feel the beauty of Christmas, while the hope lingers year 'round.

We have many wonderings of our own. Sharing these with our children is important, as is opening their eyes to the values 'grown' during the Depression years.

This is a book all ages will eagerly read together. WHY aren't special titles like this shelved in 'adult fiction' for more readers to discover?

This book is one of the most honest and unbiased account of the Indian freedom movement. A must read for all Indians/Pakistanis who otherwise have a biased view of the events, based on the history books available in their countries.

In this book, Maulana Azad describes the political events between 1939-1947 and explains his views on the political blunders that lead to partition. While Maulana is severely critical of Jinnah and the Muslim League for playing the communal card, he does not shy away from blaming Nehru for the failure of the Cabinet Mission plan, and Sardar Patel for his indifference towards the loss of muslim life in the aftermath of partition. It is the sad story of a truly secular and nationalist man, whose dream of independance was tainted by the partition of a nation he loved so dearly. Truly honest and thought provoking.

The book creates a clear picture of the development of freedom movement in India. It brings out weaknesses which brought up the divided minds which ultimately lead to partition. The reader experiences much pain while going through the outcomes of division which were realized by few. Today's IndoPak presents the testimony of the truthful observations and predictions of Maulana Azad. I think it is the "BOOK OF FUTURE". Very few, especially among Muslims, were able to realize what they were doing by favoring partition. I hope they would surely realize one day what they did and quickly so if they read this book. It would be useful for a Pakistani to read this book.

The book is an excellent compilation of the events that shaped the partition of India. Our own flesh worked hard to part with our body. Issues that transpired between our much respected and awed leaders have been brought to the fore. The communal hatred was so deep rooted that imagination only is sufficient to experience the horror. Anyone with a quest for knowing the inside story of those days should read this book. Historical facts may have been twisted by the media then and issues forgotten over time but an autobiography such as this will put straight the facts that happened during the dark ages of turmoil. Many of us will admit that partition, after knowing the facts, was not necessary. We could have lived as one family.

The book by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is a true picture of the Political situation before independence.Depicts politics within politics.

Jock Elliott captures and relates all of the building blocks that went into making our Christmas holiday what it is--in terms of the way in which we celebrate.

As an ad man, he's got a unique perspective.

Fascinating reading.

This book is such an amazing find! It tells the whole celebration of the Christmas holiday, from it's pre-Christian pagan celebrations, through the 20th century. Particularly interesting is how it became a Christian Holiday a few hundred years after the birth of Christ. But the book also covers how Santa Claus came to be, the history of the Christmas Tree, carols, and a pretty extensive article on Charles Dickens 'A Christmas Carol.'
The author, Jock Elliott, is probably the foremost collector of Christmas memorabelia, and through many color photos has shared some of his extensive collection with us. The man even has his letters to Santa from the 1920's! But, most impressive of all (to me!) is his 'A Christmas Carol' collection. He has a copy of the original first edition from 1843, as well as the original newspaper advertisement for the book from that same year! And, yes, Mr. Elliott shares this with us, too.
I've compared his history of the holiday with other books I own and I feel I can safely say that Mr. Elliott has done his research. His writing style is very entertaining and easy to follow, so the younger set can enjoy this book, too.
All in all, this is one of the most entertaining books I've read on the Christmas holiday. I guess if I had one complaint it would be for Mr. Elliott to maybe add a bit about the Reason for the Season - Jesus Christ.
Very highly recommended.

Saw this book when it was listed with a book I wanted to buy about Christmas and the history of our American traditions. It is a beautiful book with lots of pictures- not alot of written information. Still find it interesting and informative.

Almost all Americans celebrate Christmas but so few of us really know its deep-rooted and ancient origins as well as the origins of so many of the traditions we hold so dear.

In his wonderful book called, Jock Elliott has charted all of this story (and more) with care and good cheer. He reminds us of how recent the Christmas "tradition" is, and how ancient. He tells us, for example, that the Christmas tree is basically a product of the second half of the American 19th century, and can be traced to England. The British royal family - themselves imports from Germany - first pitched such trees in their palatial homes. But the trees, and the rituals of winter celebrations, could themselves be traced all the way back to pagan times and the celebrations of the winter solstice.

We learn about the men who defined Santa claus Including Clement Moore who wrote the "Night Before Christmas", and Thomas nast. Nast was the greatest political cartoonist of the 19th century, perhaps of any American century. During the holiday season of 1862-63, Nast put visual flesh on the poetic bones provided by Moore. In the Jan. 3, 1863, issue of Harper's Weekly, he showed Santa Claus cheering up the battered Union troops. He's wearing striped pants and a shirt spangled with stars. Nast would do a year-end drawing of Santa Claus for each of the following 25 years.

From giving gifts to misletoe, Elliots great book fills us in on the origins of Everything Christmas. Highly Recommended

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.

Geddes' book, A Labor Of Love, is truly inspirational. There's a softness to her tone that is warm and inviting; like having a cup of java with a friend. She talks a little bit about her life, but mostly this is a journey about her rise to fame as a renowned baby photographer. She talks a little about her struggles, a little about how she achieved certain looks, and why she chose the path she chose. The photos, of course, are phenomenal!

I truly enjoyed the Labor of Love: An Autobiography by Anne Geddes. I have always been fascinated with the pictures of the babies in the yearly calendars. It is so great to read the stories about the babies and to see how some of them have grown over the years. This booklet is a treasure to have and it sits on my coffee table in my living room to be easily accessible to my family and friends. I purchased the book as a Christmas gift to myself and it was truly worth it!!

Anne proves she's not only fantastic with a camera, but now with the written word. Throughout the book she offers insights into how she's been able to accomplish the incredible photos; while even sharing photos from her own childhood.

...you will love this book as you recall your first experiences with the craft. You will appreciate her openness, lack of pomposity, and willingness to share her doubts, passions, and how-tos.

This book was introduced to me by our pastor's wife. It follows the journey of a begrudging camel and his lack of enthusiasm to do as God's angels asked him and take gifts to the new baby King. Just when Hoshmakaka can't seem to bear anymore, he takes one last piece of straw and that brings him to his knees in front of the Baby Jesus and he forgets his burdens. This is a beautifully told and illustrated story that delights my four year old and brings tears to my eyes as I realize the parallel for our everyday lives.

A proud camel is selected to accompany the Magi described in Matthew to carry gifts for Jesus. He tries to get out of the journey (he has other commitments), but is convinced otherwise by some sand-blowing voices. As his journey continues, so does his burden, as gifts are added to his back. A young child even adds a straw for the baby's bed, that, well, I don't want to spoil the ending ("Will this straw cause me to fall?").

We used this book as the basis for our church's family Christmas Eve service. The children participated in a recreation of the Christmas stories in Matthew and Luke, and then settled in for a reading of this great book. During the story, we had two people in a camel costume come through the aisles, as "presents" were loaded onto baskets on the "camel's" back. It was a great success, and helped bring alive the oft-repeated Bible stories.

Thury has a great skill of weaving in enough adult humor to keep the attention of even the most holiday-weary parent (this camel complains of his joints, gout and sciatica, which all parents and granparents can relate to after weeks of holiday shopping, eating and "assembly-required" efforts). My seven year old has requested it again and again. Original, enchanting and a great twist on both the Christmas story and "the straw that broke the camel's back." Or did it? The pictures are outstanding.

This is such a wonderful book! Every year I look for a special book to share with my family, this year it will be The Last Straw. It is a humorous tale that also teaches a valuable lesson about humility. The Last Straw is right up there with Santa Calls and The Red Ranger Came Calling. I highly recommend this book!

I love this book. I read it to my Sunday school class every year (preschool & kindergarteners) -- I still get teared up when the camel arrives at the manger...it is so touching and awe inspiring! The children are completely entranced by the story -- no one stirs as we read the story -- even the 3 year olds will be still with their little jaws open.

Together we wonder... will the old camel make it to the manger? Will the camel accept the little boys gift at the end of the journey?

It should be on every child's bookshelf at Christmastime. It is the spirit of the season.

Barbie Jenkins is a wonderful writer, weaving together text in a fun and meaningful way. You'll love this Christmas picture book--so much so--that you'll want to read it all year long. If you're looking for a great gift book for the young or the young at heart, Barbie's book is perfect. The illustrations are lovely, too!

A lovely poem about a little angel who blows a kiss from heaven to the newborn baby Jesus. This heart-warming story about the very first Christmas is beautifully illustrated and will be an instant family favorite.

A wonderful Christmas book for young and old, this volume rises above the competition with its original story line and well chosen illustrations. Remember: it's not about seeing, it's about believing! Makes a perfect (and unique) Christmas gift as well.

The text of "The Legend Of The Christmas Kiss" by Barbie Jenkins is a poem, beautifully illustrated by the artwork of Joyce Revoir. This is the picturebook story of how the angels sent a beautiful snowfall on the very first Christmas when one little angel wanted to bless the newborn Jesus with the gift of her kiss. But something special happened to her kiss after passing through the clouds below. It became a glistening speck, drifting down and landing on the Christ child's cheek. Then a multitude of angels added their kisses to hers, and the earth is covered in a true winter wonderland. "The Legend Of The Christmas Kiss" is a unique and welcome addition to the growing library of Christmas theme picturebooks. for young children and their parents.

My six-year-old (almost seven) received this book as an early Christmas gift. We are just starting to read "chapter" books together. She went wild over this! The language and familiar school dynamics were just right for her. The slightly moral message in the end about over-coming differences and giving from the heart was nice, but probably a bit over the head of my first-grader. All in all, a nice series that gets away from the "glitz and glam" of the ever closer "tween" years.

Everybody loves Nancy, but some trouble-maker has used the school Secret Santa party to play a nasty trick on her! Everybody got a cool present, except Nancy Drew!

There are a few suspects, including a snotty girl who is jealous and mean. Is she the thief? That's what you might think, but it's Nancy Drew who can really solve the Secret Santa mystery.

The Secret Santa (Nancy Drew Notebooks #3) is a fun read for young readers starting on chapter books. They'll love to solve this classroom mystery along with 3rd grade heroine, Nancy Drew.

This was a terrific kid's book. It satisfies childrens reading needs. I suggest this to readers between the ages six and nine.

How did Emily know there was candy on the card? Read the book and find out. Anyway it was great. I want to be a detective, well, got to go solve a case about a present. BYE!!!!!!