Advent Books

this is one of the best christmas books i've read in a long time. it has such a quirky and original setting, and flamingo is a loveable character who won't soon be forgotten. this is the kind of story kids will want to read over and over again (no matter what time of year it is!). it has it all: humor, warmth, and especially christmas spirit.

A flamingo travels to Miami to discover the meaning of the Christmas lights he has seen from across the bay. The illustrations of his adventures are well done and very funny. But the real joy of this book comes with its use as a fun tool to help children discover, along with Flamingo, the real meaning of Christmas. The story provides plenty of opportunity for interactive discussion as you read the book as a family. Flamingo's First Christmas is a delightful holiday story for children.

Snuggle up with the kids and Flamingo's First Christmas and you'll immediately feel the warmth! Follow the main character, a clutzy confused flamingo, through his Miami adventures in search of the meaning of Christmas. Wonderful illustrations accompany Day's sparkling story. If you're from a cold climate, you'll love her first line, "On a warm December evening...." If you've already experienced tropical Christmases, you'll identify with the warm weather perspective! This is one of those read-aloud books that the grownups and older brothers and sisters will enjoy sharing with the little ones.

The story of the birth of Jesus has been the subject of innumerable works of art, literature and music. But in the past two thousand centuries of storytelling no one has told the tale from the perspective of the innkeeper's wife. No one until Wayne Stahre put pen to paper to create "Flower, A Story Of The Nativity". With a genuine flair for engaging narrative, author Wayne Stahre combines both fictitious characters (such as Flower herself) with historical figures and retells the Nativity story with a realism that draws upon archaeology, history, and meticulous biblical research. Of special note is how within the context of an original and creative approach, "Flower, A Story Of The Nativity" deals with such implicit and explicit questions as to the identity of the 'Wise Men', the nature of the Star of Bethlehem, the appearances of the angels Gabriel and Michael, the background of the Roman census of Judea, why the God of Israel permitted the murder of children by Herod's forces, why there are differences between the genealogy accounts by Matthew and Luke, why Matthew says Jesus and his family fled to Egypt to escape Herod's slaughter of the innocents, when Luke's account has Jesus being taken to Nazareth after his birth. An entertaining and highly recommend read, "Flower, A Story Of The Nativity" is an informed and deftly written historical adventure novel that would make an exceptionally popular addition to any personal reading list or community library fiction collection.

This book is fast paced, emotion evoking, and insightfull. It depicts the spiritual warfare between angels, demons, and the humans caught in between in a Biblical time period. Think of it as This Present Darkness set around Jesus's birth. I strongly reccomend reading this book. It's amazing!

What an interesting and unique depiction of the Christmas story! I was amazed by the historic facts and the characters are very colorful. This novel is very well written and the story is told from an interesting perspective. 2 thumbs up!

Take your thoughts away from the commercialism of Christmas by traveling through time and re imagining how poor folks joyfully celebrated Christmas. We could learn many lessons from them.

Every Christmas, I read a book in the month of December about Christmas. This was my choice for 2006, and it really is a wonderful little book. The authors provide us with accounts from Appalachia's older folks who recall the Christmasses of their childhoods. It is almost like listening to them speak as we are told of a more innocent time in America, and the simplicity of their Christmas, which focused on the Lord. We learn about their gifts, which aren't much compared to today, their meals which sound delicious, games they played, church, and social gatherings. Recipes are included, as well. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to incorporate more peace and simplicity into their Christmas season. Merry Christmas!

This book along with the nine preceding this one, should be required reading for anyone interested in the day to day living of early days in the south.

"Franklin loved Christmas. He could name all of Santa's reindeer. He could tie ribbons into bows and play 'Silent Night' on his recorder. Franklin liked to give presents and to receive them. But this year he couldn't decide what to give to the Christmas toy drive." -- From the book

Every Decemember, Mr. Owl's students donate toys to needy families--toys that could either be brand new or gently used.

This year, Franklin sifts through his toy box to select something for the holiday toy drive. He discovers some forgotten toys, like a shiny red car and a stuffed elephant. Finally, he decides that he wants to keep everything--except for a rusty truck with a missing wheel.

Franklin asks his father to help him fix the truck, but his Dad tells him that it won't look new or even gently used. Franklin replies that "everything else is too special to give away".

Franklin's Dad then talks to him about the importance of generosity.

The next day, Franklin realizes that all his friends are giving away their FAVORITE toys--causing Franklin to re-think his selection for the toy drive. Now, he worries that he won't be able to find a toy that's special *enough*!

Featuring gorgeous, colorful illustrations, Franklin's Christmas Gift is a wonderful holiday tale showing that the best gifts come from a willing heart--and that giving special gifts can generate feelings just as wonderful as those experienced when receiving them.

In "Franklin's Christmas Gift," Mr. Owl tells Franklin and his classmates that they should pick out a toy to donate to the school toy drive. Franklin gets home, but can't seem to find anything he wants to give away except an old, rusty truck. But when he starts to see what everyone else is bringing and learns how important it is, he reconsiders.

Another great "Franklin" story about sharing what you have to make others happy. Featuring the same sort of warm illustrations as other books in this series and a neat character --- Franklin's Great Aunt Harriet.

As a mother of three small children, I love all of the Franklin series books. This book was particularly poignant at this time of year when children get focussed on the recieving part of their holidays. It lead us into a discussion about giving and how that can feel just as wonderful as getting. After that, my children were actually eager to participate in donating toys to our local church.

My family loves all the Gaspard and Lisa books, but this one in particular makes my son laugh and laugh and laugh. It was a great purchase. I also absolutely love the rich, colorful illustrations.

I have purchased some books of this series in French and some in English, and read them interchangeably to my little girl. Hearing the same story in both languages is a good introduction to basic French. (You can get the books in French at Amazon.fr.)

A charming picture book. Gaspard and Lisa are two little dogs who want to bring a present to school for their human teacher. They decide to make her a raincoat, but of course they make a mess of it. First they tear down the shower curtain to use as material, then Gaspard gets stuck in it when they glue it together, then they try to wash it in the washing machine and it shrinks. However, they can still use the tiny coat - for their teacher's dog Pierre! This book is illustrated with rich, simple paintings that are a joy for the eye and that make the characters quite appealing.

Written by teacher Virginia Brucker, Gifts from the Heart: Simple Ways To Make Your Family's Christmas More Meaningful lives up to its title by offering ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday centered upon sharing, giving, and community rather than simple consumerism. Chapters cover volunteering as a family, tips for getting organized and freeing up time, ways to reach out to friends and loved ones suffering from loss during the holidays, kid-tested craft projects, ways to celebrate with books and share the gift of literacy, and much more. A number of delicious holiday-themed recipes pepper this welcome antidote to the rampant commercialization of Christmas.

Does it feel like the only meaningful holiday experience you have with your kids involves sitting in front of a TV? Do you want something more for your family? Gifts from the Heart will show you how.

This wonderful book has long been a seasonal best-seller in Canada, where Ms. Brucker first created it as a fund-raiser to fight cancer. This book shows you how to take back the Christmas season. It features suggestions for volunteering as a family, tips to offset the "gimmies," and simple, but meaningful traditions and crafts. It's also a great book for families pulling together in the face of misfortune, like a serious illness.

This book can help your family create memories worth having and will help you believe in the holidays again. It's a book with a tremendous heart.

What a lovely book, just right for the season! This gentle, charming book reminds us of what the meaning of the holidays really is -- while providing hours of fun activities and recipes. Written by a teacher who knows what appeals to kids and families, it's the one book you need to share with your children and grandchildren the true meaning of Christmas.

This is simply one of the loveliest books I've ever seen! When I saw that Ric Ergenbright, one of my favorite photographers, made a book dedicated to this glorious season, I couldn't resist getting the book immediately and I am so thankful that I did.

This book celebrates Christmas in every way imaginable: along with Ergenbright's gorgeous pictures of the winter season, there are Scripture quotes, touching Christmas stories, and the lyrics of ten classic Christmas hymns gorgeously presented. At the end of each hymn, Ergenbright writes words explaining the import of the hymns and beautiful short prayers for the reader to take with them. There's also a CD inside, featuring all ten of the hymns in the book newly recorded.

This book is the perfect gift for family, friends, or your own heart. It beautifully presents all the glory of the season and God's goodness in making it. I bought it in August, and after reading it, even in midsummer I couldn't get the words of Christmas hymns out of my head! Highly recommended!

An inspirational book which helps to remind us of the "true" meaning of Christmas. The stories will touch your heart and boost your spirit. The CD which comes with the book, contains many favorite Christmas carols. The songs are equisitely done. This book will help everyone get into the "Spirit" of Christmas. A must for the Holiday Season.

The book combines heartwarming stories, Christmas carols and Scripture references that helped me to realize the many facets of the gift of Christ's birth. This book is a perfect coffee table type book to be brought right after Thanksgiving. The short stories will help to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas. The book comes with a CD of Christmas classics.

Outstanding book! The story of a "not so perfect" angel and how she ends up announcing the birth of Christ is concise, elegant and delightful! The illustrations are perfect and fit the story. I collect children's books and was thrilled to find this gem!

God works in veiled and mysterious ways often choosing the marginalized, the overlooked, and the simple to do His bidding and His most important works. In Gloria the Christmas Angel, author Scott Asalone captures the true spirit of the season which is all about discovering and celebrating our purpose in life. Anyone, not just children, will appreciate the heart warming classic tale this story will become!

Gloria is a rather klutzy angel who feels unfit and forgotten. But deep down inside herself, Gloria finds the power to believe in herself when no one else does and meets a child born in poverty who turns out to be the son of God. Because she can see beyond appearances, Gloria not only brings the good news to the poor, she also announces that it is the people of poverty who are also God's own children. Gloria: The Christmas Angel is a wonderfully delightful Christmas picturebook story for young readers ages 4 to 8 that is both entertaining and profound.

My three year old loves this book. He brings it to storytime everyday! My five year old will even sit through this one.

It's Christmas Eve, Harold doesn't have his tree yet and he decides he needs one before Santa arrives. So armed with his imagination and his purple crayon, Harold sets off for the north woods to find the perfect tree. He follows the north star, encounters a blizzard, meets a snowman and continues to "draw" his way to the North Pole. There he finds Santa in trouble. He's snowed in and can't get his sleigh, reindeer and sack of toys out of his workshop, which is covered by drifts. Lucky for us, Harold comes to the rescue and lends Santa a hand, sending him on his way to deliver presents to boys and girls all over the world.....Crockett Johnson has created a simple, gentle and really ingenious story, showing the very clever Harold at his best. Those who love Harold and the Purple Crayon, will find this holiday adventure just as wonderful and inventive. Harold at the North Pole will delight and amuse all pre-schoolers, as he helps your youngster welcome in the holiday season.

The Harold and the Purple Crayon Series are wonderful. Harold is a little boy with a round head (around long before Charlie Brown) with a little purple crayon and a big imagination. In the North Pole book, Harold has set out on Christmas Eve to find a Christmas tree. Along the way, Harold ends up helping Santa but needs to hurry to find a tree to have it ready for Santa's visit. The simple line drawings are wonderful for younger readers yet there is always a charm to them. Harold inspires kids on so many levels; he's great for children who are timid, he's great for the mighty little explorers and he's great for kids who like to draw but feel intimidated by other artists.

What a great book! I enjoyed being swept into each chapter anxiously wanting to know what was going to happen next with Gabby and Dee. Highly recommend reading "Every Good and Perfect Gift", as well as watching for Sharon K. Souza's future writings.

A Heavenly Christmas in Hometown is a delightful little book - just the thing to put you in a Yuletide frame of mind. Souza's writing is joyously playful, full of surprises, and the story is pure fun, about a little town facing the bleak prospect of a watered-down Christmas, and two very special investigators who've been dispatched to turn things around. The book is beautifully presented, with festive cover art, printed on fine paper with black and white illustrations by Ryoko Nishimura Torres. I'm wrapping one up with a jar of hot chocolate mix and a candy-cane or two, to give to someone I love. And I'm keeping one for myself, to read year after year.

I loved this book! It really captures the true spirit of Christmas. It brings to light the sad trend of Separation of Church and State in Hometown, USA, but does so in a light-hearted manner that's easy to read.
I curled up under a blanket and read it in an afternoon, and now I'm reading it to my 8 year old daughter.
Sharon wrote this story so beautifully, and the book itself -from the hard-back cover to the feel of the pages- is exquisite!
I know what my friends and family are getting for Christmas this year!