Advent Books

Beautiful story and illustrations. Very moving- parents, remember to bring your kleenex! Could be a wonderful springboard into discussing personal experiences of God with young children, and persistence of faith. Also could incorporate into an open-minded discussion of Christianity and animals/pets (God's love for them and creation). I'm buying a copy for the children I don't even have yet! :)

From Publishers Weekly, February 23rd 2004 "Speirs's luxurious, gilt- accented paintings are an art aficionado's dream... Focusing on the religiously symbolic beast of burden, Gill Speirs opens the door to an inventive interpretation of Scripture... The elegant compositions consistently delight, depicting biblical events in Netherlandish style inspired chiefly by Pieter Bruegel the Elder."

Featuring the museum quality paintings of John Speirs, The Donkey And The Golden Light is a beautifully illustrated picture book by Gill Speirs about a young donkey named Bethlehem and the interaction he has with Jesus beginning the Messiah's birth and proceeding through the flight into Egypt, the baptism by John, the wedding feast at Cana, the events of the Last Supper, and finally with the Jesus' crucifixion at the hands of the Roman authorities. The breathtaking full-color, full-page artworks are of especial note, as they are inspired by classic paintings Pieter Bruegel the Elder. A moving and visually stunning story, The Donkey And The Golden Light would be a welcome popular addition to any picture book collection.

Beautiful book, all in Spanish, just like I wanted. Great story and in great shape.

It made me feel tingly inside. Do you believe in Santa? It's a great book for all ages. After reading it to my daughter at bedtime, I had to read it again to my husband. We both really enjoyed the story as well as the beautiful illustrations (which, by the way, won an award). It is a truly a book which should be read every Christmas Eve.

This book is great to read to your kids. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is full of Christmas magic. Your kids will love it!

My 2 year old son loves all the Elliot Moose and friend's stories (since we started reading them to him when he was a few months old). He loves to have us read them to him over and over. Recently, he started "reading" them to us! Elliot is such a loving character, that has fun adventures with his friends. These books also have wonderful illustrations we use to teach our son, and have him point out things he knows and learn new words.

"Elliot's Christmas Surprise" is another wonderful release in the "Elliot Moose" book series.

In this one, Elliot is thrilled to receive what she believes to be a surprise gift, but disappointed that her friends haven't received any. She's inspired to make some for them.

The illustrations are soft, safe, cuddly and Christmasy. The characters look like stuffed animals and are wonderful anthropomorphic models. This is an underappreciated series from Kids Can Press that could definitely use some more love.

Charmingly written and illustrated by Andrea Beck, Elliot's Christmas Surprise is a thoroughly delightful holiday picture book about Elliott, a young moose who finds a gigantic red box near his bed on Christmas Eve morning. When Elliott learns that no one else received an early present, he sets to making special gifts for all his friends. The friendly and cheerful color pictures add a particular sparkle of Christmas spirit to this magical story of sharing and happiness.

I would like to say that the CD on this book is exceptional. Especially the young woman who sings the role of Elphina-- what a voice! She has quite a future ahead of her.
A neighbor's son will not go to sleep- even in July- without hearing this delightful CD and its accompanying story.
Buy it now!

This is a book about a little girl who shows everyone that she can do anything the boys can do if they just give her a chance! It's a great story for little ones at Christmas time and all year through. My 3 year old daughter loves this book and the music that comes with it is a special treat! The author has a way of rhyming the words so they keep a 3 year olds attention. Highly recommend this one!

I will not review this book because I am 37 years old. But I will describe my six year old daughters response to it...FABULOUS...She asked to be read this book at least twice a week until she learned to read. After that she read it herself. The book teaches that girls (and women) can achieve what they set out to do even in a male dominated society. It is inspirational and beautifully illustrated. The included CD has songs that my daughter loved to hear over and over again but did not grate on my nerves like Barney.

I strongly recommend this book to all who have children.

This wonderful book is full of beautiful artwork and a heartwarming tale of giving. A perfect book for young readers' Christmas story time, even toddlers enjoy the colorful pages and important message. A great addition to any home, school, or church library! This book is bound to become a Christmas favorite for you, as it has for our family.

The characters are adorable and the story is charming. A perfect holiday gift for a young reader!

This is a gem.

Parents won't mind reading such a charming little story over and over. This is important, because this is the kind of book that children will ask for as long as they want to be read to. Even very young children will enjoy the vivid colors of the amusing illustrations splash across the page. The ending gives you pleasurable goosebumps because it's so good.

I honestly wouldn't let another Christmas go by without letting your children enjoy this book.

Great service from the seller. African version of the Christmas Story. An africian-american coworker initially was offended by what she thought was a "white" attempt to make the story sound "black". When she read the introduction and realized the history and research that went into this story she recognized it as part of her "roots" that she was excited to pass on to her own children.

I first purchased this book 14 years ago for my nephew, and I'm back to purchase it for my daughter. It is such a gorgeously written version of the birth of Christ. It's just so lovely and heartfelt. I can't say enough good things about it. It became part of my sister's Christmas tradition with her children, and now it will become part of mine. I'm so glad I found this book again!

I grew up hearing this book (written by my great-grandfather) every christmas morning. It has become a tradition, all of the kids sitting at the feet of our mother as she read the story, her voice flowing over the melody of the words. Often we wouldn't understand a phrase, but she would explain it how her mother had explained it and how the author himself had lovingly explained it to his daughter, my grandmother. Not everyone who has read this book will have the experience I have had in reading it, but all the same, it touches the heart of everyone who has heard it read.

I found this book to be very heartwarming and a great read. There were times when I laughed and times when I had tears in my eyes. This is the type of book I love to read, one where the characters come to life and you feel everything they are feeling.

This book will capture the hearts of all those who read it. You will begin to feel as though you are a part of the characters lives. You will be hoping for a lasting romance between Julia and Tony. You will want the best for Rachel and for Julia's mother. This book is definitly a fast paced romance novel, with a whole lot of romance.

This book will capture the hearts of all those who read it. You will begin to feel as though you are a part of the characters lives. You will be hoping for a lasting romance between Julia and Tony. You will want the best for Rachel and for Julia's mother. This book is definitly a fast paced romance novel, with a whole lot of romance.

This book touched me profoundly. If you can buy just one Christmas book this year; make it Macdonald's award-winning: FIRST CHRISTMAS. It will be a life-long gift to you, your children (grandchildren) and to your core understanding of a sacred, Christian, Christmas celebration.

FIRST CHRISTMAS strikes a perfect balance of novelty and tradition; fine art and just plain fun. The prose respects a child's need to understand, and ability to: wonder and to find joy.

Imagine a poem narrated by Zeke, Joseph's donkey, presented in the joyful rhythm of Dr. Seuss and "The Night Before Christmas", that also seamlessly incorporates passages from Isaiah, Matthew and Luke (New International Bible). This effective telling of the Christmas story is enhanced by twenty-one finely presented, traditional Coptic icon (church-style) paintings. The cloth-bound, richly coloured book is a feast for the eyes, and for the spirit.

FIRST CHRISTMAS makes a striking, resonably-priced present. I have already given it to 14 friends, and it is not even December 1st!

This gem of a book is sure to become a treasured feature of your future Christmas traditions.

Sarah Rochon, Ontario, Canada

This is a beautiful book, and I think it will become a Christmas classic for many families. What makes it especially effective is the way it tells the story with a light touch using rhyme and meter that kids will like and relate to, and balances it out with gorgeous, more reverent, traditional art. It's one of those books that just feels good in your hands and you feel like reading it out loud, stopping to share the pictures. The product description says reading level ages 9-12 but it's really a book for all ages.

I never write reviews but this book really moved me. First Christmas is refreshing and beautifully written. The book itself is gorgeous, a real keepsake, and my children love the pictures. I would highly recommend First Christmas to all parents who want to share the real meaning of Christmas with their children.

I am always looking for good books with lessons or messages- this is one of those books. The idea of giving is always a good idea. It has many words on the page making it more enjoyable as a read aloud or for older children. It is definitely one of our "read at Christmas time" each year books! Hope you'll give it a try.

A long time ago a poor girl named Claire learns to knit by her mother's side - and knits her Christmas dreams into the wool. An order for six stockings could save her holiday; but on the way she meets a boy even poorer than herself: how can she share her dreams of warmth? A poignant holiday story benefits from Bagram Ibatouline's warm and lovely drawings.

I bought multiple copies of this book for neices, nephews, godchildren and young cousins. It's a great antidote to the overly commerecialized Christmas season. The writing is elegant but straightforward, and the illustrations glow. Although it has a strong spiritual message, it is not overtly regligous, so is suitable for all children who celebrate Christmas.

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.