Advent Books

This wonderful little book uses a repetitious pattern (ala "A Hole in the Ground" or "The House that Jack Built") to explain the events of a family Passover Seder. The text is full of rhythm and the illustrations are beautiful, warm, and soft bringing to life the closeness of community and illustrating the importance of family during such an important celebration. Those familiar with the traditions described herein will enjoy the book for the memories it can help evoke and those unfamiliar with such things as "matzah", "Dayenu", and "afikoman" will delight in learning about them.

Although this is a child's book, like Tevye, it drinks to life. It's a real seder! No one sits down! Someone spills something. A kid falls alseep! The tateh can read and see naughtiness out of the same eye! Here is genuine glee and warmth. A well-meaning Protestant reviewer called its form "The House that Jack Built," but it is, of course, "Chad Gadyoh" Everything in the contextual information at the back is clear and accurate - I used it at a seder for a mixed crowd who, after they understood the references, fell in love with the rhymes. And with the girl who Reads the Four Questions Nice and Loud.

This book, especially the illustrations, captures all the warmth and poignancy of family sedars. The subtleties in the pictures (Papa's hand clutching the son's arm, who is reaching for the matzah; the child asleep on the table; the many conversations being held at once) bring back so many childhood memories. A beautifully written and magnificently illustrated book for all ages!

Currently the amazon detail page for this 28 page product lists the Ignatius Press itself as the author, yet their website lists a Frances Johnson as author, the cover image here being to blurry to see. Therefore I have submitted a request for product update to list the author as listed by the publisher.*

Nevertheless, as the publisher's own product description page mentions in detail the RSV's translation of Saint Luke and of Saint Matthew as source of the text, and three other artists as illustrators, perhaps Ms. Johnson's role might better be described as editor or compiler. Here in part is the publisher's presentation of the pictures's provenance:

"Gerard Horenbout, one of the illuminators of The Sforza Hours, illustrates a simple Nativity using rich reds, greens and blues; the Annunciation to the Shepherds, depicted by the Master of the Duke of Bedford, is marvelously detailed and surrounded by classic miniatures; the Master of the Dresden Hours, a prolific Flemish artist of the late 1400's, has strewn his Epiphany with flowers, so realistic that it seems possible to pick them off the page."

Certainly a slim selection at 28 pages but one worthwhile, despite any scholar sniffing at the exact date when the medieval age drew to a close.

For further reading along these lines please see the numerous Christmas commentaries, in particular the meditations of Charles De Foucauld in the Poor Claire's garden in Bethlehem, the Reverend Father John Dear's Mary of Nazareth: Prophet of Peace, and of course Father Leonardo Boff's new book on the Hail Mary and Our Father, etc.

*please note that our great and mighty amazon has made the corrections as requested. We must all give thanks each and every one of us for this remarkable service unimaginable just a generation ago.

I'm just writing to correct the Midwestern Book Review's review. The translation is the Revised (not "Roman") Standard Version, Catholic Edition. The RSV is the finest translation available, in my opinion. The RSV-CE Bible is available by Ignatius Press as the Ignatius Holy Bible.

If you want to see the cover of the book, go to the Ignatius Press homepage.

A Medieval Christmas illustrates words of scripture (taken verbatim from the Roman Standard Version, Catholic edition, of the Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Luke). Gorgeous medieval-style color illustrations of humans and angels illuminate the scriptural tale of the birth and early life of Jesus Christ. A Medieval Christmas is an enthusiastically recommended holiday season treasure for all ages.

(The two books have been combined and are available in audiobook)

A Memory of Christmas Tea is the long-awaited sequel to the beloved bestseller, A Cup of Christmas Tea, written 25 years ago.

In A Cup of Christmas Tea, the man had to go visit an old aunt--and tried to get out of it. Many of us can identify with that. But once there, their time together was precious.

"...I didn't know that this would be our final cup of tea, I only knew that my Great Aunt was listening to me."

Now years later, the nephew tells us that his old Great Aunt always believed in him, and listened to him talk about his life. Before she died, she made him promise her something, but he writes:

"My life was an emergency, a crisis, and a race, with problems running after me and at me at a place that only was accelerating as the years flew by. So if I couldn't stop for tea, I had my reasons why."

His promise to his aunt was that every year he would take time to invite someone in for Christmas tea, served out of her beautiful Christmas tea set she willed to him.

The book has some reminiscing about the good times, big family gatherings of when he (and I) was young, but the message for today is to take that time to do something special for someone else, to have that cup of tea.

Warren Hanson's wonderful illustrations match the first book. The teaming up of Hegg and Hanson has provided many wonderful books as they complement each other so well.

This book would be a nice addition to those special books you bring out when you need to be reminded about those who have gone before us--and the role they played in our life--at holidays or all year long.

Armchair Interviews says: Raise a cup of tea to another special Christmas story.

I know Tom Hegg personaly, he is a great guy. The book is very warm and sentimental. If you liked "A Cup..." you'll love this one. BUY IT PLEASE

Tom Hegg seems quite unashamed to be sentimental. Revisiting the themes of his first book, A Cup of Christmas Tea, Hegg again gently chides his reader to remember the important things in life; taking the time to take time for others is central to his work. As always with Hegg's work, this is not a poem for the cynical, or indeed for those whose poetry must be "deep". It is straightforward, and unabashedly honest. Hegg revisits his narrator's great aunt, and the message she taught him many years before, but does so in such a way that avoids being sugary sweet. Her influence, gentle but firm, prompts the narrator to make time to find Christmas within, and share a cup of Christmas Tea with "someone"...we never know who, and it doesn't really matter. If you are a fan of Hegg and Hanson's work, you will love A Memory of Christmas Tea. If you're new to this pair, read A Cup of Christmas Tea first. The echoes in words, and in Hanson's nuanced illustrations of the first book make the sequel all the richer.

Although the price is rather high the coupons are definitely worth it! Editor Stocke really has a talent for creating easy, simple, get you off the hook, Christmas presents. I haven't seen a present of this sort since graduating grade school. It's the same as the third grade art projects but it's much more polished and paid for. My parents wonder why the gift seems so familiar . . . The only change I would make is to somehow include a method of magnetically attaching it to the refrigerator.

Words won't really suffice. Let us hope that Stocke and his staff--which must be a mighty talented staff indeed!--have what it takes to create an Arbor Day Coupon book as well.

A great book, edited by a great man, for a great time.

If you're like me, then you love CHRISTMAS!!! If you're like me, then you love COUPONS!!! If you're like me, then you will want to give Todd Stocke (editor) a fat kiss on the mouth and a free trip to Mozambique for giving you all these fantastimorphically fabulicious ideas! It's the best thing to happen to my holidays since my leg went bad and I had to have a chimney sweep come out and rip the soot out of my fireplace, allowing me and the missus to have a rip-roaring fire burning dangerously close to our Douglas Fir. A HAP-DAPPILY WONDERIFFIC BOOK, AND A ZIP-ZIPPIDY CHRISTMAS TO ALL Y'ALL!!!

I could not put this book down. It was so good it added just the right touch to my holiday.

Mistletoe means kissing, and four favorite authors each create a story about love and relationships during the holiday season in this anthology.

New Year's Eve equals a time for new beginnings, and Maxine can't wait for her high school BFF's famous Christmas party. However, being at home during her college break and pining away for the perfect but pricey party dress in the window leaves her feeling a little depressed. Her old crush just might have all the answers she's looking for, including a job, so all her New Year's Eve dreams just might come true. There is, of course, just one little catch--she's working as an elf in a Winter Wonderland, but she's Jewish. (WORKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND by Aimee Friedman)

A broken up foursome reunites in Hailey Abbott's tale, HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE BREAKUP, with Emily's return home from college. But things aren't really what they seem to be. Her boyfriend, with the help of her best friend, buys her a last minute gift; she doesn't know what to talk to her best friend about; and no one seems to remember that she has a whole new life...or do they?

One Hollywood superstar's New Year's turns out very different than the one he's expecting. Instead of skiing, a JLo cancellation changes his departure plans. Instead of flying, he drives towards his destination, breaking down about halfway there in a ghost town. From that point on, something shifts. He falls hard for a girl and takes a deep look at himself and sees that the world may be more than just his plaything. (SCENES FROM A CINEMATIC NEW YEAR'S by Nina Malkin)

Finally, Melissa de la Cruz spins a modern twist on an old Christmas tale from the heart in THE CHRISTMAS CHOOS. Kelsey's determination to find her boyfriend a perfect gift for the holidays leads her down a path she'd never thought she'd take. On top of present stress, she's invited to her friend's Sweet Sixteen party in the gated community in town. Will she wear the same boring dress she's worn three times in a year again and have the snobs humiliate her, or will she finally wear her inheritance?

Four unique tales from favorite authors will help readers feel the iciness of winter, yet also leave them full of warmth. Hailey Abbott, Aimee Friedman, Nina Malkin, and Melissa de la Cruz bring festival treats filled with relationships and their concerns during the holiday season.

Reviewed by: Jennifer Rummel

WORKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND (Aimee Friedman) - Maxine "Max" Silver, is your typical New York City gal, who loves shopping during the holiday season, trying on dresses that she'll never be able to afford, and scarfing down hot chocolate and cookies in Rockefeller Center. The strange part is that she doesn't celebrate Christmas, and feels that there is a serious lack of Hanukkah songs available to all of those dreidel-spinning masses. However, her thoughts regarding holiday music instantly go out the window when this college freshman runs into her high school crush, the scrumptious Heath Barton, whose father happens to own Barton's Department Store. Before Max knows what's happening, she's working in the Christmas Corner at Barton's, dressed as a holiday elf, singing Christmas Carols with a Nutcracker Prince, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Santa Claus, while making goo-goo eyes at Heath. But on Christmas Eve, this New York City fashionista finds true love with someone she least expected. 5/5 stars.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE BREAKUP (Hailey Abbott) - Aria, Emily, Marcus, and Jason have been best friends for years. Double dating at the dingy diner known as Matthew's, and sharing heaping plates of greasy chili-cheese fries for as long as they can remember. But when Emily leaves for college, waving goodbye to Aria, Marcus, and Jason, who are all seniors, the foursome splits up. That is, until Christmas rolls around, and Aria believes that everything will go back to normal. But Emily returns home with a new personality. Gone is the funny Emily who left, and in her place is a more mature, composed Emily, who has no time for football games, and high school drama. She also has no time for her boyfriend, Marcus, who seems to be getting a little too cozy with Aria lately, leaving the two wondering, on New Year's Eve, who, exactly, they'll be kissing when the clock strikes twelve. 5/5 stars.

SCENES FROM A CINEMATIC NEW YEAR'S (Nina Malkin) - Connor Moline doesn't have stars in his eyes, but just about every girl who looks in his direction does. For he plays Danny Stiles on TV's "Pinot's Point," and he's hanging out in the middle of a Hollywood mall, as faux snow falls from the ceilings. But all he can think about is the great time he'll be having when he and his buddies get to Lake Tahoe, where they'll be ringing in the New Year with some really gorgeous girls in a couple of hot tubs. 4/5 stars.

THE CHRISTMAS CHOOS (Melissa de la Cruz) - Kelsey Cooper is considered one of the beautiful people at Parker High School, but it's not because she has fancy clothes, or an expensive car. And it's certainly not because she lives in the rich part of town - because she doesn't. No, the only reason why she's accepted into Gigi McClusky's uber-trendy group is because Kelsey is the prettiest girl in school, and no group of Beautiful People can be complete without the prettiest girl in school. But when Kelsey begins searching for the perfect gift for her longtime boyfriend, and best friend, Brenden Molloy, she realizes that the forty-five dollars burning a hole in her pocket is certainly not enough to purchase something that will show him how much he truly means to her. Brenden feels the same way. So the happy couple do something drastic to afford gifts for one another. Gifts that will bring a smile to the others face, while forcing them to make the ultimate sacrifice. 5/5 stars.

I have been waiting for the release of MISTLETOE for months, and was ecstatic when it finally arrived earlier this week. Each story brought a sense of holiday warmth into my heart, even though it's only October, and there are still Halloween decorations dotting people's front doors. Hailey Abbott's HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE BREAKUP presented amazing character development, and fabulous dialogue that truly made you interested in what would happen next in the story; while Melissa de la Cruz's THE CHRISTMAS CHOO's managed to mix a bit of MTV's MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEEN and THE GIFT OF THE MAGI together to create a beautiful, heartwarming holiday story that contained two lovable characters, whose chemistry between one another was impeccable. Nina Malkin's SCENES FROM A CINEMATIC NEW YEAR'S confused me a bit, as the various scenes seemed to zap the characters from location to location without a moment's notice, and the content seemed a little less holiday-ish than some of the other tales, but it was still enjoyable. However, it was Aimee Friedman's WORKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND that I enjoyed the absolute most. Max was your typical New Yorker with a sarcastic personality, hip lingo, and a flair for the dramatics. The fact that she had the job of working as a department store elf - something I've wanted to do for years - was hilarious, and the romantic interludes shared between her and her surprising love interest were absolutely adorable, sending warmth through the reader's entire body. Flannel pajamas and hot cocoa are a necessity while reading these toe-tingling tales of holiday romance.

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

Great book for any cat lover

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

I received a copy of Mog's Christmas for my second Christmas in 1979 from an Aunt. I fell in love with the story and Mog's reaction to all of the changes in "her house" at Christmas time. My favorite part is when Mog thinks: "It was a tree, a tree walking!" What Mog does not see is that Mr. Thomas is carrying the family Christmas tree inside the house.
The author has masterfully interpreted the feline perception of the flurry of Christmas activity. This book is a must for any child or adult who loves cats or the hustle and bustle surrounding Christmas time. I have read this book to or with my family every Christmas since 1979. I even read this book to my second grade students last Christmas, and they really enjoyed it. I plan to make time to read this litte gem to my students every year at Christmas time from now on.

Mog is in shock. Strange things are happening at her house, and she doesn't like it one bit. Everyone is running about the house, hanging up mistletoe and decorations, blowing up balloons, baking loads of food. So Mog runs outside, and climbs up to the roof where she can be away from all of the hectic festivities. Until suddenly she finds herself in the house again, with everyone wishing her a happy holiday.

I adore cats, and Christmas is my favorite holiday, so MOG'S CHRISTMAS quickly won a place in my heart. Judith Kerr has created a lovely children's book that will show the reaction of a cat when anything about his/her house changes, whether it's for a day, a week, or more. The illustrations are absolutely lovely, and will quickly make MOG'S CHRISTMAS a favorite for the winter holidays.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

I really loved this book, as I've loved all the ones in the series. Filled with drawings that capture the simple essence of the holidays, and activities that actually make it fun for kids to learn about Advent and the meaning of the Christmas miracle. I used it with my kids to open a discussion as we put together our Nativity set, and it inspired each of them to create a Nativity of their own in their rooms! Galvin's work is accessible, warm and friendly. A must buy if you have children!

Jennifer Galvin's books are WONDERFUL! They keep my kids busy for hours, and the illustrations are ADORABLE. We hope Jennifer Galvin and Paulist Press keep these books coming! We also recommend My Catholic Pray and Play and My Catholic Easter and Lent activity books, also by Jennifer Galvin.

WE LOVE THESE BOOKS!

My five-year-old and my ten-year old both adored this book. Jennifer Galvin understands children. She knows what they like and she knows how they think and learn. Her charming illustrations pleased my children no end--she instinctively knows what little kids want to see. (John the Baptist not only has his camel-hair-coat and bare feet--he also has toes and toenails--details my son gleefully pointed out to me).

The "what's wrong with this picture" puzzles had my son in stitches, especially the donkey in the party hat and the presents behind the bushes (subtle hints of the true meaning of Christmas). The word search and word scrambles were not only clever enough to challenge my daughter, they were brilliantly organized, leaving her with a much more thorough understanding of Advent. This book was so much fun that my children didn't even catch on to the sneaky way the author educated them along the way. As my son followed the maze to take the shepherds to Bethlehem, he told me, "They all want to see the baby Jesus, because Christmas is his birthday." My son knows the true meaning of the holiday season now, and it's all Jennifer Galvin's fault. :)

Our three year old LOVES this story. Although we bought it thinking it would be a Christmas time book it is now May and we are still reading it. Hoping for more from this fantastic children's author.

The story is perfect for Christmas. The stuffed penguin is just like the one in the book. We were very pleased.

My five year old got a gift certificate for his birthday and - being rather fond of the penguins - picked out this gift box for himself. My first thought was, "Great! Another penguin." but then when we curled up together to read the story, I was quite delighted with his choice, and so was he. The illustrations are very good, the layout reveals the story very cleverly and, for a wonderful change, the story is more than just a trite collection of cliche and aphorism. Highly recommended for any young child.

Although I admit prejudice, being a proud friend of the author, I am still overwhelmed by the beauty of this book.

Laurie's story, as told from Mary's perspective, allows the reader to truly capture the fear, honor and profound responsibility of being A mother, as well as being THE mother of the son of God, and mankind's salvation. "Fear gripped my heart as we slipped through the night. God was sending us to Egypt. The land that once held my people captive would now shield His son from the sword of Herod."

While she is faithful to the biblical descriptions of the nativity, by writing from Mary's point of view, we can share in her thoughts, and we can feel the same awe and joy that allows the reader to feel transported to one of the most profound events in all of Christianity.

Kasi Kubiak's illustrations are nothing short of exquisite, evoking in me the same emotional awe as in Mercer Mayer's Beauty and the Beast. The light emanating from Jesus and the gentle detailing of each face clearly reflect that this was a labor of love for the artist. I find myself lingering on each picture and enjoy how 'alive' they look. (You also have to love an artist who uses her father's face for one of the wise men!) She has also captured MY vision of what angels look like, and I am planning on buying another copy so I may frame several pictures as they moved me greatly.

This book can be appreciated by anyone at any age, and gives an added dimension to the birth of Christ that will captivate all who read this book.

This is a great book for the holidays. I read it to my 4 year old sunday school class and they were captivated. It is making a wonderful gift for my friends and family.

I should start this review by stating that I am a very biased critic. I was an emotional supporter for Kasi Kubiak as she created the magical characters for this book. I watched as she put in hours of work, beginning the process with prilimary sketches and making numerous changes to the paintings themselves. She never considered her work done until she was absolutely positive she had captured the true emotion of the characters. Watching the work and love that went into the illustrations, I have a new found respect for artists in this profession. This book started as basic Bible text and Laurie Knowlton was brought in to add life to it after the publisher's saw Kasi's illustrations. (Laurie and Kasi were left to do the marketing for their book on their own and between the two sold approximately 800 books. Book stores mysteriously left it off the shelves during the Christmas season. Where were the publisher's?) I'm sorry the previous critic felt that Kasi's illustrations were inappropriate for this book, but everytime I look at my signed copy I see myself in Mary and the love in every stroke of Kasi's brush.

The Night Befoe Cat-Mas is a treasure for anyone who shares their life with a feline companion. It is beautifully illustrated, and the narrative is enjoyable.

This book is a take off of "The Night before Christmas" and is as dear as can be. A Purr..fect stocking stuffer for your friends who love felines.

This is an adorable parody of the story The Night Before Christmas. The illustrations are great, and the book is small enough to fit in your pocket. Not only that, it comes with a little charm that you can put on a bracelet.

This is a must read for any cat lover.