Advent Books

This is a heart warming story about a small Christmas tree that is not perfect, because it shares from the heart.
This story was read to my child at school, and it was liked so much that she wanted one for Christmas.

The little book impresses children (and adults) with the true spirit of Christmas, giving of one's self. The illustrations are beautiful and the text well written. It has become one of my favorite Christmas stories.

This book has a great message for young and old alike! This is a book for anyone who has performed acts of service and wondered, "Does it count for anything?" And the answer is yes. Every act of kindness has a lasting impact on the giver as well as the receiver.

This story is beautifully told and illustrated. This book is a great addition to any home library--it is the kind of book you want to own not just borrow from the public library.

Also recomended:Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--another poignant story about the rewards of giving...

I wanted a Christmas tree book to read to my kids when we went to cut down our tree. I had never heard of this book, but I chose it from the library because it was about a Christmas tree. It is a wonderful heartwarming story. It has everything my fou-year-old (and me) loves. It has animals, a queen and castle, and a touching ending. I am going to purchase one for our family to make it a tradition on the day we go get our tree and I will likely purchase a few more as gifts as well.

A simple answer to the question in the book title -- because in imperfection you find beauty and grace and wonder. The this story is full of such things.

This book is one of our family favorites -- a classic we return to and will carry with us in memories. Reading this book together gives us the chance to stop in a very busy season and wonder about things bigger and more important than wrapping and running. The message that defines perfection is a life lesson we all need.

I will be purchasing this book to give to my children's families as they marry and begin their own Christmas traditions.

I enjoyed this book even more than The Christmas Shoes. When I finished Christmas Shoes I couldn't help but wonder what happened to Nathan Andrews, the little boy who lost his mother when he was only eight years old. This story picks up many years later when Nathan is in medical school trying to figure out what he will do with his life. He meets a girl and is faced with the possibility of loss again. Nathan has to remember the lessons his mother taught him before she died and remain strong for the woman he loves. This is a very sweet love story perfect for the holidays.

Donna Vanliere is a talented author who brings the page to life in every book. This is a Christmas book that can be read any time of the year and left on the shelf to read again or share with a friend. A very thoughtful gift that will make you laugh AND shed a tear. A must read!!

The Christmas Blessing doesn't disappoint. It's just hard to top the 1st book. (The Christmas Shoes)

I can tell you: It is seemingly impossible for Donna VanLiere to write a book that is anything less than GREAT! Because she writes from the heart, her writing touches your heart. I sense that she is a person of great faith. Reading her books has increased my faith.

Donna's plots and sub-plots are well thought out and hold your attention.

After reading The Christmas Blessing, not only will you feel the Christmas spirit, you will feel a deep sense of hope.

Another book that has brought me inspiration and hope is Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices.

One of the other readers admitted this is sappy, romantic literature. It is indeed. If you like rather cliched plotlines, phrases, and character developments, then this is for you. But if you want a heart-warming story about a young man coming to grips with love, with his calling, and with his past, (I'm being half-truthful, half-sarcastic) this is for you.

Yes, this is a sweet little story. For anyone who reads good literature, it is too predictable and written like a film, not like a book. But if you like sweet little stories, this is for you.

This is a fun book to read aloud to kids and adults. The characters add a bit of whimsy to Christmas!

This is the best Christmas book written since "Twas the Night Before Christmas." We love this book so much it has disappeared and we have to buy a new one. Even my sister-in-law, who has no children, loved it so much she went out to buy it. She reads it to her high school students every christmas. They love it too. This is definately a book for everyone. I have read it to classrooms full of 2,3,and 4th graders and it has always been a hit. You will love this book!

This book is a hoot! My 5 year old loves it, I thought it was hilarious, and my husband thought the illustrations were great, too. I intend to buy additional copies--for my adult friends.

We bought "How Murray Saved Christmas" for our annual Christmas book (year 11). The author has created a fun story with witty writing and wonderful illustrations. Kids and adults are sure to find this book filled with Christmas fun! This is not your typical Christmas tale, but it is sure to become a family favorite! Give it a try.

I also recommend Mike Reiss' "Santa Claustrophobia" ; you will not be disappointed!

I have received everything from quiet snickers to loud guffaws, as I read this book to the students in my school. What a "thinking person's" twist to the Santa Claus story! This can be read again and again, each time picking up more clever turns to the Christmas night adventures of Murray and his elf buddy.

Not a story you will be able to believe,but plenty fun..Copied from the movie BIG,the Sweet valley Twins wish they were grown up(at a carnival)and their wish comes true.They wake up in the morning as 18 year olds.

This book was VERY good. I loved it! It starts off as the twins are invited to this great, big Christmas bash of the year. Of course, the best part was that there was going to be high school guys there! But when they're parents say they're too young for a high school/middle school party, they're hopes and excitments vanish. But that night before they go to bed, they wish they were all grown up so that they could make they're own decisions and not be bossed around by grown ups all the time! When the following morning arrives, they realize they're wishes came true and thats when the adventure and excitment begins! Read this book! You'll love it! I guarantee! :) ~Samantha~

Janet and Joe Howell are giving a Christmas party.Mr and Mrs.Wakefield let Steven go,since they will have High and Middle schoolers there,but NOT Elizabeth and Jessica,they go to a carnival instead and make a wish for being big.Next morning,They are Adults or teenagers.Their clothes won't fit,so they take their mom's clothes.They get a job driving a donut truck,and working in an office.Steven relizes that the women are his sisters.They go to another carnival and look for the wishing well and unwish the wish.

This book was one of the best books out of the sweet Valley twins series. With its series of laughter, fun and emotion it is the perfect book for you hopefully.
It is about these two identical twin sisters Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. One of Jessica's friends Janet Howell is throwing a joint big christmas bash along with her high school aged brother Joe. The twins older brother Steven is invited to go along with the twins. The twins are very excited about going but Steven isn't. He would give anything for them not to be there so he trys to bargain with them.
Eventually the twins parents Alice and Ned Wakefield find out there are going to be high school boys at the party and are a little worried. With a little help from Steven telling his parents how 'wild' the party is going to be the twins aren't allowed to go. They get very disapointed. That night they go to the carnival and make a wish together. They both with 'I wish i were grown up.'
However, much to their surprise their wish comes true! In the morning they wake up to find they've grown into young women overnight. They quickly escape the house so it doesn't cost major embarrasment and their parents think they've ran away. Steven feels bad and trys to help them.
I won't say anymore, i'll have to let you read it for youself.
I Hope you get as much pleasure out of it as i did.

I first read this book about two years ago, but forgot to write a review.
Liz and Jess's parents were being overprotective and weren't allowed to go to this big party because their parents thought. then they make an exact same wish(they're twins!) and the next morning theie wish comes true! but after awhile they regret what they wished for. if you want to know why then i suggest u read the book. have fun! :)

Just what I wanted, the only problem I encountered, wasn't with the book but with the delivery of the item. I ordered it on the 7th and it arrived on the 24th. Amazon was very helpful in solving my problem. I will continue to place orders with them. Thanks again , my granddaughter loves her book.

I grew up in New Orleans and my dad would read this to me every year. After many years and many moves, we lost our original. I was thrilled to find this on Amazon and I purchased it for my dad as a Christmas gift. What a wonderful sight to see him reading it to my two sons this Christmas Eve!

This book has been a Christmas tradition in my family for many years. We are Cajuns and love this story. The illustrations are well drawn and bring this story to life for people of all ages.

My husband and I saw this book when we toured New Orleans a couple of years ago, but I couldn't justify the price they were asking for it in the stores there in New Orleans. However, when I saw the price through Amazon, I had to have this book. It is definitely a lighthearted story that old and young would enjoy.

I purchased this book for my two grandsons, ages 7 and 4. I was born and raised in Louisiana as was my daughter and the Cajun history is part of my grandsons' legacy though they were not born there. The grandsons were reduced to laughter and delight at grandma reading the book to them in the Cajun "accent". The 7 year old has tried his hand at reading as well and thoroughly entertains his younger brother. This will definitely become part of our Christmas traditions here in Illinois. The best part of all, it keeps my grandsons inspired to read!

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition is a treasure for those -- like me -- who love this Christmas classic. It is a great "behind the scenes look" that includes photos of the cast of characters whose voices are so familiar. Give it as a gift to the "Peanuts Fan" in your life.
Philip D. Halfacre
Author, Genuine Friendship

While we've been treated to many Charles Schulz documentaries and remembrances over the years, "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" is the first book to focus on the first Peanuts' television special. The book includes in-depth interviews with producer Lee Mendelson, animator Bill Melendez, and Vince Guaraldi's children. This book is the ultimate backstage pass to the recording studio, with interviews with the original child actors who voiced the characters and sang on Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here." As a bonus treat, the script and original animation art round out the book.

I loved this book! It has material for every fan of the famous TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I may not be musical, but if you are, this book includes the music. I am fond of the discussions of the people involved in creating the production of the TV show and the script. I will be using the script in my classroom for Reader's Theatre. The book has a lot of material that has meaning for me personally. I was young when this special was shown on television and it was always one of my favorites. The book was not a disappointment to read and own. I am very glad I bought it.

This is the ultimate companion to the tv show. The art work is from the original show and the dialogue is a great bonus! The book is also packed with great trivia and information about the decisions "behind stage" that led to the creation of the ultimate Christmas Special.

"Charlie Brown Christmas" is the crown jewel of Christmas specials. Heavy on holiday introspection, but with the dry wit and humor you'd come to expect from Charles Schulz's creations.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" just expands that experience, by outlining how the famed special came to be -- the music, the animation, the voice acting, even the advertisement to get people to watch it. It's a charming, nostalgic little book, and a good accompaniment.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" was spun up quickly, when Coca Cola wanted a Christmas special in less than a week -- and Charles Schulz's lovable loser Charlie Brown seemed to be the ticket. But the special was made very differently from other cartoons -- 2-D animation, no laugh track, uncutesy kids, and (horrors!) a jazz soundtrack. It was doomed to fail, they said.

Well, instead it became a booming hit, and has been running every December ever since. Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez reminisce in here about the much-loved Charles Schulz, and about Vince Guaraldi, who made the distinctive piano soundtrack, and why it's so beloved -- it dares to approach holiday ennui and commercialization, then dashes it away with Linus' description of Christmas' meaning.

As for the "making of" portion, there are storyboards, musical scores, test photos, clips of television reviews, and rare photos like Melendez and Schulz doing the football gag. Finally, there is the entire script of the special, framed by colourful stills from the cartoon.

You couldn't wring this much information from most half-hour animated specials, no matter how much fun they were. But it's a bit different with "Charlie Brown Christmas." It was so completely unusual -- and has proved to be so timeless -- that a book on the making of it, and its effect, seems completely right.

It's a very conversational, reminiscent book. It feels like sitting in a room with Melendez and Mendelson, listening to them reminisce about "Sparky." And we also get input from other people involved in the project, such as Christopher Shea (Linus), who talks about his famous "Second Chapter of Luke" speech, as well as odd bits of trivia (the little girl playing Sally had to be fed her lines).

The Christmas special is more than able to stand on its own, but "Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" is a wonderful accompaniment. Full of interesting tidbits and history.

My 3-year-old loves this book and so do I. I've been reading it to her for over a year and it's always been a favorite. It has great illustrations and a clever, original story.

Jan Brett's story, "The Hat", is a real wonderous book! This book is a wonderful well-written story! With breath-taking pictures, and a beautiful story line, this book will have you smiling all the way through it!
In the story, a little hedgehog named Hedgie finds a stocking on the ground. Thinking it is a stylish winter cap, he wears it on his head, but it gets stuck on his sharp pointy quills! He goes around to show off his newfound hat, but gets laughed at by the animals each time. Poor miserable Hedgie goes off to be by himself. When the "hat's" owner retrieves it back from Hedgie, a wonderous and helarious thing happens! You'll have to read the book to find out!
The realistic pictures and side drawngs complete this wonderful picture book. For ages 6 and up, this book is another one of Brett's adored picture books that will have you reading it over and over again!

Love Jan Brett... This one actually has two stories going, one in the main pages and one in the insets along the side, then they come together in the end. Fabulous!

I love Jan Brett's work: A modern day Shirley Hughes, I think. 'The Hat' is as beautiful and charming stories as any of her stories - and with wintertime feel-good-factor.

Get The Mitten instead, if you don't own it yet. This one is a little on the tedious side. You can see exactly where it's going from the very beginning and it doesn't have the peek-a-boo/sneeze joke in it that my daughter loves so much in The Mitten. To be honest, this is one of those books we have in our bookcase for variety and one of those ones where I skip parts just to get to the end of it.

This was the favorite Christmas book of my childhood, and remains the favorite with my children too.

great story book for children. reprint of original from 1950s. recommend as holiday reading with children.

the book is okay, the stories are short, and the drawings aren't that great, a lot of the drawings are in black and white too

This book is a must-have for your children's Christmas story collection, a great choice for snuggling up at night during the holidays with your family. It's filled with lots of classic tales about Christmas, and some that have been faded in the cultural memory, but which are well worth sharing. My children particularly enjoyed the tale of the Babushka, searching for the little child who was born on Christmas night. There is a wonderful variety of stories to choose from, and a well-rounded treasury to appeal to both boys and girls alike.

The Tall stories are really cute and creative. I'm glad to have discovered the book.

This gentle story, told in simple rhyme, shows animals in a stable getting ready for a special guest. The block-print art, rich in earth-tones, gives a humble and loving feel to the scene. Each animal does what it can to prepare the stable, and when Mary and Joseph arrive, the animals stand in hushed anticipation. The final page shows all the animals gathered around the new baby Jesus, saying, "Welcome, welcome to our house!" A perfect read-aloud for little ones.

My toddler class loved this book. They loved the repetition and every time I'd read the line "Who is coming to our house?" they'd yell Jesus!! It is a great story told from the animals' perspective and a wonderful addition to any preschooler's library!

A wonderful little board book for the little ones. Nice size for them to handle! The Christmas story from the viewpoint of the stable animals is special. The colors are eye catching. Highly recommended!

This book is a favorite for my two pre-school-aged children. We read it year-round.

The rhymes of the tale are engaging. (I love the oft repeated line: "Someone, someone," says Mouse.)

My only quibble with the book is the art work. It is not to my taste, though I think that that is more a matter of personal preference than anything else.

I am SO SICK of this book. I have to read it over and over and over again all day long. My daughter (17 months) will pull it from the bottom of a pile of books and bring it to me to read. On the final page she pats the baby's face and says "Baby. Baby." It's a very sweet little book and worth getting; your child will love it.

My daughter brought this book home from her school library and both my husband and I were touched by this book so much that we ordered a copy for our family. This a great book for teaching the true meaning of friendship to all ages. I would recommend this book for anyone who works with children. It will be a tradition in our house for a long no matter what the season.

This is a wonderful book. My grandson loved the story and wanted me to read it to him many times. A nice twist on the sometimes touchy subject of cutting down a tree for Christmas.

I loved this book but from the cover art to the copy there is a tone of sadness. I bought it for a niece who is particulalry sensitive and it bothered her from the beginning. While I stressed the 'happy ending' the cover art really held her captive but in a sad way. It is a beautifully illustrated book but just know the child you are buying for. She is 6 and capable of understanding the difference between a book and reality so I tried to make it a teaching moment. Sadness is a real emotion so we talked about it in the framework of how life can be sad but it also often works out just fine.

A very nice story, with great illustrations. Good for all ages. It's not often that you see a book this meaningful, finished off so nicely.

I have a 2 and 4 year old, and I would buy this again. They'll understand it more each year, but it's a sweet storyline. I bought it used and it was aok.