Advent Books

What a great book. Read to my two boys age 4 and 6 and they were engrossed in this story of the boy Nicholas who's good deeds for others led to him becoming St Nicholas (Santa Claus). The holidays are a great time to teach kids about thinking of and giving to others and this book offers a great platform for doing just that.

"This is the first in a series of the "Nicholes Stories" childrens books. It is a tale about a boy named Nicholas, whose simple gift of love is seen by Angels, and his wish is a lasting reward that effects the world forever." These books will become cherished family traditions for the holidays.
"The Nicholas Stories have been designed to provide inspiration to young and old and is designed in content for all people of the world."
This book and the others that follow bridge the gap between the true meaning of Christmas and Saint Nicholas while reminding us all to live life with compassion, honesty and belief. I adored them and can't wait to read them to my grandchildren!!

My grandchildren and I enjoyed the book very much; it was a very heart warming story. We loved all the singing on the DVD. I highly recommend this book for the whold family.:: Linda Mendez; A big fan of Diane Zuber,Thank You.

An original story creatively written by Diane C. Zuber and deftly illustrated by Mary Meehan Firtl, "The Broken Doll" is a Christmas story for young children ages 4 to 9. It is the story of a family's love for each other having more importance than the presence of expensive toys under a Christmas tree. Young Audra begs for every toy she sees but due to her father's recent lay-off from work, the family doesn't have the money to buy toys this Christmas season. Over the weeks leading up to Christmas morning Audra is a little girl who learns several valuable lessons all culminating in having the best Christmas ever for her family and herself. "The Broken Doll" is a wonderfully entertaining addition to any school or community library's Christmas picturebook collection -- and has an entertainingly presented message that children can benefit from all year long.

Great fun for all ages; children and adults appreciate the photography, Santa's expressions, and Santa's message. Santa shares the message of the importance of being good . . . not only so he will visit but also to be considerate of others. Love both books, we are "collecting" the series and giving them as gifts!

Wonderful children's book and a nice compliment to another book produced last year ... arrived fine.

This is a very enjoyable book. Has a great message for kids and is fun for them to read.

We have kids and lots of books. This is must have. The kids love it, and we do too. Very well written and great illustrations. If we did not have kids I would have purchased it!

Enthusiastically recommended for children ages 5 through 8, Calie's Gift is the story of an elderly woman and a group of schoochildren who form a special friendship in a small urban park. Every school day, Calie takes a recorder out of her ever-present shopping cart and blows tunes for the chldren of a nerby school. Over a period of months the elderly Calie shares her musical gifts to entertain the children during their daily lunch break. When Christmas comes, the children take their turn in showing their affection and appreciation for Calie by giving her a very special gift which reminds her of the true meaning of Christmas. The lovely artwork by Dean Vavak is a perfect showcase for Mardeline Arroyo's wonderfully charming story of friendship, the devine love of Jesus, and the Christmas season.

Our family loves this book. And it is perfect for the Christmas season. It also helps my children to value the true meaning of Christmas and not just the "getting presents" part of it.

This book is simply amazing. Everytime I read it with my 4-year old, we pick up something new in the illustrations. It is carefully crafted on a religious level to not be overly religious but the book picks up momentum as it progresses. My 4-year old (as well as me!) are constantly looking back at previous pages to see what we recognize in the newest scene. This is such a unique approach to the wonderful carols it illustrates. We originally got a copy out of the library but now own our own, a very well read copy.

The charming colorful artwork will warm your heart. At the bottom of most of the 34 pages, you will find the melody line in music notation, with lyrics & chord symbols of many carols, so you & your child can sing along together. A lovely Christmas book celebrating family, children & Christmas.

This is a beautiful work to behold! Coupled with brilliant paintings from various master artists, the author brings scenes alive as if I stand in the wings of a stage watching the greatest story enacted. The poignant words to songs written by Cindy Morgan enhance the inspiration of this devotional book. I bought this book under the title "The Carpenter's Cloth."

With this book, Sigmund Brouwer takes his novelist's gift and applies it to the events of Jesus' final week on earth. The result is sure to move any Christian.

The book is made up of short vignettes. They start with the triumphal entry and proceed through Resurrection Sunday, with events from every day but Saturday. Whether teaching at the temple or at a rigged trial, these brief passages give some insight into Jewish customs or character's thoughts. Obviously, some of this is extra-Biblical, so it fits the Bible story.

If parts of this book seem familiar, it was released several years ago as THE CARPENTER'S CLOTH. Furthermore, parts were also incorporated into his novel THE WEEPING CHAMBER. If you like this book, I definitely recommend you pick up that novel. It is just as powerful and moving while giving a bigger picture then this does.

Sometimes with only a few paragraphs, Mr. Brouwer is able to give fresh insight into the familiar Bible story. I've used this book as a devotional guide during Passion Week. It touched my heart and made me appreciate anew what Jesus did for me.

This Book was great! It makes you want to keep reading on and not Put it down!

This Book was great! It makes you want to keep reading on and not Put it down!

Hi I am (...) and I am 8 years old in school I read this book as a D.E.A.R [drop everything and read] book and I could not put it down. The two identical twins help me get attracted to the book. Is the new custodian Santa Claus? Find out in this book.

I liked this book because I like mysteries. I like how Jessica believes in Santa Claus cause I do too! It was a great mystery!!

Set on the east side of Manhattan, Cecil's New Year's Eve Tail is a children's picturebook following Cecil the wealthy and well-dressed snake. Though Cecil carries himself with impeccable poise, he is distressed that the human world seems to reject him. Just as he is on the verge of giving up, his friends remind him to take part in their holiday celebration - and Cecil learns that fitting in the human world is not as important as being oneself in the company of true friends. A glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to young people rounds out this kindly holiday tale, featuring simple color illustrations of a snake who tries to dress like humans.

What a wonderful book to share with children during the holidays! There are so few books out there that cover New Year's as a holiday, and Cecil's Tail, is one you'll love to add to your library.

Cecil lives in Manhattan, and is a highly respected citizen. His family was wealthy and well thought of in England. The Queen even knighted his grandfather for his services to the court. But one day, Cecil finds himself an outcast among his peers when he receives an invitation to a New Year's Eve Ball. All the guests are asked to wear their finest things and patent leather dancing shoes. Cecil is beside himself because he doesn't own a pair of patent leather dancing shoes. Why doesn't he just buy a pair? This is easier said than done. You see, Cecil is a Snake!

Cecil's New Year's Eve Tail is the second book in Marie Fritz Perry's career that she has written and illustrated. The illustrations are done in wonderful watercolor, ink, and colored pencil - all of which bring the story to life. Perry's also done a wonderful job wrapping us with her words about the craziness of finding the perfect outfit for a party, wanting to hide from our problems, and reminding us that our friends like us no matter who we are.

Stories for Children Editor, VS Grenier