Advent Books

I found this little gem in a gift shop after Christmas last year. I learned a lot about the roots of gospel music in the easy to read format.I think it will appeal to all ages levels. I have enjoyed the free CD enclosed as an added bonus. I played it all year long. I'm shopping Amazon for gift copies, as I plan to give several as gifts this year.

This small volume contains a wealth of information about the formation and history of Black Christian religious music. It explains the Gospel and Jubilee forms of musical expression. The music quality is excellent. The selections familiar. It would make a great Christmas present for music enthusiasts of all ages

a book that really lets the imagination go. has all the makings to be a great classic movie takes you to places you've never been to before !! a must read

It is indeed the greatest Christmas adventure story I have ever read. It is funny, adventurous and I couldn't put it down. My kids wanted me to read it again to them. I'm certain that any child would have a wonderful time reading it. I hope the author continues to write books of this nature. I would recommend it to anyone from 7 to 107 years old! Don't pass it up.

I can't believe this book is out of print! It tell the story of an angel who sacrifices herself to be the Star of Bethlehem. The ending is so touching, so beautiful, that it makes me cry every time I read it. It is a book for children and grown-ups and should be on everyone's shelf to share during the holidays. Why oh why did it go out-of-print?! I hope the publishers reconsider and republish it next holiday season!

This is really a wonderful book not just for children but for adults also. It's the story of an angel named Grace who gives up her heavenly life to come to earth to help Jesus Christ from his birth to his mortal death. If you are really on the fence about organized religion this is the book you need to help you explain to young children about the Savior's mission. It will also help explain selfless love and caring.

The illustrations in the book were great, really help kids and adults stay interested. This book is a Christmas Tradition in our home!

Although I must admit that I don't always like the "signature" Tomie dePaola illustration style, this book was a welcome exception. As mentioned elsewhere, the abundance of rounded lines and the "Christmas-y" colors soften his sometimes more thick, one-dimensional look. The story concerns kind, patient, and nicely plump Santa and Mrs. Claus, as they attempt to throw a Christmas dinner party for their extended family and friends.

These characters' behavior may ring a bell for anyone who has attended or given a holiday dinner. Unlike Mr. Claus, the guests are anything but saints: Adults and children alike argue, complain, sulk, and scowl (much of this by crabby, curmudgeony, cousin Ulla). Santa's brother Boris and his brother-in-law Bertie have a snowball fight, and the Claus' friend Lars brings an univited guest: A huge white animal who looks like a polar bear but--for some reason-- is called a walrus. It appears that each elative has his or her own little idiosyncracy: Uncle Alfred, the inventor, puts his "combination, all-in-one foot massager-back scratch on Santa, who then tumbles and falls. Olga is a would-be opera singer/producer, and dePaola presents a clever subplot about her putting on a Christmas pageant before dinner. Sister Sonja makes mashed potatoes by smashing them--uncooked--with the back of a frying pan! When dinner arrives, praise for the "spread" shares billing with complaints ("No hot dogs!," "I hate this table," and "Turkey--Again!"). Cousin James' "Fiery Flaming Plum Pudding" lives up to its name, almost setting the house on fire.

Of course, by the next morning everyone is happy again (well, except for cousin Ulla, who steals the Christmas wreath...!), and all is forgiven and forgotten, although Mr. and Mrs. Claus have some cleaning to do. (This last scene is a bit confusing, as Santa stands over what looks like a turkey coming out of some gift wrapping.) Overall, the shenanigans of the realtives are quite funny and familiar, albeit exaggerated for effect. DePaola shows that this extended family really is extended; they come from many different countries and have distinct personalities and interests (although there are no discernable people of color). Children may like this version of Santa Claus: He's an approachable guy beset with some of the same big-family holiday problems experienced by many. The book is large enough for sharing with a roomful of students--or with members of a family when they get out of hand.

You can't suppress smiles when looking at an illustration by Tomie dePaola. His pictures are happy, bright, and somehow optimistic. With over 200 books to his credit (primarily children's titles), he's lost none of his enthusiasm and verve. Each successive book is fresh, new, and enjoyed by an eager host of fans.

"Guess Who's Coming To Santa's For Dinner?" is typically exuberant dePaola, from the shiny green and red end papers to the bold full-color, full page illustrations. The book is a square (11 3/4" by 11 3/4", which makes Santa in his argyle socks more smilingly rotund than ever.

As our story opens it's a few weeks before the big day and Santa decides to invite all of his family for Christmas dinner. Well, what a family that is! There's his brother, Boris, and his brood; Sister Olga, and her crew (including grumpy Cousin Ulla plus Mistletoe and Tinsel, their dog and cat). In addition, Santa wants to invite his pal, Lars.

It was a bit surprising when Aunt Astrid arrived almost a day early to help Mrs. Claus in the kitchen. Not at all surprising was the fact that Cousin Ulla was the last to arrive. When most of the ladies adjourned to the kitchen, the men disagreed about what to watch on television. However, Sister Olga, an opera singer, saves the day (almost) by organizing a pageant.

Dinner? That may be the biggest surprise of all.

As always, Tomie dePaola enchants and entertains.

- Gail Cooke

Dr. Kilgo's works are not widely known (as in "popular"), though he was appropriately recognized with the Townsend Prize for Fiction for "Daughter of My People", but his ability to turn a tale is unparalleled. The Hand-Carved Creche and Other Christmas Stories is not as broad in scope as "Daughter of My People", nor is it meant to be. Superficially it is an "easy read", but this is analogous to admiring a gift for its wrapping paper. (By contrast "Daughter of My People" is best savored over a period of days--or even weeks--rather than in a one-shot read.)

Even though the language and structure Kilgo uses in The Hand-Carved Creche are more flowing and perhaps not so finely honed as in his other works, it is Kilgo at his most relaxed best. There is more of Jim Kilgo in this book than in any to date, for what we see are glimpses -- no, more than that, they are long-lasting impressions of the mind and spirit -- into the boyhood of the man to come. But Kilgo's ability to place his reader fully in the context of these Christmas memories also allows the reader to connect to his or her own memories of Christmases past. And we get to ask and reflect on that basic question: what is Christmas really all about?

Not only will you not be sorry you read this book, but you will find yourself drawn to read it again and again as Christmas approaches each year.

Granted, my review of this work is likely somewhat biased by my personal relationship with Jim Kilgo. But I am also no fool: I recognize excellence when I see it.

***The death of Jim Kilgo on Sunday, December 8, 2002, due to pneumonia-related complications means that the world has lost a preeminent novelist and storyteller. He wrote for the love of the language and about his love of family, the outdoors, and friends. He was at the same time a self-confident, determined man and an humble, gentle spirit, never seeking the limelight or the glory. He will be missed.

I discovered Kilgo through his stunning novel, Daughter of My People. This is a little book, but it is rich--more insight and meaning and substance here that there is in most 300 page books. Kilgo can really turn a phrase. And while his telling of his childhood Christmas stories set in South Carolina is perfect, the only problem if that I was left wanting more.

This book has everything: song lyrics, recipes, dance moves, stories to read, art projects, hanukkah blessings. Very recommended.

My husband is Jewish, but I and my son are not, so as we celebrated Hanukkah this year, we wanted to get a book that would be interesting to everyone. We originally found the book at the library. It is wonderful book and has everything we were looking for: music (Hannukah songs and the tunes for the blessings), poems, stories, recipes, games and of course the Blessings with the words in both English and Hebrew. The illustrations are colorful and really reflect the joy of Hanukkah. We liked it so much that we purchased it so that we can make it a part of our Hanukkah tradition.

My kids love the Henry and Mudge Books. Each Story is Wonderful and worth reading over and over again.

Henry and Mudge in the Sparkle Days

Henry and Mudge enjoy the winter season in this delightful collection of three short stories. The words are easy and the type is large enough for the beginning reader to feel comfortable. This book is filled with humorous illustrations that extend the text. In one illustration Henry is sliding a reluctant Mudge across an icy pond. In another picture Mudge messes up Henry's snow angel. This is a good book for the younger set.

Another great book by a great lady!! I love that the Purple Cow is back too!! Keep up the great work!

A new batch of playful poems to celebrate the seasons and holidays! This is a beautifully and whimsically illustrated book that will delight the kids and the adults will have fun with it too! The poems are silly and so much fun.

I am impressed that this includes poems for many different religions and ethnicities. For example there are poems for: the Chinese New Year, Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah, Ramadan, The Nativity, Kwanza, New Years eve, and Martin Luther King. There are many other occasions that have been 'poemized' like camping and fishing, sleepover fun, summer, mother earth and arbor day, flower party and the list goes on.

This is a treasure that you and your kids will enjoy, and you'll wanna keep this book long after your kids are gone! (because don't we all need to be reminded how to be a kid again once in a while?) I loved the author's first book "Lunch Box Mail." -So, be sure to check that one out if you haven't already. Both are great!

I collect advent calendars, and am always looking for interesting ones that aren't just the run of the mill--this calendar is darling. The bunny families are beautifully drawn, and each door that is opened continues the scene in some way, actually telling a little story each time a door is opened. It is charming.

The lovely watercolor print shows a pond skating scene, full of Holly Pond Hill bunnies in their victorian costumes. Very sweet! There is a little flap to open for each day of the advent season with a cute little surprise inside.

It will stand upright on a table or under your tree. It can be stored for use in years to come.

I'm looking forward to starting an advent calendar tradition with my toddler this year. She'll really enjoy those cute bunnies.

This Christmas season I spent time reading this excellent collection of readable, intriguing Christmas stories. All tell of the promise of the season: Goodness, giving, even each a story of a miracle of a kind. The collection subtitled, "Stories for Young and Old" is an apt description of the 332 page paperback compiled by Miriam LeBlanc, illustrated by David G. Klein and published by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York.

This book has the seal of approval of this reader, and here I quote from the note at the book's beginning written by Emmy Arnold. I think this is the right seal of approval in our contemporary America:

"Even though Christmas is exploited for profit, even though its meaning is often corrupted, it is still the time of year that we feel the impulse to think of others. It is still the seasson of anticipation and joy. The brightness and fragrance of a Christmas tree under which gifts are laid--here is light and warmth; here is life and love."

Christmas for me this year was marked by the reading of this title, as one of three I used for my devotion. The others: "Run, Shepherds, Run: Poems for Advent and Christmas," by L. William Countryman; "Watch for the Light: Readings for Advent and Christmas". "Home for Christmas" was my pick as a companion to these two books "...for those who wish to follow the readings sequentially, on a daily basis..." I just kept going at the book of stories, and did not read them sequentially, but on a daily basis. Some of the authors are Pearl Buck, Rebecca Candill, Ruth Sawyer, Elizabeth Groudge, Selma Lagerlof, Henry van Dyke. That from the book's cover.

There are a lot of stories in this book, and I say "goodie" to that for it made excellent seasonal reading, which for some who want to or need to tell a Christmas story will find this an excellent source. Among many, I liked, "The Riders of St. Nicholas" was a good western story. "The day dawned still and clear, with th winternight chill of the high country lingering in the air..." Nice beginning. It is like the others a crisp story in that these bring the specialness and gift of Christmas to the reader, keeping the reader in mind of the season's spirit.

Some may say, these are too sappy. Like "The Chess Player by Ger Koopman that tells of an old man estranged from his daughter and grandson. But since this is the magical season of goodness, peace, and goodwill, the theme of reconciliation between them rings true. So five stars to it, for this is another of the family stories that ring a gifted sound. Not sappy!

I kept going in my reading, finishing the book before the 12 days of Christmas were over. Today is December 28, 2006, and I still feel the remarkable story of God and specialness from "The Christmas Rose" by Selma Lagerlof. It goes at the very beginning of the story: "Robber Mother, who lived in Robbers' Cave in Goinge Forest went down to the village one day on a begging tour." Yes, Christmas is for the estranged, the marginalized, the poor, the old and the holy. For there are miracles and promises--even unusual beauty. This story tells of an Abbot's visit to a garden in the forest. For me, it was almost a tale like a myth. I liked the magical nature of the forest garden.

I have left out telling you, reader, of many other good stories including the visit of the Kings who deliver gifts, and the empty cup of a little boy who fills the life of a distraught woman who lost a child.

Here is one that I will tell you about, and then enough recounting the contents. "The Other Wise Man," by Henry van Dyke. I quote from the beginning: "You know the story of the Three Wise Men of the East, and how they traveled from far away to offer their gifts at the manger-cradle in Bethlehem. But have you ever heard the story of the Other Wise Man, who also saw the star in its rising, and set out to follow it, yet did not arrive with his brethren in the presence of the young child Jesus?"

What I think this book can become for readers is a memorable book of good stories, "...for Young and Old...", a generous selection of Christmas stories you will like to read and remember. Thank God for Christmas, and especially thank goodness for good books that warm the heart and remind us of the spirit of the season: "Home for Christmas: Stories for Young and Old."

--Peter Menkin, Christmas

Most Christmas stories are sentimental. On a "sentimentality scale" of 1 to 10, I would rate this collection of 20 stories a 7; but, a magnificient seven.

My introduction to this collection was by way of the Bruderhof website, that included "No Room in the Inn" by Katherine Paterson. A very well-written short story that tells the message of Christmas with a New England directness and with dry humor that bites. It remains my favorite in the compilation.

The collection includes a few old classics such as "The Christmas Rose" and "The Other Wise Man".

Four of the stories are written in a humorous style that sound better when read aloud for an audience. They include "Riders of St. Nicholas", about three cowboys left on the ranch to fill some idle time; "The Vexation of Barney Hatch", like a tale from O'Henry; "The Carpenter's Christmas", cussing and hammering as a devotional prayer; and "Willibald's Trip to Heaven", a Tyrolean tale of a creche maker who fights with St. Peter. Both young and old will enjoy these four tales and they would lift the spirits of anyone stuck in the hospital over the holidays.

Pearl Buck's "Christmas Day in the Morning" is a sentimental, yet beautiful tale that would have a special appeal for anyone who has worked on a dairy farm.

A common thread of kindness links each of these stories. An added bonus are the woodcut illustrations by David Klein that accompany each story. What an appropriate Christmas gift! I'll buy a few copies of Home for Christmas to give as gifts for next year.