Advent Books

Christmas Turtles is a heart warming story about a sweet family tradition. Every year, Grandma bakes chocolate turtles (the candy not the animals) for her grandchildren. Grandma takes a good deal of care and energy to make them from scratch, from harvesting pecan trees that she has planted for each grandchild to the delicious finished candies. Christmas Turtles comes complete with a holiday recipe for Christmas Turtles so that you too can start your own holiday tradition.

Christmas Turtles is a wonderful book about a grandmother's love for her grandchildren. It teaches about giving....even when it hurts. It's about love, dedication, and sacrifice. If you're looking for a book with good family values and an original story, this is the one to get. Our kids love it!

This is Denson's story of how her grandma planted a pecan tree commemorating Denson's birth and the birth of all her siblings. It is about how they then gathered the sprouting tree's fruit: pecans to make chocolate-covered turtles for Christmas.

As Denson's grandmother aged, she kept up this tradition even though she was plagued by osteoporosis, arthritis and diabetes. She couldn't enjoy the fruits of her efforts but the tradition is a cherished memory and shows children how anything that is a ritual during any time of year can become a tradition. It doesn't need to be all about Christmas gifts and Santa, but about the love and dedication of those near and dearest to us.

Denson and all her younger family members used to hide the chocolate pecan delights from the adults, in typical child fashion, wanting to keep the coveted booty for themselves. Grandma says, "I can't eat them," she said. "I just make them to see the glow in your eyes."

Food is such an essential part of how a lot of us were raised. We were shown love through what our grandparents, parents and other family members cooked for us and fed us as children. Denson captures the innocence and unconditional love of a child for her grandma's kindness.

It is a poignant children's hard cover book with gorgeous illustrations by Tara McMillen--a great glossy book to give as a gift all year round.

Armchair Interviews says: A lengthy book, not a first reader, but a good one for an adult to read to children and the recipe for Christmas Turtles is included for the book owner to continue this precious tradition.

Christmas Turtles (Purple Sky Publishing, October 2006, hardcover, 32 pages) by Sara Ann Denson is another wonderful story of a grandmother's love and a special holiday tradition.

In the story, with adorable illustrations by Tara McMillen, four young children engage in their annual tradition of enjoying Christmas turtles at Grandma's house. Many families have these special, food related traditions. At Grandma's farmhouse each year, the children race to find the turtle treats that they think have been magically prepared by elves. One year, they learn that it has in fact been Grandma who has lovingly prepared the treats, despite the physical pain she must endure to prepare the turtles.

A wonderful "Christmas Turtle" recipe is included at the end of the book so that you can start the tradition of making this treat with your children.

Christmas Turtles teaches that the best gifts are those given in the spirit of love.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (10/06)

This delightful story will warm the hearts of the whole family. "Christmas Turtles" celebrates the true meaning of Christmas when one grandmother demonstrates her love for her family through her actions and self-sacrifice.

A pecan tree was planted behind the barn when each grandchild was born. As the children grow, so do the trees. Every fall Grandmother bends over and gathers the small brown nuts in her skirt. Then the worn Christmas tin and the silver nutcracker are brought out. The grandchildren help assist preparing the nuts. The golden halves are stacked in the faded tin and placed in the freezer. Each Christmas morning the pecan halves have disappeared only to be magically replaced by delicious chocolate turtles. But how did the turtles get there, did an elf make them? One mother explains, "Someone who loves you more than an elf made the turtles."

This book demonstrates self-sacrifice. Grandmother must bend over to collect the nuts. Her hands hurt when she cracks them open. She must spend much time standing before the stove on tired legs. All this for a candy she cannot eat. Grandmother's greatest pleasure is seeing the delight on her families face as they eat the turtles she so lovingly prepared.

This book was obviously penned in love. The illustrations are delightful, adding much to the story. The plot is beautifully written. I suspect it is based on a memory. The author is generous in sharing a recipe for "Christmas Turtles." I look forward to making these for my grandchildren. What a marvelous tradition it will be to watch their eyes as they bite into a Christmas Turtle. It is with great honor that I highly recommend this book to parents and grandparents. The story is a pleasure to read and the meaning behind it is a treasure to hold deep in your heart.

Dragon's Merry Christmas will be loved by young readers in your family circle. The stories show the sensitivity of Dragon, and his feelings of the Christmas spirit. He finds the perfect Christmas tree, but can't bring himself to chop it down and bring it to his own house. He decorates it right where it grows! Overwhelmed by the sweetness of a candy wreath, Dragon eats and eats! But it is Dragon's discovering the joy of giving -- the meaning of Christmas -- that makes this book so perfect.

The imaginative illustrations add to the quality of the book.

Dragon's Merry Christmas is just one of the great Dragon books written by Dav Pilkey. My 7 year old daughter picked up one of the books at a book fair at her school and read the book over and over again. I came on Amazon in hopes of finding more of these books to keep her intrest alive and found 5 in all. I purchased all of them! They are great books that my daughter can't get enough of. She loves to follow the dragon through is day and while we are reading the books we stop and talk about what we might do if we had some of the same problems as the dragon encounters in the stories. My daughter now will point out problems that she encounters that have similar qualities to those the Dragon encounters. The Dragon's Merry Christmas is a perfect book to read over and over for the holiday.

THIS LITTLE DRAGON MAKES THE BOYS TOTALLY HAPPY TO READ ABOUT BECAUSE HE SO REMINDS THEM OF THERE HERO THEIR GRANDMA (GUMP) ALL KIDS SHOULD HAVE SUCH A FINE SIMPLY EXAMPLE LIKE THE STORIES ABOUT DRAGON & THEY SAY GRANDMA WOULD DO IT THE SAME WAY TOO!!! DRAGON'S BOOKS R ONLY SHARED WITH THEM BY GRANDMA UNLESS THEY REALLY MISS HER THEN INSTEAD WE READ THEM TOGEHER SO THEY WON'T BE SO UNHAPPY THAT SHE'S NOT HERE YET!

This colorful book is a collection of 4 very short Christmas-y stories - none of them actually "religious" in nature, but rather they touch on the spirit of the holiday season. Each story has a sincere message and can be enjoyed at face value, or can serve as a catalyst for a more meaningful discussion with your child. The illustrations and the story are pleasing for both adults and the young audience. It is perfect for reading to an audience of children under the age of 8 - and can also be read by 1st or 2nd graders. This type of book fills a void for young readers that seems to fall between the overly simply picture books and the more advanced chapter books that often lack engaging artwork. My children, ages 4 and 7 both enjoyed the book and we will be buying more Dav Pilkey books.

My daughter loves Dragon stories! They are clever and funny, but always have such a sweet message. I hope to buy them all for me,er, I mean her....They make for a great bed time read that you don't mind reading again, and again, and again, and again.

Never before have I heard the Christmas story through the first person narrative of a camel, and it made for such a fun read. Carol Heyer's illustrations are so vibrant and full of life. This adds to the charm of the telling of the Birth of Christ. Humphrey's dialogue is that of a disgruntled camel who just acquired a blanket, somewhat by force. Humphrey believes that he is carrying more than his load of who knows what, to who knows where. In the end, Humphrey is changed by the love that surrounds the Christ Child, so changed, that he gives his newest prize posession as a gift. Both the story and illustrations are moving...the makings of a classic.

This is a delightful book. The illustrations are beautiful and the message is thought provoking for all ages.

This book arrived in excellent condition. I gave it as a gift to my nephew.

This book is just beautiful. The art work is fantastic, and the story is cute.

There's a little bit of Humphrey in all of us: that ever-so-slightly-complainy inner voice, full of wishful thinking. You're in love with his perfectly goofy face by the middle of the book -- and by the end, he's family.

Humphrey's entertaining and beautifully illustrated journey to the manger of baby Jesus rings loud and clear with the true spirit of Christmas, without ever straying toward the cloying or sappy. Read it to your kids and make room on the shelf -- Humphrey's a keeper.

I thought this book was a great book.I think its a great book because of it helps explain how santa came to be.Ialso think its a good book because it helps to feed litle kids imanginations. I thought that giving toys away willingly was a generous thing to do. That's why I think The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is a good book

This truly magnificent book has been a family tradition for over 50 years. I have the most fondest memories of my siblings and I sitting in our living room as children listening to our parents read 1 or 2 chapters per night. They would time it perfectly to have the last chapter read on Christmas Eve year after year. More than 30 years later, I continue the tradition with my own children. Although they find the first chapter sad and difficult to understand, my children have learned that the obstacles we encounter in life help shape us into who we are, with Nicholas being the perfect example.

My mother gave me my very own copy of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus when I got married. She wrote on the inside cover, "Dear Patty, I hope you enjoy this book for as many years as I have. May it always remind you of all the Merry Christmas' that we all shared. The years pass so quickly and we are fortunate to have so many happy memories. Love, As Always, Mother" This book will always be one of the most cherished parts of my life. Begin the tradition...

This is the most loving, gentle story of the Santa Claus legend I have ever read. A wonderful telling of the tale, good for children who still believe in Santa Claus, their older siblings who have learned their elders are the givers, and parents who are looking for a way to explain the transition and to focus on the real meaning of Christmas giving.

I have had the 1923 Norwood Press (Norwood, Massachusetts) edition since I was a little girl, and I raised my children on it. I was sharing it with a friend who has grandchildren, and she wanted a copy for them -- we assumed it would be out of print, but I checked on line to see if it was still in copyright before making a photocopy. I'm so grateful it's still in print -- I've just ordered 4 copies to share!

When my adult children were in elementary school, every year during the Christmas season their principal (Mr. Houghton) would read this story over the p.a. system. They would come home and tell me all about it. They were so enchanted with the story I decieded to buy the book and read it myself. When I finished the book I believed in Santa again. It has become a tradition in our home to read every year. I have since bought the book as gifts and everyone who reads it loves it. I have bought copies for when my children become parents so they will have it for their children. I hope it lives on throught the ages. Thank you Mr. Houghton for introducing this wonderful book to my children.

What a beautiful story of how Santa Claus came into being . . it will let you believe! When my son was young, we would read it as a chapter book, we would start on the 8th of the month and read a chapter every day. As he got older, we would take turns reading it to each other. I give credit to Julie Lane for prolonging my sons belief in Santa Claus and he now carries the spirit of Santa Claus in his heart. I strongly recommend it for your bookshlf, no matter how old you are!!!!

I bought this book for my children as a special treat for Advent. We read a chapter a night leading up to Christmas. The book held their attention and in a very subtle way helped them to contemplate how GOD works in their life - how they have a mission to fulfill called GOD's will and how GOD is truly All-Powerful. My children's favorite scenes were when the main characters were in sticky situations and they receive the help of the angels..I think this helped them to ponder how they are not ever alone, but surrounded by GOD's power and might.

I have always wondered what happened to the wisemen after they saw Jesus. Did they go back and pick up on their lives or were they forever connected to Jesus? Were they there when they crucified Jesus? Were they witnesses to His teachings? A little after reading the book, the sequel, THE MUMMY RETURNS, opened in movie theaters. The main character in the movie, as played by Brendan Fraser, discovers that he is a descendant of the Magi. He even had a special mark on his arm that only the Magi had. Weird huh? This book and then this movie, talking about the magi. Arabian Horses are amazing animals. They are deeply spiritual horses. The splendor of God is evident in these horses. If you love Arabian Horses, this is a wonderful book to read. If you need to "jump-start" your passion for Jesus, this book, will help you to do it!!!

Wisdom of the ages has been passed down by storytellers for thousands of years from generation to generation. Jo is a master storyteller who knows how to weave a plot. She knows people, she knows horses, and she knows what she believes in. You won't want to put this book down!

I read this book over a year ago for the first time. Now I have read it three times! I'm never able to stop reading it once I start to. I love horses and I love the way the author describes things. I feel like I am actually in the story! I 'm only eleven, so trust me, you need to buy this for your kids, especially ones like me who love horses.

My friend asked me to read this book, but I was reluctant, because I'm not into horses. I was pleasantly surprised by how I was drawn into the story and how it kept my interest. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Trilogy with great anticipation!

The product came to my attention during the Christmas Season.
I could not be happier with my decision to purchase it.
I have read it twice and I cannot count how many times my wife has read it.

If you are familiar with this song and realize that it was written by Mark Lowry then having this book also written by him and him performing the song is just great. He puts as much thought in this book as is in the song. They go hand in hand.

The words to this song is the story of the real Christmas. Such a talented man is Mark Lowry. I understand that it is the only song he ever wrote...with one like this one, who needs another one!

I bought this for myself and then went back and ordered more for Christmas gifts. Everyone who received it has commented on the story and the music. It is also a special treat for me to listen to every Christmas season. I just love it.

This CD and book is THE most beautiful and meaningful gift I've ever received. My husband heard the song on the radio and went searching for it at music store where he found the Mark Lowry book/CD. I couldn't stop crying the first time I heard it. To read the birth of Christ through the eyes of His mother, the most Holy Theotokos, brings a new perspective to this great and holy holiday. I encourage everyone reading this review to purchase one for yourself and one for someone you love.

I can't help but love those snowfolk that seem to have a more interesting life than I. Ms. Buehner once again brings their holiday activities to life with vivid poetry and an imaginative Christmas Eve, complete with a Santa Claus. This should charm anyone.

In addition are the incredibly beautiful illustrations; It is amazing how bright a night time winter can be. Each detail is perfect and colorful.

A great combination of poetry and illustration.

My son borrowed this book from the library and I quickly fell in love with the beautiful pictures and wonderful story. I went right to my computer to order it for my preschool class. The book arrived quickly and was in great condition.

My kids and I love to read "Snowmen at Night" and we were equally happy with "Snowmen at Christmas". It is perfect for reading aloud to kids of all ages. The pictures are beautiful and the story is magical.

I love the concept of her snowmen books--that they do things and live a life when we're asleep or not looking. I also own Snowmen at Night, and enjoy both with my children. They love looking at the detailed illustrations and find it funny that snowmen eat and drink and dance, etc. Great book for our Christmas collection.

This illustrations in this one were quite simple and yet very eye catching. The children, without exception, enjoyed looking at, reading and having this one read to them. A little boy builds a snowman, and that night, has a dream. The snowmen and their families have quite a life of their own in the dream. The text, which is set in rhyme, is quite catching and the cildren enjoy it..which is a very good indorsement for any children's book. The text goes quite well with the well executed illustrations which makes this an easy book to read to a group of the little ones. Recommend this one highly.

Great condition but didn't realise the book contained several stories. Just wanted the one story "Why the chimes rang."It was bought as a gift and the reciever was totally thrilled

I remember this book from long ago. It has a wonderful message. Not only can love make the bells ring, love can change the world! The illustration are just perfect for the story. This would make the perfect holday gift for young people, or even not so young people who want to regain the Christmas spirit of giving and service.

Destined to be a Christmas classic:Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--echoes the message of Why the Chimes Rang.

Growing up in a small town in Indiana, I got to listen to my paternal grandfather read this story to the assembled family every Christmas Eve. My father has continued the tradition within our family, reading from an original 1906 edition of the book. Every year like clockwork, my mother cries as she looks around the room at her sons, their families and the dogs. My partner and I are adopting a boy and a girl from Guatemala this year, and I can't wait to begin this tradition in our home. This is a truly glorious story about Christmas. Read it and share it with your own family. And make sure it's read aloud by the family member with the most sonorous voice.

lovely pictures and great story
nice to find a childrens christmas book that isnt a popular character of the month
adults will enjoy also, so makes reading together the experience it should be

What a delight to find this classic from my childhood. Our parents read to us at bedtime. This story of love and sharing relates universal values. Thank you for making it available.

I LOVE Frank McCourt's books. There is no story more emotionally riveting and profound than "Angela's Ashes". I just wish his newer books had better endings. This most recent book just dwindles away at the end. I was waiting for something more, and it merely dropped off. Frank is truly the best story teller of our lifetime. I hope he writes many more books about Ireland.

This book is short and very appealing to young readers. The message is universal. It's about love.

We loved this story for its message about the real reason for the Christmas season. In today's culture of "political correctness" and not wanting to offend anyone that often is missing. The artwork is soft and beautiful. It will be a book that is set out for Christmas reading for many years to come.

my entire family loved this book! My son's received it first & thought it would be a great gift for our uncle who is a priest! The only difference between the children's version & the adult is the art work. It's a lovely story!

Enjoyed reading it to the grandchildren but pictures were a little dark for the younger ones.

This is a fun search & find book with a Christmas theme. My niece, nephew and teenage sons all had fun looking for the hidden items. Some items are simple to find and others extremely difficult.

If you like I Spy books and looking for things this book is great. The pictures are very imaginative. I really enjoyed it. Great for children and adults. Wonderful for Christmas fun.

Excellent for spotting the finer things in pictures. My 7 year old loves to look at these books over and over again.

I have the entire series of "Can You See What I See?" and my son at 4 1/2 really enjoys these. I bought his first book when he was about three. It has helped his visual skills so much that he can find some of the objects faster than I can.

Walter Wick books are a favorite of my 5-year old, and this one is a favorite of mine. The photos are absolutely beautiful and full of Christmas spirit. Although kids love the repetition of finding the same things over and over in hidden picture books, adults can get tired of it fast enough. But the photos in this book hold your attention like a coffee-table art book, making it a pleasure to find five Santas in the Gingerbread house for the umpteenth time.