Advent Books

Matilda Harrison's drawings are lavish embellishments to the poems and stories gathered by anthologist Fiona Waters in The Book Of Christmas. Here are extracts from favorites old and new, providing a vivid blend of rhymes and pictures parents and kids especially will enjoy.

I LOVE THIS BOOK I HAVE THE CD I GOT IT FOR CHRISTMAS. I KNOW EVER THING ABOUT BOYZIIMEN NATHAN AND MICHEAL WAS BORN IN 1971 SHAWN WAS BORN 1972 AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST WANYA WAS BORN 1973 HE THE BABY NATHAN HAVE A HAIR SALON AND IF BOYZ II MEN READ THIS EMAIL ME AT tori27401@yahoo.com

What lovely illustrations. The text is not biblical (Mary and Joseph are kind to every creature, ...ok), but the illustrations are amazing. All hand-made with felt and antique fabrics and trims. It looks like you could touch them. Absolutely wonderful. The illustrations pull this book from the three stars I would have given the text, all the way to five stars. After all, I know the Christmas story, so I can use the book to show the story without reading the author's words.

This is a good story for children about St. Francis. 3 or 4 year olds would enjoy having it read to them while 3rd graders will enjoy being able to read it for themselves. While it talks a little bit about who St. Francis is in general. While pointing out that it was while he was sick that he seemed to go through an experience of conversion (though it is put on a child's level of understanding) it does not mention anything about the wars involved. While it tells about the father asking for everything back, there is no picture or mention about his standing in front of the bishop and towns people in the process. It focuses on Francis' preaching to the birds, the wolf of Gubbio and the first live Christmas creche. The pages are filled with pictures of the same artistic kind of work shown on the cover. There is about 10 lines of typing for every 2 pages.

"Build Your Own Bethlehem" is a great little book for children or adults. It is beautifully illustrated & the figures are easy to assemble. The text ties the figures into Christian theology and worship & the figures can be used for the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Epiphany & the Presentation in the Temple
(Candlemas). Perfect for parents & children to work on together. It is the only nativity scene I have come across that includes Anna & Simeon from the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The price is a bargain so I bought several to use as Christmas gifts.

Christmastime is here, and we're invited to spend the wonderful season celebrating with a cheerful bunny, and the rest of his bunny family, like Mom, Dad, brother, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, all in celebration of the wonderful holiday. Not only that, we'll be there as the bunny family trims the tree, hangs the lights, sings Christmas carols, and much, much more.

Rick Walton has created an adorable new children's book, that will help young readers to realize that the seaon isn't just about getting presents, but about spending time with your family, and celebrating. Paige Miglio complements Walton's writing with her absolutely gorgeous illustrations depicting the bunny family getting ready for the holidays. This is a wonderful new holiday book that will be loved by readers young and old, and is absolutely perfect to pull out on a cold winter's night. A must have!

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Kathie Kelleher's full page illustrations were so eye catching and delightful. This is a great book to share with the kids in your life, this holiday season. Every page created excitement and laughter. It's great to learn about other cultures while having fun. Each page was a "Smorges Board" filled with wonderful copy and exquisite full color illustrations. Highly recommend! Fun for children AND adults.

I purchased this book as a little something for my 5 year old to work on throughout the holiday. She loved it! The book contains many stickers that your child can stick onto the story pages to finish the picture. If your child changes his/her mind of where to put the sticker, just easily lift the sticker from the page and replace it somewhere else. I found this book worth the money and fun.

Winter break has arrived, and the Callahan cousins (Hillary, Kate, Phoebe, and Neeve) have decided to spend their holiday vacation together at Grandmother Gee's rambling estate in the lovely, and very holiday-oriented, Gull Island. The reunion won't be as long as last summer, but the four girls, along with sprightly Gee, plan on making the most of it. Especially Phoebe. Phoebe, the voracious reader, has dreamt of a perfect, traditional Christmas ever since she was a mere toddler, lugging around her copy of Laura Ingalls Wilder's LITTLE HOUSE IN THE BIG WOODS. However, living in sunny Florida, and having a father insistent upon un-Christmas-like traditions, Phoebe has never gotten her wish. But this year, she knows things will be different. This year, with a little help from her beloved cousins, and Gee, along with Gee's cook, Sheila, Phoebe has decided that everything will be traditional. From the Victorian-era tree they decorate in the living room, to the foods and desserts they indulge in, even going as far as wishing the snow would stick for once. However, the more that Phoebe becomes obsessed with snowman contests, sledding, caroling, making snow angels, and even participating in a Christmas-themed sleepover at the Gull Island Whaling Museum, the more she drives the people around her crazy. Now, with Phoebe planning an extra special, extra furry, holiday gift for Gee, the cousins realize just how out-of-hand Phoebe's plans for a proper traditional Christmas have become, and enlist the help of Gee to talk some sense into her before the holiday is ruined. and Phoebe's plans for a proper traditional Christmas go out the window.

As a voracious reader myself, who has always dreamed of a proper traditional Christmas in the fashion of those described in the works of Laura Ingalls Wilder, Louise May Alcott, and countless others, I found myself forming an instant bond with Phoebe, and understanding exactly what she was looking for in terms of Christmas and celebration, straight off the bat. In fact, to a certain extent, I almost felt as if this story was written about me - a feeling I rarely experience. Elizabeth Doyle Carey has done an amazing job of capturing the emotions of Phoebe, as well as those of the people around her. Her descriptions of highs and lows, disappointments, and excitement are accurate, and really send the reader into fits of joy and sadness along with the characters. In TOGETHER AGAIN, Carey features countless narratives that truly bring the imagery to life; from the snow-covered plains and trees, to the smells of delicious desserts baking; all the way to the screeching, yet joyful, sounds of carolers, and the gift that you receive from helping those less fortunate than yourself. Mixed together, these things present a delightful holiday story that will warm anyone's heart. My only qualm is that a recipe for the angel cakes wasn't included. An enjoyable, can't-put-down tale, that will leave you in the Christmas spirit - even during those warm, summer months!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

After re-reading this poignant touching love story again, I can only say "Callie & Zora" is a beautiful, compelling tale that gets better with each read! Whether child or adult you will be drawn to these two "soulmates" and their engrossing life experiences. My eyes teared with sadness and joy as their story unfolded! I strongly recommend "Callie & Zora" for children, their parents, or anyone who enjoys good reading and good writing!! Also, the wonderful illustrations only add to a totally enjoyable time spent with "Callie & Zora".