Advent Books

Part of a series developed several decades ago by World Book for young people, these 80-page books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, stories, regional Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, and holiday recipes of many nations.

One interesting aspect of "Christmas in Mexico" is the description of what the book calls "Christmas celebrations here and there." I especially enjoyed reading about the Christmas week traditions in Oaxaca, Mexico where they smash crockery saucers until everyone is ankle deep in crockery shards. Oaxaca is also the location of the Night of the Radishes on December 23rd. Carved into an amazing array of shapes, the radishes are turned into religious scenes, landscapes, replicas of bullfights, men riding horses or burros and all sorts of imaginative objects.

Mexican carols in the book include "This is the Night" and "Let the Doors Be Open." Mexican Christmas recipes include Apricot-filled Pastries, Hot Mexican Eggnog, and Candied Pumpkin.

Collect the whole series of books for your home library, re-read them every December, and share them with friends and family.

With some interesting revelations about the family of along-beloved Oz character, a nice explanation for why everyone thinksSanta lives at the North Pole when Baum said he lives in the Laughing Valley, and some interesting plot twists, this book is highly enjoyable. Recommended.

Part of a series developed by World Book Inc. several decades ago for young people, these books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, music, crafts and recipes of many nations.

Puerto Rico has a rich mix of cultures that results in a rich tapestry of holiday traditions. In addition to the Christmas portion of this book, there is a section on other holiday festivals including "The Coming of the Kings."

The book is richly illustrated with full-color photos. Two Puerto Rican carols have the original language, English translation, and musical notes -- "Christmas Carol from Yauco" and "If You Give Me Pasteles."

Recipes in the book include Candied Plantains, Coconut Pudding, Tropical Salad, Spice Cake, Stewed Shrimp, and Rice Fritters. Included with the book are six recipe cards for additional Christmas treats such as Pickled Green Bananas, Rice with Pigeon Peas, and Coconut Eggnog. There is also an Advent calendar.

Collect the whole series for your home library and re-read them every December.

Part of a series developed by World Book Inc. several years ago for young people, these 80-page books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, stories, regional Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, and holiday recipes of many nations.

One interesting aspect of "Christmas in Scotland" is the story of how the Reformation caused Christmas to go underground and how it regained popularity with the restoration of the monarchy in England in 1660. A great deal of the book involves the New Year celebrations that seem to overshadow Christmas celebrations. The two Scottish carols featured in the book are for New Years, not Christmas.

Recipes in the book include Roast Goose, Haggis, Venison Stew, and Dundee Cake.

Collect the whole series for your home library, re-read them every December, and share them with friends and family.

Part of a series developed by World Book Inc. several decades ago for young people, these books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, stories, native Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, and holiday recipes of many nations.

One of the highlights of "Christmas in Spain" is the illustrated story explaining Spain's interpretations of Christmas in fine art and sculpture.

The book is richly illustrated with full-color photos. Two Spanish carols have the original language, English translation, and musical notes -- "A Fire Is Started In Bethlehem" and "The Son Of Mary." There is also a section on Spanish Christmas crafts.

Recipes in the book include Flan, Compota de Manzanas (apple compote), and Ensalada de Arroz (Andalusian rice salad). Included with the book are six recipe cards for additional Christmas treats including Besugo al Horno con Patatas (baked red snapper with potatoes), Sopa de Almendras a la Crema (cream of almond soup) and Lombarda a la Segoviana (Segovian red cabbage).

Collect the whole series for your home library and re-read them every December.

"Christmas in Switzerland" is part of a series developed by World Book Inc. several decades ago for young people. These 80-page books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, stories, regional Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, and holiday recipes of many nations.

The opening pages of the book examine the centuries-old cultural roots of the Swiss Christmas observance. The holiday season in this small country tucked in the heart of central Europe is a unique blend of old and new; Catholic and Protestant; and German, French, and Italian influences.

The bustling energy of today's Swiss Christmas is brought to life in all the diverse aspects: the pre-holiday preparations, the music, gift-giving traditions, religious observances, and foods -- especially the story of Swiss chocolate. Recipes in the book include Capretto (Roasted Kid), Risotto, Onion Tart, and Basler Brunsli (Chocolate Almond Cookies). The piano-vocal score for a Swiss carol, "The Star of Bethlehem Shines Bright," completes the book.

"Christmas in Switzerland" is richly illustrated with beautiful art work and full-color photos.

Collect the whole series for your home library, re-read them every December, and share them with friends and family.

Part of a series developed by World Book Inc. several decades ago for young people, these books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, stories, native Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, and holiday recipes of many nations.

One of the highlights of "Christmas in the American Southwest" is the chapter that tells of the blend of traditions that have arrived there from "the old country."

The book is richly illustrated with full-color photos. Two unusual southwest carols with piano arrangements are "Cradle Song" and "From Royal Jerusalem." On the acknowledgments page, it lists Todd Smith for music so I'm guessing he's the composer of the carols.

Recipes in the book include Southwest Black Bean Soup, Margarita Chicken, and Texas Pecan Pie.

Collect the whole series for your home library and re-read them every December.

The My First Little House series of picture books illustrated by Renee Graaf are fabulous. The stories are enchantingly adapted from the Laura Ingalls classics and are the perfect introduction for young readers ages 3-8. The soft illustrations in the style of Garth Williams are magical and stand on their own, but paired with the carefully chosen snippets of Ingalls own storytelling, they will capture any reader's imagination and foster a love of all things Little House.

This has to be the best advent calendar I have ever seen! The artistry is beautiful and each of the doors continues a story when it's opened. I'm hoping that Philippe Fix will do another advent calendar soon.

Part of a series developed several decades ago by World Book for young people, these 80-page books have evolved into a rich storehouse of information for anyone of any age who enjoys learning the Christmas history, stories, regional Christmas songs, Christmas crafts, and holiday recipes of many nations.

One interesting aspect of "Christmas in the Philippines" is the chapter on the parols or star lanterns. Originally they were lit from within by a candle but today battery-operated lights are used to light parols in windows of homes and in the huge parols used in parades. The book has five pages of step-by-step instructions for building one of these star lanterns.

The book is richly illustrated with full-color photos, some of the most beautiful in this series from World Books. Three Filipino carols in the book (words and music) are "Philippine Carol," "Oh, How Blessed Is This Night" and "Now He Is Here." Filipino recipes include Shrimp Snacks, Oxtail Stew in Peanut Butter Sauce, Banana Fritters, Ginger Tea, and Meat Turnovers.

Collect the whole series of books for your home library, re-read them every December, and share them with friends and family.