Christmas Books

This is a lovely book with simple, thoughtful passages for the days leading up to Christmas. The passages evoke feelings of centeredness, peace and calm similar to awakening to a beautiful, fresh snowfall.

Good reading from a variety of excellent, trusted writers...Nouwen, Bonhoeffer, Manning, etc. all offer reflections on the Advent/Christmas season that will make you go deeper...

Personally, I struggle with reading during this time of year due to busy schedule but I have found this daily digest a perfect way to enhance my Advent season of waiting...

This book features a wide array of Christmas messages--old and new. This book will inspire you and make you think about the true meaning of Christmas. This book also makes a GREAT gift.

Also recommended:
Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--heartbreaking yet inspiring
A Stranger for Christmas--a warm and cosy story for the holidays

Like a kid counting down the days until Christmas, I took a spiritual journey by reading the days until Christmas. My guide, Watch for the
light. Cheaper than a real journey...no stops for gas , no waiting in line. Pop open the book's cover and begin to read. Some funny stories, some poetry, some known authors and some not so well known, all leading the way to Christmas. When Christmas comes, you will be ready.

I love that this series, including "Bread and Wine:Readings for Lent and Easter," because it challeneges our complacent culture-dictated experience of Advent and Easter. This is not a feel-good book, it is a faith-building book. Be prepared to be shaken up and for God to meet you in a new way.

I bought copies for my friends and family. Everyone loved it!

The diversity of authors come together in surprising unity. This broadened my perspective and made me want to find books written by the individual authors. I also loved that the authors are from all points in history and geography. An experience like this is what all of us in the US need.

AUTHOR: Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu

Numerous African authors have endeavored to describe the African culture especially to anyone alien to it. In this book, Flora A. Trebi-Ollennu tries to describe how Christmas is celebrated in a particular part of Africa. Targeting elementary students, she addresses the extended family structure ( living in the same compound) to graphically illustrate the African adage that states: "it takes a village to raise a child." Thus, she focuses on relationships between father/mother, father/child, mother/child, parents/grandparents, grandparents/grandchildren, and relationships between uncles, aunties, cousins, nephews, etc., in the conglomerate family during Christmas season. Christmas, in Africa is very special. It is one of the most anticipating days of the year. As much as Africa tries to mimic the western commercially based end-of-the-year event, much emphasis is not on boxed presents but on new clothes.

Christmas day is a big day for children to surprise their friends and relatives their new clothes; women showing off their expensive jewelry and laces; and grandparents showing off what their sons and/or daughters have bought for them to mark this special day. It is a joyous day for the young and old alike as they parade their newly acquired attires. Sharing food to neighbors, relatives and friends marks the opening event on Christmas day. This is followed with a church service in the community church. After church, the big party begins in a carnival-like fashion. You will find various cultural dancers singing and dancing for joy. The party may continue to New Year's day.

Those interested in poetry and theater arts or drama, or even those interested in comparative studies of cultures would find this book valuable to read.

Francis Achus
(Teacher)

I think that Christmas is a very interesting thing in Africa.I guess Sweetie Awo was a very young girl she didn't even know when a week had passed.I really liked this book because it makes me think back about Africa.I think it was a pretty good idea when Awo's aunt was very busy baking cake and making chips because Christmas is a very busy time for bakers in Africa.I also think the Ghanaian names you had were pretty good like Dede and Akos.Ghanaian food like fufu and Ghanaian games like ampe.Africa is a very neat and cool place so it makes the story very realistic.I really enjoyed it.Super Duper!

I think this book was awesome. This book made me want Christmas right now! This book has really made me wonder when the next book will come out. The author has really told all about another country and how they celebrate the holiday. This book is very, very awesome!!!

I liked the illustrations. I enjoyed how the illustrations were done on the computer and that they weren't colored. They really described the topic the picture was about. I'd recommend this book for Grade 4-5 girls. It was fairly easy to read except sometimes I had trouble pronouncing the African words(eg.Fuh deh, Jollof Rice). I liked the idea in the story that all Awo's relatives said "nobody quite like Awo" and her nickname was "Sweetie Awo". I also liked the idea of Christmas Huts and how most families live really close together. I enjoyed how Mrs.Trebi-Ollennu described the dresses and clothing of people on "Our Day". I also liked Awo's Grandma's attitude toward everything. This book really made me think about what Christmas in Africa is like. Over all it was great.

Why not celebrate Christmas without snow? Try Christmas in a warm, African setting. A pleasant read that highlights the uniqueness of a child living in Ghanian culture anticipating the holidays as she makes preparations to celebrate Christmas with her family and friends. It reaches the heart of all young readers as they relate to Sweetie Awo's experiences in school, home and church. The illustrations are an informative addition to the story and helped the reader to better understand different concepts such as the "compound house" and a "hairdress". I liked the attention to details such as the foods and their preparations. The glossary was helpful and I can see how teachers could use this book to springboard into further studies of the African culture, traditions and costumes. A treat for adults and children alike.

Here's a story that combines imagination with reality in such a whimsical way that children (and grownups) will appreciate Mr. and Mrs. Doll as they face the pickle they are in. Readers will hurry through the book, hoping that Big Susan comes back to the doll house to keep the promises she's made. Afterwards, you and your child may find yourselves doing some spring cleaning in your own dollhouse. A truly good read.

If you or some little person you know likes dolls and doll houses, read this book to them. Big Susan is the name of the little girl who "owns" the doll house that the Doll family lives in. The story focuses on Christmas Night when the dolls come alive. It is a family story of love, sacrifice and sharing. It is a great book for little people who know their dolls can talk and come alive when they are asleep.
I checked this book out of the library as much as I could get away when I was a kid. My local library burned when I was in high school, and one of the library staff asked if there was anything I wanted as a souvenir. I asked for one thing, "Big Susan. I still have the book and reread it several times a year.

A wonderful book written and illustrated a while back by renouned author and illustrator Elizabeth Orton Jones. Mz. Jones recently passed away and will be sorely missed in our community.

I cannot believe it! I have been looking for this book for 53 years! I had read and loved it to death as a 7 year old - I borrowed it so many times from the school library that I practically wore it out. Once I became an adult I wanted to find this precious book for my own daughter and alas - it was no longer in print. I hunted and hunted!!! NOW - here it is again! I now can share this magical story with my granddaughter! I always thought that MY dollies came to life when I slept each night - that book proved it! A MUST for every little girl and boy to read. Pure magic!!!

Big Susan and I became friends 45 years ago, give or take. But with moving etc. I didn't know where she was. Having seen her advertised I thought I would enjoy her again. My only children are cats, so I couldn't really share Susan with them, which may have been why I lost track of her. Having had a learning disability I read slowly when I was young, I'm much faster now, and remembering her so fondly I gave myself a treat.

Big Susan is a reminder of gentler and simpler times, when things ran on imagination and good will, and not on batteries and lasers. While I loved it, I tend to be from a less bombastic generation, but I still think this is a lovely book that should be enjoyed and imagined with.

I love this little book. Charlie Jones has a gift for pulling together genuine people and their wonderful memories for all to share. I would highly recommend this fine book for yourself and as a gift.

If you have grown too old or "too wise" to believe in Santa Claus or Christmas, read this book. In just 78 pages Charlie Jones takes you around the world for a magical remembrance of big and little events you will recall...becasue most of them have happened to you in some way...you just forgot. Thanks Charlie for my 62 Christmases to Remember. Ed

This little book can easily be read in an evening. But unlike "popcorn movies" or books which entertain and then can't be remembered the next day this little gem stays with you. Something about the way it is crafted. Reading stories of not just good but also bad Christmases helped me dredge up and polish up my own memories of Christmases past. I bought copies as stocking stuffers for others but enjoyed it so much I decided to keep a copy for me!

Don't know what to get your childs teacher or a co-worker? Well, "A Christmas to Remember" is the perfect gift. Terrific stories from the distant past and some not so long ago. Everyone has their favorite Christmas story and this book makes you remember them. A GREAT Stocking Stuffer!
Julie Smitherman

A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER By CHARLIE JONES


"A Christmas to Remember" by Charlie Jones is a warmly full and compelling book. This is an anthology of stories and anecdotes that will reach out and touch emotions and Christmas memories deep inside every reader. The 36 separate experiences presented in the book made up the Christmas lives of many people, some famous, and others a bit less publicly visible. These are folks of all ages, living through separate Christmas experiences. Unless you are made of stone, these remembrances will cause you honest and spontaneous smiles, out loud laughter and occasionally a few compassionate tears as you read a life or two unfolding. I was so fascinated by each of the stories; I read one after the other, eagerly consuming the book as fast as I could. Then I realized I wanted to be able to spread my enjoyment out over several days to savor the collection. I also wanted to share these stories by talking with my grandchildren about them and my memories these stories brought to my mind. I decided to read only 5 stories a day. That gave me a full week of warm fuzzy feelings to build into Christmas this year. I intend to keep this book for many years in the future as a catalyst to help my family remember how wonderful the Christmas spirit really can be.

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!

Mandie upset that joe has to go to college, but when Joe is still at Mandie's house...the turky disaperd right out of the oven! So Mandie thinks " maybe the turky is still in the house," and outside too.But they can't fined the turky! But they also have 3 other mysterys to soleve! But than Dr. Woodard goes missing! This is a very good book!!!!!!!!!

The plot is about a missing turkey, which didn't really appeal to me, but otherwise the book was good. The end made me hungry for the next book!!!! If the mystery weren't so boring, this would be one of the best Mandie books ever.

Joe will be leaving for collage soon, and Mandie tries to put off the parting as much as she can. But things start looking even darker when Dr. Woodard disappears along with the Thanksgiving turkey. This time Joe puts no restrictions on her, seeing as the missing person is his father.
All their wanderings lead to a very surprising-and scary-discovery.

This book could have been better. I was puzzled that Lois Gladys Leppard titled the book 'The Long Goodbye' when the goodbye doesn't come until the end, and takes up about 2 or 3 pages, that's it. It should have been called 'Mandie and the Turkey Theft' or something like that.

This book is absolutely so wonderful! It is a must-read!

Mandie and the Long Good-Bye is probably the best Mandie book I've read. Joe is going off to college, but Mandie tries to put it off for as long as possible. A turkey is missing from the kitchen oven, so Mandie, Joe, Jonathan and Sallie search for it (along with the annoying neighbor Polly). Suddenly Dr.Woodard, Joe's dad, disappears, and things get more serious. No matter what Mandie does, she knows that soon Joe is really leaving. The ending leaves you DIEING for the next book and an answer to a question!