Christmas Books

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.

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!

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.

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 thought the 4 authors did a wonderful job of pulling all the stories together. I especially loved the story by Rochelle Alers, since I am such a fan of hers anyway, I knew this would be good. The stories all gave lines of busines that you normally wouldn't think of African Americans dealing in which in itself was a nice foray from the norm.

This book helped me to remember the true meaning behind Christmas and the value of embracing the spirit of giving.

There are times when you read a book at just the right time in your life and this is one of those books and times. Hurricane Katrina took so much away from Biloxi MS, but more than anything material, it took away the hope and spirit of so many, myself included. The holiday season started out so bleakly and I admit that I just wanted it to be over, but when you have children you know you have to find the strength to make it as wonderful as possible. It was a struggle until I read A Season of Miracles. I started the book and before I knew it I could feel myself smiling and just feeling good about everything. This book made me believe in miracles again but most of all the miracle of a better tomorrow. It makes you feel so good inside and you cannot help but feel a little sad when you come to the last page, as you feel as if you are leaving behind friends you have come to know and care about. This book is a miracle in itself and one which I will read over and over again.

This book is to die for...after all the disasters that occurred in 2005 that devistated so many lives makes you wonder...But this book will inspire you to have faith and to believe that miracles do happen. I would recommend this book to anyone!!

There are four enchanting stories which will enhance the real meaning of the season and the blessing of miracles.

"Shepherd Moon" by Rochelle Alers tells of Rhianna, a young woman who fled her hometown when her fiancé was killed in an automobile accident. The face of his twin brother was too painful a reminder of what she had lost. Ten years later Rhianna returns home because of a family illness and runs into her fiancé's twin brother and also her past. Now Rhianna can bring closure to her loss and accept the real reason she fled Shepherd, New York.

"Wishing on a Starr" by Adrianne Byrd shares the turmoil seventeen-year-old Gia suffered when she became a widow and a single mother in a matter of months. But Gia never saw her daughter, her aunt saw to that. The loss of her child forced Gia to leave Talboton, GA for New York City. Almost fourteen years later Gia still longs for her child and wants to do something about it. In a crowded department store, Gia bumps into Daniel Davis and his thirteen- year-old daughter, Starr. There is an immediate attraction between the two, and an answer to a wish even Gia could not have imagined.

"Blind Faith" by Kayla Perrin revisits Andrea and Mark, a couple who ended their relationship because Mark was snubbed by Andrea's parents. Years later Andrea's family has fallen on hard times, but Mark has excelled and is an entrepreneur. Their chance meeting is cordial but strained, still Mark is intrigued. An impromptu visit, a near fatal accident, and some blind faith are what Mark needed to propel him past his hesitancy about capturing his holiday miracle.

My favorite, "A Christmas Serenade" by Janice Simms, brings a world traveled concert pianist back to his roots in Charleston, South Carolina in search of himself. The best friend of his deceased mother welcomes him with open arms and southern hospitality. But this motherly matchmaker offers Jack so much more. She shares information about his parents and tapes of performances by her daughter, Callie. Callie is also a pianist, a blues singer and a magazine editor. When Callie and Jack meet the holiday suddenly feels and sounds majestic. But Callie is afraid that the difference between their respective backgrounds may be a problem.

THE SEASON OF MIRACLES is a Christmas Anthology filled with promise and hope. Grab a cup of eggnog, get comfortable on the couch and experience the joy of holiday love. This one will delight the heart.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

Excellent - I plan to re-read it again before Christmas! Gets you centered and away from the frenzy of Christmas.

...then I'll be happy.

I have an unscientific observation. It seems to me the further away someone feels from the "perfect Christmas", the more money, time and resources they devote in pursuit of this unattainable perfection. Speaking from personal experience- there is not enough money, time, or resources that can produce this magical Madison Avenue promise.

It's July, and I just bought this book in the clearance section at Half Price Books ($2.00). Perfect timing!
The book had me at the preface. Although the women/men assigned roles do not reflect my life, I am able to hear the message that lies beyond the language.

To the authors: I've taken the Christmas Pledge and have started to gently share it with my family and friends. Thank you for standing up, speaking out.

I have an unscientific observation. It seems to me the further away someone feels from the "perfect Christmas", the more money, time and resources they devote in pursuit of this unattainable perfection. Speaking from personal experience- there is not enough money, time, or resources that can produce this Madison Avenue experience.

It's July, and I just bought this book in the clearance section at Half Price Books ($2.00). Perfect timing!
The book had me at the preface.

To the authors: I've taken the Christmas Pledge and have started to gently share it with my family and friends. Thank you for standing up, speaking out.

Unplug the Christmas Machine is a thoughtful look designed to help individuals become more intentional about how they celebrate the Christmas season. Based on data, observations and research into how individuals and families approach the Christmas celebrations, the authors have suggestions based on real thought that intends to remind people what their real goals are in Christmas celebration and what they can do to achieve those real goals.

Taking neither a secular nor an especially religious approach to how Christmas is celebrated, the authors are consistent in their desire for people to be intentional in how the holiday is celebrated. For example, they show through their research, the oft-repeated desire for the holidays to be more family centered, is encouraged by a slower approach to celebration, where different individuals in a family are encouraged to participate, rather than just one or two to carry the load.

The markers of modern Christmas - a big family meal with lots of gift giving and a smattering of religious observation are observed in the book as something that has sapped the life of what should be a restful, heartfelt celebration. Certainly stresses in families, due to divorce or other separating factors, combined with the notion of what Christmas is supposed to be, from the retail marketers contribute to how Christmas is often more trouble than it is worth for many. What these two authors have contributed is reminding people to achieve an enjoyable season by being intentional in their observances and by unhooking their daily lives from being passive consumers of the retail economy, and making holiday celebrations more focused on enduring truths; for as the authors point out, Christmas ends for retailers on December 26th, because they have nothing else left to sell the consumer. But for someone unplugged from a Christmas machine, it can be a season joy because it is based on the things that individuals value most: faith, family, rest at home and opportunities to serve others.

This book is recommend for families and individuals who are looking for ways to think through their Christmas celebrations in a more meaningful way.

Even though this is not a new book, it remains a good baseline for those who are overly stressed during the holidays. If each of us is honest and answers the posed questions truthfully we can all relax and enjoy the holiday rush. Each chapter validates how we feel and takes away the feeling that "I" am the only going through this emotional time. I am trying to follow the idea of doing less gift giving and truly appreciating why we have Christmas. While doing this it is easy to become more open minded and understanding about those I plan to spend time with during the holidays.

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.