Christmas Books

This is one of the most awesome soundtrack sheet music books I've ever seen! All of the pieces sound like they do in the movie, and the grand staff notes are close enough to the original melody to sing along to. The key is hard to get used to, but once you do, it's amazing!!

This book is a challenge even for the most experienced pianist. His music is fun and intricate and complex. I recommend this book for anyone who is not only a fan of the movie but a fan of excellent music who is looking for music that takes their knowledge of music theory to the max.

I love all things tim burton, especially the soundtracks to his movies. danny elfman is possibly the most talented composer in hollywood and it baffles me that not all his music is sold as a piano vocal series, since it is so very suitable for just that. consequently I was thrilled to find this little book, and I was not disappointed. it is simple enough for a novice to play along based on the chords, and yet sophisticated enough for the more experienced pianist to get a lot out of the instrument. as has been noted elsewhere, the guitar chords are indeed systematically drawn every tim they occur, which to me is a fantastic idea. every tim burton/danny elfman fan who likes singing and playing the piano should own a copy of this!

the second I got my hands on it, I went directly to my piano and did not get up for the next four hours. that's how great it is to be your very own nightmare before christmas soundtrack!

I'm not musically gifted like the rest of my family; I only took 4 years of violin to get out of gym, but wouldn't know what to do with one if I picked it up today. But I do know that this music/lyric book has every song from "The Nightmare Before Christmas" movie. anyone that's watched it KNOWS that every song is hauntingly, melodiously beautiful, just like any other Tim Burton production. Even if you can't carry a tune or don't know the words, you have to try to sing along. But with this musicbook you can! -at least know the words -you know best if you can actually sing... I would highly recommend this product! Kudos to the Hal Leonard Corp for making it available! :)

There's lot of stuff in this tiny cheap book. It's obviously not aimed at orchestrators but more at the movie fans who expect some nice evenings, singing these excellent tunes.
I give this book a 5 because of the guitar chords which are systematically drawn each time they occur. It wasn't expected, especially as we're dealing with a piano vocal song book, so: 2 thumbs up=5 stars !

WOW !! I loved this story. I loved every part of it. The hope, the spirit and the gift of people. I will add it to may collection of books to read every year to my children and grandchildren. Makes a wonderful gift too!!

Book was just as expected - delivered in timely manner - very pleased with purchase - thanks!

I bought candles and copies of the book for all my office mates as well as for my children. This Christmas eve, we opened stockings to lighted candles and read the book aloud. My three adult daughters and husbands were a little wary, but soon the story took over. In many ways, it is another version of a Christmas Carol. But the story's power and images enforce the message again, that we are all one family, sharing in the light of the special Christmas candle. The experience shared with my children will create a tradition for us...next year, they will all receive carved boxes, and we will read The Christmas Box, together.

Beautiful cover. Am saving the book for Christmas when we read a number of Christmas stories. Look forwrd to it with anticipation.

This is an excellent book. It has a wonderful message all of us, old and young alike, can use for our everyday lives. A great moral!! I recommend this for any age group.

This Christmas journal kept me awake several nights during holidays, keeping notes, writing down heirloom receipies and memories of my childhood Christmas and those of my parents,sticking old photos and using it both as a journal and a scrab book, proceedings that I love to do!
It gave a joyfull tone to my Christmas this year,and as it was the first Christmas as a family of four,in this journal I will record my childrens' first Christmas! I can't wait for the next Seasons to come, so I can give it to them to draw,stick or write something in it, so that everybody will remember for the years and generations to come! That's why I wished for more free space and less lines in it, so more photos and every kind of Christmas souvenirs can be holded in. Whith its present form demands a lot of writing(it is a journal after all),something that averts you to give it as a present,as not all people love to write(especially during holidays).

I received my first Mary Engelbreit Christmas Journal way back in 1996 as a gift from my sister. Already a fan of Mary Engelbreit, and journaling, this was the perfect gift for me! 1996 was a banner year for me, as I had just recently gotten married and my husband and I were eagerly sharing old Christmas traditions while starting some new ones.

This journal comes with two parts: Part 1 is entitled "Memories of Christmas Past" with sections including "How my parents celebrated", "My childhood Christmases", favorite photographs, recipes, and so on. Generous room provided for your answers.

Part II is entitled "Five Year Christmas Journal", and as indicated, follows with 5 sections for five years worth of memories. Each yearly chapter is broken down into: "Preparations for the Season", "Seasonal Fun", "Celebrating Christmas", and "Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead". Each of these sections provides thoughtful entry "starters" with plenty of room for elaboration. Also included is a red satin ribbon page marker, which is helpful.

I cannot express how very valuable this journal has been for myself and my family. After the first 5 years, I lucked out and found a stack on sale at a local bookstore -- without hesitation I bought enough for the next 20 years!

When I started this journal in 1996, I was newly married. 10 years later now (and just about to begin my 3rd journal!), my husband and I have three children, 2 cats and a dog (we even have Santa pictures with our pets occasionally included, LOL). The memories I have recorded for posterity are absolutely priceless. Every year I re-read previous entries and always think "I am SO glad I wrote that, I would have never remembered!".

Whether or not you are a Mary Engelbreit fan, this Christmas journal (and I've seen lots of them) is an absolute must-have for those hoping to preserve favorite holiday memories over the years.

Merry Christmas!

This is a great item! We are really happy with this Christmas Journal. This is a great bargain and a really thoughftul gift! We are looking forward to building memories & traditions & saving them so they may be cherished for years to come. You are buying much more than a book with this purchase. It is well worth the small price tag for what we got in return.

My wife and I got married just over a year ago. We bought our first home, and a little puggle (dog) at about the same time. Christmas came really fast last year with all the things going on at once. We now are looking to start a family, and really wanted to slow down and relax this time around as Christams approached. We have been focusing on the Holiday, decorating the house, getting into the season, starting our own traditions and enjoying time together over the holiday. We were really looking for a way to organize our thoughts and come up with our own Christmas traditions & routines. We felt a little like amatures. Although we both have enjoyed many Christmases, it is a little different now. No more depending on our parents...now we are the grown ups & it's our turn to orchestrate the festivities around the Holidays.

This Christmas Journal gave us exactly what we were looking for. We are enjoying it tremendously and look forward to continue filling it with our photos, memories, ideas & traditions, and then returning to it year after year. I definitely recommend it, and plan to buy more in the future to fill our years after year 5. I also think it makes a great gift, and we have decided we should buy some as special gifts to friends and family in the future.

I've had my journal for 5 years, and I have enjoyed pulling it out every year after Thanksgiving and (reluctantly) putting it away in January. It is so easy to keep up - great for busy people like me. The layout is simple and yet detailed. The beginning of the book records childhood memories and has space for a mass Christmas card list. Subsequent chapters cover each year up to five. I use the calendar to organize myself and have had a great time looking back on previous years where I recorded activities and special moments I had since forgotten - many very happy, some very sad, moments with people who are no longer here. Even the years when I felt little Christmas cheer, I always opened that book, and there is a comforting constancy to that. A tip from me. . . choose a favorite Christmas card every year that you have received from someone and tuck it in the book at the beginning of the chapter for that year. Another tip. . . buy the book - needless to say, I am online right now to order mine.

I am so glad to have found this Christmas Journal on Amazon. I got it 5 years ago and have recorded so many memories on it. It is the only time my family writes a journal, and the layout of the book is so inspiring. I am buying two for myself this year, and one for my sister. Glad to see it is still in print!

I'm 18 years old. My Uncle Keith bought my sister, now 20, and I the Cinnamon Bear when I was 11 years old.

I love this show and anticipate listening to it every year. This year, I convinced my boyfriend to listen along with me. It took a lot of nagging and begging, but he agreed to. Now I have to hide it from him to keep him from binging and listening to all of them early!

I'm the Cinnamon Bear
With the Shoe-button eyes
And I'm looking for someone
To take by surprise

I go growling and prowling
Each night after dark
But the folks say my growl's
Just a cinnamon bark...

So begins the enchanting world of puns and humor and fantasy and some superior caliber voice work which is the Cinnamon Bear. Who wouldn't want to meet candy pirates and gentle giants? And guess who the children meet at the end?...somebody very important in the world of Christmas, if you get my drift.

I also grew up in SW Portland in the 60s, listening to the Cinnamon Bear every Christmas on KEX. I treasure this as one of my favorite holiday memories. I used to sit on the floor and color pictures to go along with the fantastic stories. How wonderful that Smithsonian has now remastered this and re-released it!

Now my young kids can't wait to go to bed and turn off the lights so I'll play the Cinnamon Bear for them. What more incentive do you need? The 15 minute episodes are just right for getting the kiddies to settle. There is something fun about the live "feel" to the shows.

I would buy a CD version if I could find it, but this cassette holds up very well.

I first heard the adventures of The Cinnamon Bear and twins, Judy and Jimmy on the radio back in the l940's and remember the excitment I felt in anticipation of each days episode where they were in search of the silver star. The magical happenings, and many unforgetable Maybeland characters make this a cherished childrens story.

Shortly after Thanksgiving I share the story with my grandchildren, playing one episode each day (over the phone) and in addition to the silver stars they have each found in their Christmas stockings, I am sure they have a happy memory of a special story.

Wow! What a joy to know they are still selling these tapes! My sister and I grew up in a household where we played the Cinnamon Bear every year. My sister had a baby last year, and my father really wanted to start playing the tapes for the new grandbaby this year. Unfortunately, the tapes must have gotten lost in the last house move. I know my father will be thrilled to get the tapes this year as an early Christmas gift! Let the Christmas tradition continue!

This is our family favorite we even listen to it in the summer! I am 33 yrs old and my father MADE me listen to this on KEX radio when I was little. I just could not stand to hear it then it made me miserable. My things have changed. I bought this gift set for my dad for his birthday because he always said he missed it during the holidays because it has been discontinued. I have a 5 year old daughter who we introducted this to last Christmas. Her being more intellectual than myself just loves it! My husband cannot stand the music. The sound effects crack me up but my daughter just thinks it is the living end. We are planning on getting a reproduction old time radio with a tape player and I cannot wait to hear this on the old time radio. If you dont like this radio show at first it will grow on you. Start it out after Thanksgiving and listen to one everynight. It will get you in the spirit. I wish they had a Cinnamon stuffed bear I could buy my daughter. I like it because you have to use your imagination and things are not just presented to you like on the TV. I highly recommend it especially for people over 55 and little kids!

This is a great book! Our fifth grade teacher read it to us just before we went on christmas vacation. Their was some very funny parts. The television special was great, too! First our teacher read us the delightful book and then we watched the t.v. special. We also found the differences from the book & movie. We wereso attentive to listening to the book, that we went into so much detaile in the differences. I would reccomend this book for anyone!!!

I love this book. It is so sweet and heartwarming and a must read around the holidays. The characters are very interesting with a lot of depth. Addie is so typical of a young girl that I feel like many young woman can relate to her. I love her grandmother. What a wise woman! The father is all too human, grieving for his deceased wife. It's a tender tale and one I like to reread every holiday season!

I remember reading this book when I was in grammar school. It really touched me. Today I am a teacher, and I read it to my classes. They adore it. The T.V. special was excellent too. It was very heart warming, especially for the holidays! I definitely recommend it.

This is a wonderful story about a 10 year old girl who is faced with a rough turn of events in her life every Christmas. Addie's father misses Addie's mother who passed when Addie was very little. Because of his heartbreak over the death of Addie's mother, Addie's father oushes her away, especially at Christmas.

Addie has always wanted a tree and finally wins one at school. The presence of the tree only upsets her father however, and at the last minute she gets rid of the tree.

I truly felt for Addie, and for her father. Neither did she understand her father's feelings anymore than her father understood hers. This is a short story that gets too the point quickly, but has many wonderful things to teach it's readers. I truly enjoyed it.

I read this book to my classes when I taught 4th grade in Nebraska. It was touching and heartwarming, we especially liked the school Christmas party. The characters were so well developed. Everyone related to Addie and her lonely life. I remember it being on TV with Jason Robards as the father. How can we get it back on TV?

I wish someone would turn this book into a movie. I think it would be right up there with "A Christmas Story" as an instant classic and I would watch it every Christmas with my family.

I am not a fan of Christmas books but this one was excellent. I actually showed the extremes that people go through to help a love one during this season, which is what Christmas is about! More people should be like the main character Tommy, selfless and believing. Willing to take a risk putting his wants to the wind just to try and save a love one. This book is a definite inspiration!

While reading this book to my son I was truly amazed at all of the amazing facial expressions I was able to capture. From sadness and excitement to dissapointment and unbound joy. The book has a special part for everyone including me! I hope that one day I can see this on film so that I can see all those wonderful looks one more time.

THE BEST CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS BOOK TO COME OUT SINCE I WAS A GIRL!!! MY DAUGHTER LOVES IT!
A REFRESHING NEW LOOK AT THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

I thoroughly enjoyed it! Reading this fascinating and clearly written Christmas story about a family's Christmas traditions in the South Side of Chicago was incredibly compelling. As a parent having to answer the question, "Does Santa Claus really exist?" This book will be your lifesaver and mine! Living on the South Side of Chicago, made this book that much more personal. I recommend this reading to everyone. It is worth reading for self-enjoyment at teatime, and for the little ones of all ages during story hour.

After reading Eric Whitfield's book, The Job, readers will be forever changed. Eric's story is all of our stories--losing a loved one, not knowing how to deal, not wanting to. Taking Eric's journey will give those in mourning the blueprint for healing. Readers will believe, love and embrace life again, thanks to The Job.

Your book is a masterpiece..incredible. I am so moved by every detail. It will remain one of the most important hours of my life, honestly. I had no idea it would speak to me like it did. The insecurities and web of uncontrollable thoughts, etc. that you describe are almost a blue print of me. The encouragement in this book is so special. Thank you for sending it to me.

The Job is a very empowering book. It illustrates the significance of relationships changing through death, not ending.

"The job" by Eric Whitfield, is a heart warming journey, through Eric's eyes, about the great love between a child and his Grandfather.
If you have ever lost anyone you love......you must read this book! It brings hope, and serenity to your soul and the peace of knowing that loved ones that have left us, are really never to far away. Good job, Eric!

Eric's story had an immensely effective insight into his past, present, and future. The moment I picked up the book and started reading I did not put it down until I was finished.
This very spiritual and poignant story had an ironic parallel to my own relationship with my grandfather and father who have since passed on but will be remembered dearly.
This book has helped me remember them in more ways than one.
Read it and be inspired...

"The Life & Times of Baxter the Bat Dog" is probably one of the sweetest stories I've ever enjoyed reading to my children. This beautiful children's book is actually three short stories about the cutest little bat dog named Baxter.

* The first story tells of how Baxter finds a new family after being abandoned. This first meeting between the reading and Baxter is precious. His eagerness to embrace life endears him to your heart.
* The second story is Baxter's first Halloween. His kindness in remembering to share his treats with his new family is a wonderful life lesson for children.
* The last is Baxter's first Christmas. His desire to give his new owner a special gift is reminiscent of the "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry.

Carollee Wagonlite is an extraordinarily gifted storyteller. Baxter's sweet spirit shines through the story with gentle grace. "Baxter" is based on a real-life little dog and his adventures. How such a sweet little baby was abandon is hard to understand but I can only rejoice that he was adopted by the Wagonlite family and through this book shared with us all.

The illustrations of Oswaldo Rosales are charming. Baxter's personality and joy of life was easily seen by children. I often find my toddler studying the pictures and giggling.
I have given "The Life and Times of Baxter, the Bat Dog" five stars! Not only did I love the stories and illustrations, but my preschool children did. And although the real-life Baxter is no longer living, we hope to see more adventures soon.
Reviewer name: Deven D. Vasko

The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog is a cute exposé into the life of Baxter who experiences several adventures during his life. Although categorized for the 4 to 8 age group, the size of the book might be overwhelming for a young reader so it is nice that it is broken down into smaller volumes, bound together as one.

Volume One starts off with Baxter being hit by a car. After being abandoned by his family, a news story sends plenty of people his way, looking to adopt him. He finds a new and wonderful home with Merry Jones and her two cats.

Volume Two finds Baxter trick-or-treating for Halloween dressed as a bat. His pointy ears and black fur make being dressed as a bat the perfect costume for him. He attends a Halloween party and goes home to share his bounty with Merry's cats.

Volume Three brings Baxter to Christmas and his dilemma on delivering Christmas gifts to Merry and the cats, Cinnamon and Pearly-Mae. In the end Baxter learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Children and their caretakers will fall in love with Baxter. I hope there is a continuation of the series as it is encouraging to find an example of how to behave from a loveable creature that everybody can envision and relate to. Written in simple English whether a child is reading or being read to, equal enjoyment can be found in both the pictures and prose.

The Life & Times of Baxter the Bat Dog! portrays a cute, little dog who experiences some of the same events as most young children. Children love animal stories and many have pets. As children enter elementary school, they are encouraged to write creatively. They write about things they know and have experienced, and many times it is about a pet. Baxter would make a good story starter.

Baxter got his name "Bat Dog" because he had very pointy ears and booked somewhat like a bat. Baxter's first experience in the book results in a stay at the hospital after an accident, when he is hit by a car. Find out how Baxter becomes a TV star.

Chapters 2 and 3 are stories about children's favorite holidays: Halloween and Christmas. Children love to dress up in costume and pretend. Baxter experiences the same fun activities children do during Halloween. Christmas is a time of snow, sharing love and making special gifts for family. Baxter has a very special surprise for his special family.

The author shares Baxter's emotions and love with the reader. With the addition of beautifully illustrated pictures, this wonderful children's book will bring enjoyment to both young and mature readers.

As a mother of a ten and a thirteen-year old, I appreciate the quality of the writing and the superb illustrations in The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog! My ten-year old son never reads a book in one sitting; but to my amazement, he finished Baxter the Bat Dog in one sitting. My thirteen-year old daughter also enjoyed reading about Baxter. I would definitely recommend this book to friends.

I have just completed reading and reviewing the book 'The Life and Times of Baxter the Bat Dog".

I am a pet owner myself, having a black long haired cat named 'Baxter' and a dog also rescued from the animal shelter named 'Aussie' - who is part Border Collie and part Australian Shepherd. I loved the dialogue between Baxter, Cinnamon and Pearly-Mae.

I think this book will serve it's purpose well, with children of all ages. The message is clear that we are all loveable, no matter that we are not 'perfect'. This should especially reach children with physical handicaps, or who have been abandoned, or adopted. It will even impact the child who is always picked on for having 'big ears' or other less-than-perfect physical features.

It is also important to note the gifts that our pets give back to us, the unconditional love and devotion, companionship, gratitude, and genuine happiness to see us each day, or the physical Christmas gift that Baxter gave his owners. When a pet is adopted from an animal shelter or an animal rescue group, the bond that is created between the pet and the owner is one of the strongest attachments I have seen.

I am grateful to Carollee for writing this book, and also benefiting the various animal charities.

there are a lot of "good" children's books out there. this is one of the handful of "great" ones.

it's extremely humane writing with quiet humor far removed from the "snark" common in many contemporary children's books.

it's also mercifully free of any ham-fisted "lesson".

while it doesn't really remind me of "The Wind in the Willows", that's the only other children's book i can think of offhand that stayed with me like this one did.

Although it is a long book for a 2 year old, my 28 month old son will listen to the entire book and he loves the illustrations. It is a great bedtime book for him. He doesn't ask to read it like he does the other books, but he listens very intently to this one. The book is lovely - I highly recommend it.

A wonderful story with beautiful pictures. If it doesn't warm your heart, you're not human! It is so good, I've bought a stack of copies to send out as Christmas gifts.

This is an extraordinary book. Antonia Barber has produced a superb story, based on the legend of the Cornish village of Mousehole. Tom is an old fisherman who lives with Mowzer, his cat, who is also aging gracefully. Their lives--organized around fish, firesides, milk, and scratching of ears--fill the first few pages, and then the Great Storm-Cat arrives, howling around the harbor and bottling up the fishing fleet. Food in the village starts to run low. Finally, the day before Christmas, Tom and Mowzer go out to fish together in the teeth of the storm, so that the children of the village should not be hungry on Christmas Day.

The text is powerful--remarkably so for a children's book. But Nicola Bayley's paintings are, if possible, even more astonishing. There is a gorgeous picture of the Great Storm-Cat and Mowzer at sea; fine, characterful pictures of Tom, Mowzer and the village of Mousehole; and among other treasures, one picture that always moves me to tears. Another reviewer said the book made them weep: I know the page they were talking about. It's where Tom and Mowzer sail back to the village, to discover that the villagers have realized they are gone, and are waiting for them.

Enough. It's a beautiful picture. Buy the book, even if you don't have kids, though you'll get far more pleasure from reading this to a child. The language is a little complex for a child under five, but you can simplify as you read. And you'll read it again and again.

When my children were young, this was one of the bedtime stories they loved best. It's particularly good for cat lovers! The illustrations are gorgeous, and the story moves through suspense to a beautiful resolution -- a feast at the end of a storm-tossed fishing trip.

Paige Covington, a spoiled 17-year-old young woman (a modern day scrooge), thought only of one thing in this life-herself. She made selfish choices with little consideration or thought for others around her. Selling her loyal bay gelding simply because he did not bring home the first place ribbon after a jumping competition or walking out of store with unpaid merchandise when she felt the sales clerks were wasting her valuable time, were just two examples of the way Paige lived her life.

To her surprise, she was arrested for the shoplifting, and fortunate for her, the judge did not care that her intentions were to send the money via mail with a nasty complaint letter regarding the slow service of the store. He sentenced her to 60 hours community service working with the handicap at a hippotherapy clinic.

Between this experience and a developed friendship with levelheaded kindhearted 14-year-old Lindsey, Paige found herself challenged. By the time her community service was completed, Paige discovered there was more to life than simply thinking of herself resulting in one special memorable Christmas.

A Tuff-To-Beat Christmas is a warm heart-felt story that will surely reach anyone who reads this book. Once I started, I could not put it down until the last page read. Betty Briggs is an inspiring visual writer worthy of consideration and I highly recommend this young adult book.

I really liked the author's light, engaging style and her use of humor and dialogue. I don't know much about horses myself, but Briggs skillfully weaves in everything you need to know to appreciate the story.

A very cute book. Paige is a teen ager who parents has given her everything she want, because of being an only child. Paige learns a very valueble lesson by sharing with others who haven't much. It is a good book, I throughly enjoyed it. I'll put it on my list of Christmas books to read.

I really enjoyed this book. Very cute! A great story on service, which showed how the one serving is often the one more blessed than those they serve.

What a great Christmas book for any age! I truly enjoyed reading this and now my three girls will take turns, as well. :) The photographs were a fun bonus and I dipped my toe into an area that I wasn't too familiar with--horses!! I was also reminded exactly what the true meaning of Christmas is all about and that warmed my heart! :)