Christmas Books

It was about 5 moose that couldn't find a Christmas tree. It was okay. I rate it three stars.

My 4 1/2 year old daughter is an avid reader. We got this book last year around Christmas time, and so far, I've read it to her way more than 100 times. (At least 3 times a day for the whole month of December 2004 and January 2005. I lost count afterwards.) By around 10th read, she knew exactly where to say "perfectly perfect". By around 20th read, she read aloud with me every "check" and every "perfectly perfect". I dare say by around 50th read, she memorized the book front to back, and would tell you if you skipped a word and which word that was. When we weren't reading, she would mumble to herself this marvelously rhythmic story over and over again. I had to hide this book after the holidays to end her obsession. Now, my daughter is a wonderous adverb-maker, thanks entirely to this book. We've read literally hundreds of stories so far, but no other book rises to this level of loyal infatuation.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. I had trepidations about a moose with a moustache, but it turned out to be hilarious. My 5 and 3 year olds were laughing hysterically. I ended up buying a bunch of these from Scholastic and giving them as neighbor gifts.

I fell in love with Moostache first. When I read Mooseltoe I was hooked again! My daughter is 3 and has already asked me to read it over and over. I even volunteered to read it to her class and it kept the attention of almost 10 2-3 yr olds! I have ordered 5 copies of this book(so far)to give as gifts this year. I promise you will love this book!

Escape the frantic pace of the holidays by sitting down with your child and reading about it in this book. Margie Palatini's wild, rhyming writing style will keep kids entertained. They may recognize their parents' yuletide behaviour in Moose's manic preparations -- and his inevitable forgetting of a key Christmas element. The moral of the story is a tribute to those who will do anything to make everything just right.

Another classic from Rosemary Wells! Here, youngest sibling of four, Morris, is not permitted to play with his older siblings' exciting Christmas presents, and no one wants anything to do with Morris's babyish teddy bear until Morris discovers a magic disappearing bag and everyone wants to play with his toy. Any younger sibling -- or even just a young child who feels powerless sometimes -- will relate. I like how Morris gets to live the fantasy of making his siblings "disappear" and getting to play with all their stuff in a gentle, non-violent way. The Christmas aspect of this story makes it extra fun around the holidays, but we read it all year long.

It's Christmas morning and Morris gets a teddy bear while his brother and sisters get great gifts that Morris isn't allowed to play with. While Morris mopes he finds a disappearing bag. Suddenly no one can find him. But when he's finally discovered, he gladly shares it with his siblings, who stuff themselves into it all at the same time. While they use the bag he has a fabulous time playing with their toys.
This is a great book. It's one of my all time favorite Rosemary Wells books that isn't related to her famous Max and Ruby. My children really enjoy it and wish they had a bag just like it!

Ok so i was sitting in my kid's pediatricians office waiting (as usual) and reading one of the books in the room to my child. it was one of the Max books by Rosemary Wells. So, i'm sitting there looking at the book thinking...gosh! this art work looks soooo familiar! what it is about this book...then an old story comes to mind that i can barely recall. but it kept bugging me and in moments I recall this book i had as a kid about a bunny or something (looked a lot like the Max charactor in the authors more recent books) that got a magic bag for xmas. I couldn't rmember the title though. it's been on my mind on and off since then and I just found the authors name a minute ago on amazon while looking for kids books and decided i was going to investigate and surely find out if she is connected to that old favorite of mine. i could have whooped out loud when I finally spotted "morrie's Disappearing bag" on the list! i'd found it! now I HAVE to buy it for my two littlw ones! I love this book! it's so cute! funny thing is...my little boys name is max! not that this book is about max the bunny.....anyway, i highly recommend this cute book!

Now a quick note: In the original publication of "Morris's Disappearing Bag", Morris is a little white bunny. He has now been colored brown. Very interesting choice on the part of the publisher.

I hereby nominate Rosemary Wells the winner of the Cute But Never Saccharine Picture Book Award printed between the years of 1800-2589. You are familiar with her work, even if you have never read it. Best known for her early board books starring the irascible Max and his patient elder sibling, the author also did slightly older fare. In every book, however, Wells takes the side of the underdog. The littlest sibling. The one most prone to feeling left out. In "Morris's Disappearing Bag" this theme has become all encompassing. Here is a story that truly captures what it feels like to be ignored and unwanted by your siblings.

It is Christmas Day and Morris is delighted. As he and his three elder siblings open their presents, each rabbit (for so they are) is enraptured by their gift. Victor gets a hockey outfit, Rose a beauty kit, and Betty (just to smash a couple stereotypes while we're at it) a chemistry set. Morris gets a lovely bear, but it soon occurs to him that his siblings don't appreciate his present. While they switch one another's gifts and experiment with them, Morris is left all alone. No one wants to play with his bear. It isn't until Morris locates an extra unwrapped present containing a bag of invisibility that Morris finally has a gift cool enough to lure his elder sibs with.

Is there a moral to be learned here? I dunno. If there was it would probably be something along the lines of "Get a better toy and win the love of your fellow man". I don't buy it, personally. I think this is just a fun adorable tale illustrated with Rosemary Wells's fantastic pictures. No one draws adorable bunnies like this woman. Or so perfectly evokes a child feeling sorry for himself. Morris sitting all by himself with his ears at half mast is so simultaneously cute and pitiful, you just want to give his roly-poly little body a big big hug. All in all, this is a fantastic book (the older brother applying make-up to his face is worth the price of admission alone). A great story for Christmas, and a wonderful tale for all the year round. Grab yourself a copy.

What if you were the youngest rabbit in the family and nobody wanted to play with your Christmas bear because it was too babyish? Would you feel left out if your sisters and brother said you were too little to play with THEIR presents? Would you sit in the corner with your ears drooping in sadness?

If that tugs at your heartstrings, meet Morris. He's the dearest little bunny you ever saw, and SO sad on Christmas morning. He loves his new bear but he's too little to play with Rose's beauty kit, Victor's hockey stick, and Betty's chemistry set. While they are having fun, Morris crawls under the tree and finds ONE FORGOTTEN PRESENT, a bag. He pulls himself into the bag and -- DISAPPEARS!

Oho! Now the other bunnies are singing a different song. They all want to share their presents with Morris while they try out his disappearing bag. Who can blame them? Wouldn't we all like a disappearing bag from time to time? Such a fine present. Morris generously gives turns with his bag and has a go with the other presents. He's got the most coveted Christmas gift of all, but all he wants is a little consideration, to be part of the crowd, to be included.

Rosemary Wells writes a terrific story and her illustrations are sheer delight. Little droopy bunny ears, puffy cotton tails sticking out of the bag, hilarious bunny play with the chemicals, the makeup, the hockey kit -- and precious little Morris with all his feelings worn on his sleeve.

I've had this book since my sons were little, and given it to a number of children. I always buy a new copy for myself, just in case I need it. My favorite!

Linda Bulger, 2008

This is a very cute little Christmas book and my 12 month old really likes it. My only complaint is that I wish it was a board book and not paperback so it would be easier for her to turn the pages.

If you have enjoyed other Mouse books by this author you will love this sweet Christmas book with it's simplicity and beautiful illustrations. Little Mouse discovers the wonders of the season.

This book starts with "Twas a night still and starry and all through the house, not a creature was stirring . . . just one little mouse." By using the classic Christmas story as a leader, the author and illustrator have created a wonderful little book about Christmas for young children. The mouse wanders through the house, encountering all of the items found in a house that time of year. He finds candy, decorations, a Christmas tree, presents, and at just the right time, Santa Claus. Santa tells little mouse that he is loved, so the story ends with little mouse giving his parents a present. I recommend this book as an enjoyable variation of the standard Christmas theme.

My girlfriend brought this book home as a "pre-christmas" present one year and we both instantly fell in love with it. We don't have children, but we both love the endearing and cute stories. We've read it together many times in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year for the past three years. It's a delightful and playful book, beautifully, magically and touchingly illustrated in acrylics. We can get lost for minutes at a time studying the illustrations on each page. Thompson has created a timeless character that I'm sure people will be reading to their kids for generations to come.

Mouse teaches us playfulness, curiousty and wide-eyed wonderment at every little thing that makes life so great. This is the best book of the series, but the others are all fun to read as well. We will keep collecting these as long as she writes them.

My 16 month old loved this board book from the first time I read it to him. He learned to say "mouse" and has fun finding the mouse on each page. The pictures are beautiful and it is more substantial than most board books I have bought. I highly recommend it.

In her wonderfully clear style, Ann Stewart uses beautifully and simply stated word-pictures to give new life to the familiar old story of the first Christmas. As she reintroduces me to the the story's priciple figures, I'm attracted anew to long-forgotten details filling all of it with fresh new meaning. My wife and I are using Ann's book as our daily devotional guide leading up to Christmas. Has Christmas grown dull and cold to you? Let Ann help you Prepare Your Heart for Advent. You'll be forever glad you did.

Our women's Bible study group studied this book this year. It was a wonderful spiritual journey; however, the amount of study involved surprised us as we were expecting it to lessen our stress load - not increase it. We ended up taking 10 weeks to complete the study because there was so much spiritual food plus interesting facts about our favorite Christmas carols. The daily devotionals for December - January 6th were an added blessing.

Christmas for me just comes rolling in, with many to do's and a longing for the "joy" that is suppose to come with all those to do's. This book truly prepared my heart in so many ways, my Advent season will never be the same this year, and for years to come. The book led me to often feel like a detective sifting through many parts of the Bible, only to discover over and over again God's perfect plan and his saving grace for the world through Jesus. If you are one who is searching for a Christmas Joy that is deep and true, read this book, and it will lead you to a Joy that lasts. A book I will re-read every year!

This book is a delight because the author recognizes our desire to approach Chritmas with joy and the crazy demands placed on all of that at that busy time of the year. I love the concept of "preparing my heart" in November when things are more calm and then reaping the rewards in December. I strongly recommend this book!

Sometimes in all of our good intentions, we get wrapped up in the preparations: baking goodies, meals, traditions, gifts and commercialism that has become part of the holiday. We forget to prepare our HEARTS as well. How ideal for Ann to delight us with the Word every day of November, when the stress and the chaos is beginning to close in on us. This study is a wonderful journey back in time. With scripture and a thought provoking lesson, Ann sets the stage for the most beautfiul story ever written, the true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ! The study is written from a woman's perspective with our unique questions and concerns. It is sure to capture your heart, and light a flame for our Savior. You will not be the same after this book. It has changed the way I approach the holiday season. I am filled with a joy and peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. I wish the same for you this Christmas. Please take the time for this study. You will be richly blessed.

This book gives insight into the plight of children who live with domestic abuse, alcholism, and other "hidden" issues. Sometimes it isn't obvious to people what children are living through. Rachel is a perfect example of how children will go to great lengths to protect their families from outside scrutiny. It also gives insight into the feeling of waiting for "the other shoe to drop"! Unless you've lived in a environment with substance abuse and violence, you may not be aware of this feeling and the struggle for the other family members to predict and/or prevent the next outburst. I recommend this book to counselors, teachers, and anyone dealing with children. It is also a great read for children because it may let the other "Rachels" in the world know they are not alone.

This book makes me want to be a teacher just so I can include it in the curriculum. The author handles the deep and sensitive subjects of domestic violence and alcoholism with compassion and care. When I read this book I shed a tear, but it was one of hope. Highly recommended to all ages.

If this is the first in promised series about a group of children from a single classroom, then the series is off to a very strong start. This is not your typical "issue" book, because even though Rachel has a terrible family secret she is hiding, the book is less about the secret, and more about Rachel's ways of dealing with it. The author really captures what it is like to be a kid in a troubled home: if you can find anything else to focus on, you will, and Rachel does, delightfully. The school scenes, with Rachel's very cool teacher, Mr. Juarez, capture the power of a great classroom to help a student through bad times. Rachel's friendships and school projects are every bit as engaging as the more suspenseful family plot line. I found myself wanting to be in her class. The book also deals with an obviously gifted child, and without resorting to the "nerd" stereotypes found in so many books and movies. The book moves at a very fast pace and is over far too soon. I'll be recommending it to my own students!

Thank you Cindy Lovell Oliver! What an incredible book. After reading it, I couldn't wait to share Rachel's story with my class. I'm always looking for books that will help open the lines of communciation about topics that are not measured on a standardized test but are real life. This was it! Several kids in my class related to Rachel's life, and this book helped them realize they were not alone. Cindy Lovell Oliver is a gifted and talented writer whose insight and wisdom have created a story that lends itself perfectly to a myriad of lessons and class discussions. I cannot wait until the sequel comes out! If you are an educator, you owe it to yourself and your class to read about the life of Rachel Mason.

That's what Mark Twain said while he was on that steamer traveling the world~ and these pages...Jimmy Buffet sings it as he follows the equator...and Rachel Mason feels it...deeply...as only a child can...Rachel Mason is good...and she knows how to keep a secret...a terribly painful, embarrassing secret...consequently, she is lonesome...for anyone who has ever loved a child, this penetrating book is one of the most beautiful stories of gentle courage and childlike goodness you will ever read...Cindy Lovell Oliver respectfully addresses dificult themes through the eyes of a wonderful little girl who never deserved her fate...be good and you will be lonesome... be lonesome and you will be free...there's a gift for everyone in Rachel Mason. This book deserves a quiet afternoon and some tea, an easy chair and a footstool...every moment spent with Rachel is a worthy moment...but don't just take my word for it...allow yourself the experience.

The author made it sound so real.It made me beleive again.Its a great book for the whole family(especially those that are young and young at heart!)

Oh man, My daddy got me this book two years ago and for the longest time I was like "Yeah, right Santa Claus, pffft . . ." and I threw the book in my closet. Then this christmas I was sick with the flu and I found it again. Having nothing else to do I began to read it and was sucked into the vast imagery and delicate artwork found within it's pages. It's many fanciful scenes involving the growth of Santa and his escapades in the mushroom forest and various other psychotropic locales dovetailed nicely with the effects of my cold medecine. An awesome tale of the jolly fat man if there ever was one . . . .

I am adult who still longs to believe in the myth of Santa Claus: that a jolly old man is still roaming the earth in his airborne carriage delivering happiness to all of the good Christian boys and girls out there. But as a buddhist, I have always stood outside this tradition and wondered if his life was relevant to my own Chinese background. But with this book the universality of santa's benevolence is brought home to all. May all the faiths buy this book for the Holiday season and the Chinese New Year!

I have been following the stunning art of Sienkwiecz since I was a 13 year old, when he was illustrating for Marvel Comics. Imagine my surprise when I saw this, with such detailed artwork. I have a feeling that years for now, this will be considered one of his major pieces of art. Not to mention that it has the origin of Santa Claus as well!

I read "Santa, My Life and Times" with my two boys, ages 4 and 6, over the week prior to Christmas. We took advantage of its longer format to spread it out over several nights, one or two chapters at a time. While I was at first worried that the youngsters' short attention spans would wane, the story, writing and illustrations are so rich that their interest only grew with each night's installment, dovetailing perfectly with their mounting anticipation of the holiday. I wish there were more longer-form children's books out there that offered such depth of experience for my whole family. We'll be reading it again next year, for sure!

if you are afraid to be seen crying. I read this book during my commute on the train but was so engrossed I did not care if I was being watched. I was so touched by this book I have given to all my dearest friends with the warning that they will be touched. I have worked with social services and court systems in two states. Yes - this may be the work of Ms. Pappano's creativity - but there are parts that ring very true. I fell in love with each child, Allana, Josie and Brendan. All very different believable little personalities striving for one common goal - to keep their little family together with a little help from devine intervention. This is not just a holidy season book. This is the first book in a wonderful series that reminds the reader even in the worst of times we must hang on to our hope.

The first time I read this book, I cried at the end! I dont normally cry reading a book, but this was a really great story. I recommend it and all the other ones in the Bethlehem series!

It's not Christmas for me until I've read the story "A Season for Miracles." It's uplifting and Christmas-y without being syrupy or overwrought. While I always enjoy Ms. Pappano's books, the Bethlehem stories are my favorites. If you haven't read this, don't spend time watching "A Wonderful Life" for the umpteenth time--reach for this book!

What a wonderful book. I have not seen the movie - not sure I would be able to really, but I tell you, the book is a great read. You will not want to put it down. I think I read this in one sitting or at least tried to. The opening chapter just broke my heart and even after reading it several months ago, I still think about it and how the story unfolded. I am so happy how Ms. Pappano took us on a journey, had us crying at times, laughing at times and in the end...we were smiling.

That's what books are all about, huh?

After reading this book, I purchased every book I could get my hands on from Ms. Pappano's.

Please, read this book...order it from either from Amazon or your local library if they have it. You will not regret it.

Well, I hate to be the one who "breaks up the party", but I was dissapointed when I finished reading this book, the first one I have read by this author. Part of reason I didn't really like it may be due to the fact that I already own the movie (from Hallmark Hall of Fame - I first saw it on TV), and have watched it every year since 1999. I am aware that the book came first, but I discovered it second. (This may be one of those things that you will like whichever you experienced first, I don't know.) That being said, I may have expected more from the book than the average reader has not seen the movie.

The main difference between the book and the movie was it's family friendliness. The movie was very sweet and the romance was completely clean (no sex, just kissing) and could have been rated "G". Just a very nice, heartwarming movie that you could watch with your kids. But the book had several sex scenes in it (some of which were fairly explicit.) I know that it won't bother everyone, but it did bother me.

However, whether or not you liked the book, I can almost guarantee that you will like the movie. You can find it right here on the Amazon website, on DVD or VHS.

I knew exactly what I was getting. This is a very touching story, with illustrations that match the images in my mind. I've known the tale by heart since first I read it. It's nice to hold it in my hands, to share with others, too.

This is a quiet little Christmas story, subtle, a fable for adults and older children. I first purchased a copy 30 years ago and was delighted to see it was being re-released. I sent 17 copies to friends and sharing this little story was a highlight of the holiday for me.

It has wonderful dense illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman, an illustrator of hundreds of books, and also a founder and frequent contributor to "Cricket", a quality magazine for children.

The story tells of a lonely woman who is unexpectedly visited by an "ugly child" and how that experience slowly opens her heart. Who hasn't felt a bit grumpy, been cheered by a visit from a friend, or longed for the feeling of "enough"? Really, you must read it!!

This is a timeless tale that transcends the hype and materialistic madness that have ruined Christmas. The gentle and simple message of this story can be read and heard over and over again with fresh delight each time. I'm so very happy that this book is still in print. It is my all time favorite holiday read-aloud. I have given the book to everyone in my family and many close friends as well.

For as long as I can remember, every Christmas Eve my family would gather around my dad as he read this story to us. Although we are all adults now, and two spouses have entered the family, we all still look forward to hearing this story read aloud. We practically know it by heart. It captures the warmth and beauty of the simplicity of sharing, with humorous characters and perfect illustrations to match. And I know the tradition will continue on in our own families.

If you want to start a Christmas tradition for your children, their children and following generations...this is THE book to have. It's a story about giving, sharing and all those important ideals we want our children to carry with them into adulthood.

It's so hard to explain just how beautiful the illustrations in this book are. My son learned the entire poem the first year we read it when he was 3 1/2 and it is a book he looks forward to getting out every year. There are other great illustrators who have done Twas the Night Before Christmas, but there is something so special about these dot illustrations that I'm so grateful we happened upon THIS book.

This book has nice black and white illustrations, and "old English" spellings. The cover is a subtle forest green, wine red binding and some gold.

What a contrast from the brightly-colored character-loaded images from other books and videos that fill our children's lives.

Children love colors, but wouldn't it be good to expose them to different things once in while?

I purchased this book for my family for Christmas. I found it absolutely beautiful! There is a short introduction in the beginning that tells the history of the poem. The drawings are exquisite and the binding is simply elegant. I love everything about this book! I intend to keep it in our family and pass it down for generations!

I received this book quickly and was pleased to see the pictures were exactly what I had hoped for and the words were exactly the ones used in the original "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus".
My little 3 year old grandson listened intently as we read it to him. He wanted to see the pictures as the story was read and explained to him. This book will become a treasure of our family, to be read and re-read year after year.

My mother used to read me this poem every christmas eve which became a magical tradition. The book was misplaced in a move and my mother and i have not read it since I was young. So I ordered this version for her christmas this year and when it arrived I was more than pleased. The book is stunning in more ways than one, and the artwork really shows how magical and heartwarming the story is. I shall give it to my mother on christmas eve and I know she will treasure it.. as will my kids and there kids after them. This book without a doubt will become an heirloom. Wether you are looking for a new copy or buying twas the night before christmas for the first time, I highly recommend this version. Enjoy.

Richard Maffeo's book is a wonderful series of meditations on the Creed of our faith. Using both scripture and personal anecdotes, Mr. Maffeo helps the reader see, hear and feel the Creed in a profoundly personal way. This book is a blessing to anyone of faith.

Wow, this is an amazing book! I agree with all the other reviews of: We Believe: Forty Meditations on the Nicene Creed
especially: "this book will take you to surprising places in gentle and supportive ways". "We Believe" does have warm, personal stories and beautiful, accessible meditations. The author seems to be a man of fearless humility! Obviously it's difficult to race through the Nicene Creed after reading this. And now it's difficult to race through ALL my prayers, journaling, conversations, radio shows, and life in general. I am a more thoughtful listener now, to my self and others. I am a more thoughtful reader, driver, and TV watcher. I wish Mr Maffeo would do the Mass, the Our Father and the Hail Mary and the Mysteries of the Rosary and the Beatitudes and. ...but I realize this can be an example and I can do this for myself for the rest of my life. I have read so many books on how to pray and this has truly helped more than any other.
"We Believe, Forty Meditations on the Nicene Creed." is an excellent book on many levels.

In his book, We Believe, Rich Maffeo guides us on a journey to the core of our Catholic faith, The Nicene Creed. This prayer defines our church family and shows us with fresh eyes the cornerstone, Jesus the Christ. Every time we recite this prayer, we proclaim in union with the angels, the prophets, and the Saints, the divinity and humanity of Jesus. It summarizes God's unconditional love for us, and the path of salvation.

Each meditation is simple, profound, and thought provoking. It exposes us to a better understanding of our need for a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus!

This is a must read for all Catholics and non-Catholics curious about our traditions and our ways of worship.

I strongly recommend this book to be added to all churches resource libraries. It is an excellent tool to help the youth prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The book provides daily living examples and show the youth ways to find Jesus in the midst of their busy lives.



Tannia E. Ortiz-Lopés is a writer by profession, a mother by choice, and a wife by the covenant of marriage. She was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico and currently lives in Germany with her husband and two sons. On 2004, she published her first free-style inspirational poetry book, The Window To My Soul : My Walk With Jesus (Tate Publishing) under the pen name of Mary Magdalene. In March 2006, the book was voted "Best Poetry Book" by www.christianstoryteller.com

Visit the author at: www.myspace.com/tanniaortizlopes, and http://timewithtannia.tripod.com/

Richard Maffeo has written a winner with "We Believe, Forty Meditations on the Nicene Creed."

This is a moving, beautifully written book. It offers easy-to-read sections (two to three pages each) with a Nicene Creed statement, a scriptural focus, very warm and human stories from the author's own experience, and a prayer.

"We Believe" is a book that invites not just meditation on the Nicene Creed (which would be enough in itself) but also an applicable Scriptural reference, and stories which invite the readers to participate in the meditations as they recall their own stories. In this way, a simple book accomplishes depth very ably.

My book club chose "We Believe" for our May 2007 book, and it was enjoyed by all. Its user-friendly format makes it easy to read personally or as a group selection.

I highly recommend this book. It will take you to surprising places in gentle and supportive ways.

"We Believe" June 28,2007
A D "Bud" Niebergall, Fircrest, WA.

Richard's book, "We Believe", Forty Meditations on the Nicene Creed, is long overdue. I have waited for many years to see and "hear" the deep truths of Christianity revealed and described in such a down to earth, straight forward manner.
The Nicene Creed, explained in the context of the Word of God and Richard's personal life, is unique and a real winner. His uncluttered manner of expression, gives a simplicity and power that can be readily taken into the heart of Catholic Christians, especially those who may never see or examine a Vatican Encyclical, or a Catholic Catechism.
I would recommend "We Believe" as a "must read" for any Christian in search of truth, and new life in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank you Richard,the book has been an inspiration to me.