Christmas Books

This is a really good book about rodents and they are determained to find the Santa that dissapeared in the Macy's store in New York

Even though I haven't read this book in about 8 years, I still remember it as my favorite childhood library book and am currently traking down a copy to own. I read this book every Christmas for years and am very familiar with it. The story is magical and uplifting. A true classic.

When I was very little, my sister would read this story to me every Christmas. It was our little tradition. As we grew older, I came to read it on my own. I had two Macy's holiday traditions- The Thanksgiving Day Parade and this story about three lovable mice that take up living in a Macy's over Christmas and the mystery of a missing Santa. I have just found a copy of this book and I can't wait until my fiance have children to be able to read it to them every year. It's definitely a story worth handing down!

This is an excellent chapter book for children from 8-12. It is a sequel to two previouse books (The Great Cheese Capoer and The Great Rescue Operation)however, it does not require that the other books be read first. They all can be read independent of the others. There are 14 chapters in this book. When the Macy's Santa is missing who can solve the mystery. Three brave mice, of course! Children enjoy this book very much.

Marvin the Magnificent, Raymond and Fats are three mice out to enjoy life ... in Macy's department store. When the toy department's Santa gets kidnapped they are on the case in the best manner of old-movie private eyes. But how can three mice track him down and rescue him before Christmas?

Narrated by Marvin himself, this story is absolutely hilarious. Don't be stopped by the mice. It was one of my favourite books growing up and I still recall it with great fondness (and a vague sense of irritation that my children's books got sold a few years back).

There are at least three other books about this mouse trio, and I think a couple of them are still in print. This one, however, is my favourite, and worth looking for in your local library/used book store.

Heart of the Holidays: Holiday Inspirations Yuletide Treasures & Traditions is a magnificent collection of original stories and poems specifically celebrating the yuletide. This precious keepsake gift book starts with Thanksgiving, then Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Yuletide Around the Globe, and Ringing in the New Year. A beautiful musical CD to go with this gift, is Heart of the Holidays, by PIANIST "Laurie Z." You will feel the warmth and peace throughout the body as your soul rejoices in the nurturing of the holidays.

This wonderful, one-of-a-kind book brims with all the magic and joy of the holiday season. The collection of cheerful sayings, warm memories of times gone by, and touching stories and poems make a lovely, festive package. You'll delight in the tales of grace and revelation, and enjoy the good humor and faith throughout.

It's the perfect gift for a sister, mom, or friend, or to show your appreciation for a busy hostess. And keep an extra copy for yourself so you can pack it away after reading it, and then next holiday season, unpack it to savor the same sparkle and warmth again!

There are times during the holidays when things aren't as cheery and happy as we would like them to be. This book is a perfect companion during these times.

The stories and poems are uplifting, comforting and poignant. You can read a story or two at a time. There's no pressure to "finish this book." In fact, a book like this is never really finished. It's something that will be sitting in easy reach for many seasons. I'm sure. We can all use some inspiration and comfort all through the year.

A great read any time of the year.

This book is an ideal gift for a friend or family member, or anyone who may need a little encouragement for the holidays. The stories and poems in Sheryl's book are inspirational, positive and even a little humorous. It will make you want to believe in the Spirit of Christmas again.

This is one of the best holiday books I have seen (even if I did contribute a few poems to it - LOL). It should warm every heart this Holiday Season, regardless of one's faith or inclination. A wonderful holiday gift which will last for years ... it will never go out of style ... and can be shared with every generation. The editor/author, Sheryl Roush, has done a marvelous job in compiling everything in this book

I am listening to the audio version of this book and it is so rich in detail and history, Jeff Guinn paints a picture-it's like I'm there! Not just the history of Christmas but of the World, this book has politics, traditions and whimsy all rolled into one.
If you believe in the magic of Santa (and you know you do) this book is a must read.

All of Jeff Guinn's books are centered on Santa Claus and his real life persona. The books are absolutely vivid and striking. The Autobiography of Santa Claus was the better of the first two books, but How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas was also great. The books detail real history and interwine facts of Santa Claus and his life into the historical facts. It's a great read for Christmas time and for anyone who ever believed in Santa Claus.

I love this book. It was great to get some historical facts in with fiction. I am not an active reader and this one kept me interested to the end

The year is 1620. While Santa Claus is off in the New World aka America, getting a new group of people interested in the spirit of giving, and what is now known as Christmas, Mrs. Claus has been left behind in England. It's a lovely country, but when signs of officials banning all types of Yuletide cheer begin popping up everywhere Mrs. Claus looks, she realizes that it's time to take matters into her own hands. It's bad enough that the Puritans have gained complete control of Parliament, but when, in the year 1647 a law punishing any and all who celebrate Christmas is passed, Mrs. Claus realizes that Christmas is in true danger, and it's up to her, without the help of her beloved Saint Nick, to save the marvelous holiday before it's destroyed forever.

I read Jeff Guinn's THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SANTA CLAUS when it was first released, and devoured every word of it. Yet I had no idea he would be able to weave the exact same sort of magic with its sequel HOW MRS. CLAUS SAVED CHRISTMAS. As with the first installment in the Christmas Chronicles, Guinn has put together a delightful holiday fiction tale, and laced it with rich historical facts - including the marching of ten thousand peasants in Canterbury who protested their right to celebrate Christmas in the year 1647. A charming piece of fiction that will certainly delight and educate all!

Erika Sorocco

In this sequel to his classic book The Autobiography of Santa Claus, Jeff Guinn tells a new tale of Christmas in peril. In the first book, Guinn took the historical facts about St. Nicholas and the various people who contributed to the Santa Claus legend around the world and wove them into a beautiful life story. In this book, he continued that tradition, taking the troubles of the English Civil War as a backdrop for a tale about Santa's wife, Layla. Staying behind in England to manage their affairs there while her husband begins his time in the American colonies, Layla finds herself at the forefront of a movement to protect Christmas from a Puritan reformation that wants to stomp out anything reminiscent of Catholicism in England. Layla is forced to flee to Canterbury, where she lives for a time with friends Alan and Elizabeth Hayes and their daughter Sara. As Oliver Cromwell amasses power in London, Layla and her friends concoct a daring plan to show Parliament that the people of England will never stand for Christmas being stolen from them.

Like The Autobiography of Santa Claus, this is a beautiful story that weaves together fact with fantasy to produce a thoroughly satisfying tale. In fact, this may even be a superior book to the original, in that it has a much more cohesive story. By necessity, Autobiography reads like a person's life story, hitting the high points but not really holding onto a compelling narrative thread to push the plot along. This new book is focused on a relatively brief period of time instead of the thousands of years in the first book, and on a single issue -- the attempt by the Puritans to squelch out Christmas in the 1640s. As such, it's a much stronger book simply from a storytelling standpoint.

Like the original, this book is written in 24 chapters -- making it quite convenient for parents to read a chapter a day to the little ones in December, finishing up on Christmas Eve. I don't have any kids myself yet, but I have every intention of doing this once I do. I also just found out that Guinn has produced a third book, The Great Santa Search, and I'll definitely be rushing out to get my copy before the holidays are over.

A very funny account of the night Jesus was born told from the point of view of the innkeeper. It is a family favorite at our house, and is always a big hit when we read it!!

This is one of the best books ever! Our family has enjoyed this book for years! Sometimes we even act out the parts. It is so entertaining. It started us on a Nicholas Allan kick where we seek out his books. Some are rather irreverent, such as The Queen's Knickers, but all in good fun. Jesus' Christmas Party is the best one.

This charming story gives a realistic spin to how things really might have been out there in Bethlehem. It makes me laugh everytime I read it, and it makes a wonderful skit that our family loves to put on at Christmas time

I love this book. I bought three, two to give away and one to keep. I have it sitting on the coffee table. People pick it up, think it's a cute kid's book and read through it. I can always tell when they get to the end...there is a little sigh and a look of peace! It reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. That our lives are hectic, just as the inn keepers night was, but he took time to celebrate the baby's birth!

The simple line drawings are accessilble to all. the innkeeper certainly didn't know what he was in for when he let Mary and Joseph use the stable. Despite the bright light and all the interruptions the innkeeper finally gets in the spirit of things. A short, sweet look at the joy everyone had at the birth of a special baby.

My wife and I had the pleasure of being in the audience hearing the
author read his excellent book. Charles Dickens would be proud to have
his story continued in such an effective and entertaining manner. This
book provides a new dimension to Christmas season literature, building
skilfully on a well-known classic. It enthralls with delight, and is
recommended reading for all. Like a follow-up story in a newspaper of a
major event, it is so satisfying and interesting to find out what

happened to the people involved. The way the author adds to a holiday
legend
makes a great read!

Bill King
New York City

I think of them as one-as two parts of a whole. Marvin Kaye's sequel to "The Christmas Carol" picks up Dickens's thread so effortlessly and so honestly and yet at the same time so originally. Mr. Kaye speaks with his own voice or else there would be only an echo of another's voice and there is no such echo in this story. There is instead a clear ringing of honesty.
Mr. Kaye does not immitate Dickens in any way, yet it is as though Mr. Kaye has walked in Dickens's shoes through the din and foulness of some of London's 19th Century streets, that they have spent many long evenings in front of a warm fire listening to one another well. It is not only a common shoe size these two authors share, they share too a kindred soul- a soul that reaches out to embrace their fellow-man bringing them together as brothers. The after-life court room scene is so vivid and convincing that I cannot imagine that Mr.Kaye has not indeed been there himself! The careful weaving of this story took me on a journey that brought me to a wonderful place of completion-a story which dropped me off further up the road than where it found me. I imagine Dicken's is very pleased with the "Last Christmas of Ebenezer Scrooge" and Mr.Kaye need not have any fears hauntings, but might feel perhaps instead a very pleasant patting on the back. This story for me shall always be the last chapter of "The Christmas Carol". I am full of warm hope and thankful Christmas spirits!

Sequels to great and loved novels are the most difficult writing to pull off. Because no matter what you do, someone usually is unhappy with it. (Need I mention SCARLETT-- the sequel to Gone With The Wind?)
However, Mr. Kaye not only created a beautiful and touching story, but he doesn't even WRITE like Marvin Kaye. The metaphors, the descriptions themselves are pure Dickens-- not a copy of the master, but the use of language in the style made famous by the man called "the Shakespeare of the Novel".
Yet at the same time, the story is original. All the best loved characters are there, yet sublimely altered due to Mr. Scrooge's haunted evening. The story presents what Dickens himself suggested at the end of the original.
In this novel, Scrooge is called upon not only to make the world a better place, but to redeem Jacob Marley, as Marley did for him. It is an exciting tale, worthy to grace any bookshelf with the original.

THE LAST CHRISTMAS OF EBENEZER SCROOGE (Wildside Press) by Marvin Kaye is one of the most delightful and magical Christmas stories written. A sequel to Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Mr. Kaye has written a charming and poignant novel that revisits the scenes and characters of the Dickens classic, and gives the reader a glimpse of the Afterlife which Dickens' eluded to in his masterly tale of literature's greatest miser.

Mr. Kaye's style of writing evokes Dickens' own without imitating Dickens. It is a rapid moving story with the charm, surprize, mystery and insight of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and a beauty and wonder all its own. THE LAST CHRISTMAS OF EBENZER SCROOGE is a masterpiece and should be read, annually, along with A CHRISTMAS CAROL. The wonder and grandeur of Christmas, and the true meaning of the Season, as exemplified in Ebenzer Scrooge, is the hallmark of this magnificant work.

Mr. Kaye is one of the most gifted and original novelists practicing his craft today. THE LAST CHRISTMAS OF EBENZER SCROOGE is a "must read". Don't miss it!!

You don't have to be a Dickens fanatic to enjoy this book. I was intrigued to find out what really happened AFTER Ebenezer Scrooges's Christmas Eve conversion from miser to man of charity.

Marvin Kaye gives full life to those who until now we've only glimpsed. A poor Jewish boy called Paulie is the lad who fetches the turkey for the ecstatic Scrooge when he wakes from his nightmare on Christmas Day. Tiny Tim grows out of his child "victim" status and into a compassionate and capable young man upon whom Scrooge relies. Bob Cratchit goes from strength to strength under the transformed benevolent influence of his former task master. Generally, the world is a better place now that Scrooge is about the business of sharing his wealth and personal charity. But still, something is not right, and the ghosts have not completely left the scene.

Kaye weaves a wonderful, surprising story complete with intrigue, mystery and even a bit of ancient Talmudic wisdom thrown in for good measure. While the writing is evocative of the period, it's accessible and flows easily, even for a dyslexic reader like me....

As an American who has lived in England for the past 11 years, I also appreciated how Kaye gives us the real flavor of English culture and language without being too precious about it. In short, The Last Christmas of Ebenezer Scrooge is a delight. Buy it, read it and recommend it to a friend!

After we discovered my daugter's love for the original "Little Miss Spider", we endeavored to collect the entire series. Like the others, this one did not disappoint.

The story follows much the same formula as Kirk's other Little Miss Spider books - one that works well for these tales. Miss Spider on a quest, encounters conflict, conflict resolves in a lesson of sorts.

This is a lovely, warm little Christmas story and an enjoyable and fun read with its well-constructed rhymes, vivid colors, and endearing characters. And the hardcover version has those wonderful, durable glossy pages that hold up even to a toddler's not-so-careful page-turning techniques!

Absolutely recommended for all young readers.

In "Little Miss Spider: A Christmas Wish," Little Miss Spider finds herself without anyone to play with on Christmas Eve. She's really hoping for a new friend and so she sets out on the winter day. At first, she doesn't meet anyone, but then she comes upon Asparagus Beetle. Asparagus proves to be a great new friend, but it turns out there's something he needs too --- and Little Miss Spider is just the one to help.

This book is written in the classic "Miss Spider" rhyming style by David Kirk. The young version of Miss Spider is very cute. The illustrations alternate between full page and text pages with a small illustration.

Miss Spider is the best series. My daughter loves all the bright colors. Highly Recommended!

My 16 month old and I go to the library and get books quite often. When I read this book to her she loved it. It is hard to tell who loved it more though, my daughter or me. The colors are vibrant and the rhyme has a nice rhythm. I did not mind reading it several times a day.

This is a cute rhyming book about Little Miss Spider, her mother (Bettie Beetle), and her friend Asparagus Beetle. The story is essentially one about how much more important people are than things. It is heartwarming and Holiday appropriate.

I have to say though, that I was a bit puzzled about what was going on until I read the front flyleaf. The flyleaf provided a great deal of information about what the story was about. It explains something of Miss Spider's own adoption, and how she is missing all of her friends who are hibernating. I highly recommend you take a moment to read it with your child -at least once - before going on to the rest of the text.

The Accelerated Reading designation for this book is 3.1 which means that it is suggested for children in the first month of Third Grade. Having said that I would note that my own children had a bit of a problem with the font because it is stylized (i.e. fancy).

Vocabulary includes: boughs, beneath, Asparagus, gargoyles, frighten, cushion, and sheltering.

Four Stars. [B-] :::: The artwork is typical of Miss Spider. Color is vivid and covers the entire page. Good Read-aloud. I liked the pro-family, pro-adoption attitudes, and the fact that the vocabulary isn't babyish. The AR designation for this book is 3.1.

Pam T~

I was so happy to find this wonderful & heartwarming book. It ranks right up there with John's book "Alfie the Christmas Tree" which I am lucky enough to own also. I found this book from an "Amazon recommendation" sent to me & am so happy they did. It will be another absolutely wonderful Christmas story to go in our collection. It is charming, emotional, & very well written I would also recommend it to bring into perspective what Christmas is really all about.

This book captures the way John felt about Christmas - a time for friends and family to come together and appreciate and take care of one another. It is a peaceful time of just sharing - not commercialized gifts - but the gifts we all are for each other.

This book captures the important, simple aspects of Christmas - love among family and friends in a beautiful setting (including an animal and a song). The true story and the surprise ending are heartfelt and warm. I think the part I loved the most is Michael'selationship with his son -the time he takes to just play with him. Often young fathers are too busy or they don't know the importance of taking time to play.
I am giving this book to my grandchildren for Christmas.

"The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas"
(by Carole Romanowski - [...])

Michael Chandler's book, "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas", is a delightful and heartwarming account of a very special Christmas Eve memory Michael and his young son, Preston, experienced with friends - John Denver and Joe Henry - to name a few! This book, in my opinion, is adapted for the reading enjoyment of children of all ages, and adults alike can enjoy it's warmth!

Praise must also be given to Terry Jacobsen who beautifully illustrated the book in a colorful and professional manner! Plus a bonus - a CD by John Denver singing all three stanzas of "Silent Night" - is included in the book and completes the warm holiday spirit of this story!

I am sure "The Littlest Cowboy's Christmas" will elicit in each one of us a special holiday memory from long ago we tucked away! Michael Chandler's book can be ordered through amazon.com and is truly a holiday treasure!

Feel the snow squeak underfoot. See your breath float on the sharp air. Smell the popcorn, cocoa, oats, carrots, hay, and evergreens. Know what it might be like for a father and his small son to share an evening of country Christmas cheer with two unusual men and another small boy, while a shaggy hoss called "Lefty" munches his Christmas pie.

Michael Chandler knows how to tell much with few words, and Terry Jacobsen's homey, colorful, honest illustrations are an integral part of this charming Christmas tale for the child in all of us, no matter what our age may be.

You don't need to be a John Denver fan to find frosty gems of peace on Earth, good will toward men between the covers of this book. The book -- plus the CD of John Denver singing "Silent Night" (included) -- will make a lovely addition to your collectibles library or your family Christmas tradition.

The Magic Christmas Bear
by TORY LYNN

The love a mother has for her newly adopted daughter and

the length she goes to make the little one know how much

she is wanted and loved is extraordinary. Especially at

Christmas when Annabelle has given Santa a very special

gift, the mom's love and heartfelt feelings and thinking turn

the first Christmas with their daughter into one of the most

special Christmases they could have ever had.

This is one of the most beautiful stories for Christmas that I

have ever read.

I write mysteries and horror stories myself. I read "The Magic Christmas Bear" by Tory Lynn because it was a story I could relate too. I was raised by a foster mother. It was and is a wonderful story that will touch your heart. It will bring tears to your eyes as you read of the little girl's hope for a loving home and a smile to your face when she knows she has one.

Being a parent, a good parent, can be challenging. Becoming a parent of a six year old girl makes the task even more challenging. Tory Lynn tells us in this heartwarming and inspiring short story just how this incredible task is accomplished with love, understanding and a desire to teach right from wrong. Her tale of the Christmas bear will help anyone who is raising a child, whether a foster child or a child by birth. This is a great story, Tory. I enjoyed it.

Joshua Berry, novelist and Amazon shorts contributor

"...in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it."

This story is fabulous and is a prime example of the true fruit of the spirit for Christmas, as a mother shares the meaning with her adopted daughter. One of the sweetest and most beautiful Christmas stories that anyone will ever read. Love is what it is all about people! It is all true and that makes it even more endearing to me. I am looking forward to this author doing some great work in the future, but this is going to be hard to ace.

This is a story you'll want to read again and again.

Children will cherish this and remember this for years.
Great job Tory

Very sturdy book. I loved the music in it. We have used it alot

This book contains an excellent assortment of both familiar and not-so-well-known Christmas songs. The arrangements are advanced enough to avoid sounding incomplete, yet easy enough that an intermidiate to advanced player can get through them without too much trouble. Pleasing chords. It is nice to have the words included also. I received this book as a Christmas present, but I will probably be using it well into the new year!

We love this book and find the music arrangements great! The history of each song is also makes fun reading and learning. This has all the classics, good oldies, and new fun Christmas songs I grew up with.

Reader's Digest has made a GREAT contribution to musicians with this edition. The spiral binding helps the book stay open flat, and songs are set on facing pages to minimize page turning. Great for the pro or the amateur musician.

As a pianist, I have always looked for accessible christmas music to play and sing along to. I love this collection because just about every carol is in there, they're easy to play at a moment's notice, and a lryics book is included. This book is great for christmas gatherings when everyone wants to request their favorite carol. The music is easy enough, but not overly simple. I take this book with me everywhere at Christmas time!!

Marci Alborghetti grew up in a family where Christmas was a celebration that lasted from the first week in December to Three Kings Day. She always wondered what happened to the fabled gifts of the Magi, so one Christmas season she wrote The Miracle Of The Myrrh to answer this timeless question from two thousand years ago. Award-winning French artist Herve Blondon richly illustrates Alborghetti's original, entertaining, and highly recommended picturebook story of a grown-up Drummer Boy, his son, and the fate of the frankincense, gold and myrrh.

Marci Alborghetti has written a children's story which will be a Christmas favorite for years to come. The Miracle of the Myrrh is a sensitive tale showing us the blessings we receive when we generously offer our gifts to meet another's need. I can picture myuself reading this to a child every Christmas season. It is a story which will never grow old. Herve Blondon captures the story visually in such a way that, once the stroy is read, the child who is not yet reading can "read" the story again just by looking at the illustrations.

Every year I search for just the right Christmas storybook to add to my daughter's collection. The Miracle of the Myrrh is a wonderful story that celebrates the true spirit of giving and Christianity. It is a welcome relief for a season that has become so commercialized. I know this book will become one of our favorite Holiday reads.

The Mircle of the Myrrh is beautifully written and created an oasis for our family to stop and truly reflect on the spirit and meaning of Christmas. It is written with a new perspective and caught the attention of both the adults and children in our family with its freshness, beauty and insights. It will be one of our most beloved family traditions for many years to come!

As a small town librarian, I recommend this book for family reading over the holidays. Its message is as simple as it is profound: like breathing out and breathing in, you have to give in order to get. Also, wonderful illustrations. This story is a natural for a composer of melodic talent. Who hasn't enjoyed Amahl and the Night Visitors? Read it and see if you agree.