Christmas Books

The country where you were born rarely stops being home. Especially if you lived there for very long. This book highlights a family from the United States whose parents come from Mexico. The parents still feel very strongly that Mexico is home though they are firmly planted in the US. The kids are very uncomfortable with the knowledge. They prefer to speak English and feel that the US is home. What is this place their parents call home? What if they want to stay there? How do their parents really about about home in the US which the kids consider home? It's a confusing dilemma for kids and parents have to have mixed feelings too.

Eve Bunting takes her readers on journey with a Mexican family going home for Christmas. The text she uses is elegantly written. Through the feelings expressed by Carlos and his family you get a real sense of the Mexican culture and the importance of family. David Diaz's illustrations lead you into the journey with Carlos and his family. With the use of collaged background and inset illustrations the pages come alive. The text of Bunting and the illustrations of Diaz give you the sense of being there. This is a book that a child of any age would enjoy.

This book is very touching...it sensitively portrays the sacrafices Mexican immigrants have to make to move to America for their children to have a better life. Very well done themes of parental love, long car trips, the sadness of leaving one's home country, sibling realtionships, husband and wife being romantic (tasteful and age-appropriate), and a child's growing understanding of the complexities of life. Buy and read it to every child (and adult) you know.

This story is well told, with a nice pace and sense of language. Diaz is up to his usual standards, creating a colorful world that you just want to hop right into. Judge this book by its cover - it's beautiful!

Eve Bunting's books have a wisdom that transcends their simple stories. As an ESL teacher and a teacher in classes with immigrant students, I have often shared this book with middle school students and adults. In a brief and poetic narrative, it tells the universal story of parents sacrificing so their children will have a better life, through the eyes of a child. The adults in my ESL classes love it and take it home to read to their children.

This book focuses on the lives of John and Anna Olesh as they raise their family together in a strongly Catholic village in pre-WWI Yugoslavia. It's based on the real life story of this couple, whom the author knew after they moved to America. After being visited by a Protestant missionary and being offered a New Testament (which they refuse), John and Anna struggle for years, searching, wanting to know the truth about God and how they are to serve Him. Eventually, Anna does accept a New Testament, and she and her husband end up reading it in secret.

In the end, they come to be baptized and to follow Jesus, trusting in Him, rather than being caught up in obedience to the priest, sprinklings of their house every year, baptizing their babies to save them from hell, the witch doctor coming in times of illness, and all the other forms of bondage and fear they experienced. Of course, they face much persecution from family and neighbors, as well as from the local governement, for leaving the Catholic Church. But, they keep their eyes fixed on Jesus.

I found this story very encouraging, how John and Anna kept searching, as the Lord kept drawing them to Himself, and how, after coming to faith, they trusted in Him whatever came. I plan on reading this book aloud to my children (all under 7) some time in the next year. I highly recommend this book.

In this true story, a Yugoslavian Catholic couple (John and Anna Olesh) yearns for more. One day a protestant preacher stops by their house and asks for food. Not knowing who he is, they let him in and feed him. In thanks, the preacher offers them a New Testament Bible. They refuse, knowing it would cause trouble and anger the preist. They have barely enough food for their family to survive on, so John goes to America to find a higher-paying job. When John is away, Anna goes to the city and encounters the protestant preacher. He asks her to come to his house so he can give her a Bible. She is curious about the Bible, and wonders if it could be the answer to her longing heart. Compelled yet frightened, Anna accepts the New Testament and hides it under her mattress at home. Anna reads it with interest but doesn't let her children see it. After John comes back and as time goes on, they wonder more and more about the New Testament. . . .

Hidden Rainbow is a book about struggling. Its about standing up for what you believe in, because its right, even when your whole community shuns you and your family avoids you. The only choice it seems is to flee the country and leave everything behind. Why risk it all? What could make a person so sure that they would give up the only life they ever knew? Trust. If there is only one thing this book teaches, it is to trust. trust that God has everything in control and no matter what happens He will guide you, keep you and protect you if you trust. A powerful novel, its hard to put down and hard to forget.

John and Anna Olesh, a hard working Yugoslavian couple, struggle to raise their family in the poverty of pre-WWI Serbia. Their difficulties increase when they turn from the superstitious sprituality they have known their whole lives, toward the Light and Truth that they know they must embrace.

This fabulous book gives you a look into the life and struggles of a young Yugoslavian couple back in the turn of the century. It shows the strong ties families had to their religion as well as the persecution those who found and accepted Christ went through. As you read this suspensful page turning book, you can't help but smile and remember that God always keeps his promises to those who truely believe and fully trust in Him.

My Grandaughter now has the complete "Tucker" series and this one does not dissapoint! Another winner... hat's off to "Tucker" and McGuirk.

Tucker never disappoints. I purchase the Tucker books for all the children on my list. The colourful illustrations and mischievous adventures of Tucker captivate them as they read it over and over. A wonderful gift to put under the tree for children and adults.

My son (2 yrs) received the board book of this title for xmas this past year. Here it is severl months later and he continues to ask for "Tucker" at bed time. In fact, we have sought out some of the other Tucker stories since he loves them so much.

I have a Tucker myself but he is my 5 year old little boy. He has loved his Tucker books since day one. He just loves that there is a cute westie with his name. What makes it even it more fun to have those books is that we have a westie also.

Another great Tucker book by Leslie McGuirk for babies to pre-schoolers. Tucker, a little white terrier, is an irresistible enchanting character. In Ho,Ho,Ho, Tucker, the delightful mischievous pooch romps through the snow, Christmas decorations, and a tray of hot cookies which burns his nose. After his exhausting day Tucker is anxious to sleep and dream of dancing bones. Little does he know what a remarkable surprise he is about to receive. Tucker meets a new friend who takes him on a great adventure.

Ho,Ho,Ho, Tucker is a tender hearted flight of fancy with charming illustrations. McGuirk's sheer exuberance and artistic creations will captivate any young child as well as any adult reading to them. This artistically illustrated superb treat is a "must have" Christmas book.

Last year, I read the book, Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime, and was so inspired by it that I decided to try my hand at creating a women's retreat structured around same. The retreat was held in October of 2008, and the feedback that I've received has been awesome! This wonderful book will help readers to become more intentional in preparing their hearts and minds for the holiday season. Armed with the author's practical advice and recommendations, I believe that many will come to experience more fully the comfort and joy about which we sing!

This was our monthly book club's second book. Ms. Christie gives you direction & suggestions for facing those "holiday demons" that rob the season of joy, peace, & calm, and that helps you make the changes to achieve the holidays you want. Lessons learned work not only for the holidays, but for life in general. Very practical book for our too hurried and harried lives. Very easy and fast reading. Highly recommend.

What a wonderful book! Hurry Less Worry Less at Christmastime will help anyone get their Holiday season off to a great start. Learn how to make time for all the family and friends. A must read!

If you get a feeling of anxiety rather than joy during the Christmas season due to too many obligations, too many presents to buy, too many family trips to juggle, and too little time in which to do all this and more, then this is the book for you. Judy gives you concise and practical advice to get your holidays under control.

I have read this book twice and keep it by my bedside to read a little each evening. Following her suggestions will help me create a holiday season which will be less hectic and more enjoyable for each member of my family! Judy Christie is a humorous, spiritual,"thought-provoking" writer. This is a fun book...give it as a pre-holiday gift to help each of your friends and family enjoy their holidays immensely!

In A Jolly Good Fellow, Stephen V. Masse gives us a truly heartwarming story that manages to avoid feeling light and fluffy or resorting to holiday clichés.

Duncan Wagner is a lovable, bumbling criminal. Masse puts the reader right inside Duncan's head and it is impossible not to like him, as we see his mixed emotions about the kidnapping, the easy-going affection he quickly comes to feel for sweet Gabriel, how he acts tough and gruff to cover it up. This book may be about a kidnapping, but it isn't dark or menacing in any way. Duncan's half-hearted, often naive approach to the crime he is commiting prevents that, and it is obvious from the start that Duncan would never physically harm Gabriel.

The novel is narrated by Duncan in the first person. The highly readable narrative gives a distinct flavor to the book. Duncan's dialect evokes hard-scrabble, working class Boston perfectly.

Masse's plot is subtlely intricate and perfectly paced. Though I knew Gabriel wouldn't be hurt and would ultimately be returned to his parents, Masse kept me guessing until the end about Duncan's fate. Would he get the ransom money he sought? Or would he get caught?

A Jolly Good Fellow can be read and enjoyed regardless of the season and whether you celebrate Christmas or not. That said, it would make a perfect holiday read for anyone who loves a great story with characters you won't want to say good-bye to when you turn the last page.

With just two weeks before Christmas, Duncan Wagner makes the decision to kidnap the son of his most despised enemy, State Representative Win Booker. When he drives into the wealthy Boston neighborhood to carry out his plan, he is surprised to find the boy - Gabriel - hitchhiking. This is where Wagner's quest for revenge begins as he finds himself face to face with a real boy and no clue about how to run a kidnapping. This story captures the true motives behind an unpredictable kidnapping

Gabriel doesn't appear upset by his apparent kidnapping and even after have several opportunities to escape he chooses to remain with Duncan. The boy begins to develop a close relationship with Duncan, and helps him in the kidnapping process. On the surface this sounds like a case of Stockholm syndrome, but underneath you discover a little boy who is only angry at his parents. Mr. Masse's description of the friendship between a young child and a lonely adult is heartwarming. Gabriel is a multi-faceted character, one who loves reading books and tries to eat a vegetarian diet, but he still wets the bed at night.

Stephen Masse does a great job of taking a man and a boy from very different backgrounds and developing them into heartwarming characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys good stories with unpredictable endings. A Jolly Good Fellow is the winner of the Silver Medal in the 2008 Independent Publisher Book Awards.

In just over two hundred pages, this little novel packs quite a wallop: page-turning suspense, endearing characters, humorous predicaments, and a whole bunch of unexpected plot twists. Not only that, but each and every storyline thread is satisfyingly tied up in the end. Simply put: once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. But you know what? Even though the storyline is tres compelling, it was the author's engaging writing skill that truly captivated me. Masse's style brings to mind J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, the writing is that good. I expect that's because of the authentic-sounding dialogue and such insightful interactions between the characters.
Basically the story goes like this: Duncan Wagner, a young man without a clue, decides to kidnap the eleven-year-old son of a politician whom Duncan despises. But when Duncan goes for the kid, he's surprised to find the boy hitchhiking--actually running away from home. Once the boy is captured, he's more curious than scared and is enjoying himself. What follows is a heartwarming, often humorous journey of discovery and fast friendship for both the kid and Duncan. Written in the present tense, A Jolly Good Fellow imparts a sense of urgency to the situation and the reader is sent on a roller coaster ride of unpredictable situations, culminating in a most satisfying conclusion.
Stephen V. Masse is from Boston and that explains how he was able to do such a fantastic job of rendering the old combat zone and flavor of Beantown. He studied creative writing at UMass Amherst, probably where he discovered his gift for dialogue and started forming his incredible style. He spent time writing "Out of Control", a weekly newspaper column and that might explain his talent for humor. Finally, I need to tell you that this book isn't Masse's first foray into the novel arena; he penned one other novel: Shadow Stealer. Bottom line: get yourself a copy of A Jolly Good Fellow and prepare for one fantastic read.
Highly Recommended by reviewer: Jan Evan Whitford, AllBooks Reviews

Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (5/08)

Two weeks before Christmas, Duncan Wagner sets out to kidnap the son of State Representative Win Booker. Coincidentally, as he is driving up West Border Parkway to do so, he sees eleven-year-old Gabriel Booker out hitchhiking. Due to the fact that Gabriel willingly gets into Duncan's car and rides back to his house, the kidnapping attempt goes much easier than planned.

Once back at Duncan's home, Duncan reveals to Gabriel that he has been kidnapped and that he is going to try to obtain one-hundred-thousand dollars in ransom money from Gabriel's father. Gabriel tells Duncan that his father is not going to pay anything. He says that he ran away from home once and no one even bothered to look for him. Duncan, however, believes that he can get Win Booker to pay and moves forward with his plan. Being that Duncan supports himself by dressing up as Santa and collecting money for the "needy" (meaning himself) he needs this extra money to be able to make it through the winter.

Gabriel is not the typical kidnapped victim. He is actually a very willing participant and despite numerous opportunities to escape he chooses to remain with Duncan. He eventually develops a close relationship with Duncan, and in many ways assists him in the kidnapping process.

Stephen Masse does an excellent job of creating memorable, likeable characters. He takes a man and a boy from very different backgrounds and creates a tight bond of friendship between them. The story itself is full of numerous twists and turns and is an extremely fast read. The 203 pages really fly by, and I finished the book in one morning.

Masse was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts and chose that locale for the setting of his book. He does an excellent job of portraying the feel of the city in the winter, making "A Jolly Good Fellow" the perfect book to read for the holiday season. This unique novel is both humorous and heartwarming. Anyone who enjoys an entertaining, fast-paced read will definitely enjoy this book!

I'm not your average book reader, and to be completely honest, this is one of the very few books I've read since I was forced to in high school. I started reading this book chapter at a time, but as I got going, I realized I couldn't put it down. I finished it as quickly as I could with some questions in mind, but as soon as I hit the last few chapters, the few skepticisms I had were squashed by one of the most elaborate endings I think a story's ever seen. All questions were answered and the story ties perfectly together- beginning to end. This is a story that should be read by EVERYONE. Christmas, winter--any time is a good time to read this book. And being that I see more movies than I read books, I enthusiastically hope to see this book played out on the big screen someday. Bravo, Stephen. Bravo!

If you are one of those Christmas cooks always looking for the definitive book on Christmas cookies, look no further. The Joy of Cooking : Christmas Cookies is the answer. You will not need another book. It is simple to read and use and has every special dropped, rolled, refrigerated cookie you will ever want to cook for Christmas. A real sleeper.... that all cook book collectors need to have.

I've used this cookie book when making holiday cookies for family and friends for the last several years, and the results have always been a huge hit. Too often Christmas cookies look great but taste terrible - not something to worry about with this book. I particularly recommend the Cranberry-Cherry Pinwheels. They are delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. However, be forwarned that most of the recipes in this book are also found in the new Joy of Cooking. Joy is great and much more comprehensive. I'd recommend taking a look at it before buying this book.

This book has super recipes. I've tried most of them, and they all work great. The illustrations and pictures are very helpful. It's also good reading, as the quality of writing is very good.

I have used this book time and time again, and not only for Christmas. The recipes are accurate, easy and great. The color photos really show how the recipes should look and they will! I have made more that a dozen different types of cookies from this book and each one was good if not great. The only problem I have with this book is that the ingredients are written into the directions. This makes it a little more time consuming when you are trying to get your recipes ready before the actual assemble and baking process. A minor set back for a really great book.

As the designated Christmas cookie baker in my family, I was given this book about three years ago. It's a wonderful resource for new ideas and rediscovering old favorites. I heartily recommend the snickerdoodles and the orange ginger wafers.

A great book for the child who loves cats.

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

When Alex loses her kitten it seems like another terrible thing that happens to her after the disease she already has. Fortunately the Adam Hope family comes down with a plan not only to find the little cat but also to collect money to send her to have treatment in London. This is a very cute cuddling story that will make you cry.

Mandy and James meet a very ill little girl named Alex who has a beautiful kitten named Amber. Alex has to go to America for a very serious operation, but won't go until she finds Amber, her kitten, because she is too worried about her. Will Mandy and James be able to find Amber to make Alex feel better about getting her operation?

Kitten in the Cold
By: Ben M Baglio

This heartwarming story is about Alex Hastings who is sick in Europe. For a Christmas gift Alex and her family are going to America for the operation. Three days before Christmas, Amber, the cat, is missing. Can they find her, or will she freeze?

I like this book because it has excitement. It takes you and draws you in. It's sad when Amber is missing. I like Mandy in this book because she will do anything to save an animal in need.

I think the main idea in this book is that friendship never ends. Alex doesn't want to leave Amber in Europe. See if Alex will solve her problem! Ben Baglio makes you think about your cat or pet and makes you wonder if your pet would run away in the freezing cold.

This is an absolutely fabolous book! One of the best books I have ever read! Here is what it is about: Mandy Hope and James Hunter work at The Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Welford, England. It is Christmas time. When an ill Alex Hastings {she has a severe heart problem} has to fly to the United States to get an operation, her beloved cat, Amber, mysteriously vanishes. Can Mandy and James find the lost kitty before Christmas Eve, or is she lost forever? Find out in this funny, tense, heartwarming story that deserves 4 paws up!

Loved these simple writings about special memories of the Christmas of different Latinamerican authors. Simple enough to share with our children during Christmas season so they can have a bite to our typical celebrations and learn more about our roots. Christmas is a season of devotion, parties, and just special realities that mix together bringing about our unique typical lives. Recipes, songs, poems our typical way. It is plainly: typical. Excellent.

I bought this book for my daughter and before I wrapped it,I started browsing thru it. The different memories of Christmas past bought tears to my eyes when I recalled my 1st Christmas in Puerto Rico. It was so exciting going door to door and greeting our neighbors with "Parandas". The recipes included are an excellent way of passing our LATIN TRADITIONS down from generation to generation. What a great gift for anyone who is interested in how different cultures enjoy Christmas or for anyone who would like to learn to cook traditional holiday food. Recipes are very "reader friendly".

Brought tears to my eyes as I remembered when I, as a child, would get up before the first rays of tropical light to participate as an altar boy in all the early morning services, and then go have breakfast at someone's house and quickly head back home to put on my school uniform before starting the day. Thanks for rekindling those long lost memories.

Las Christmas is a collection of stories celebrating Latino families and the celebrations around Christ's birth. Although many of the stories are full of warmth and happiness, (and recipes), there are a few with sadness and the poignant remembrances of poverty. This book is a must for Spanish teachers, like me, who want to try to capture the true "flavor" of La Navidad.

Such a fun read, even the sad stories since they, too, are part of our shared history. Can't wait to make the pernil. Helped me understand the crazy notion of "asalto" that I grew up with but had no idea was cultural in nature; I just thought my Dad was nuts. As a second generation "born here" there was so much I had an inkling about but this book taught about our history and traditions in the best way possible - through food and music, tears and laughter.

"On the holiest of night long, long ago, the animals in the stable were restless..." Thus begins this engaging Christmas picture book that will capture the imagination of young children.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten tells the story of a mother cat who is frantically searching for her little kitten in a very special stable... the stable where Baby Jesus is born. But where could the kitten be possibly hiding?

The illustrations, with their earthly colors, are interesting and original and capture the setting and the `essence' of the story well. The language evokes a warm feeling of serenity and peaceful beauty very appropriate for `the holiest of nights.' At the end there's an illustrated glossary of Christmas symbols related to the kitten's tale.

This is a book that both teaches and delights, and that will make a lovely gift for a young child.

If your kids like cat or animal stories, and know the nativity story, they'll love this little tale of mother-and-child cats intersecting with the Christ-child-in-a-manger.

Lovely and unique illustrations. A good Christmas present, for sure.

This book is a sweet and special addition to anyone's Christmas book collection, and especially for those who enjoy reading to young ones--or who love cats! Leona Novy Jackson's tale of a little kitten who is missing from the stable where the infant Jesus later is born, is sure to appeal to little ones. It has eye-appealing wonderful woodcuts by Kelly Dupre which exude the simple joy of the story; my daughter and I had fun searching for the kittens on the pages where they appeared. (The image on this page does not do justice to the vibrant colors on the cover; and the sturdy hardcover features a matching image beneath the dustjacket--very nice.) This book is an interesting variation of the much-beloved Christmas story and reinforces the reality of the story for young children simply by NOT focusing on it, but on the cat family instead. Finally, there is an illustrated glossary in the back of the book, giving easy-to-understand descriptions of the Christian symbols that were in the artwork (such as, the Stable, Holly, etc.). This is another distinctive feature and older kids will want to read it through, as well as the adults. All in all, a great read-aloud book or one you will find your little one paging through on his or her own just for the fun of it. If you like to invest in quality books, this is a must for the Christmas collection!

Legends associated with cats and Christmas have been with us for centuries. There are songs, stories, and poems with cats using the Christmas theme. You will find pictures of cats and kittens on Christmas greeting cards and ornaments. This remarkable story tells of a mother cat anxiously looking for her smallest kitten. She had searched everywhere in the stable. At the sound of two strangers entering the stable, mother cat jumps into a manger to hide. To her surprise she finds her lost kitten sound asleep. She quickly and stealthily returns the kitten to her hiding place in the hay.

During the night the miracle of Christmas took place. The Christ child was born and placed in the manger. "Now, down through the history of cat kingdom, mother and father cats tell this story to their kittens. They tell about the night Baby Jesus slept in the same manger the little kitten had found for its bed."

This heartwarming story is enhanced by the woodcut illustrations of Kelly Dupre. The pictures are child like in character, imaginative, quaint, and colorful. This combination of narrative and art make this a delightful story for reading to children, ages three through seven in observation of the Christmas season. An added feature of the book is a glossary describing many familiar Christmas symbols. I highly recommend that church and public libraries add this book to their selection of seasonal resources.

Parents will experience an exciting, fresh joy of reading as they share this delightful book, about the legacy of the cat family and the birth of Christ, with their children.

"The Littlest Christmas Kitten" is a very special picturebook retelling of the Nativity story where youngsters ages 3 through 7 can feel the restless anticipation of the animals and the worried concerns of mother cat for her little lost kitten. The lost is found in the midst of a miracle on a special night when Jesus is born and the first Christmas occurs. Kelly Dupre's superb artwork wonderfully enhanced Leona Novy's original and entertaining story about the love and care mothers have for their little ones -- and the birth of the Baby Jesus. Enhanced for young readers with a short word list about Christmas, "The Littlest Christmas Kitten" is wholeheartedly recommended for parents wanting something seasonal to read to their children, and for any community library's Christmas picturebook collection!

It's Christmas time, and Mandie is having everyone come over for the holiday. But she is unsure about Jonathan and Joe getting along, and she is quite sure that this is going to be a very interesting vacation!
But then a mysterious package arrives on Mandie's doorstep, and upon opening it turns out to be a box of dirt with strange pathways etched out in it.
Mandie thinks it's a treasure map, and Joe thinks it's a practical joke. Who is right? And who sent the mysterious gift? Find out in 'Mandie and the Unwanted Gift!'

This book is one of my favorites. I thought it was funny how when Polly saw Jonathan, she quickly turned her attentions from Joe to him. Jonathan's coming was actually a blessing in disguise!

This book is really great. Read it!

Mandie and her best friend are going up to visit their friend Jonathan in New York. Of course Mandie finds a mystery and they get invloved in many mysterious things. Mandie and Jonathan get trapped on a roof, Mandie is sick, they're late for dinner and they see snowball(mandies cat) below about to fall and die! What will they do? read it and find out!

Mandie is going home for christmas holidays and is very excited. But she has one problem or make it two. She needs to talk to her grandmother before the Guyers come, so she won't be mad when they just show up. Mandie doesn't know what's wrong with Mrs. Taft and Mr. Guyer. There's also Joe. She hasn't told him that Jonathan is coming. Will he get mad at her, because the boys haven't exactly gotten along around Mandie?

Then one night before everyone arrives a package for Mandie comes. It's just a "mess" of holly, dirt and ribbins. Joe is sorry that he suggests it is a treasure map because then Joe, Jonathan, Polly and Mandie go on treasure hunts. Who sent Mandie the present. Read to find out the funny ending, how the boys get along with the fact that they're not the only boys in Mandie's life and how Mrs. Taft reacts with the Guyers arrival.

I just love Mandie books. I can read more than one in a day! I can't wait until "Mandie and the night thief" comes out. Are there any others after that one? I want to read how Mandie's life wraps up when she is older. Will she really marry Joe or maybe Tommy?

this book was good, no really good. Anyways.. mandie gets all frustrated thinking that everyone will be mad at her for inviting the guyers over for christmas. Mandie still doesn't know why grandmother doesn't like mr. guyer or if joe and jonathan will try to out-do each other. But she's in for a big surprise when someone leaves a present on the door step that is nothing but holy and dirt but is it a treasure map?? i really enjoyed this book and thought it was really nice of jonathan to do what he did knowing how much mandie likes mysteries