Christmas Books

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!

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!

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

I have enjoyed all of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas cd's and this is no exception. We used it at the yarn shop during Christmas season and it was well received by our customers. Yes, people do ask what cd is playing. I know people do purchase these cd's for their own use.

I like very much this book, have good thoughts and is special for the seasson.

The pieces were written and/or collected by Chip Davis and are poignant and nostalgic. A most enjoyable reading at the holidays.
Also includes a 2-song CD...very nice.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration
The music of Chip Davis in Mannheim Steamroller is like no other music I've ever heard. The instruments come through beautifully. I have several Mannheim Steamroller CDs and have given many to friends over the years. You have to listen and enjoy!

It is a great piano reduction. It sounds mannheim steamrolleresque, even though it doesn't have all the drums and horns and stuff. You have that feel of it just in the piano. it's great.

This book is a MUST have! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, the words powerful. What a wonderful book to bring out season after season.

This beautifully illustrated book is a keepsake item that the receiver will treasure for years to come. The story of Mary and Jesus' first hours together is so tender and meaningful to all who are familiar with this event. It's really hard to describe the impact this book has. It is a companion and expansion to the Christmas Song "Mary, Did You Know?", written by Mark Lowry.

If you have ever heard the beautiful song, "Mary Did You Know?" then you can truely understand the excellence of this book. The illustrations are magnificant giving a young child more understanding to the words of the song. It also inspires us older people as well. I just shared this book with the members of my choir and am back here tonight ordering many of them a copy. It is an excellent book for this wonderful time of the year to be able to sit back and reflect rather than get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Enjoy and God Bless.

The words to this Mark Lowry song are awesome enough, and, to add the beautiful pictures makes this book a must have. We have a continuous check out of this book from our church library, and will be purchasing it for our daughter's next birthday!

My kindergarten class did a Mass based on this book, they themselves had come up with very similar questions. Did Mary know everything? This book really makes one think, and such beautiful questions.

I don't think there a Maisy book that I would give less than 5 stars to! My 2 year old has loved Lucy Cousins books since she was 6 months old. Maisy is simple, sweet and to the point. The fun little mini edition is easy for little hands.

I was skeptical that a full sized Maisy flap book could be reproduced as a miniature, but they actually pull it off. Every time you turn the page, there are 2 - 4 flaps to open, as well as the occasional pull tab. Open the oven to check the cookies, open Maisy's Christmas cards to see who they're from, or peek under the bed covers to find Panda -- they're very creative and not always conspicuous.

As other reviewers have noted, the focus is largely on Maisy buying, wrapping, baking and decorating for when her friends come to visit Christmas morning. Tallulah comes complete with a sparkly silver dress and panties that say "jingle bells" -- one of the more interesting flaps I've seen!

The paper is sturdy, but imho, the flaps tend towards the petite and are a bit on the fragile side -- I'm amazed my rough 2 yr old hasn't ripped any off yet. All in all, though, a thoroughly charming book conveniently sized for a stocking. My daughter *loves* it.

My 2.5 yr old loves this book....It does focus mostly on the material side of the Holiday (much ado is made about getting the presents, wrapping them, making the dinner, the tree etc)....but honestly at this YOUNG age THAT is exactly what makes her so excited about Christmas!!!....You don't need every Xmas book to teach about religion...I think that fact that it DOES center on the stuff that for kids make this time of year so exciting is exactly WHy she loves it so much....

I think it is a very well made book...great colors, flaps and pull tabs.....As an adult , I enjoy reading it to her....

If your child loves Maisy or just Christmas - this is the book for them. Cute lift-flaps and story keep them entertained. My daughter loves to read this one over and over!

This is a good Christmas book for a younger toddler or child. Although it is not a board book, the pages are made of a heavier paper stock and will withstand some abuse. Maisy's Christmas story is consistent with the style of her other books: lots of bold primary colors and simple illustrations that younger children seem to prefer. Throughout the book, there are also flaps to lift and shiny objects. Overall, if you like the Maisy books, I'm sure that you will find this one a good addition to your Christmas collection.

My only mild complaint is that the focus of the book seems to be entirely on the material side of Christmas with presents taking center stage. I know that this book is for very young children, and I'm not suggesting that every book have a heavy handed message, but it would be nice for more books to touch on the larger spirit and message of Christmas.

This is a great Christmas story from Tomie dePaola, author of the Strega Nona series. If you have not read Strega Nona yet, I would recommend that you start with that book, so that you are familiar with the characters and all the personality traits that they possess--especially Big Anthony. But, even of you have not read the original book, you will still enjoy the heartwarming Christmas story that focuses more on the meaning of Christmas than your typical Christmas stories that focus on gifts, Santa, and reindeer.

Strega Nona always hosts the entire town at her home for a Christmas celebration, and refuses to use her "magic" to get her work done during the holiday season, because she just does not think it is the right thing to do. As the season progresses throughout the Advent, Big Anthony is supposed to be going to town to buy things to help prepare for another Christmas celebration. But, along the way he gets "sidetracked" and Strega Nona fears that Christmas will be ruined because he has failed to get the items she needs to prepare for her dinner. I don't want to give away the rest of the story, but rest assured, that the true meaning of giving is told, and children will learn a gentle lesson about the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas.

I got this book from my local library whiloe searching through the Tomie dePaola section, but plan to buy my own copy so that we have it to ready every year during the Christmas eason. You and your children will thoroughly enjoy this book.

"Merry Christmas, Strega Nona" is an amazing book! Written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola, it's exciting and will keep you curious as to what happens next! Strega Nona is throwing a feast for all the people in her town, but will she have all the things she needs and have them ready by Christmas Eve? Read this book to find out!

This is another wonderful book by Tomie de Paola - simple but powerful message, beautiful illustrations, great story. As usual, wise Strega Nona teaches Big Anthony (and us) an important lesson.

For Italian-American families (and anyone interested in other cultures), there is the added bonus of having a number of Italian words and Christmas traditions included in the story - from baccala to zampognari. It is great to be able to share these things with our children. And hey, if Strega Nona likes it, can baccala (dried codfish) be all that bad?

I highly recommend other Tomie de Paola Christmas books: The Legend of Old Befana, Jingle the Christmas Clown, and The Clown of God.

Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) is getting her house ready for the Christmas Eve feast, she gives every year to the people of Calabria. In fact she not the only busy that she needs help, Bamblolona helps her father the baker out at his bakery, because the people of Calabria has been asking for special cakes and cookies. That the baker can't find time to sit in the square with his friends. And Strega Nona doesn't have time to cure headaches, make love potions and get rid of warts. Every day she sends out her dishonest helper Big Anthony to get something for her. And every day he has to change the water to be nice and soft and not too salty for the Christmas stew. And Big Anthony keeps asking Strega Nona to use her magic to do it. And she keeps answering him, "No Magic at Christmas Time". Read the book to see if Strega Nona gets the food ready in time for the feast.

I love this book. My family always reads this book when christmas is coming up. This book is about Strega Nona getting ready for christmas. She has everything ready, but then something happens. To find out read this book. If you like this book also read another christmas book called The Poinsetta by Tomie De Paola.

Molly's Surprise
By Valerie Tripp

Molly is trying hard to be excited about Christmas. With her dad gone to war, it doesn't seem like Christmas will ever be the same, in the McIntire household. Molly wonders if her dad will send a Christmas package, and, if he does, will it get arrive on time? It isn't as important for Molly to have her father's gifts, as it is to know that her dad is alright.

Molly, her sister Jill, and her brother Ricky, put their money together to buy the family a Christmas tree.

Molly discovers the first snow, and can't wait to make snow angels. But, she has a hard time enjoying the snow, while anxiously waiting to see if her father will send a package.

My daughter Karen enjoyed her Molly doll so much, that I enjoyed giving her Molly gifts for Christmas and Birthdays. Imagine her surprise on Christmas morning when she had her very own Molly package under the tree with Molly's Christmas surprise. It came in a box addressed to Molly McIntire from Molly's dad. This item can be ordered in the American Girl section on Amazon under Molly's accessories.

Molly Fashion Studio (American Girl)

"Molly's Stocking" for 18" American Girl doll

"Molly's Party Treats - Retired Version" for 18" American Girl doll

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
author: Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)

ISBN 0937295256 - The American Girl books are quickly becoming favorites of mine, mostly for sentimental reasons. I'm not sure that that reason translates for young girls, but their little consumer-driven hearts will enjoy the "real" stories of their dolls anyway. With a war going on now, this book seemed very appropriate, so I bumped it up the to-be-read list.

The McIntires, like most of America, faced the Christmas of 1944 with a combination of hope and worry. Molly's older sister, Jill, was encouraging everyone to be "realistic", and not waste time hoping for fun presents because they'd be disappointed when everything they got was practical. Their father was off in Europe, in danger every day, but it was still hard to believe that the magic of Christmas would wane this year. No gifts had arrived from Dad and Molly, for one, was certain they would show up soon. In the meantime, the McIntires will have to learn to make do and create their own special surprises for one another.

There are some spectacular moments in this story, including the conversation between Molly and Jill, where the girls reveal their real concern about the lack of gifts from their father: if he hasn't sent anything, not even a card, how can they know he's okay? The current wars don't really equate to WWII, and the level of patriotism and sacrifice are not exactly the same, but the belief in Santa, the joy of Christmas, the love of family and the worries for the people serving our country... those are always the same. Molly's Surprise captures them very well - I think adults will even find themselves enjoying this one. The educational material at the end of the book is a nice bonus.

- AnnaLovesBooks

In this book Molly McIntire's Dad is in the war so she thinks he won't send presents for Christmas. Of coarse the famly sent him presents but Molly isn't sure her dad will. Then she and her sister Jill find a package from their dad saying not to tell any one about until Christmas. To find out more read the book.

This is another in the American Girls series about Molly McIntire, a ten-year-old girl living on the home front during World War 2. With Christmas coming on, Molly begins to feel a bit depressed. Her father won't be there, the factories are making armaments rather than toys, and her father's special surprise gifts won't be there. But, Molly remembers that her father told her that Christmas is a time for surprises, and as she and her family begin to make their own merry Christmas, she finds that her father was quite right!

This is another great Molly story! Valarie Tripp does an excellent job of telling a story that is realistic, and yet uplifting and fun. Nick Backes' illustrations are wonderful, and add a lot to an already great story. My twelve-year-old daughter loved this Molly story, and so did I. We both highly recommend this book.

I got this book for Christmas and it is very good.Molly is my favorite character. In this book she almost gave up all hope on her christmas gift from her dad but still had a little flame of hope that kept that gift from getting lost or stollen. But all through still she kept the Christmas spirit which is very important. I would recomend this book to any one. Thank you.

A wonderful alternative to the Santa story: whimsical, tongue-in-cheek, and with its colourful, whacky illustrations, very, very looney. A far more entertaining read to the kids than The Night Before Christmas (add your own sound effects for maximum theater). There are so many bad Santa stories out there; Gonopolis discards Santa and does the job himself. Nice little moral to the story, too. Deserves to be made into a Christmas special.

As much as I want to believe no cows were harmed (or as the author notes, "traced") in the making of this book, it's hard to believe some Holstein somewhere wasn't forced to pose in the goofiest of positions to serve as the author's moos ... uh ... make that muse ... for this 20th anniversary update on Uncle Hyggly's classic holiday tale.

For anyone who's ever doubted that cows can fly ... and that they don't merely DRAW flies ... this richly illustrated book will make you believe. (Which may have many ranchers looking nervously over their shoulders this season.)

This is an awesome holiday story that will have you and your kids "Ho Ho Ho"-ing until the cows come home (from their trek around the world with Mr. Gonopolis).

This is not your father's "Mr. Gonopolis." It's updated with pop references ... a cow perched on the nose of a friendly whale, crooning, "I'm queen of the world!", a scuba diving bovine who bumps into a Nemo-ish finned friend who blurts "You found me!" and a Holstein named Oprah (a role model for the author's two girls).

The illustrations, too, are magnificent ... each worthy of its own life-sized poster.

This hard-bound book will undoubtedly take its place among the most cherished of children's Christmas tales.

I love the Gonopolis books. Thank you Uncle Hyggly for bringing us another! My kids, nieces and nephews have all enjoyed Mr. Gonopolis, and you never outgrow him. I giggle all the way through Uncle Hyggly's books - especially this latest version. Imagine: Christmas saved by Holsteins, flies, a whale ride and a sweet old Norwegian farmer. If you grew up on a farm like I did, this is a great way to remember those endearing rural ways that make us smile. If not, what kid doesn't love a cow! It's a heckuva deal. Cindy Green

This fantastically illustrated book doesn't tell a typical Christmas story, but it is fast becoming a tradition in our household just the same. It will have you laughing as you root for Mr. Gonopolis as he blunders around the world trying to fill Santa's boots when Santa comes down with the flu. Mr. Gonopolis is the anti-grinch! He tries to save Christmas with all his farmer might and using all of his farmer means, but things don't go as planned... In the end, Christmas cannot be stopped and Mr. Gonopolis' big heart shows what Christmas is all about -- love, caring and giving.

Some things get better with age -- this story is one of them!

The spirit of the holidays is that of joy and giving, even when we don't get exactly right. And the author gives us a character that reminds us that this of year is all about having a big heart and facing challenges with a sense of humor.

The illustrations in the books are crisp and vivid, but full of subtleties. The music on the CD is first-rate, and the voice on "May All Your Christmas Be Black n White" is precious.

As fun to read today as it was twenty years ago because the story itself is timeless. A nice holiday treat for families, for co-workers or friends.

Amy is my cousin and I must say her book is great. She is very creative and humorous, and her writing proves this. Amy is very talented.

i am not yet finished w/ my american adventure but it is the most ^ lifting book my dream was to go on an "american adventure" and this summer my family is going to try to get on the road . and my goal is to record everyting and write a book about it. thats when i found my american adventure i was so excited that there was a book about somthing similar dream that i could read about!!! thanks amy,jon,emily,and kurt

This is a nice book for teens and adults about a year-long tour around the fifty states by a pre-teen in an RV with her folks and younger brother. Amy's tour teaches her about geography, the confort of home, the jealousy and withdrawal of friends, and the value of persistence when governors of the fifty states cannot meet with her. I will not tell how she finally gets the last five governors to sign her sweatshirt mementoes of the trip, but her determination and luck pays off. I am a church librarian and bought this book because it has many lessons and is just plain fun reading for our teens. I hope I can get them to read it--they need a lot of pushing to read any kind of material. The fact that Amy mentions her religion throughout the book helped make the sale for me. I am always lookiing for books that have a religious backfround without hitting you over the head with it. This book fits the bill. Thanks, Amy, for an outstanding book.

I got this book for Christmas last year, and I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely!! Amy tell story after [interresting, funny, heartwarming] story, and the spririt of adventure in this books inspires the readers to "reach really high" themselves!! After reading of Amy's accomplishment, I too wanted to get out and DO something!!

Our whole family thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was written by a 13-year-old, which gave it interesting insights, yet was extremely well written. We read it aloud during a recent 1,000 mile trip and were inspired by Amy's courage and dedication. The ending was truly inspirational. It's a great book to give to any teenager (my 13-year-old daughter did most of the reading) to inspire them to have goals and reach out to achieve them. Highly recommended!

This book takes us on a journey. We travel through each event in the Christmas story and look at its meaning in our own lives.

This experience does just what you would expect - It makes the birth of Christ feel real to us. How would you feel if an angel told you you would become pregnant, but not with a man? You would probably talk to a trusted friend, as Mary did when she went to visit her cousin Elisabeth. How would you feel if you were pregnant and bouncing on a donkey across miles and miles of desert? Haven't you walked your own tiring journeys in obedience to your parents, your teachers, your country? How would you feel to hear about events so significant you would be compelled to travel far to be part of them? Think of the people who travel to distant places to experience an eclipse of the sun. The grandparents who travel to see their new grandchildren.

Feel the excitement, the body fatigue, the joy and hope of the Christmas story as you live it in your own life.

This has always been the purpose of myth, to understand greater truths. By applying the mythical elements of a story to events in our own lives, we rebirth in ourselves the joys and hopes and travails of human life.

Do not believe that viewing Christ's life as myth lessens its message. On the contrary, this exercise helped me feel the joy of Christmas I hadn't felt since I was a child.

And do not pass this by because you are not Christian. It is for everyone. When you pick up a storybook to read the myths of another culture, you do so to understand that culture, to learn the way it understands truth. As you will see, the Christmas myth can apply to any life.

In this time of world chaos, the Christmas message of peace and love is extremely important. Experience it, share it with your family, your friends, your spiritual group. It really is for everyone. At anytime.

The Mythic Meaning of Christmas is a book I could not put down until I finished reading it. Then I felt compelled to read it again more slowly and let every word be absorbed into my being. The book asks that we connect with our true selves and to give birth to a new quality in our lives. It leads us through steps to attain this goal. It is truly a magnificent journey. The more you read the Mythic Meaning of Christmas the more you will appreciate and love it. It is the perfect gift for all on your Christmas list- young and old.

A simple and yet profound storytelling that puts you in time and place of the Christmas story. You are not just reading about the story--you are an active participant. It was the first time I felt that the birth of Christ had a personal connection to me and relevant to daily life.

This short book is tall on kindness, caring and forgiveness. In the fast pace whirlwind we find ourselves, take 15 minutes and read this insightful little book and find calm and peace.

The Mythic Meaning of Christmas is a unique retelling of the Biblical account of the birth of Jesus. The book itself is simple and spare, leaving room for every reader to bring themselves to it. All through the book, the reader is invited to meditate on their personal meaning of Christmas. It offers suggestions for making changes to strengthen your satisfaction with your own life and those around you. It would be an ideal Christmas activity to be done with parents and children together. Many children today don't understand the concept of reflection and how important a process it is for maturing into a sensitive adult. What better way to learn than in a family situation. I think it should be part of everyone's Christmas celebration.

This little book spills its treasures into your heart and holds your hand on a journey of personal discovery. It is a gentle invitation, a challenge, a celebration: we are a gift, meant to be opened, someone is waiting. Consider this book a gift for everyone you love this Christmas and put yourself at the top of the list. Open before Christmas...the sooner, the better!

What's more fun than a pop-up book? And this one is not only delightfully crafted with tabs to pull and wheels to turn. Its colorful, folk-art illustrations have an innocent reverence that is warm and appealing. We see and interact with scenes of the angel appearing to Mary; no room at the inn; the birth of Jesus in the stable; the angels appearing to shepherds; the wisemen following the star; and the wise men presenting their gifts. The brief text is surrounded by lovely, decorative borders. A treat for young and old!

This is a lovely book to share with children. The artwork is beautiful and the pop-up pictures are great to use in recalling the message of Christ's birth. It holds the young child's attention and allows the child or reader to expand on the details of what is portrayed on each page. We enjoyed this book and will continue enjoy it for years to come.

This is another example of beautiful pop up paper art. It truly is art, so wonderfully done. My almost 5 year old enjoys pop up books and is responsible enough to know that you have to be very careful with them. We added this one to our collection right before Christmas this year. The corresponding story is short enough to hold his attention also.

Fantastic Book, I can use it for my Sunday School Class. They can enjoy the story while looking at the pop Ups. You know the old saying "One picture is worth a thousand words", and in this case it is so true. thanks, Muriel Carter

This book is a real gem! The pictures are like Renaissance art tableaux. They 'move' when the slides are pulled, so small children are very intrigued by the book and eagerly waiting to see what will move next. (The pictures are sufficiently fragile that we do not let our 2- and 4-year-olds pull the slides yet.) We have included this book in our Advent activities. It is my favorite of the ten or so Nativity-themed books that we use.

The other book that I love:Who Is Coming to Our House? (Board Book) is told from the perspective of the inhabitants of the stable. Who is Coming to Our House's unique perspective and its lovely rhymes that won me over -- not the artwork. (It tells only a portion of the Nativity story.)

FYI.... While the art in The Nativity is truly awe-spiring, it is probably not the best book for conveying all of the 'facts' of the Christmas story. This book is more of a supplement to other event-by-event chronicles of the tale.