Christmas Books

Keohane's collection offers crisp writing and creepy stories. It doesn't get much better than this--and you'll have an excuse for not being able to sleep.

Dan Keohane is a fresh new talent, a guy you should keep an eye on. The sleek poetry of his descriptive language and lean dialogue make him one of horror's brightest new stars, and this collection is a delightful introduction to his work. The author also gives a portion away to charity, which tells you a great deal about the character of the man (and no, we've never met!) So give "Christmas Trees and Monkeys" a try. You'll be glad you did.

Up until the last story, I didn't think I would have a favorite, although a few will stick with me for quite a while. "Feed the Birds" will take you into the bowels of human depravity. "The Doll Wagon" outshines the old Twilight Zone story. Positively creepy. Thanks to Keohane, I will never see GI Joe the same way again! Ever.

The other stories are strange and thought-provoking (such as Y2Kay and The Storm of Generations). My favorite was "Tanner's Bomb". It was a darkly hilarious story about a trucker, desperate to drop his load so he could get home to his family in time for Christmas. He did, but not without dire consequences.

I not only enjoyed Christmas Trees and Monkeys for the stories, but for the way they were written. Mr. Keohane has his own unique style, which I found refreshing. I look forward to reading his next book. Highly recommended.

I've known Dan for a few months now and just picked this book up at a group signing we did a few weeks back. This is a stupendous collection of work from a writer with a serious future in speculative fiction. Excellent narrative skills combine with sleek dialogue and a wonderful gift for building suspense to create some of the coolest short stories I've read in a long time. Standouts for me included "Y2Kay" - one of the most unique takes on the Y2K crisis - and "Lavish" a truly great epic tale. Dan Keohane's work shines here and he will definitely be making a big mark on the genre. Don't miss this fantastic collection of stories from a serious up-and-coming author.

CHRISTMAS TREES AND MONKEYS, besides boasting one of the most unusual titles ever for a collection of horror stories, proves Daniel G. Keohane to be one of the very best (perhaps THE best) of the next wave of writers in this genre - and heads above many of the (for now) better-established names I won't divulge here. His prose is clean, assured, his plots and characters intriguing, his imagination sparkling, his approach widely varied so that one doesn't know what to expect from each story - which keeps the offering fresh. A story like BARK can be very simple is plot, but a powerful engine of suspense. AM is a super-spooky tale that would make great reading at Halloween. But as eminently entertaining as these stories are, at times Keohane steps into the realm of surreal literature with brilliant and achingly human stories like FEED THE BIRDS and the gorgeous WHITE WAVE OF MERCY (perhaps the best story in the collection), and THE MONKEY ON THE TOWERS, in which the titular preternatural simian is an enigmatic symbol of chaos and catalyst in the lives of numerous people (Keohane is very adept at shifting view points). There are also a good many stories with a religious theme, in which an intimate hell (RITUAL) or apocalyptic event (REDEMPTION, LAVISH and the unnerving zombie tale TWO FISH TO FEED THE MASSES) are brought about by an incomprehensibly harsh Creator more frightening than any literary Satan - and in which characters fight for redemption, or at least a modicum of understanding in the face of the bleak unknown. Though the last story, TANNER'S BOMB, is a little silly, every story in this book is impressive in its own unique way. Keohane is a master in the making, and any fan of horror in its many sub-categories will find more than enough to be impressed by in this first collection from a first-rate author.

I've lost my copy of this book, which I acquired while in high school 40 years ago. I loved it! When I saw the old movie with Glynnis Johns, All Mine to Give, based on the book, I was in heaven. I must have another copy to read to my grandchildren.

I first heard this book read on the "Chapter a Day" program from the University of Wisconsin radio station at Madison Wisconsin 48 years ago. I was so moved by it that I HAD to get the book! Since then, it became a family tradition to read it together with the family every Christmas afternoon. As our four children grew and left home, they, too, made it a part of their Christmas tradition. Our oldest son was a pilot in the Air Force. Wherever he was stationed at Christmas he introduced the book to families with whom he shared his Christmases (in the States and overseas). Invariably I would get an S.O.S letter to PLEASE send copies of the book because others were impressed with the story, too. Our daughter taught in grade schools and made the reading of this book to her students a part of "before Christmas" tradition. She, too, requested more copies as students bought the book as presents and wanted to start the traditional reading of the book in their families. The brave children capture your heart. You cannot forget them. And... it is a true story!

You will laugh, You will feel anger, You will be filled with compassion. And you will cry. A very tender account of one family's struggle to cope under devastating and heart wrenching circumstances. This true story is very well written and deserves to be read by everyone.

This is the story of a young boy's decision to honor his mother's deathbed wish. With strong family values instilled in him by both parents, thirteen year old Robbie must decide the fate of his siblings before the town does it for him. With a heavy heart and a commitment to his mother, he sets off on Christmas day to place each brother and sister in a home. This well written true story is excellent reading material for young and old.

This story brings to life the history of the US; poor immigrants struggling and succeeding, raising families, towns pulling together to take care of their own, sons fulfilling the last wishes of their parents. I found this by looking for the source of one of my favorite old movies, All Mine To Give. The movie ends with the children's finding homes and the eldest going off to work in the lumber camps. The book gives more information about thier lives after that Christmas. This is a wonderful combination to use in the classroom to bring history to life for students and to help them see that history is not dates, but people like themselves.

Mary Welk doesn't just gives readers a holiday blast, she adds explosives to it. A Deadly Little Christmas is that most fun read that combines Christmas cheer with a ruthless killer and a registered nurse reluctantly moonlighting as detective. Full of festive details juxtaposed merrily against cold-blooded murder, this an enjoyable page-turner. Merry reading!

Mary Welk's Deadly Little Christmas is one of the very best books I have read in a long, long time. You get absorbed from the first sentence and it just gets better from there until the last sentence. It is full of twists and turns and really keeps you wondering what's next. I can't wait to find out what happens to Caroline and the group next. I would advise anyone to RUN, DON'T WALK AND GET THIS BOOK NOW.

This tale will keep you guessing til the very end. Finally, a believable and likable heroine, a goodly touch of humor, and well woven subplots - and all just in time for the holidays! (This one I'm wrapping up for me.)

From the time that Caroline Rhodes was introduced to the solving of the mystery, I was kept in suspence the whole way. Every page brought along new information and kept me guessing about who the murderer could have been. Wonderfully written and a great accomplishment for the author. Bravo! I can't wait to read the next one.

I love to read a mystery with a Christmas theme, and I wasn't disappointed by this one. The plot was intriguing, and the characters grow on you until you don't want the book to end. I hope Caroline and Carl return very, very soon! Also, the language was clean enough that I could give this book to anyone without worrying they'd be offended. That's a rare thing in a book today.

The only complaint I have about Dear Little one is... it ends. I could have read a thousand more pages of this author's loving reflections on subjects that range from hope and new life to marriage and the twilight years. But perhaps that is the beauty of this book - it is so pure and distilled, there may nothing further to add, not one word. Dear Little One seems to work on two levels: first, as a parent's thoughts to her children, and all children; but also then to adults, as children of God. Dear Little One captures the joy, vulnerability, dignity and meaning of being human. The reflections are, in turn, poetic, humorous, whimsical, wise and moving. My favorites include "The Moon in a Bottle Cap," "On Fear," "Money," a clever little poem called "Art," "An Uncertain World," and of course "Dear Little One." I am carrying this book with me these days and looking forward to the author's next work.

Dear Little One is a treasure! Filled with thoughtful insights, honest observations and engaging humor, this delightful book is a great source of inspiration for young and old alike.

At first I thought 'Dear Little One' was strictly a parent's thoughts and dreams for her children, but then I saw where the author was going. The reflections on so many topics of life are divided into four life-stages: infancy, childhood, adulthood, and the twilight years. The author began by talking to a baby. By the last page, she was talking to me. Beautifully written. `Dear Little One' is a classic children's book for grown-ups that reminded me of `The Little Prince.'

I was deeply moved by DEAR LITTLE ONE and bought several more copies for couples I know who just had a baby or are having one soon. This is a perfect gift book, but more than that, because the reflections will last a lifetime. Nice black and white photography, too.

Masterful. Quite possibly the most beautiful book I've ever read, for and about human beings on this earth. The reflections, observations and guiding hopes in Dear Little One will accompany my kids now, and throughout their adult lives. I can't think of another book that does that. This book is unique. And poignant. And ultimately the kindest gift.

From the first few sentences, the author lulls you into thinking that this is just another fantasy/horror novel. Hey, the cover looks placid enough... right?

A few pages later, you'll either gasp in genuine horror, gag, or laugh like crazy.

Personally, I like sweet, light fantasy. I'm not comfortable with this cynical, dark humor in the "nothing is sacred" style. My stomach lurched during the extended autopsy description. I choked when I reached the end of the book; although I read a lot of books and can predict how most will conclude, I didn't see this one coming.

That said, if the book had a less troubling context, I'd have enjoyed it thoroughly. I give it four stars because it's brilliantly written. If you like Terry Pratchett novels but wish they were a lot darker -- as in "oh dear heaven, who even thinks of this stuff?" -- you'll love this book.

Me? I'll probably read the author's next book and enjoy it far more. In fact, I'm looking forward to where this author -- and the lead character -- take this series, next.

It was a scene all too familiar to those who read newspapers. A body was discovered laying face down in the snow. The amount of blood only hinted at the savagery of the attack. The victim's face was unrecognizable. He could only be identified through his clothing. The victim was Santa Claus. The lead detective arrived. Lauren Bruni is a skilled investigator, but as a human being ahs closed herself off from the world. She lives in a cynical shell and sees nothing for what it is, only for what fits into her paradigm. Her life is about to change as well, but only after the bodies start to pile up.

Santa Claus murdered? A detective that comes right out of any one of a dozen or so detective shows so prevalent on cable television today? Can it work? And how? At first it seems completely inane and preposterous, but if the reader keeps going, even if out of sheer curiosity, a strange thing happens. The book takes over and the reader becomes trapped in the twists and turns the plot takes as the story line becomes more complex and intriguing.

The author, Joel Andre, has begun this journey into darkness and, hopefully, redemption with quite an unconventional beginning. This book is promised to be only the beginning. It is fondly hoped the next chapters will continue in the same vein of suspense and surprise. It is anxiously awaited.

Joel M. Andre is the author of `Pray the Rain Never Ends' which is a collection of dark poetry. The next chapter in this series, `The Price of Blood' is due out in October of 2008.

I have found one of my new favorite authors! What a storyline! I love how the author uses the victim and his characteristics that are legendary and entwines them in his book.

Here we have someone most of the world adores and loves as the victim and this brash female cop swearing away and being rude to his closest family and friends! Shocking!

Joel M. Andre is definitely an author who is headed for #1 book sellers. I look forward to reading more of Mr. Andre's books. What a mind.

When I first began reading A Death At The North Pole I thought I was going to be reading a horror book. I quickly discovered this was more of a fantasy. Usually I do not chose fantasy type books to read, but I was already hooked by the end of the first page.

At the beginning of the book I did not like the main character one bit. I thought she was mean and very rude. By the end of the book my feelings had completely changed. I cannot wait for the next book to find out what happens to Lauren.

I was very skeptical of this book at first glance. A poet writing a novel, I was close to writing it off. But figured, I would take a chance. This book is well written, and the imagry is amazing! You actually grow to love the main character a tough headed detective who has some pretty cool revelations.

A great adventure, my one complaint is it leaves you hanging for the next book at the end! The autopsy scene lasts a bit long too. Some sharp ideas and I want to know where the story goes!!

another 'worth the money' disney product. loved it! bought this as a christmas present for my 3yr old g'dghtr. watching her 'read along' outloud was too funny. i actually got this as a help-mate for bedtime because neither she or her 7yr old sister ever want to go to bed let alone fall asleep w/in minutes. this worked out great..first read the story to them (books are adorable) and then pop in the cd and they can 'listen' to it again. worked like a charm and no more "please..just one more story??!!" i highly reco this product and getting her the little mermaid next for her february bday :)

It has all my daughters favorite princess songs. She loves it.

My daughter (4) loves these read it yourself books. The box (packaging) it comes with isn't very sturdy though, and we have had to find alternate holders to store the CD in. Would have preferred the cd to come with a case, rather than a clip in to the box cover.

A perfect gift and sound experience for young children with original voices from the movies!

Simple stories told in simple ways to initiate children about sharing and caring, with Christmas as a reference for "holiday season" only.

The voice characterizations are fantastic and very appealing (Russi Taylor is top-notch as the recreation of Cinderella's God-Mother); the music (traditional Xmas music) is really "background", subdued and nice enough to set the mood.

Three colourful books with exquisite Disney illustrations tell the stories with the printed text of the narration!

AND... there's even a NEW character named after ME, François, I must humbly say!

So, who could ask for anything more?

This bargain-priced boxed set of three full color Disney books with one Read-Along CD contain a brand-new Cinderella story called SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS.
The new story takes place before Cinderella meets the Prince. The stepmother orders her to prepare a grand party for the mysterious Countess LaRue, who turns out to be ... well, I don't want to give it away!
Two classic Princess stories round out the set, Beauty and the Beast in ONE MAGICAL CHRISTMAS by Karen Krieder and The Little Mermaid in CHRISTMAS UNDER THE SEA by Paula Sigman.
All the stories are performed by the great Disney voice actors including Jodi Benson, Paige O'Hara, Jennifer Hale, Robbie Benson, Joanne Worley, Russi Taylor, Corey Burton, Rob Paulsen, Sam Wright, Roy Dotrice, Brian Cummings, Linda Gary and many others,
A great Disney set at a great price!

...you just need to listen with your heart.

Libby's daughter is hearing impaired, but it's Josh Gardner who can't seem to hear her when she says stay away. They've been thrown together planning a Christmas party, which she could make work if they stuck to business. Which they don't. Josh doesn't wait for the mistletoe before he starts kissing her. What does Libby have to do to make him hear her? Can a man who's given up on love teach a woman who doesn't believe in happily-ever-afters that what they have is more than just a passing fancy? That if they listen to their hearts what they'll hear is the sound of love?

"Holly Jacob's amusing, yet tender story will please readers with its fast pace and offbeat humor." ~ Cheryl St.John, author of THE GUNSLINGER'S BRIDE 9/01

Holly has a wonderful way of telling a story that is sweet and incorporates a lot of fun elements. I think the best part of this book is how she uses the challenge of a hearing impaired child and turns it into a great blessing. I also love the bits of humor she injects at the most unexpected places. This is truly a delightful book to read.

I highly recommend this book.

First, he stole half of her parking space. Then, he stole her heart. But Libby McGuiness isn't going to surrender without a fight. Although the fight really isn't fair. Josh Gardner is gorgeous. He's a doctor. And he's started a great relationship with Libby's daughter's, Meg.

How's a woman supposed to resist that? And when Josh shows up, awkward fingers fumbling with ASL to communicate better with Meg without using Libby as an interpreter, well, Libby's a goner then.

If only she could count on him actually staying...

This book is perfect to curl up with on a wintry night, with a cup of hot coffee or chocolate. It's warm and fuzzy, a perfect holiday sweet romance. (And less fattening than holiday cookies!)

Secondary characters like Libby's friend, Pearly Gates, deliver the gentle humor Ms. Jacobs is known for. This book will have you chuckling on occasion, and will leave you with the same satisfied feeling you get after watching a classic holiday movie. I definitely recommend it.

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Libby McGuiness is a single mother, doing her best to be a good parent to her young hearing impaired daughter, Meg. Between owning her own hair salon and taking care of Meg, she has no time for anything else, let alone getting involved in a relationship. Everyone she knows doesn't agree with her though, and keep trying to fix her up with every "nice young man" they know.

Dr, Joshua Gardener grew up in Erie, PA, before heading off to go to med school. He decides to return home in the wake of his recent divorce to set up a small practice and start life anew. The last thing he wants to even think about is getting involved in a relationship with a new woman.

Libby and Josh's first meeting was far from pleasant, starting over a parking space, so why can't either of them get the other out of their minds? Josh is annoyed by Libby's prickly attitude, but senses there may be something far different underneath. When the two of them are conned into co-chairing the town's annual Christmas party, they are thrown into close contact - too close for Libby's comfort. Sparks fly from the get-go though, and both find themselves looking forward to their "business" meetings.

But Libby is nervous. Every other man she has tried being with, including her ex-husband, runs when they learn of Meg's disability. None have been able to handle the challenges unique to raising a disabled child. She is afraid Josh will do the same, so therefore she won't allow herself to get too close, knowing he will be gone from her life come Christmas. Josh isn't going anywhere though. He wins Meg's affection almost immediately, growing extremely attached to the delightful child, and in so doing he just may win Libby's heart as well.

Ms. Jacobs shows her talent for weaving a charming tale, full of humor, and life in a good-sized city with a small-town heart. She handles a relatively sensitive subject (well it could be for some people) with ease, helping one understand the challenges associated the lifestyle, as well as the rewards. She depicts a family not hindered by it, but enlightened by it and overcoming it. Meg is such a charming child that no one could help but love.

Libby and Josh's dance around their mutual attraction is very amusing, especially the multi page discussion about kissing. The reader will get a lot of laughs out of it. Libby's busybody neighbors and friends are a riot, reminiscent of characters from another series of books by the talented author. No matter what book of Ms. Jacobs a person reads, there are guaranteed to be unforgettable laugh out loud moments. One may get some funny looks depending on where the book is being read when people hear the laughs.

Ms. Jacobs is an author to watch. Her unique style is one to love, which will take her far in the romance genre. This reviewer expects her to climb all the way to the top and become a household name in the near future. This is one reader who will be delighted to say "I knew her when..."

© Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2002. All rights reserved.

Libby McGuiness has a full life with her friends, her hair salon, and her ten year old daughter Meg. She certainly doesn't need to be fixed up with Dr. Josh Gardner who opened his new practice next door. But the matchmakers's scheme throws Libby and Josh together to plan the business association's Christmas party together, and despite Libby's mistrust of men, she realizes that Josh is actually a nice guy.

Josh is still recovering from a failed marriage and is determined not to make another mistake. But behind Libby's prickly exterior, he senses a warm and loving woman that he'd like to know better. Josh and Meg bond over video games and algebra homework, even though Meg's deafness is a communication barrier.

Holly Jacobs creates lovable, realistic characters--including the unforgettable Pearly Gates--who will win your heart in this sweet tale of second chances. This is her first Silhouette Romance, but hopefully not her last!

As a lifelong participant and member of the United Church of Christ, I have listened to countless sermons. Alex Gondola has the gift of clarity while basing his inspiritional sermons on a solid foundation of intellectualism and historical fact. His words stay with you. I recommend "Don't Forget The child" for meaningful reading during the Advent season.

"Don't Forget The Child" are wonderful written sermons for advent and Christmas with inspirational parables that gave me a greater insight of the meaning of the advent season and the birth of Christ.

I have just read the book "Don't Forget The Child" by Alex A. Gondola,Jr
and find his words inspirational giving me renewable meaning and faith.
With the advant season upon us we need to experience the true meaning of
Christmas. Alex was my pastor at Dennis Union Church and I too take part
in the Dennis Village Green Living Creche. It is truly the spirit of
Christmas.May we all read his sermons "Don't Forget the Child".

Advent is always an exciting time for churches and pastors. But it is often difficult to remain fresh and informative. Dr. Gondola provides 20 sermon starters for both experienced and novice pastors. The sermons include traditional advent Sundays, Christmas Eve/Day, and Christmas tide. This book will help develop excellent sermons during this time of expectation.

Rex Fortney, Licensed Lay Pastor, UCC

This book contains good, concrete illustrations that fortify and clarify the more abstract thought of the author.
Short, simply stated, but well written segments bulild to a point of understanding that take the reader forward toward being a more fully realized Christian

This a beautiful version of one of my favorite stories. It is just perfect for read-aloud. Must have!

I have always loved the story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker" and have searched and searched for an adaptation that evoked the memories that I carried from my childhood. (As children, my sister and I fell in love with the Scholastic version which, sadly, is off the market.) But this version is as good, if not better! The pictures are simply beautiful ~ so full of color and expression and detail! And the story is told in a simple yet profound way so that children as young as three but as old as eight or nine will be able to find meaning and enjoyment. I can not recommend this book enough! In my mind, it deserves a space on every child's bookshelf!

The illustrations in this book are wonderful. A true artist. Very cleverly hides the elves in each page and its much fun for a 3 year old to find them and the mice and birds too.

Everyone knows the story of the elves and the shoemaker - the poor cobbler who is visited by a pair of elves who (for reasons that are purposefully never revealed) help him out by crafting exquisite pairs of shoes. After the shoemaker is made wealthy, he and his wife stake out the workshop and discover their secret benefactors. Seeing how poorly they are dressed, they make for them tiny clothes and shoes, and delighted with their gifts, the elves leave forever as mysteriously as they came.

It is an unforgettable story of anonymous charity and giving, and children all across the world love it for its simplicity and mystery. Jim LaMarche is utterly faithful to the old Grimm's version of the tale and using vibrant colour throughout his illustrations.

Jim LaMarche's illustrations are lovely when depicting the old shoemaker and his wife, as an old and loving couple in the warmth and cleanliness of their little shop. However, the elves themselves were not quite to my taste, though I have no doubt they'll appeal to most parents reading to their children. Rather than show them as miniscule adults, they are portrayed as small children with pixie-features. However, to my eyes they looked very modern, especially the girl who actually reminded me of a Jan McLean doll.

However, this is a personal gripe due to memories of my childhood version of the tale in which the elves looked adult, mischievous and vaguely wicked, making it all the more interesting that they were helping an elderly couple in need. Anyone else who picks up this book will be certain that they've found the definitive version of the famous Grimm's fairytale.

This book is a wonderful companion to any collection of classic fairy tales. The illustrations are lively and charming; the tale is retold simply and well. This book also does an excellent job of conveying what a cobbler does, if you are looking for some books to bring history alive. Not many children now think twice about where their shoes come from. Above all else, the illustrations really bring the tale alive. The quality of the expressions on each character's face is truly incredible and any small child can easily "read" along by seeing the delight on the faces of the customers, the patience and careful work done by the elves (you can practically hear them whistle as they work), the astonishment and gratitude felt by the shoemaker and his wife. This heartwarming story is a must for any preschool or first grade classroom.

Reviewed by Sophia McElroy (age 5.5) for Reader Views (9/08)

This is a good book about Christmas. The drawings are really, really, really good! The saddest part of the book is also the funniest part of the book. Ernest goes to find his friend Chester in the snow and he ends up standing on top of him and Chester yells at him to get off of him. He was covered in snow, so Ernest couldn't see him. My favorite part of the story is when Ernest and all of the barnyard animals and the birds help get Chester out of the storm and back to the barn for Christmas. I really like this book, "Ernest's Special Christmas" by Laura T. Barnes.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Ernest, the miniature donkey, and his friend Chester, a retired draft horse, couldn't be more excited about Christmas. The sky is changing colors, there are wreaths hung around the barn. But when it starts snowing, Ernest and the other barnyard animals head inside, where they will be safe from the cold. However, once inside the barn, Ernest realizes that Chester is nowhere to be seen, and sets out looking for him. He soon finds him lying in the snow, unable to get up. It is now up to Ernest to get the other barnyard animals to help Chester up, so he can find shelter away from the cold. After all, the true meaning of Christmas is giving and helping others.

I have been a donkey and horse lover ever since a VERY young age, so I was ecstatic to find ERNEST'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS, as it combined two of my favorite animals together with my absolute favorite holiday, and created a lovely new children's book that will warm everyone's heart around the holiday. Filled with an adorable adventure story, as well as magnificent illustrations depicting various barnyard animals in their everyday routines, ERNEST'S SPECIAL CHRISTMAS is sure to be a hit.

Erika Sorocco
Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper

Slowly the skies began to turn gray and it started to snow. The animals looked up as small snowflakes fell from the sky. It looked magical. "It's going to be a beautiful, white Christmas," thought Ernest. ~Ernest's Special Christmas

Ernest is a lovable miniature donkey who has appeared in three previous stories. He is friends with a kind, white draft horse named Chester. They know Christmas is near when they see the red bows on the wreaths decorating the pasture gates. It is almost time to celebrate Christmas, but the barn seems rather lonely. Ernest realizes that Chester is not in the stall.

"I better go find him. After all it's Christmas Eve. We should all be together."

As snow blankets the farm, Ernest braves the snow to look for Chester. Since Chester is white and the snow is getting deeper, Ernest almost trips over Chester. Ernest is a thoughtful little donkey and he knows he has to get Chester back to the barn. So, he quickly rounds up all the other animals and even the birds and mice join in to help. Ernest shows love and determination and helps his friend so they can celebrate Christmas together.

The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and Carol A. Camburn has created the cutest miniature donkey who looks like a huggable cuddly stuffed toy. Chester and Ernest are real friends and you can see their "real" picture on the inside of the cover. Carol has a horse named Billy and also loves cats. Laura and her husband live on a farm in New Jersey. They have made a home for homeless horses and miniature donkeys who enjoy a quiet retirement. Her life on the farm is her inspiration for "The Ernest Series."

Ernest holiday greeting cards are also available in packs of 18 cards. The inside message reads: "True Friends are the best gift of all. Merry Christmas." The book cover is darker than shown here at Amazon. There is a powdery blue background with snowflakes that is quite pretty. I even found the tiny mouse on the cover. Children and "adults like me" will have fun finding the tiny mouse hidden on every page.

"Ernest's Special Christmas" is a charming Christmas Eve adventure that shows children how love, thoughtfulness, and kindness can make the holiday season a more heartwarming time of year.

Additional books in this series (age 4-8):

Ernest and the BIG Itch - A story about problem solving and you can search for the ladybug hidden in each illustration.

Twist and Ernest - Lessons about not judging others based on appearances and prejudice

Teeny Tiny Ernest - Ernest realizes that who you are really comes from the inside and then he is not so sad about being such a small donkey.

~The Rebecca Review

Ernest's Special Christmas by Laura T. Barnes is a heartwarming story of friendship between a little donkey and a hardworking draft horse. When snow falls thickly, the old horse finds himself unable to move, the little donkey must get help from his animal friends to ensure that everyone comes safely home. Enhanced with illustrations by Carol A. Camburn, Ernest's Special Christmas is an engaging tale of spirit and compassion, based on real-life events and animals at Barnesyard farm.