Christmas Books

I have always loved this song and was so glad that I bought this release with the book. The song is even better after reading the book.

I have loved "Merry Christmas From the Family" by Robert Earl Keen since the very first time I ever heard it. I was initially exposed to this song on a cable access TV show, "Viva and Jerry's Country Videos" (which is hilarious in its own right). I hadn't caught the name of the artist, so I called Viva herself and she told me to look up Robert Earl Keen. I did so, bought a couple of albums and generally liked them, but this song (and his video that goes with it) remains my favorite of his works.

This book/CD combination is very nicely produced and is basically a funny color collage telling the story of the song. The CD has my favorite version of the song on it so you can follow along if you want, or more likely just listen and laugh.

I have given several of these as gifts over the last few years and they always get rave reviews. It's kind of sad that there is more than a little truth in the song, but nonetheless it's funny, dryly tongue-in-cheek, and very well done. While this may never overtake "Silent Night" or "O Come All Ye Faithful" in the pantheon of the world's most popular Christmas songs, it has a unique charm that is like nothing else, and I recommend it highly.

This is by far the funniest thing I have seen, heard, and read in a long, long time! A must have for anyone with a sense of humor!

If you are a fan of Rober Earl Keen- I mean a fan of all his stuff from the rowdy staples "Road Goes on Forever" and "Copenhagen" to the skillfull subtle songwriting exhibited in No Kinda Dancer, and West Textures.

If this is you, then you will aprreciate this book. In short it is a hysterically illustrated version, verse by verse of his epic Chrismas Song "Merry Christmas From the Family". It is designed by esteemed Nashville graphic designer Buddy Jackson, and it is done with wit and humor in keeping with the songs' lyrics.(...)

Well, Robert Earl Keen himself said this was more of a greeting card than great literature. I think it's a delightful presentation of one of REK's best-loved songs. It's chockful of lyrics, pictures (did you know that Fran and Rita are both women?), recipes (for all those great drinks sung about), lists (10 Things You Can Do with Fake Snow, 10 Things You Won't Find in a Convenience Store), and Texas-style fun. And it includes a CD to boot, so you can listen while you read along. This is a hoot--and at this price, you can buy one for yourself and all your friends. Spread the love from the fam-o-lee!

Excellent Holiday book. I read this book in 2000, again in 2001 and it will be re-read in 2002. My favorite story was The Choice by Monica Jackson.

I got much more than I had anticipated as I read these stories of inhabitants and former inhabitants of Mystic Ridge. The stories contained history as well as wonderful characters with whom anyone can identify.

this book was an easy read it was full of beautiful stories. my favorites were by ms.jackson and ms.esdaile. the book repaired hearts and mended them back together again. ms.green did an excellent job on bringing back together to people who loved one another once thru a business deal that turned out to be a bad one. ms.jackson's story was fabulous it had history written all over it. you want believe what she had instored for these two thinks to their past in another life. ms.esdaile gave nana's family a shaking just bring close together as a family thru her death. ms. forster's story was also nice she brought to people together who were opposites and made them right for one another in my opinion.

Great Book. I can't say enough about the interesting and unique concept that ties all four stories together. I would love to visit Mystic Ridge just to chat with Solomon. His ending comments were perfect. During this time of year, it was heartwarming to be reminded that we are only traveling paths started for us long ago. Many of us are learning to ackowledge our ancestors and their roles in our lives. This book reminds us of their importance. I loved all the stories, but I think 'The Choice' was my favorite. Read it and see if you agree! Good job ladies! (Typos and other errors continue to be a problem with our books, but we will continue to support our authors while things get better)

These four Christmas stories were awesome. Each story was something truly special and they were all first-class material. I must admit my favorite was The Choice by Monica Jackson. I know the holidays are over but if you can your hand on a copy of this novel, do so.

The family has gathered home for Christmas. Even the prodigal son and a long lost granddaughter have come home for the holidays. The ailing patriarch of the family is murdered in a locked room with no mode of escape for the murderer. Poirot solves the murder with his usual flair. Interesting group of characters. It's a very good mystery that will keep you guessing.

I read this book because of a recomindation from my mother, I read it and was totally suprised. I told my sister that it was so good that she read it, she loved it too. It is a pretty good story and I will bet you you would not guess it in a million years.

I can't believe this book is out of print! It's definitely one of the best mysteries Christie ever wrote. A feuding family gathers for a reunion during the Christmas holidays, summoned by their obnoxious old father, and when Dad turns up dead as the proverbial doornail, it has to be a family member that committed the crime. Well, it was a family member, all right... I'm not giving away the surprise, but suffice to say you can't always trust your nearest relations, and sometimes you don't even know who they are. Christie was a national treasure and this book is one of the prime jewels in the treasure chest. Somebody please reissue this book and fast. There's a whole generation out there waiting to discover a gem.

No mystery written by Agatha Christie could ever be bad; even her worst is good, and _Murder For Christmas_ (or _Holiday For Murder_, the title under which I found it) is far from her worst.

Ms. Christie's dedication states that she purposefully designed this story to be bloody--and so it is, but have no fear; the gore is not great, and it is handled with tact and a delightful use of familiar quotations. Her characters will draw you in with their relative personality and depth... relative, because--as always--the story is really too short and too focused on plot and mystery to make every suspect live and breathe for the reader. That's all right, though. They're still interesting to read about, which is what truly matters. And as with every book she writes, Christie has also put together a delicious puzzle that will keep one turning the pages until the very end. I did manage to figure out the culprit in advance, but rather than being disappointed, I was delighted: it's always a pleasure to beat even the great Hercule Poirot to the punch!

This story will make a fine addition to the Christie fan's bookshelf. I'd recommend it as a quick holiday read for anyone: light, fast-paced, and clever, it's a pleasing tidbit that could serve as a great stocking stuffer, or as a gift either for another or yourself on any day of the year.

What better way to spice up your holidays than with a little murder in the family?! Christie gives us her version of Scrooge in crusty ole curmudgeon Simeon Lee who has amassed a fortune in the diamond mines of South Africa. As Christmas approaches, he invites all his family, many of them long-estranged, to spend the holidays at his palatial estate Gorston Hall. Christie proceeds to do what she does best---she gathers a group of diverse characters related by blood or marriage, reveals their worst traits, and allows one person to be murdered while pointing the finger at each of the survivors. Simeon Lee has concocted a sadistic game to play on his family. The game begins when he allows his family to hear him give instructions to his lawyer to change his will. The game continues when he gives each of them a thorough dressing down for their weaknesses, stupidity, and greed. The game reaches a climax in Simeon's study where one person is found with a slashed throat.

"Murder for Christmas" was also published as "A Holiday for Murder" and "Hercule Poirot's Christmas." It is notable not only as an excellent example of the locked-room mystery, but also as the most bloody of the Christie mysteries. Noted for her cozy murders via poisoned chocolates and a foreign substance in the afternoon tea, in this one Christie gives us all the blood and gore she is capable of. Her brother-in-law had requested that she come up with a "good violent murder with lots of blood" and this is her answer to him hoping it will satsify his lust. Though not anywhere close to today's violence on tv, this is the bloodiest of the genteel novels Dame Agatha wrote.

Unfortunately for the clever murderer, Hercule Poirot happens to be spending Christmas with the Chief Constable of the county and is therefore conveniently on hand to assist in sifting through the many red herrings and false identities that make this novel complex and exciting.

If you're yearning for a good old-fashioned English country-house Christmas with lots of interesting characters on hand, you'll find this one most satisfying.

I love this book so much. Every child knows that their birthday is a special day, so to compare that event with Jesus' birthday is excellent. The book is relevant and easy to understand--more applicable to children than every other Christmas book I've ever read.

It outlines both the similarities and differences between Jesus' birth and our own. The message is profound, explaining that Jesus came to be our savior. And yet it is simple enough for a child to grasp. The illustrations are beautiful and the entire book is just outstanding. It's so well done that my toddler literally kisses baby Jesus each and every time we read it!

This book is a fiction book about a seven year old girl telling about how her's and Jesus' birthday are celebrated each year. The author, Holly Davis explains how the little girl's birthday and Jesus' birthday are very similiar. She tells how the little girl and her family celebrates her birth and how the families picked out or found names for each baby. Nancy Munger did a really good job with the colorful and childlike illustrations in this book. I would recommend this book to every child in America because it is very interesting,even to me,and it helps to teach children about Jesus.

It totally cuts through the commercialism of Christmas to explain the true meaning in a way a child can understand. In the age of Santa, toys, Frosty, Rudolf, etc., it's refreshing to see Jesus' birth explained in this innovative and child friendly way. Read it to your child throughout the Christmas season.

Excellent book for children to help them better understand Jesus' birth--how it compares with their own and how it is different. The illustrations are beautiful. I have given this as a gift at baby showers, and it has been well received.

The cover says for 2 to 6 but I feel this will appeal to a broader group than that. Read this lovely little gem to your children, grandchildren,child care group,Sunday School class,or as part of a little primary program about Christmas or BIRTHDAYS. If it is a one-on-one situation, take advantage of the opportunity to answer questions that might arise.

I have the cassette of the My Father's Angels song from when my 3 boys were toddlers in the early 1980s and I was delighted to see it on cd just in time for my first grandchild's 3rd birthday! My adult sons remembered the song at the birthday party! The song is beautiful and calming for bedtime. I've given it to my two great neices also.

I was so impressed with the beautiful art in this book. Bright colors, kids with adorable faces, and angels like we've never imagined them before are just a few of the highlights.

The popular song, "My Father's Angels" is cleaverly woven through the story of kids' lives and ends up at church where you see the kids act out the traditional nativity!

This is a very very cool book!

What a great, great kid's book! The message is simple yetprofound - God's angels are everywhere, even though we can't seethem. The positive message for children - that they have angels protecting them - and the bright, colorful, happy artwork combine to make this book a perfect option for toddlers and early elementary kids. And the music cassette which accompanies the book is a nice bonus.

I bought this book for my 3 children to share and listen to... it is so wonderful! I truely love listening to the song, and have found myself singing along with it! I highly reccomend this book! Happy reading!

My Father's Angels is a wonderful book that makes one feel good just reading it. The pictures are whimsical, warm and comforting, all adjectives that are perfect when reading to a small child. Reminding children that they can feel safe with angels all around them is a great concept to teach them at a young age. The cassette which accompanies the book is beautifully sung by children and perfectly matches the book. I couldn't think of a single way to improve on the book or the cassette. The illustrations in the book make me smile. I can think of no better way to picture angels. I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to parents of young children. This book would make an excellent gift for parents-to-be. Grandparents, parents and friends could give this book with the assurance that it would be happily received.

My Mother's Wish by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt is aptly subtitled An American Christmas Carol. Ellee McKutcheon has never been able to live up to her mother's expectations of her and has actually taken pride in living life her own way, but after a major fight between her parents, Ellee takes to the road. A stop at the Comeback Cafe resurrects old feelings and more than a few ghosts bringing Ellee home and to new appreciation for her mother on Christmas. Camery-Hoggatt writes with a wry and witty style making each anecdote a delight. While the story is short, it packs a real punch about the meaning of Christmas, family, and love. It's a charming book perfect for holiday gift-giving.

My Mother's Wish, An American Christmas Carol, by Jerry Camery-Hoggatt, is a sweet little Christmas story told with the imagery of Garrison Keillor, if Garrison Keillor had the bizarre sense of humor and imagination of Tim Burton.

My Mother's Wish tells the story of Ellee, a young girl who embraces being "contrariwise" in every sense of the word. She insists on being her own person, defying the mold her strong willed, proper mother has created for her. She resists her given (read "forced upon") nae of Eleanor and the image it conjures.

Ellee paints word pictures that will make the reader feel 8 years old all over again. In fact, her narrative style will remind you of Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. Ellee is wise beyond her years, funny and sadly misunderstood. But in the end, she is loved and accepted for who she really is. This is a tale of reconcilliation . . . a wry, hilarious, sad little tale of eventual acceptance and forgiveness. Thankfully, Christmas morning comes just in time.

My Mother's Wish is a neat little hardback novella set in the 1960s in the Midwest. It was fun to read and heartwarming. I loved the author's generous use of hyperbole. It would make a great stocking stuffer!

Jerry Camery-Hoggatt writes My Mother's Wish remarkably in the voice of a woman looking at her early years with uncommon insight. Little Ellee sounds much like Mark Twain, while Teen Ellee sounds a lot like someone I want to know and could have been. As a Polar Express, conducted by humor like that of Twain and Roald Dahl, this story is priceless. It should be read aloud to children and adults at Christmastime.

Ellee's mother tries to tie off the loose ends of unfinished business with her own mother by naming Ellee after the older woman, "Eleanor Crumb" McKutcheon. The name Eleanor represents high tea and lace, while young Eleanor wants to be called by her real name, Ellee, which represents adventure and individualism. She wants the unconditional love and acceptance we celebrate at Christmas and does not want to wear the cloak of expectations best suited to someone else. Ellee flees one night after she listens from upstairs as her mother calls her horrid names to her father downstairs.

Only Ellee's third grade teacher ever understood the need for a real name, later coming to Ellee as a gypsy in a dream. Ellee becomes that gypsy, heading out of the 1960's Midwest to Nebraska, where she seeks shelter from a storm in the Comeback Cafe close to Christmas day. The diner goes silent as an old trucker picks up a crying infant and sings ancient Christmas carols that transform the diner into Holy Ground for several minutes of magic that evaporates as he returns to his seat at the dining counter.

Amid school administrators and waitresses that seem to have several arms each, Ellee finds a friend in a trucker driving a boatload of goulash to the Midwest. He's related to someone she knows and perhaps also to God himself. His truck, called the Good Ship Horvath, transports Ellee towards acceptance with a parable.

If we could apply this story outside of the week between Christmas and New Year's, we could better change the world, one corner at a time.

Don't mail Christmas cards this year-send this book.

Armchair Interviews agrees.

In Hastings, Nebraska, young Eleanor "call me Ellee" Crumb McKutchen heeds the call of the poet Juan Ramon Jimenez who urges people to "write the other way"; thus Ellee's philosophy of life is "contrariwise". She wants to be part of the changing the world and knows where and who she wants to start with; her mom who has an image that she expects from her daughter; a vision that Ellee cannot see for herself.

Considering running away the tweener sits at the Comeback Café, thirty miles from her home, wondering how to mend her broken dreams without hurting her mom who puts up blank Christmas lists for herself, her spouse, and her two children Susan and Eleanor; Susan being Ellee's older engaged sister. Each fills the list, but fulfilling it is irrelevant. Ellee knows mom means well even if her good intentions pave the way to hell for Ellee. Suddenly a three-armed waitress and an eccentric truck driver Jedidiah accompanied by his cat Cecily provide the distraught child with a strange holiday brew; an adventure on the backwaters of the Plains in what matters in life.

This is a terrific tweener Christmas Carol, Americana Midwest style starring a distraught girl whose flight of fancy is in opposition to her mom's no nonsense attitude. Fans will enjoy Ellee's adventures as Captain Jedidiah and his not named Mrs. Smee cat take her on a journey of understanding. This is a fun tale and mom's gift to her youngest daughter is the perfect Christmas present.

Harriet Klausner

Three little children, a magic whistle, an elf named Nasturtium, turn the key and open the door to a world of fairies, dragons and adventure. Beautifully illustrated. Wonderful book for children and parents to enjoy reading together.

Each chapter is a complete story in itself, taking the reader on a new adventure with the elf Nasturtium. The author has a rich imagination presenting stories that are clever, amusing and told with a gentle hand. The illustrations are marvelous. My children (8 & 11 years) and I have read the stories over and over again. This book will certainly set the record straight on the Valentine Castle, the Tooth Fairy, the Weed Fairy and where snowflakes come from.

The book was very creatively and cleverly written. The author shows a true love and understanding of children. Each story takes the children (and adults) on exciting adventures, often to faraway lands.

This book will delight adults as well as children. There are many "life lessons" to be learned and the beautiful illustrations bring the book alive with each new story. The author allows us to escape into a land of make believe, while instilling us with compassion for others.

This is the rare children's book that will entertain adults as well as the little ones. Each of the 12 chapters is a unique adventure led by a magic elf (is there any other kind?) named Nasturtium, and three children. While this book is decidedly in the fairy tale genre, it is not the saccharine-laced fare that elicits an inaudible groan from Mom or Dad when the kids choose it (again) for their bedtime story. Adventures include a visit to the Tooth Fairy's castle, an encounter with Mary Sugar Sweet (did you know there is a patron saint of weeds?), and a Honey I Shrunk The Kids adventure on a model train layout.

Thirty exceptionally well done b&w illustrations provide a launching point for young imaginations to fill in the visual details. My four year old listens as raptly to these tales as does my 13 year old niece read them. Call this book the thinking-child's fairy tale.

7" x 9" hardback edition, color cover

My dad was on this ship.. His birthday was Christmas Day, so you see there was even a GREATER significance for US.. He didn't talk about this much as many soldiers probably didn't. Dad was in the American Legion in Connecticut for MANY years and was a state Commander and VERY proud of our country..He has 3 sons.. I wish they would make a movie of this, showing exactly what happened with the ship and why our government allowed it to sink.. We All ARE VERY proud of you.......
(DAD)..................
Philip J. Bialoglowy (#2 son )

This book has stood the test of time -- it is better than the vast majority of current non-fiction titles -- and is amazing because so many people kept secrets about the Leopoldville for decades. The level of research and the writing style are terrific. My father-in-law sailed on the Leopoldville, and he verified for me the authenticity and detail; moreover, the book captured the spirit of the men on board.

If you have any interest in things military, if the idea of sinking ships appeals to you or if you just want a great read about a story far too few people ever have heard, read this book

This was the first book I've purchased on the disaster...As a survivor, it brought backm some very unpleasent memories, but visiins that had been locked up for over 50 years...

Finally, the families of these young men have had somne sort of closure and now know what happened that fateful night...all because the allied forces screwed up...poor communications, no interaction between the allies and unbelieveable desertion of the ship by its crew!

Must read !

My husband's Uncle Waldo died on the Leopoldville. I read this book with a desire to know what happened. Although Waldo is not mentioned, through reading the book I was able to be there and understand what happened, to know other men who were on the boat, and to feel the terror, pain, and loss of that Christmas Eve. It is a gripping book. At first I was very agitated that the book ended so abruptly. It bothered me for days that I was in the midst of such a compelling tale about people I had come to know and then it stopped cold. I wanted to know what had happened to each individual. Later I realized that same great sense of discord was felt by the families of all who perished; in their time of deepest sorrow they were told their sons, husbands, and fathers were missing or killed in action rather than the true story. The feeling the book left was a powerful reminder of the painful legacy that was left when the government chose not to disclose the whole story. This book, along with the S.S. Leopoldville Disaster by Allan Andrade, tells an important story. This story and these men should never be forgotten.

The sinking of the SS Leaopoldville is the second greatest loss of life in a single incident after the loss of the USS Arizona. On Christmas Eve 1944 the Troop ship Leopoldville was torpedoed 5 miles off the coast of Cherbourg, France and over 800 lives where lost. Read about this great tragedy by an eye witness. The facts about this incident was not released until 1961 but still has not been widely publisized. Learn about the bravery and heroism of a few great men to save their commrades in arms. This is a gripping story that left wanting to know more!

I had no idea how gorgeous this book would be! I have a collection of this story by some 150 artists, and this is by far the most beautiful and impressive of all of the best of them. The book is large, colorful and fun with all the extra surprise tidbits inside. The artwork is traditional and beautiful. Truly an heirloom edition.

This is more than just the story of The Night Before Christmas, this is a family keepsake. I love everything about this book. Not only is it the same story as I grew up with, but it is so much more! The illustrations are beautiful and there are so many other little pieces of information, like facts about reindeer and Santa's favorite cookie recipe. It even has little pockets with beautiful paper snowflakes inside! We read this book every night for a week before Christmas, and never grew tired of it. This book is a treasure for all ages and I highly recommend it.

This is an excellent rendition of a classic story. The illustrations are beautiful and the opportunity for interactive participation by the reader makes the story more magical. On each page is an envelope with contents that range from cut out snow flakes to Santa's naughty and nice list. It is a beautifully bound book and one that will be part of my Christmas collection to be enjoyed each year.

This is a genuine old fashioned table type family book! It has proved to be good for the family to use around the Christmas season for some togetherness, and real fun. Many great notes and fun things to do apart from the real "Night Before Christmas" story.

Truth be told-I bought this book for myself, and hey, if my children want to read it with me, great! Ok but seriously...this is a beautiful book, inside and out. It looks like a photo album, it has a jewel on the front and some fake snow. (I'm telling you this because as of now there is no cover picture on Amazon.)
Inside, the pictures are b-e-a-utiful! There are so many pull outs, like a naughty and nice list, a letter to Santa, a letter FROM Santa, snowflakes, etc...
Not only are the pages gorgeous, but they are filled with things like presents, sugarplums, candy canes, Santa and his reindeer, toys, wreaths, stockings, etc...
Lastly, I'm very picky about what Santa looks like in books, because let's face it...sometimes they make Santa look scary and creepy, but not this book! He looks great!
Buy this book-for yourself OR your kids. You won't be disappointed!

...and mine, too! We have been reading this story for two Christmases now, and my toddler just loves it. She wants it every evening during the Christmas season. At 2 1/2, she can quote the book almost verbatim. It is truly one of the sweetest stories I have ever read, with a wonderful message. I recommended it to my daughter's preschool teacher, who then read it to the class. This book just makes you feel, warm, happy, and full of love. I have purchased additional copies to keep (as ours is getting very well loved!) and to share.

This is a sweet story about sharing. The illustrations are to die for cute!

Several animal families share their Christmas tree. This book shows, in such a sweet way, the joy of sharing. The illustrations of the animal families are adorable.

Every year before Christmas Eve dinner, our family reads a children's book about Christmas (this year, my youngest niece was 4 and oldest nephew 9). I bought this book for the occasion because it made me cry in the bookstore when I was reading it. Four animal families share a Christmas tree - the spirit of the season. Everyone absolutely loved it and took turns reading it aloud for a wonderful memory that I'll always cherish.

"Once There Was A Christmas Tree", by Jerry Smath, Cartwheel Books, 2005.
This book, in my humble opinion, is based upon the old adage, "It is more blessed to give than to receive".
Christmas is coming and Mrs. Bear asks Mr. Bear to get a Christmas tree. Being a bear, of course, he cuts down a tree that is too big for the house, and the illustration shows the tip of tree bending down from the ceiling. The solution to this problem is to cut the tree in half and give one half to Mr. Fox. Of course, Mr. Fox finds he only needs half of that half of a tree, and the fox gives half a tree to Mr. Rabbit. Mr. Rabbit is home alone, a situation familiar to many of us who are retired. Mr. Rabbit is happy to get the tree, and, whilst decorating the tree, the rabbit discovers a family of mice living under the floor boards. In the end , each animal family, (all nicely illustrated) has a wonderful Christmas, especially Mr. Rabbit, who has discovered he is not alone!

The book has a transparent plastic cover, through which you can see and maneuver a shiny gel, which is filled with red, green and other colored tiny balls. If you work at it, you can "decorate" the green tree with the gel and those ornaments, and Mr. Bear is standing there, ready to cap your efforts with a golden star.
Wonderful!