Christmas Books

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows. This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows.This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

The glorious stained-glass cathedral windows of England inspired Fiona French to create this wonderful celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The words, directly from the book of Luke from the King James Bible, are brought to life with bright beautiful designs. Although the traditional words may be too advanced for very young readers, they will be drawn to the book for the illustrations. This concise version of the Nativity would be an asset for personal collections.

The familiar text is augmented by brightly colored illustrations reminiscent of modern stained glass windows.This is an outstanding holiday book to add to collections in church and public libraries or for personal giving to Christians of any age.

Written by Jeffery L Schatzer with the assistance of Mark Bush and Don Rutt, The Bird In Santa's Beard: How A Christmas Legend Was Forever Changed is superbly and imaginatively illustrated by Ty Smith combinations of art and photography. This is the story of how a bird was given Santa's permission to nest in his beard in order to keep warm in the winter. Santa is having trouble making his rounds across the world. But with the help of the bird, he comes upon a solution that worked so well it is still the one used to this very day! Lively, colorful, original, and fun, The Bird In Santa's Beard is a wonderful contribution to the every growing library of Santa Claus lore and legend!

this is a terrific story for mom's and dad's who need to explain why there
are so many "Santas" around at Christmas. My Grandkids love this book.
I read it before I gave it to them and am pleased with the story, the
illustrations, and the theme. Also, it's a nice hard cover book that will
become a treasured keepsake for your child.

I highly recommend this book to all the children who believe in the
wonder of Santa.

Written by Jeffery L Schatzer with the assistance of Mark Bush and Don Rutt, The Bird In Santa's Beard: How A Christmas Legend Was Forever Changed is superbly and imaginatively illustrated by Ty Smith combinations of art and photography. This is the story of how a bird was given Santa's permission to nest in his beard in order to keep warm in the winter. Santa is having trouble making his rounds across the world. But with the help of the bird, he comes upon a solution that worked so well it is still the one used to this very day! Lively, colorful, original, and fun, The Bird In Santa's Beard is a wonderful contribution to the every growing library of Santa Claus lore and legend!

Winter can be a cold, lonely and dangerous time for a bird that didn't fly south. But in The Bird in Santa's Beard, help comes from Santa Claus himself. Santa invites the cold and hungry bird to nest in the warm safety of his beard. During the long winter Santa and the bird develop a deep friendship. They solve problems and share the secret of Santa's helpers. And when Christmas morning arrives, Santa receives a grand gift just for him.

The Bird in Santa's Beard is the story of an unlikely friendship between Santa and a bird and how a simple kindness makes a difference.

I so enjoyed learning how Santa came to have all of his helpers. Children will enjoy this book with a subtle and important message. The photographs are wonderful and a nice change of pace from other illustrated books. The cover is exactly the way I have always pictured jolly old Santa.

Armchair Interviews says: This is a splendid addition to a child's Christmas library.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to bring spirituality and love into their advent celebration. In an easy to understand message, many of the tradtions are explained, such as why we have a Christmas tree, why we use lights, etc. Whether you're a Catholic or a protestant, it is meant to be used by all Christians to give depth and meaning to Christmas!

The book is a red hardcover, printed in quality paper, which also has beautiful illustrations coming from churches all over Europe.

These meditations were written by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger 25 years ago, and yet still popular and actual. It's a wonderful reading to do during Advent.

It's important to say that the font this book is printed in is pretty big, so it's easier on an old person's eyes. Furthermore, despite its being deep, logic and insightful, the language is very simple. Even a kid preparing for receiving his/her First Communion can understand these words.

Finally, there are some meditations about the meaning of illness and sufferance that deserve being read.

This reading written by Pope Benedict was written before he was elected Pope. It is so much more than just Christmas Meditations. These writings cause us to reflect on our spiritual lives and discusses more in the life oc Christ and well beyond the birth.

I bought this book for my best friend for Christmas. It is beautifully illustrated and printed on quality paper. The meditations really focus on the true meaning of Advent and Christmas. I think my friend will be very pleased.

First of all, the song is one of the most beautiful songs ever written! I am not exaggerating. The first time I heard it, I cried. Growing up Catholic, this song meant so much but it doesn't matter what denomination you are affiliated with. We all understand the fear and struggle when asked to follow God's plan but we know that he will bring us through. That is what this song is about. It is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written!

The story that Amy Grant writes to accompany the song is heart-wrenching. It's a modern-day version of the song. This song will bring comfort to anyone going through trials. This is an especially great gift fot expecting mothers.

I highly recommend this CD/book to all customers. It also makes a very nice and unique gift. It's for both the music lover and book lover.

I was introduced to the song my senior year of high school when my choir sang it for the yearly High School Christmas concert. The teacher spent a class prior to the concert explaining the meaning of the song. I, and many others, were humbled when we discovered the power of the message that we were conveying. On the night of the concert it took all my skill as a singer not to cry as I sang the song. Just this last christmas I recieved the book and CD from my grandma. Even though I recieved several great gifts, it was this book and CD that touched me the deepest. The book gave the song a greater depth and meaning, and hearing the song again was a magnificent experience. I would recommend this book to everyone, but especially to women. It offers a message of strength and hope in uncertain times.

I got this book at the annual Amy Grant Christmas concert but was very happy when I saw it on Amazon the next day so I could buy it for presents for family and friends. The book tells the story of how Amy came up with the lyrics to one of the most powerful Christmas songs ever written "Breath of Heaven." The song is about Mary and the way she must have felt with all the responsibilty of carrying the savior.

The book itself is very colerful with pictures and verses throughout it. And the best part of the book in My opinion is the Story written about Amy on the reasons behind the lyrics to the song! As an added bonus the Book comes with the Single to the Song the book is about as perfprmed by Amy! A must for any Amy Grant fan or Christmas lovers!

I received this book in the mail and was excited about it because I had not really wanted to spend the money on it, but did want to read it. I have to say I was nearly brought to tears and certainly humbled by the experience of reading Amy's words and listening to her beautiful song in which she pays such a loving and reverent tribute to Mary. I remember Amy saying once at a concert just before she sang the song "Mary was not better than anyone else...she was just willing." I STRONGLY urge you to read this book and then sit and listen to the song while looking at the incredible illustrations.

It's such a sweet story, and the illustrations on this book are particularly lovely. I recommend it for you or a young friend.

These books are are so beautifully written and create an imaginative world for your child. I have wonderful memories of these tales from my childhood and love introducing them to my children. They are timeless!

It would be almost impossible to pick a favorite of the Beatrix Potter books, but if I had to, this would be it. The story and the artwork combine to make a perfect children's (or adult's)book.

This is my favorite of the Beatrix Potter books, and I probably read all of them as a child. It's ideal for a slightly older child. A very sweet story of a tailor, his cat, and a group of mice who save his business when he is too ill to work.

The Cat and the Christmas Tree is a delightful story that brings a warm smile. My children ages 8, 10, and 11 all laughed and immediately began to wonder--what if cats could talk!! We then all found ourselves playing with our kitten Gracie--right in front of our Christmas tree.

This is a well-told, beautifully illustrated tale for kids and adults alike. Perfect for anyone who loves Christmas, or has a mischievous pet!

What a wonderful book for kids (especially at Christmas)! My two boys (ages five and seven) loved this well-crafted story, which is accompanied by many beautiful full-page illustrations! It's a real holiday treat!

The Cat and the Christmas tree is a wonderful book. My daughter thought it was amazing - and she's not even a cat person! It is a special gift for the children on Christmas!

This book is a MUST for anyone with kids. It shows them how it feels better to give something of yourself rather then recieving from everyone else. The illustrations keep everyone's attention through the whole wonderful story while teaching a very valueable lesson.

This book offers a great message for children about the spirit of giving. It's beautifully-illustrated with characters and situations that captured kids' attention.

This is a great book that children need to show them that having more toys is not the most important thing but sharing with others less fortunate! The illustrations are also very good!

I picked up this book last Christmas at my local independent toy store to read to my kids as the Christmas holiday approached. I enjoyed the fact that it gave them a great message about graceful giving without beating them over the head with it. The artwork is sweet and uncluttered. I ended up returning to the store to buy the rest that they had in stock to give as gifts...all well received!

We started a Bible study using 'Chosen and Cherished'. Everyone loved the first session, we are looking forward to the next one. It's an excellent study for future brides as well as married women. It highlights Proverbs 31. If you are looking for an effective Bible study for women that is easy to facilitate, this is it. If you can get the book for the participants, it has an outline that lists all scriptural references for each DVD session as well as questions for small group or individual reflection in the back.

Kimberly Hahn has a clear and direct writing style that is relaxed and easy to understand. She does a great job of mixing personal experience with scriptural and church teaching. The message she conveys is so appropriate for marriages today and will inspire those who are married or thinking of marriage.

Proverbs 31: 10-12, the basis for this work, quotes the mother of Lemuel, King of Massa, giving her son guidance on choosing an appropriate bride. Chosen and Cherished, based on these sections from Proverbs, grew out of bible study Kimberly Hahn has offered for years to Franciscan University students. The verses describe the worthy wife as more valuable than pearls, an unfailing prize, and one who brings good rather than evil to her husband.

Each of the six parts takes its title from a verse in Proverbs 31 and is broken into two chapters that feature Hahn's experiences as wife and mother, additional Scripture passages, and Church teachings. This structure provides an opportunity for Hahn to address such issues as premarital sex, adultery, divorce, contraception, and abortion. She also offers practical advice and stories to illustrate the principles at hand. In the chapter What Really Counts, Hahn contrasts "behavior fit for a prostitute a century ago (that) now parades across the TV screen" with qualities she observes in her mother and other older women who exemplify "godly womanliness." A section on pursuing purity in A Woman of Worth lists guidelines to help unmarried persons avoid near occasions of sin. The chapter on the sanctity of marriage discusses the role of parents in supporting the marriages of their adult children. It contains a series of bullet points under the headings quality time, physical touch and closeness, gift giving, and words of affirmation.

Overall, this is a balanced resource, tackling issues head on while affirming and reaffirming the immense rewards for couples who, with faith, hope, love, and prayer, live their commitment to the vocation of marriage.

Kimberly Hahn has developed a beautiful study for women of all ages that helps us see how God created us and in what way we can live our life to the fullest as wives and mothers. She helps young women prepare for marriage, she helps women bring more to their marriage than they perhaps thought about, given the culture we live in, and she helps mothers raise their children to cherish their purity and to become good spouses themselves. She speaks with clarity and with experience and is someone that we can trust, knowing that she lives what she teaches. The DVD series allows us to have her into our homes and share her knowledge of Scripture as it relates to women, marriage, and family. Kimberly touches our hearts, whatever our age may be. She is a treasure to Christianity!

I thought the book was very good. The illustrations were very nice, and I liked that it went right along with the scripture account of the birth of Christ.

This book has been long awaited for by Christian parents everywhere. The text comes straight from the King James Bible and the illustrations are just wonderful. Finally there is a children's book that is scripturally accurate and fun for children to look at as well. Anyone who wants to teach their children the true meaning of Christmas in a way that will leave a lasting impression in their hearts and minds will want this book.

I have looked everywhere for a picture book that uses the actual scripture verses from the bible that tells the nativity story. This is what we read our children on Christmas Eve as part of our family tradition. This book's illustrations are simply beautiful. My children love looking at the pictures while we read them the story. This is the kind of book we will keep as a family heirloom so our children can pass on the tradition.

This is the perfect book to read as family. I have very young kids who have a hard time sititng through the nativity story. The illustrations are beautiful and very tender. My children love to see the picture that goes with each verse of scripture. I think the illustrator did a fantastic job in capturing the feelings of each moment. Thanks...I can't wait to see more books from this illustrator.

Reviewed by: Stories for Children Magazine editor, VS Grenier

Many think there is only one Santa Claus who travels the world in one night. But, what if I told you there is really more than one Santa Claus. Actually there is even more than one gift bringer in some countries and every year they all come together at the Yule Conference in November.

This year the Yule Conference will be one to remember for many Yules in the Yule Dynasty. Kriss Kringle, the United States Santa, is hoping to change the Yule Dynasty rule about the job of Gift Bringer only being able to be handed down from father to son. You see, Christine Kringle is the daughter and only child Kriss Kringle has, and with no son to pass the family business to, the Kringles find themselves in a very serious situation indeed.

Christine is excited and nervous about this year's Yule Conference. She hopes the Yule Dynasty will pass the Kringle's motion to allow a daughter to become a Christmas Gift Bringer. She also meets two new friends, Little K from Japan and Nick from England, and learns one of them is also putting a motion before the Yule Dynasty. But before the motions can be resolved, disaster strikes. A small town in England decides to ban Christmas.

Christine, with the help of her two new friends, comes up with a plan to not only help the Kringles get their motion passed, but to also save Christmas before other towns follow the example of the small English town.

This story is enjoyable and brings the magic of Christmas back into the minds of those who have stopped believing. After all, the spirit of Christmas lives on forever and so does the Yule Dynasty, as the job of Christmas Gift Bringer is handed down from one generation to the next.

Get ready to enter a world of Christmas you never knew existed! Lynn Brittney breathes new life into the tradition of Santa Claus with her book featuring Christine Kringle, part of the next generation of Gift Bringers. Join the Kringle family as they attend the Yule conference intent on seeking a way for Christine Kringle to become Kriss Kringle's successor as Gift Bringer to the USA. Complete with awkward teenage moments, interesting inventions, and politics, this book is quite a fun read.

The book begins with the Kringle family trip to Finland for this year's Yule Conference. Their purpose is to propose that Christine Kringle become the successor of Kriss Kringle for the position of Gift Bringer in the USA. The trouble is that the Yule Dynasty is very old and hence their rules of operations are very old - only male descendants can succeed the previous gift bringer. Once they arrive and Kriss Kringle gives his proposal, there is much opposition. A news report interrupts the debate to inform that a small town named Plinkbury has banned Christmas!

A plan emerges with good probability of success. Christine and her new friends Nick, Little K and his new invention travel to the town of Plinkbury to save Christmas. Together with the help of a red Ferrari, elves Zazu and Egan, Operation Save Christmas is underway. Meanwhile, Ma and The Sisterhood create chaos in the Council to give Christine and the boys the time they need to make their plan a success. Christine and her friends must work quickly because the Council won't be distracted for long!

Christine Kringle is a book for everyone, young and old alike. Teenager in every sense of the word, Christine charms us with her playfulness one moment and her budding sense of responsibility in another. She is a lovable character that strives to prove herself more than just a teenage girl. You won't want to put this book down, I certainly didn't. This book will certainly be one that I will read every year during the Christmas season.

Kriss Kringle of the USA is in a bind. By ruling of the Yule Dynasty, the job of Christmas Gift Bringer can only be handed down from father to son, and he only has a daughter - fourteen year old Christine. So, at this year's conference, Kriss plans to petition the Dynasty to change the rules.

But before the issue can be resolved, the little English town of Plinkbury bans Christmas. Christine and her two friends, Little K of Japan and Nick of England, are sent to Plinkbury to help avert disaster. Along with Nick's mom, Zazu and her brother Egan, they take on the Town Council and attempt to change their decision. Chaos erupts, and the Council never knows what hit them.

Lynn Brittney has woven a charming blend of fantasy and humor, mixed with a little Christmas spirit. Christine Kringle is an enjoyable read for all ages, and guaranteed to start your holiday season off with a smile.

Reviewer: Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews

Legend has Santa flying around the whole world in a single night delivering presents to every good child. Santa has different names in different countries. In Brazil the children call him Papai Noel and in Japan he is known as Santa Kurohsu. However, as with many legends there is an element of truth, and a lot of untruth. The untruth in the case of Santa is that he is not a single immortal being at all. The truth is he is one of over seventy different Gift Bringers who each service their own country and has their own name, passed down from father to son. Each of the Santa families belongs to the organisation known as the Yule Dynasty.

Each year the Yule Dynasty holds a conference. This year's conference is being held in Finland. The Kringles from the USA are flying to the conference with an important request to put before the meeting. They want the rules changed so that their daughter, Christine, can be Santa when it is time to pass the mantle on. Kriss Kringle knows that it will be no easy task; but there are already some female gift bringers, St Lucy, Babushka and Tant Arie to name a few, whom he hopes will back his request.

However, before his request can be ruled on, disaster strikes when the small English town of Plinksbury bans Christmas completely. While the Yule Dynasty Meeting goes into disaster mode to come up with a plan, Kriss arranges for his daughter to visit the town and solve the problem to prove that females can make good Santas too. What follows is a wonderful magical adventure for Christine and her friends Nick (son of the English Santa) and Little K (son of the Japanese Santa). Can they convert the drab, unhappy town from hopelessness to celebration? They only have a few days to do it before the Yule Convention members notice what they are up to and try to stop them.

CHRISTINE KRINGLE, the first in a proposed series, is for young adults - and for not so young adults. Christine Kringle is a wonderful character, not a simpering miss at all. A young teenager, she is well mannered and polite, but no goodie two shoes either. She devises a plan using a fruit pie and a Ferrari which will make the car enthusiast in you cry, and the child in you howl with laughter. I could not put this book down. I was entranced from the word go and so disappointed when I finally finished. Not, I hasten to add, because the ending was disappointing - no way. I was upset because it had finished. Author Lynn Brittney is already writing Book Two, and there is enough scope for these adventures to continue in many different countries of the world.

CHRISTINE KRINGLE is a great adventure story, with non-stop action, laugh out loud situations and is full of the spirit and magic of Christmas.
www.christinekringle.com