Christmas Books

Beautifully illustrated story of family 100 years ago moving westward to Colorado and making a new home and battling the elements. Saving a family of geese, one injured, from a rough winter, and staying committed to each other thru rough times makes story engrossing and rewarding.

Grandfather's Christmas Tree is a beautifully written and illustrated non-fiction book. The story is about the author's grandfather and a tall spruce tree outside his home. The illustrations are done in oil paints. This is a wonderful story about family and should be included in everyone's Christmas reading collection.

Beautifully illustrated story of family 100 years ago moving westward to Colorado and making a new home and battling the elements. Saving a family of geese, one injured, from a rough winter, and staying committed to each other thru rough times makes story engrossing and rewarding.

This is a true story about the author's grandfather. Over 100 years ago his grandfather moved west to Colorado to start his family. All around the land was coved in spruce trees. One winter the weather is really bad and they think they will have to cut all the tress for fire wood. 2 geese have made their home under one tree and one is hurt and can't move on. The grandmother in the story begs the grandpa to leave the tree a little longer. He does and the story has a happy ending.

This book can be valuable as a teaching tool. It is a book that teaches the value of family, material things, memories, nature, and history. Life cycles, the seasons, and holidays are so important to the family in the book.
I would recommend this book to others. The book is a great holiday book but the themes in the story should be taught year around.

I purchased a copy of this book over twenty years ago when my children were young. It quickly became a favorite of ours as it also became a family tradition. Each Thanksgiving at bedtime I would begin reading a few pages to my son and daughter, and continued until the week of Christmas. My children were always as eager to hear the story no matter how many years I read it. I teach first grade and also read it to my students each year. They love it! I now am purchasing a copy for my two grandchildren so they can begin their own and continue the family tradition. A great book with a wonderful plot, dialog, and super characters. I recommend this book for parents to enjoy with their children.

AND it's not being published! Tell me where I can get it! Please! Have searched my brain for the name of this book and just got lucky. Wonderful book, from what I can remember, since I, too, read it long ago. If the reader from Tampa FL can tell me where to get it, I would be forever grateful!

I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of this tale one Christmas over fifteen years ago, and ever since, my dramatic reading the story one chapter a night until the finale on Christmas Eve has become a cherished family tradition. I admit I have read the other Marvin, Fats & Raymond stories as well, but this one often seems to be the one that keeps us coming back year after year. I hope the story one year take its place next to Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree & The Christmas Box. Don't miss reading this classic.

I read this book as a child twenty years ago and now find myself narrating this wonderful story to my children. It is as exciting to them now as it was to me then. The never ending excitment and suspense captures the imagination of all children as they see themselves living in the dollhouse at Macy's among their favorite toys. No library should be without this book.

Take a happy holiday from deep, serious reads during the Christmas season. This delightful, historically educational series is an enjoyable way to get into the spirit. Great for adults to read to the kids, or to enjoy on their own. Lighter reading, but not too fluffy- pour yourself a hot chocolate and learn the history behind the myth.

This is a darling and original story that will be enjoyed by both adults and children. Contains tons of fun historical and interesting trivia not just about the history of Christmas but about famous people and events. Also keeps the Christian "reason for the season" very much in perspective. HoHoHo.

In THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF SANTA CLAUS, Jeff Guinn chronicled the story of St. Nicholas and the myriad and sometimes unusual people who became "Santa's helpers" over the ages, and then Layla, Nicholas' wife, has a chance to shine in the grim Puritan setting of MRS. CLAUS SAVES CHRISTMAS. But the third book is a rollicking tale of what happens when a struggling network executive decides to create a reality series called "The Great Santa Search" to find the real Santa Claus--but the cheap toy manufacturer who is sponsoring the series just may foil the day. Guinn brilliantly skewers reality television series while following Nicholas' attempt to win the Great Santa Search so that "Santa" won't be endorsing the cheaply-made toys of the sponsor.

The third volume in Jeff Guinn's Christmas Chronicles is a worthy successor to his previous books, The Autobiography of Santa Claus and How Mrs. Claus Saved Christmas. Again, he delves into the historical facts behind Christmas tradition (in this case, the introduction and evolution of the department store Santa Claus) and weaves it with his own unique vision of St. Nicholas, for the first time telling an all-original story in the present day. A frustrated television producer comes up with a brainstorm to save his family network -- a reality television show that will declare the winner the one true Santa Claus. To make matters worse, the program is being sponsored by a shady, unscrupulous toymaker who wants the winner to become the national spokesman for her shoddy toys. The only way Santa can preserve his secrecy and still save the image of Santa Claus for children all over the world is to enter the competition himself -- and win it.

Guinn's new tale takes his now-classic version of Santa Claus to places he's never gone before: shopping malls to meet legions of excited children, into the workforce, and finally to a national television audience. Along the way, he introduces a wealth of new characters, and true to the spirit of this series, most of them are good at heart. The producer who concieves of the show -- he just wants a hit so he can keep making shows families can watch together. The grouchy mall manager has a secret that betrays a holiday sprit. Only the true villain of the piece shows not even a spark of decency, and even so, Santa Claus himself never gives up on her.

Just as Guinn, in the past, has woven in historical figures to flesh out his books, this time out he freely plucks real-life celebrities to play roles, and he does it with a purpose, without seeming like he's name-dropping. The trials poor Santa has to go through are equally amusing, from his fitness regimen dictated by Teddy Roosevelt to his confusion when kids start asking for modern, high-tech presents like PS3s and CD burners. Through it all, Guinn manages to make a true statement about the real meaning of Christmas, about the commercialization of it, and about how Santa's true mission is rooted in faith. In fact, this book would make an excellent Christmas movie, but I doubt any producer would want to touch it without removing the overt references to Jesus and the fact that Christmas is intended to give thanks to God for the gift of His son -- and changing those references would totally ruin the spirit of the piece. (Ironically, Santa himself faces a similar dilemma in the story.) Don't get me wrong, the book is never preachy or heavy-handed, but nor does Guinn blanch from frank statements about spirituality, a pretty courageous move in this day and age.

This book is a true, worthy continuation of the Christmas Chronicles, and I can only hope that Guinn continues to give us these Christmas presents for many years to come.

This is a beautiful Christmas story that I have enjoyed each year from childhood to adulthood, and delight in now sharing with my 3-year-old daughter. The phrasing of the words is a bit stilted for reading aloud, but the illustrations and the message of peace, tolerance, and the importance of helping and knowing each other better is well put for the younger audience and quite timely. It is such a shame that this book is out of print. My 30+ -year-old copy is pretty timeworn and it would be lovely to replace it with a newer copy that my daughter can take with her into adulthood to share with the next generation.

Excellent book. I love this author and this children's book didn't disappoint me. Recommended highly.

Illustrated throughout with beautiful and striking woodcuts by Betsy Bowen, Great Wolf And The Good Woodsman is a picturebook about a majestic wolf, feared by all denizens of the forest, who watches a deer, a squirrel, and a chickadee as they wait expectantly for the Good Woodsman to bring them a feast of cedar, corn and seeds for Christmas. When the woodsman injures himself and there is no fire in the stove, the animals fear that he will freeze. Only the Great Wolf can create a plan to save the woodsman, and in return the woodsman invites the wolf to share in Christmas dinner. The text of Great Wolf And The Good Woodsman is slightly more involved than that of most picturebooks, yet entirely suitable for young people who have graduated from easy-reader text but aren't quite ready for chapter books yet. Great Wolf And The Good Woodsman is a Christmas story so eye-catching that it will prove to be treasured picturebook reading all year round.

This is one of the most beautiful illustrated stories ever --- really excellent for all ages! It's been a favorite fable since I was a child, and still gets me sentimental as an adult. It's got the look and feel of an old Russian story with the main characters meeting as animals in a winter forest. The drawings are brilliant! It is unforgettable and will soften even the coldest hearts.

Excellent! I read this book to more than 70 elementary students (preschool through 6th grade - many with language and reading weaknesses. My students were glued to the story and beautiful illustrations! Written in both English and Spanish, this book is a great way to bring culture to the classroom. It also serves as a learning tool to help children think about their own goals and desires.

I have been following Gwendolyn Zepeda's writing for quite a number of years and ordered her new book, Growing Up with Tamales, as soon as it became available on Amazon. The five month wait was worth it!

I ordered a second copy for my niece who teaches a dual language kindergarten classroom because finding such wonderful books to teach with is difficult. I'm sure Growing Up with Tamales will become a favorite at Sheldon ISD as it has in my home.

This isn't your run-of-the-mill picture book. Gwen gives the character, Ana, an inspiring personality that kids can look up to.

We all know of the story of a younger sibling who wants to be just like their older brother/sister. This tale of Ana following in her older sister's footsteps, as she learns more about making tamales, gives the reader a sense of ambition that makes it a joy to read.

I recently saw Gwen at an event, reading this book to a group of elementary students and their reactions were very delightful. I witnessed the kids connecting with the character and being able to relate to, "wishing they were older," in order to experience something more grown up.

The illustrations have a unique personality about them that doesn't immediately scream out "kids book," but has an artistic quality that makes you want to find out what happens next.

This book would be great for any child, as the story is so relatable.

"Growing up with Tamales," Gwendolyn Zepeda's first children's book is a joy to read and to look at. I've read it to my seven year old daughter twice and my son has heard it once. The only reason he didn't hear it the first time was because he was already asleep. They both love it! So much so, that my daughter asked to hear it again the next night.

The illustrations by April Ward are beautifully done and they really capture the feeling of Gwen's (and Ana's) words. As an adult, it made me feel nostalgic for simpler times when our life was ahead of us like a big easel waiting for us to throw our paint on it. Gwendolyn Zepeda makes her hometown of Houston proud. www.shoegirlcorner.blogspot.com

Endearing Gussie gives us all- children and adults alike- a lesson in Love--- A love that fuels our determination to fulfill a dream in spite of adversities.

Mrs. P.Scott Orangeburg.NY

This is a excellent book for teaching children about the gift of giving. Would recommend all parents to buy for their children or to give as a gift.

Thank you for writing this wonderful book, "GUSSIE'S CHRISTMAS STORY". Iam really going to enjoy reading this to my two grand-children Nora & CJ. Waht a great way to teach about love and faith in oneself. Dr.RL Farris NYC

I found this children's book to be a beautiful short story of unselfish love of a child for his parents. It is also a great adventure, with a big reward at the end. something very appealing to anyone who remembers their vivid imagination as a child.

The illustrations in this book have a feeling of warmth and home. It takes me back to the comfort of my own childhood.

If you want your child to remember a good Christmas Story I recommend," GUSSIE'S CHRISTMAS STORY", by Robert L. Jackson

Sincerely,

E. Thompson NYC.NY

you can enjoy this charming book anytime!

The book centers mainly on the male lead, Valarian Caine, and is told mainly from his point of view. Val is a handsome, vain rake who, through his numerous affairs with married ladies, is shot and killed in a duel by a Sevaric in the 1700's. The heavenly powers that be decide to give a second chance to redeem himself, after 100 years of messing things up in the afterlife as well. Val goes back to give some ghostly (though they think he's a mortal man, Joycelyn Vayle)help to Caine and Sevaric descendants-Gwen, Max, Dorie and Robin.

This book is a highly entertaining regency novel that proves that life is too short to quarrel, but should be savored. The romantic scenes and light erotisim are very well done. You'll find yourself hoping for the best for all the characters.

Vayle is a simply fabulous hero-read the book if for no other reason than to see this sinner turn his life around by helping others. He's also incredibly sexy to boot!

The book only involves Christmas the last 50 or so pages-so it can be enjoyed anytime. Recommended if you like ghost romance.

5 stars!!!

I bought this book on the strength of some good reviews and having enjoyed previous Kerstan books. The ghost angle made me a bit leery of the book, because I generally don't like romances with ghosts in them and usually find them to be pretty melodramatic. However, this was a notable exception. The aspect of "time-travel" added history and humor to the plot, which made it more than just a "ghost story." The plot is like "It's a Wonderful Life," only in reverse. Instead of finding out how bad life would have been for others if the hero hadn't been born, this hero, Valerian, finds out how terrible he has made life for people by the bad deeds he did when he was alive and that people would have been better off if he had never been born. In that sense it is more like Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." The hero was killed in a duel by a the husband of his lover, and his descendants and those of the jealous husband have suffered for 100 years because of the ensuing feud. For some reason(rather nebulous), Valerian is allowed a month to come back from the netherworld to try to end the feud, and bring contentment to three people--Max and Gwen(the heroine) who are related to the man he shot in the duel, and Dorrie, one of his own future descendants. How he manages to meet the challenges of this task is very cleverly planned out and penned by the two authors of this book. The suspense of how the hero would be able to restore peace makes the book a page-turner. The secondary romance between Max and Dorrie is very sweet. I did feel that the primary romance between Gwen and Valerian sometimes took a back-seat to the plot of reconcilation, and it wasn't really all that clear what Gwen, a virtuous woman, saw in Valerian, such a rake. Still, the "reforming" of Valerian was handled very well, as the reader gets to see him turn from a self-centered, pleasure-driven man, to a man who learns to care about others and even put their needs first. It was done gradually enough and with sensitivity enough to be believable. And, at the end, Valerian recognizes that he still has "rakish" tendencies that he will have to fight in order to stay true to Gwen and to live a better life, which also was realistic.
This book is clever, entertaining, and touching.

Try imagining a life that you would really love and then having it snatched away. What would you do to get it back? Valerian goes forward in time to correct the feud his death caused and make the remaining descendants happy, just so he can go back to his former life. But while there he falls in love with one of his subjects to make happy and she with him. What to do?? Also Valerian discovers the real truth of the feud -- a lost treasure of some sort. Can he find it make everyone happy before his deadline? And what about his love

This was one of the most heartwarming books I have ever read. I loved every moment of it. The hero is the kind of man a woman dreams about and the heroine is the kind of woman a woman can admire. A lovely touching read. It is a shame this book isn't in stock anymore. I am pleased to see more of Ms. Kerstan's work around, but I would dearly love to see more of Ms. Rasley with her delightful wit and charm.

The collection of sermons in this book provided a springboard of ideas for themes to preach this Christmas season. Max Lacado's sermon provided the background for our Christmas program this year.

I was looking for a small gift for several people that I work with and this book came to my eye. I ordered several from different sources (used) and when they came in I was so pleasantly surprised I had to order several more for some of my co-workers. Not only was the book in great condition, the story itself was a page turner and a blessing!

This book is a powerful reflection upon the circumstances & events surrounding Christ's birth. Within each of the (6) author's section, there are a multitude of heart provoking directions for the Holy Spirit to take you. It has touched me deeply, and also touched the life of a friend I gave a copy to for Christmas. I highly recommend this for personal reading and gift-giving.

"The Heart of Christmas" employs the writing talents of six inspirational authors, with the message they would most like people to learn and see at Christmastime. John Maxwell relates the wise men following the star and finding a lowly stable, to our search for greatness and finding instead disappointment, in our lives. He allows us to understand that we can find God even in our lowest moments. Bill Hybels challenges us to really look at the nativity, and God's purpose for choosing the location of the Christ-child, this season. Hybels parallels the nativity to our relationship with God. Max Lucado ponders what Joseph's thoughts were on that wonderful night and how we oft-times questions God ourselves. David Jeremiah writes about the name and significance of Jesus, the reasons God may have chosen to give his only son that common, yet most revered name. Rick Warren encourages us to seek that which we want to find this year. He gives us special insight and tells us what we should really be seeking for. Jack Hayford examines the Mary Miracle, as he calls it. He shows us how God is still "birthing" his holy word in us, today. If you are like me, growing weary with all the hype and stress of Christmas as society defines it, year after un-inspirational year, this is a book that will offer you a new vision and understanding of this wonderful holiday. It will put Christmas back into your heart so that it may shine forth, just like the star that marked Jesus' birth.

My grand-daughter, Sofia, has been transfixed by this dynamic, eye-catching, black and white charmer of a book since she first set eyes on it. Now that she's 8 mos. and can turn the pages, she reaches for it first among all her books. I appreciate the aesthetic of the book--simple,creative,meticulous images that stimulate infant curiosity.

Eddie (5 months) absolutely loves Hello Santa. We read it to him almost every night. When he sees the picture of the moon and stars over the city he squeals and kicks his feet.

I purchased this book and was thoroughly delighted and impressed with it. The physical quality of the book itself is outstanding. In addition to the eye-catching illustrations, the idea of Ms. Turner utilizing just the black and white style attracted and kept the attention of my granddaughter, as I created a wonderful story of Santa's journey on Christmas Eve. I look forward to when she can tell me the her story of Santa's journey. "Hello Santa" will make a perfect gift to give for Christmas!

This is a beautiful and unconventional book, that's bold, black-and-white illustrations create drama and separate it from the crowd. Pre-schoolers will love it! Because there are no words "Hello, Santa" lets our imaginations run freely. Each time we read it together, we find ourselves making up a completely unique, fresh, new story. "Hello, Santa" allows us (the readers) to be the authors, and so, we looking forward to opening it again and again.

This book captures the true meaning of Christmas and what the holiday is all about. Captain Scheunemann was truely a giving person and his family were very brave to carry on his legacy. I have been to the ceremony of the Christmas Tree Ship at Navy Pier and it is an inspirational ceremony.
Because of this book, the story of Captain Scheunmann has been revived and lives on. Thank you Rochelle.

This is truly a touching story. I purchased the book after attending one of Rochelle's presentations on the tale of the Christmas Tree Ship, an event which I also enjoyed very much. This story has since become a family favorite and we read it every Christmas. Rochelle also has another, smaller book on the Christmas Tree Ship, which is full of beautiful artwork--also a great read!

This was an amazing book! I loved reading Rochelle's first Christmas Tree Ship book I wanted more information about the story. The Historic Christmas Tree Ship is overflowing with early 1900s newspaper articles, historic photographs, and more details surrounding the story of Captain Schuenemann and his family than you could even imagine. If you're interested in the story, or just looking for a heartwarming Christmas book, I would definately recommend this one!

This is a beautiful book that tells the story of Captain Schuenemann and his family and crew who brought trees from northern Michigan to Chicago for the people to buy at Christmas, and the disaster that took the captain and crew's life. It is a story of hope following sadness as the Schuenemann family carried on the work after the shipwreck. The pictures and historic articles are great. Nice story to read just prior and during the Christmas season.