Christmas Books

Stinky Face is called Stinky because he's a super smelly skunk and everyone calls him Stinky Face. My Mom or Dad have to read these books to my brothers EVERY night. They never get tired of them.

This is a GREAT book. I love all of the Stinky Face books. My favorite is the first one I Love You Stinky Face. I think I've read it at least 5000 times since I was really little. Every kid should have the stinky books.

If you have followed the Stinky face books you will find that the reason for the name stinky face is introduced in "I love you Stinky Face"
I run a home day care and these books are right up the childrens alley. They stay interested and beg me to read them. I would recommend them to EVERYONE!

Title aside, this is actually a rather sweet holiday picture book for young kids. While Mama decorates, a little girl (I think it's a girl) asks questions about the irrational worries she has - what if snow covers the door? What if the reindeer's antler gets stucik in the branches of the tree over my window? Etc. Mama responds with practical solutions to each of these fears, and eases the child's mind. This is an engaging idea for a picture book, as many children are apt to wonder odd things like this, and will appreciate the tone of comfort. Those who know better will find it all funny. The book is marred only by the completely unnecessary ending, where the mother says "Merry Christmas, my stinky face" to the child. Readers are apt to wonder why the mother uses this supposed term of affection, as it has never been introduced before - for some reason it is also used as the title of the book. But with some explanation, most kids will enjoy the rest of the story.

Trust me! The pictures don't do this book justice!

Corey does an excellent job of capturing the magic of the holiday through a child's eyes. She also makes an effort to show how even a child can make a big difference in the world around her if she has the courage to act on what she believes.

I fell in love with Helquist's artwork while reading the Series of Unfortunate Events. There's something about the whimsical nature of his drawings....the sharp features, the minute details, the mystical feeling about them. I almost expect Milly to wink at me from the cover!

All in all this is an inspiring book, and a fitting opener to the holiday season. This one's sure to be a family favorite, so don't let it get away!

This book is a fantastic read for any Macy's Day Parade fan. The drawings by Helquist are fantastic and put you right into the moment of the 1924 holiday start. It will definitely put one and all in the family in the mood for Thanksgiving and the season it rings in. Personally, I have purchased a couple for friends and relatives with youngsters who live abroad so they to can view one of our wonderful traditions.

I use historical fiction a lot in my classroom, and was excited to see Milly and the Macys Parade. It's a great story-with lots of alliteration--and also a beautiful illustration of how as a country of immigrants, most of America's culture and traditions (in this case the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade) actually stem from various immigrant cultures and traditions. More important for my third graders though, it's a fun, engaging story (with a very spunky heroine determined to save the holidays) and not at all sappy. It's also a visual treat-the artwork is detailed and rich, but quirky enough so that the boys like it even though the main character is a girl . I've only had it in my classroom for 4 days, but so far students have taken it home every night. I whole-heartedly recommend this picturebook for the holidays or any time of year!

Millie is a little Polish girl and gets the swing of things in New York. It's near Thanksgiving and the Macy's department store is wrapped up like a present. Millie visits the contents of the present everyday after school.
Millie's father works at Macy's and some of his friends from other countries besides Poland. They all miss their customs, holidays, food, and religion. That's when Millie has an idea that will suit everyone...
~Erin
Age 11

A delightful book for children and the child in all of us.

.....story what-ever time of year. This is a beautiful story of christmas past and future,i`ts about remembering those things that we take for granted most days and when not around are suddenly remembered.This book also stands for independence, beauty in all shapes and sizes but most of all change...which can be a good thing...given time.

I had the opportunity to read The Minstrel Tree, to a
group of youngsters, ranging from 2 to 10 years old,
several weeks ago, at the Dover Plains, New York Library
The children enjoyed the illustrations as I continued with
the book. The kids enjoyed the characters and really got
into them, to the point that they would not let me stop
reading at the end of the secession. They had to know what
happened, so we continued and finished the book. At the end
they all clapped. It's an enjoyable and entertaining story.

The Minstrel Tree is a book that I just found so heartwarming and so fresh and so beautifully illustrated. It is so wise and meaningful at this particular time because of the theme of percerverence in the face of adversity. Mr. Shane's writing style is both right for young readers and never plays down to them and at the same time is totally engaging for the adult reader. This book is a must for this Christmas and many more. IT IS A CLASSIC!

This book will appeal to readers of all levels. The story line has multiple meanings for children and adults. The story of how the real Christmas message is delivered to an old carmadgeon is told in a delightfully meaningful way. The art is beautiful and reminiscent of farms I have seen.I hope to see it become a Christmas classic for all families.

Mint's Christmas Message by Mary Y. Spitz is a powerful holiday story set during a stormy Christmas Eve, as Rebecca's Grandfather Tom tries to save a freezing pony. After all his attempts fail, Tom learns a lesson that will transform his spirit about the meaning of the Savior and Christmas itself. A soulful story, heart-touchingly illustrated by Joanne Y. Pierce, Mint's Christmas Message is a children's picture book that will delight young readers the year round.

This will touch many of all ages with its takeoff of the infamous flock of birds and the barn story.

Here, developed in tale of horse named Mint and its use by God to allow Grandpa to realize the truth about the Christmas season, that in Christ God came to earth from heaven above to be our Savior.

The story is well-written with focus on children listeners and readers. The art is just delightful and very well done.

Wonderful gift for your own kids, grandkids.

This is a wonderful and uplifting family story. Our whole family loved it. The story will be particularly appealing to any child who likes animals, especially horses. For small children, it is a nice book to be read by or with parents. For those a bit older, the story and writing are interesting and challenging enough to make for a fun and easy read. Probably would be a super gift for Xmas without spending a fortune.

Miracle on 10th Street is an anthology of Christmas essays and poems written by Madeleine L'Engle taken from her many years of writing. This book is for adults and teens and not at all for four to eight year old children as described in the Amazon critique. It is a beautiful book, visually and spiritually and would make a wonderful addition to any Christmas collection. It definitely is a Christmas blessing.

I bought this book after briefly glancing through it as a gift for a friend. After getting it home, I didn't want to give it away. Madeleine L'Engle writes beautifully about not only Christmas but the entire Christian life and sums it up in this word: Love. 10th Night evoked in me both joy and pain at what Christmas can be but often isn't. Her insights as a mother into Mary's life as the mother of the Savior were poignant as well as the fears, pain and joy she has experienced for her own children. Additionally, as someone only vaguely familiar with the ancient Christian calendar, I came to appreciate what the celebration and meditation on Advent, Epiphany, etc., could bring to me as a Christian. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for the Christian to encouurage them at any time of the year time and for the non-believer to give them a glimpse of Divine Love.

Boy can Miss Biddlewick hold a grudge! I especially loved the Goobledeegop, the rhymes and the touching ending. My neices Jewel and Blaire just went crazy over it. It's all they ever want to hear now. I had to buy each their copy as they refused to share it! I can't wait for the sequel...is there going to be one?

Boy can Miss Biddlewick hold a grudge! I especially loved the Goobledeegop, the rhymes and the touching ending. My neices Jewel and Blaire just went crazy over it. It's all they ever want to hear now. I had to buy each their copy as they refused to share it! I can't wait for the sequel...is there going to be one?

This book was excellent. It is a modern day Grinch story, although in my opinion, it's better than the Grinch! It's got the excitement, humor, and happy ending that just keeps you enthralled.

I bought several to give as gifts to various neices and nephews. I even got them autographed by the actual authors, at the mall. The kids are going to love that.

A modern day Grinch Who Stole Christmas story, very well written. My daughter loved it!

This is a cute book with charming illustrations. It almost appears to have two endings, but for the age it's intended, that shouldn't matter. It serves its purpose well - entertaining both children and adults. You don't often find books written and illustrated by the same person as this one is. I was pleased with my purchase.

My mother got this book for my daughter, who is now 5. She absolutely loves this book, and quite frankly, I do too. I am going to buy another one for keepsake, because we are wearing the first one out.

This is an excellent story for kids and parents! As wonderful as the story is, the illustrations are even better. My 2 1/2 year old wants me to read "the Santa book" every night before bed. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages. It will soon be a classic right along with The Night Before Christmas.

This will become a timeless story! The artwork is breathtaking, and the story definently got the attention of my 5 year old! Anxious to see what Michael Garland does next!

This cookbook is a must-have for any holiday season. Has superb, easy to follow recipes and ideas and has some fun things you can do with your kids. The Peppermint Cheesecake and Reindeer cookies were a very big hit at our holidays and there are several more I can't wait to try.

Mr Foods christmas is great for starting traditions, and making the holiday fun. It is easy to read and interesting all the way through. you can't put it down till you've searched it out to the end !

Mr Foods christmas is great for starting traditions, and making the holiday fun. It is easy to read and interesting all the way through. you can't put it down till you've searched it out to the end !

There are two things that really captured my attention in this book, one is the simplicity of the recipes and two is the presentation of the final dish. The pictures in this book made me want to try the recipes right away. I enjoyed reading this book in July and I know it will be invaluable for that HUGE family dinner on December 25 (what possessed me to volunteer? ), not to mention bake sales, kids' school parties, and holiday entertaining. It's terrific!

Not only a warm story about real people sharing their traditions, but an education in the differences and the similarities between beliefs. Steve shows us that even those with very diverse backgrounds can live harmoniously and even become dear friends. It was a story of those who have little wealth, but share tremendously what they have. Showing that respecting the views of others is what's important. Five stars was not enough.

I own and have read this book. Steve has a nice way of expessing the multicltural differnces in how one addresses their way of sharing their experiences of dealing with the whole theme and concept of a Christmas spirit. The merge of multicultures was rewarding.

Mr. Propp is a gifted writer. The Novel was easy to read, had an interesting storyline and was extremely educational. It kept my interest and provided a perfect balance throughout. It also had a surprise ending as well. I read this book while on vacation and didn't feel much in the holiday mood however by the time I finished the book, I was truly looking forward to experiencing the holidays from a newly gained perspective and insight.

Fans of Steven Propp's novels have much to celebrate in his new release, Multicultural Christmas. This novel offers something for everyone, no matter what your religious or cultural background may be. Multicutural Christmas embraces and reconciles just about every Holiday tradition imaginable, including those of Christians of all types (e.g. Catholic, Protestant, Jehovah's witnesses, Mormon), Jewish, pagan, Buddhist, African, Moslem, even Sikh. What could be dry, abstract concepts instead become fascinatingly alive by characters who espouse these diverse perspectives and celebrations. Propp accomplishes this seemingly impossible task within the central framework of a single mom, Rosemary St Nichols, who unintentionally sparks a Holiday/Christmas renaissance in the very multicultural River City apartment complex. Through Rosemary's experiences, the reader grows quickly in knowledge and wisdom of how a diverse community can live in harmony and enlightment. For example, the characters ingeniously resolve a conflict about a manger exhibit in front of City Hall. The story is also for readers of all ages, because much of the action and dialogue centers on Rosemary's son Jonathon as well as Mychal, the son of an African-American single mom. Propp fearlessly explores all the emotions, joys and turmoil we experience in our all too often dyfunctional modern families. Yet, in the end, there is surprising redemption and reconciliation in how these seemingly dysfunctional families and individuals function supremely well with harmony and understanding. This visionary novel will provide you with blessings, humor and an abiding hope of peace for the Holiday/Christmas season that will last you all year long. Like all Propp's novels, not only do you enjoy an exciting, absorbing story, you also are entertained on an educational level as you learn about many different cultural traditions at the Holidays. In our increasingly multicultural society, Steven Propp has given us a very timely vision of how these traditions can coexist peacefully. We do need the happy message of hope that this novel paints on its bright, humorous multicultural canvas, lightening the load of our busy, cynical world. It's a must read for anyone interested in Christmas/Holiday traditions - and who isn't? As an added bonus, readers of Propp's earlier novel, Tattered Pilgrims, will be pleased to see the reappearance of many characters. I'm a better person for having read this wholesome novel, and I highly recommend it to everyone.

Some stories are pointless and are added only because they contain the word "Christmas", but others are exactly the stuff of seasonal reading. Sherlock Holmes and Ngaio Marsh are good examples of the latter. Cosy up with some mulled cider by the fire and read into the night. I tend to reread many of these every year to add to the feel. Be quick. The only place I could find this book was here.

Rex Stout and Dorothy Sayers are NOT in this book. The short stories are good but I was disappointed. They were listed as being included.

I used to own this book-- but it has been lost over the years. I went looking to replace it, and was shocked to find only one review! I remember thoroughly enjoying the stories as I re-read them over ten years or so. Most offered a wonderful mixture of creepy and funny-- and even a Boxing Day Bonus. Really, this book offers a refreshing alternative to the usual oversentimental holiday fare.

Maybe there isn't such a thing as the perfect murder, but this book has to be the murder mystery lover's perfect gift. I received "Murder for Christmas" as a Christmas present years ago and I have been re-reading it by the lights of my Christmas tree every year since. The 26 short stories include authors such as Arthur Conan Doyle, Agatha Christie, Baroness Orczy, Baynard Kendrick, Ngaio Marsh, Georges Simenon, Ellery Queen, Dorothy Sayers, Carter Dickson, Margery Allingham, Rex Stout, G.K. Chesterton, Charles Dickens. The book also provides a mystery reader with lists such as "Twelve Novels of Crime and Christmas", humorous mystery-themed cartoons, anecdotes, and quotes. Really a well-woven and entertaining read. Buy it for yourself or as a gift, it's sure to please.