Christmas Books

This book is about a girl named Dawn and a boy named Jason who try to find a blue ring with a crack in the stone. I think this book is very good because I like stones. I like the characters in the book because they are always trying to solve a mystery.

I liked this book because there were some funny parts in it. One day A kid named Emily lost her birthday Ring. The whole class thinks her friend Dawn took it because she took her unicorn last time. To prove she didn't do it she was going to find the ring.

I read this when I was a kid and to this day I still enjoy these books. There are parts in these books that make me laugh. It's neat the way Dawn and Jason (who is a RIOT of a character--you'll love him) work together. Dawn put on her disguise and sets out to look for her friend Emily's lost ring. She wears her cowboy boots--yes, very good disguise! Very inconspicuous, right? NOT! O-well, she's just a kid. I remember doing dumb things like one time me and my sister and one of her friends decided we were going to go let some neighborhood boys have it since they always threw rocks at us. Well we loaded up our wagon and they got in and I pulled it over there and we attacked the boys with buckets of mud we'd put together! They started to chase us and I tried to run with the wagon and they tipped it over and what a disaster! We were so prepared for battle!

First, a kid named Dawn really wanted to solve a mystery and then her friend Emily lost her birthday ring. Dawn tries to find the lost ring and if you want to find out where it is, read this exciting book with 10 chapters. This review is by Eddie, Age 7.

It's well known that there is a contradiction between the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John regarding the events leading up to the Passion and the dating of the crucifixion of Jesus.

However, this erudite little book in which Geza Vermes's eminent scholarship in nonetheless lightly worn shows further difficulties in the Christian testimonies. Namely, the Infancy narratives between Luke and Matthew are so divergent as to be difficult if not impossible to harmonize.

This of course is not what ecclesiastical authorities want to hear. But Professor Vermes shows conclusively why this must be so.

I confess the book astounded and agitated me. Surely, there couldn't be such confusion? I knew that Jesus was likely born in the spring and the acquisition of Christmas occurred by the co-opting of pagan solstice ceremonies. But to find almost all aspects of the Christmas story--no exact number of Magi, no old status to Joseph, as examples--to which I have spent a lifetime ascribing to is disconcerting to say the least. Vermes, however, makes his scholarship stand out for its effectiveness, simplicity, and brilliance.

The Nativity: History & Legend has much to commend it, if nothing else but to challenge the thinking of the doctrinaire Christian. One hopes all are made the better for it. As John Stuart Mill said, "He who knows only his side of the argument knows little of that."

Here the respected scholar investigates the main events surrounding the nativity in an attempt to establish what really happened. He compares Christmas in Christian imagery with the gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, which are contradictory and confusing in many aspects. They agree on only a few basic points but there are many complications and discrepancies. Vermes looks at how various Christian scholars deal with this, for example John P Meier in A Marginal Jew: Rethinking the Historical Jesus and Raymond Brown in Birth of the Messiah.

The author performs a textual interpretation and analyses the evidence. Then the findings are compared to all relevant information from parallel Jewish documents and sources of literature and history, including the Dead Sea Scrolls. First the genealogies of Jesus in the aforementioned gospels are compared (including a side by side comparison) and Vermes succeeds in making even this subject absorbing in light of the strange discrepancies.

Next he looks at the concept of miraculous births in Judaism and Paganism: virginal conception, extraordinary birth stories in the Old Testament and the weird account in Genesis 6 that talks of celestial beings interbreeding with mankind that gave rise to a race of giants. The Hellenistic Jewish birth stories of the writer Philo are also considered.

Chapter Five: Virgin and Holy Spirit, explores the gospel accounts with the prophecy of Isaiah concerning a young woman who would give birth to a son. The earliest extant text of Matthew is in Greek so it is perhaps not surprising that the quote of Isaiah 7:14 comes from the Greek Septuagint not from the Hebrew Bible. This gospel was influenced by the Septuagint's rendering of "Almah" (young woman) as "Parthenos" (Virgin). There are many unexpected, surprising and confusing aspects to the version of Matthew.

The date and place of birth are discussed next. Needless to say, there are problems with the date between the gospel accounts and when measured against what we know about the history. The nearest safe conclusion is that Jesus was born before the spring of 4BC. And alas, even the town seems to in dispute, but here I don't fully follow Vermes when he questions the Bethlehem connection for lack of enough proof.

The Premonitory signs of the nativity are the announcement to the shepherds, the Magi from the East and the star. These are discussed in the light of history and the Old Testament. Next is the murder plot. Geza confirms that Herod had a murderous character. He compares the murder of the children with the murder of the Israelite boys in Egypt, looks at the infancy of Moses and the parallels between the two occurrences.

Chapter 9: The Settlement of Jesus in Galilee, deals with among other issues the meaning of the word "Nazarene." The words Netser (Branch) and Nazoraios (from Nazareth) do not come from the same root and Samson who was called a Nazirite is not a suitable type for Jesus. The last chapter deals with the two supplements to the infancy gospel in Luke: the birth of John The Baptist, including the Magnificat and the Benedictus which are cleverly combined anthologies of poetic abstracts from various parts of the Hebrew Bible, and the account of the young Jesus in the temple.

The Epilogue looks at the infancy gospels in retrospect. There is a summary of differences and a discussion of the relation of the birth narratives to the main gospels. Vermes believes that these were a later addition for the benefit of a gentile audience. It is the prologue just as the resurrection narrative is the epilogue. The Greek narrative was placed over a Semitic original and represents the final stage of the Greek development, manifesting in the virgin conception, the idea of the Son of God as God with us (Emanuel) and the full development of the Messiah Redeemer.

There is a map of the Holy Land and 10 woodcuts by Albrecht Durer. The book concludes with notes, a bibliography and index. This book raises many questions for the believer. My further research has revealed that according to church fathers like Irenaeus and Jerome there existed a Hebrew (or Aramaic written in Hebrew alphabet) version of Matthew that was used by at least two early groups of believers, the Ebionites and the Nazarenes. Called The Gospel of the Hebrews, it lacked the two chapters on the nativity.

Apparently the Ebionites rejected the pre-existence, virgin birth, divinity and resurrection. They emphasized the oneness of God and considered Jesus to be the biological son of Joseph and Mary. According to Jerome and Epiphanius, the Jewish believers called Nazarenes also used the Hebrew Gospel of Matthew and adhered to Torah but they did accept the virgin birth, the resurrection and the divinity of Yeshua. I highly recommend the work of David Bivin in this regard, especially the book Understanding the Difficult Words of Jesus.

Kabbalah of Yeshua by Zusha Kalet

The Passion: The True Story of an Event That Changed Human History by Geza Vermes

Restoring the Jewishness of the Gospel: A Message for Christians by David H Stern

Ruth & Esther: Shadows of Our Future by Frank Morgan

Yeshua: A Guide to the Real Jesus and the Original Church by Ron Moseley

It is refreshing and revitalizing to get legend separated from history. At the same time I love what one of my teachers, Fr. Vincent Vasey at the University of Dayton once said, not necessarily of the Infancy Narrative, "If it isn't true it ought to be true because it makes such a good story."

Noted scholar Geza Vermes focuses his attention on the nativity stories about Jesus, in a fashion similar to his 2006 book The Passion. He covers such topics as where and when Jesus was born, where he lived, who his father and brothers were, etc. Along the way he makes several excursions into such related topics as Jewish marriage practices in the 1st century, the two meanings of the word "virgin", etc.

The text is well written, although at times I thought it rambled, and there is no coherent organization, although at the end of the day, he covers just about every topic one can imagine. The notes are sparce and the bibliography ever sparcer, but one nonetheless gets the feeling that Vermes speaks with authority.

While this is certainly a very interesting book, people familiar with the literature will not find much new here. But for a beginning student this will be very informative.

The story is a classic, so I won't bother you with my opinion of the details. This book is a favorite during our holiday season bedtime readings because of the wonderful illustrations.

I picked up my copy through Amazon's 4 for 3 promotion, but several sellers have this available for less than $5.

I can't believe that this edition, illustrated by Douglas Gorsline, is no longer available. This is, without a doubt;), the illustrated version that has the most ethereal Christmas Eve atmosphere accompanying the classic poem. I am glad that I still have my badly worn childhood copy, but I would like to get a new one, and others for gifts. Bring it back!

As a child, this was always my favorite edition of Moore's poem to read because Gorsline's illustrations always took me away to a nostalgic world where Christmastime was a perfect time. I loved the details in each room, finding the family cat in each picture, locating the Star of Bethlehem in every scene and especially Gorsline's version of St. Nick...one of the best. I recommend this edition to anyone who, like me, loves to read this classic poem every Christmas and is looking for a nice set of illustrations to help bring the story to life.

The classic illustrations, by Douglas Gorsline, of the timeless story is what sets this book apart from all other editions of "The Night Before Christmas". This simple paperback book is a beloved treasure that should be shared with the generations to come!

The Night Before Christmas is a classic and an absolute must read for holidays. I saw this book in a local bookshop and immediately picked it up. I can't get over how gorgeous this book is. Each illustration and cuts are done with great detail and the negative space that's created by the cut papers are magnificent. I gave it to my family and friends for Christmas and they absolutely loved it. Not recommended for young kids as cut-outs are delicate. But it is something that one might want to keep for collection and continue to cherish over the holidays.

I collect Night Before Christmas books. I found this one a few days ago at a children's store. It is so incredibly beautiful. It has silhouettes, cut-outs, and ends with an insanely beautiful pop-up. I love kids but this is not a book for children -- it is a masterpiece - a work of art -- read it to your kids but then save it for yourself!

This new Night Before Christmas has the look and feel of a Victorian Christmas. The lillustrations are Arthur Racham inspired and make this so much more than a children's Christmas book. Buy you kids one and them one for yourself and one for each of your friends! They will be love it...

I collect The night before Christmas books, and this one is lovely. The black cutouts are dramatic. Wouldn't recommend it for young children; too easy to tear.

We had recently visited The Henry Ford Museum and I saw this advertised in my grandmother's Museum magazine, so ordered it for my boys & father (who is a Ford retiree). They have LOVED reading it together, and it's such a great follow-up to things they heard about at the museum! This will become a classic for our Ford family!

The kids loved it! We collect Model T Fords and gave the book to friends of ours in the Model T Club. They have 2 sons, age 4 and 1.5. The 4 year old loves Model T's and really got into the book. His first words were "T". This book was the perfect gift for them.x

Just before Christmas in 1908, Henry Ford was trying to find a way to make his Model T automobile more affordable for the average family when his little son Edsel suggested that Daddy write to Santa Claus for advice. The notion seemed reasonable to son and father because didn't Santa make toys for millions of children? Therefore he should be in a position to provide practical advice on producing inexpensive cars for ordinary families. Much to the surprise of Henry Ford, Santa replies to the letter with an invitation to visit the North Pole workshop. It's when Henry sees the assembly line arrangement of Santa's elves in the manufacturing of toys that he gets the idea to apply what he's seen and creates the world's first automobile assembly line. Carol Hagen's clever and original picturebook story is nicely illustrated throughout by Matt Faulkner. The result is a wonderfully entertaining and highly recommended addition to family, school, and community library Christmas book collections and reading lists for children.

I ordered this book to use in a college class that I'm enrolled in. I was put into a group to develop lesson plans pertaining to Michigan history. When I saw this book advertised on a local billboard, I immediately knew that I could work with it to develop lessons. I finished the lesson plans on Henry Ford and the assembly line before receiving the book. I was not disappointed in the least when I read the book. I loved the illustrations and the content. I think it only inspired me more to think of other ideas to incorporate with the book.

Being born and reared in NC is the best of all worlds - coast to mtns. This book is a wonderful pictorial glimpse into our State at the holiday season along with good recipes etc. I'm trying to find copies for "all my children". It is a joy at Christmas or anytime to peruse this book.

The best Christmas book I've ever bought. The photos are beautiful, the recipes yummy, and the stories bring back many happy Christmas memories. My family and friends had fun looking at the pictures and saying "I've been there."

With my father as the photographer (David Crosby), I highly suggest this book as a Christmas gift for anyone! I traveled with him on his photography expedition and the sites he captured are as they appear in the book; colorful and very alive! Ms. Kiefer does a wonderful job on books, and this is only one of her three works of art.

This beautiful book is full of the sights (and smells) of North Carolina. If you've never been here before you'll be on the next airplane out. And if you're a native you'll know what you don't want to leave

I am the coordinator of the Albert Lea, MN Art Center and we have the pleasure of showing Joni Oeltjenbruns' original illustrations in our galleries this month. I have met one of her children who posed for some of the pictures and seen the rough drafts of the story. Now I own several of her books. Her illustrations are of very fine quality and the detail is fabulous. Her tiny mice that are featured throughout the story are so CUTE. Their antics form a story of their own. This book is a must have!

Our son has learned how to read, and this is a book we still enjoy together. Most of the words are easy enough for him to read himself. While he needs help with some of the names, they provide a challenge. The less common names (such as Constantine, Lucinda, Quentin, and Ursula) open him to a wider cultural world. He also enjoys the detailed illustrations-- where will the mice be next? This book is a favorite to pull out any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season.

Teachers and parents will enjoy this lively Christmas aphabet book. The engaging illustrations match the rhyming text. The storyline makes a connection to visiting relatives that many children will find familiar and funny. Perfect to begin or end the holiday season in a public school. It will appeal to everyone!

This Christmas treasure offers so many things to both adults and children! It tells the story of a house full of Christmas guests...but Not Enough Beds! Each of the guests finds an interesting and entertaining solution to their problem. You will soon realize that we are hearing about the guests in alphabetical order...making this also a great learning tool. Add the wonderful illustrations to the fantastic wit...and this is not to be missed!

I truly enjoyed the book Nurses' Night Before Christmas. As a retired nurse, I can certainly relate to the story and the writer was spot on.
Great little book for light, happy reading.
I highly recommend to all nurses and others in the medical profession.

The story is simplistic and has the feel of a fairy tale. The book itself, however, has a much warmer feel. The artwork and images take you back to children's books and leran-to-read texts from the 50s. The cover and pages have a clean, crisp feel. This will make a nice 'collector's item' for nurses & nursing students.

Must say that this was perfect for my wife. She is an ICU/ER nurse. The book went straight to the in-laws house where my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are both ER nurses as well for them to read. Having been in and around nurses my whole life, this book makes a clear understanding of just how true their hectic lives are at work.

I can SOOO relate to this story, between running our a----- off, we passed around this book and it had everyone howling with laughter! It rang so true, we swore it had to have been written by a nurse!!

Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "Old Fashioned Country Cookies." You are GUARANTEED to love the recipes and cute illustrations. (I recommend the Orange Iced Cranberry Cookies...Yum!) As usual, the Country Friends Vickie & JoAnn put together an excellent country cookbook chock full of Country Memories and excellent recipes for... What else.. Cookies! You can't go wrong with Gooseberry Patch. These books are pure fun and are sure to delight everyone!!!

I own several Gooseberry craft/cookbooks, and do the majority of my cooking from them. I have NEVER been disappointed with any recipe I have made. They are simply the best!

It is so tough to find a cookie book that has more than one good recipe! This is the book! Every cookie and dessert treat I have made from this book has been a major crowd pleaser. I highly recommend this. It is especially nice as a wedding or shower gift, coupled with cookie cutters and other baking stuff. Delicious all the way around!

This is one of the most "usable" cookie cookbooks I've seen. I collect cookbooks and have a good basis for comparison. Like all the other Gooseberry Cookbooks, the style of composition makes it a fun book to use. I first bought a copy of this book several years ago and didn't really open it up and look at it. When headed to visit our daughter several states away, I was looking for something I could take to her as a gift and saw "Old Fashioned Country Cookies" on the shelf so grabbed it up and gave it to her. Sitting around her kitchen table, I finally had the time to REALLY look at its pages. I'm flipping pages and thinking..."Good grief, WHY did I give this book away...these recipes look fabulous!!" I asked her for some paper and a pen and started jotting down recipes I thought I wanted to try. That proved to be a finger-cramping adventure. I knew I just HAD to purchase another copy. Couldn't let all those gems get away. I did just that and haven't been sorry. It's wonderful to have so many good recipes in one book. It's the first one I reach for when the urge to make cookies pops into my head. I also love the country-style graphics and the hints sent in by Gooseberry readers. If I were trapped on a desert island and could only have one publishers cookbooks, I'd opt for the ones by Gooseberry Patch...they are GREAT! If you order this book, you won't be sorry. And my daughter LOVED it as a gift too!

I bought this book 10 years ago when my first daughter was born. The words flow and the illustrations are beautiful. It's a nice cozy sit down and cuddle with your kids before bed book. I keep it on the shelf and each Christmas season it comes out and gets read several times. A classic!

This book is a wonderful book for a quiet calm, nighttime story during the Christmas Holidays. It has calming text, calming pictures and yet it captures the majesty and awe that is Christmas better than any other Christmas story I've read. If you have young children and love Christmas, I heartily recommend this book.

This book builds up the mystery of Christmas. It begins with children snuggled in their beds, just as in Twas the Night Before Christmas. But these children can't sleep- -they want to touch the Christmas tree. They go downstairs and look at the tree and all the gifts. Then instead of hearing the clatter of hooves on the roof, they hear Christmas carolers out in the yard. Listening to the carolers, they return to their beds. The pictures and words capture the mystery and excitement of Christmas, without trying to impart a lesson or moral. All told, the book contains about 550 words.

I have been reading this book to preschoolers and Kindergarteners for over 15 years. They all love it. The book I have is an older edition and it only has a few colors in the illustrations. It doesn't matter, though. The words are so descriptive that the children are captivated. That's quite an accomplishment in today's world of TV and DVDs!