Christmas Books

This is a wonderful story for elementary school kids. It is in-between picture book and "chapter book" length-- not a quick read. The story is very heartwarming, and the illustrations are beautiful and endearing.

One of my very favorite Christmas stories! It is worth buying a used copy if that is all you can find (you can find really nice hardback or paperback versions).

This picture book is my favorite "animal" Christmas book. The drawings and narrative are both charming and the story is not sacharine, but,in the best sense, heart-warming.

This superb Christmas picture book deserves a rediscovery! In understatedly witty text, it tells the story of Delver mole, a young mole who lives underground and knows nothing of Christmas. One day he hears about it from a mouse, and wonders if this "fat man in a red suit" will bring him his dearest wish - a telescope so that he can see the stars. (Being very nearsighted as most moles are, he has never seen them.) Risking the peril of facing the local owl, Delver and his family build an above-ground chimney and leave a letter for Santa. They then fall asleep waiting on Christmas eve in the open, and are about to be snatched up by the owl when, in a curious and believable way, the owl finds some Christmas spirit and is duly rewarded by Santa, who also brings the telescope for Delever. The illustrations are memorable and the story is a complete charmer. Highly recommened for kids preschool through grade 2.

I love this series of 5 books!! Each one offers a different perspective on the Christmas story. This one is told by Granny Mouse and the animals in the stable Christmas night. Each book comes with a CD with all the music and spoken lines on it. All children do is act along with what is being said on the CD. Audience members are encouraged to participate through singing as well. The costumes are super easy to make and there are great tips for adjusting the program to fit the number of actors. I love all 5 of these books and HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an easy to do, fun and professional looking Christmas Pageant for children!

This is one of the cutest and easiest Christmas programs that I have seen or been involved with. The children also found it enjoyable to be a part of.

I really liked this instant Christmas pageant skit book and CD. It is very clear to follow and has all the info for costumes, sets and props. All the narration and speaking parts are pre-recorded on the cd with full sound effects so the kids don't even have to memorize the lines. They do need to know when they speak and you should spend time teaching them how to be animated without actually talking but there is no need to worry that there will be dead silence because someone forgot a line or cue... which nervous kids tend to do! I also really liked that the print was very large so when you make copies for the kids to practice with (which is allowed) they can read it clearly. It includes time for the audience to sing along which is nice for family participation. This skit is designed for 22 or more children but many roles can be combined. It is very flexible for any size church. Because the kids don't need to memorize the lines all ages can participate and the book does a good job outlining what the roles are.

The story is told from the point of view of Grandma Mouse who was in the stable on the first Christmas day. All the characters are animals so the costumes may be a bit more involved than the other story choices. It does work well with a traditional living nativity, though. Other titles from the same publisher with the same format include...

Instant Christmas Pageant: Live from Bethlehem with CD (Audio)
Instant Christmas Pageant: The Fumbly Bumbly Angels (Instant Christmas Pageant)
Instant Christmas Pageant: The Not So Silent Night (Instant Christmas Pageant)
Instant Christmas Pageant: Operation Baby King (Instant Christmas Pageant)

I would highly recommend these 30 minute skits for an alternative or variation on the traditional Children's Christmas Nativity. Great outreach event as well.

I really loved this book, as I've loved all the ones in the series. Filled with drawings that capture the simple essence of the holidays, and activities that actually make it fun for kids to learn about Advent and the meaning of the Christmas miracle. I used it with my kids to open a discussion as we put together our Nativity set, and it inspired each of them to create a Nativity of their own in their rooms! Galvin's work is accessible, warm and friendly. A must buy if you have children!

Jennifer Galvin's books are WONDERFUL! They keep my kids busy for hours, and the illustrations are ADORABLE. We hope Jennifer Galvin and Paulist Press keep these books coming! We also recommend My Catholic Pray and Play and My Catholic Easter and Lent activity books, also by Jennifer Galvin.

WE LOVE THESE BOOKS!

My five-year-old and my ten-year old both adored this book. Jennifer Galvin understands children. She knows what they like and she knows how they think and learn. Her charming illustrations pleased my children no end--she instinctively knows what little kids want to see. (John the Baptist not only has his camel-hair-coat and bare feet--he also has toes and toenails--details my son gleefully pointed out to me).

The "what's wrong with this picture" puzzles had my son in stitches, especially the donkey in the party hat and the presents behind the bushes (subtle hints of the true meaning of Christmas). The word search and word scrambles were not only clever enough to challenge my daughter, they were brilliantly organized, leaving her with a much more thorough understanding of Advent. This book was so much fun that my children didn't even catch on to the sneaky way the author educated them along the way. As my son followed the maze to take the shepherds to Bethlehem, he told me, "They all want to see the baby Jesus, because Christmas is his birthday." My son knows the true meaning of the holiday season now, and it's all Jennifer Galvin's fault. :)

Our three year old LOVES this story. Although we bought it thinking it would be a Christmas time book it is now May and we are still reading it. Hoping for more from this fantastic children's author.

The story is perfect for Christmas. The stuffed penguin is just like the one in the book. We were very pleased.

My five year old got a gift certificate for his birthday and - being rather fond of the penguins - picked out this gift box for himself. My first thought was, "Great! Another penguin." but then when we curled up together to read the story, I was quite delighted with his choice, and so was he. The illustrations are very good, the layout reveals the story very cleverly and, for a wonderful change, the story is more than just a trite collection of cliche and aphorism. Highly recommended for any young child.

Although I admit prejudice, being a proud friend of the author, I am still overwhelmed by the beauty of this book.

Laurie's story, as told from Mary's perspective, allows the reader to truly capture the fear, honor and profound responsibility of being A mother, as well as being THE mother of the son of God, and mankind's salvation. "Fear gripped my heart as we slipped through the night. God was sending us to Egypt. The land that once held my people captive would now shield His son from the sword of Herod."

While she is faithful to the biblical descriptions of the nativity, by writing from Mary's point of view, we can share in her thoughts, and we can feel the same awe and joy that allows the reader to feel transported to one of the most profound events in all of Christianity.

Kasi Kubiak's illustrations are nothing short of exquisite, evoking in me the same emotional awe as in Mercer Mayer's Beauty and the Beast. The light emanating from Jesus and the gentle detailing of each face clearly reflect that this was a labor of love for the artist. I find myself lingering on each picture and enjoy how 'alive' they look. (You also have to love an artist who uses her father's face for one of the wise men!) She has also captured MY vision of what angels look like, and I am planning on buying another copy so I may frame several pictures as they moved me greatly.

This book can be appreciated by anyone at any age, and gives an added dimension to the birth of Christ that will captivate all who read this book.

This is a great book for the holidays. I read it to my 4 year old sunday school class and they were captivated. It is making a wonderful gift for my friends and family.

I should start this review by stating that I am a very biased critic. I was an emotional supporter for Kasi Kubiak as she created the magical characters for this book. I watched as she put in hours of work, beginning the process with prilimary sketches and making numerous changes to the paintings themselves. She never considered her work done until she was absolutely positive she had captured the true emotion of the characters. Watching the work and love that went into the illustrations, I have a new found respect for artists in this profession. This book started as basic Bible text and Laurie Knowlton was brought in to add life to it after the publisher's saw Kasi's illustrations. (Laurie and Kasi were left to do the marketing for their book on their own and between the two sold approximately 800 books. Book stores mysteriously left it off the shelves during the Christmas season. Where were the publisher's?) I'm sorry the previous critic felt that Kasi's illustrations were inappropriate for this book, but everytime I look at my signed copy I see myself in Mary and the love in every stroke of Kasi's brush.

Once again, erotic editor extraordinaire Alison Tyler brings us a dazzling assortment of libidinous tales. String these beautifully horny stories across your mind like hot little bulbs of sexual brilliance, and watch the night light up and the snow turn to steam!

Another great collection of stories from Alison Tyler. I thought it was a good idea to use the Christmas theme, but in my opinion with stories like this it can be Christmas all the year round. I bought it for my husband as a stocking filler, but couldn't resist a peek. I loved it and I'm sure he will also, even if the pages are a bit worn. It's a great one for reading out loud to your partner and that can be a real turn on if you have a hand free. Another one to check out is Suzie Van Artman's 100 Percent Erotica that's a real sexually explicit experience.

If you are looking for something with a bit of a holiday theme, look no more. This collection has all the steam you will need to fill the night with to keep you plenty warm! Seriously, though, I really liked it and got a kick out of most of the stories. Can't recommend this one enough. I also liked: Sex Scenes: Erotica Excerpts from the Novels of Kim Corum and recommend it, too.

Romance "Never Say Never" by Evaldas Vigelis tells an emotional love story. One could even say it is one more interpretation of an immortal Shakespeare's tragedy "Romeo and Juliet". Of course, there is no poison and murder, everything is much more contemporary - the modern man does not need external enemies, one is quite capable of self-destruction in physical and spiritual sense. I am not going to talk about physical destruction, though the selected hero Harold is trying to arouse a need for a perfect cherished body. He is a sportsman advocating healthy life style - no spirits, the head can get dizzy only from the glance of the beloved, not from a glass of drink. Let us go back to the main idea of novel. Of course, the eternal theme is love. I have already mentioned that the plot carries some resemblance to the love story of Romeo and Juliet but the lovers of today have to confront inner trials, which are more difficult for them than outer ones. What stands on the way of love of a modern man? The man itself is against his love, it is his selfishness, egoism, lack of confidence, envy. These horrible feelings torture Edith - the main character of the book.
She is an independent woman. She is a connoisseur of her profession, valued by the colleagues, loved by the friends. Is she happy? It is hard to tell. She lives a safe life - without falls and uprisings. It is easier. There is no excitement; the feelings are sleeping behind nine doors and nine locks. Who needs them? The author at the beginning of the book presents Edith like that. Gradually the hero is changing, and she learns to live her life with feelings - the unexpected adventure in a hunter's hut makes the girl to review her life book. What has happened? The situation is rather banal: a car breaks down in a forest during a December snowstorm, and three travelers, to be more precise - two passengers and a driver are forced to look for a shelter. Roberta and Edith are typical girls from a city: they are overconfident, wearing make up, lipstick. Once they find themselves in strange surroundings, they both become scared, try to protest, but the life is putting them straight - they have to adjust. Harold is presented in a different manner. It is evident that Harold is an experienced man who has tried the taste of life. His looks - big, trained arms, muscular body - create a false impression at first. This threatening figure hides a good and sensuous heart.
The first seedlings of love spring up in the forest hut. At first, Edith passionately denies the feeling. She is even snorting, "How could I love an ordinary driver?" But love is powerful! It ruins the fences of uncertainty, the passion overwhelms the body, and the kisses break through the shell of indifference.
The short trip is over and the girls come back to their ordinary life. However, the strange adventure in the hut changes their lives - Roberta makes up with Edgar, whereas Edith starts looking for her Romeo - Harold Scott.
She has little success at the start. It appeared that visit card given to her by the driver belongs to his father. Edith is furious, but love is stronger than fury. They meet each other again by chance. They meet to stay together... no, they meet to try their feelings once again. This time their love is attacked by distrust and jealousy. Another woman beside Harold. Who is she? Another lover or just a friend? Jealousy is very lively, that is why Edith chooses the first answer: he is a Don Juan, a liar. She keeps being angry but the seedling of love does not die.
The lovers meet and part, they suffer and torture each other. Is needed only one word to solve everything but neither of them dares to utter it. Is it not the passion and the question eternal that of Shakespeare: I love but am I loved?
One more unexpected event - a broken plane by which Edith is trying to run away from her feelings - should open her eyes. But will she be able to understand the sign, which means that they should be together? I will set the reader at ease - the couple will come over all traps of uncertainty, their love is stronger.
This is a short presentation of the book "Never Say Never" by Mr. Evaldas Vigelis. It is love story. Tender and pure feelings breathe out of every page. Those who are tired from brutality, lies, cheat should love this book. Those who love and desire to experience that feeling will love the book!

When i first read this book i couldn't put it doown it is so good. I love all drama in this book and all the twist. For anyone who hasn't read this book go get it now you will not be sorry.

I enjoyed reading this romance book. It a little bit reminds a fairy tale because the hero addresses to his beloved "princess". However "princess" should learn to love, sacrifice herself and to live an unselfish life. The love changes character Edith. The selfish princess becomes loving and loved.
I liked to read this book because here it is possible to find many amusing situations that cheer up. I can tell about this book in a few words - it is a good adventure novel.

The Night Befoe Cat-Mas is a treasure for anyone who shares their life with a feline companion. It is beautifully illustrated, and the narrative is enjoyable.

This book is a take off of "The Night before Christmas" and is as dear as can be. A Purr..fect stocking stuffer for your friends who love felines.

This is an adorable parody of the story The Night Before Christmas. The illustrations are great, and the book is small enough to fit in your pocket. Not only that, it comes with a little charm that you can put on a bracelet.

This is a must read for any cat lover.

This is a simply gorgeous pop-up rendition of the familiar work. It is an instant classic in my house. My children (and I) are mesmerized by every single page.

Amazing. Fun. Inspiring. Curious. Dazzling. Great for the child in us all!

I don't much like Christmas any more. It mostly makes me crabby and wrinkled, like an old person, just at a time when I would most want to feel ebullient and charitible. Happily, there are moments each year when I feel young again and possessed of a wide-eyed sense of wonder. Reading Robert Sabudas pop-ups is one of them. This year, we are blessed with a new addition to Mr. Sabuda's Christmas series, The Night Before Christmas. I make this suggestion to all ye of Christmas weariness. First, buy The Night Before Christmas. Second, wait until you are alone to read it (you can share with children later--that's fun, too). Third, open the book to the the "reindeer" page, hold on to your socks, and prepare to be utterly charmed. It'll make a believer of you. Don't be surprised if you find yourself leaving milk and cookies out for the big guy this year! And, perhaps, believing in Angels bearing glad tidings.

This is one of the best books for exploring the rich and fertile images of darkness. So often we have negative thoughts about darkness - fearful, sad, angry, but this book shows that it is also lifegiving, nurturing, and a place of rest. Sorry to see so few copies available.

Every page of this book is filled with rich spiritual nurishment. I can't help but touch the pictures wanting to feel the collages and images of the book. The language is clear and easy to read, not the stuff of heady theology. When I read this book during the Advent Season or any other liturgical season it invites me to reconnect with the gift of the Christ Child. I come back to this book and other books by Rev. Richardson whenever I need to fill my well.

She has written the single most helpful book of mediations, prayers and poems for Advent that I've ever encountered. I have used her book extensively for writing liturgy to fit our congregation for Advent, Christmas and into Epiphany. I'd like to read more of her stuff