Christmas Books

Jam-packed with creative, low-fat recipes, decorating tips and gift ideas, this unique cookbook by the author of the "Busy People's" series is handily organized into menus, complete with grocery lists, each listed according to various holiday meals. A "Menus at a Glance" section gives a great overview of all the dishes, making selection a breeze. With unique ideas, like edible gifts and a "Kids Birthday Party for Jesus," this is a time-saving holiday wonder.

Dawn Hall is a Christian author who has always had to watch her weight. These recipes are low in fat, easy, and delicious. They also make a nice presentation for guests. Highly recommend.

I desperately want to find a copy of this tape, my sisters and I loved it as little girls and we have lost our copy - it would mean a lot to us to get our hands on another one! If you have ANY info about how I could find it again... please post it!! thanks!!

I have not actually seen the book but do have the music cassette for A Cabbage Patch Christmas. My daughter (19) absolutely loves the music and we are in search of a another copy as ours is wearing out. The music also tells the true reason for the christmas season- Jesus.

Enthusiastically recommended for children ages 5 through 8, Calie's Gift is the story of an elderly woman and a group of schoochildren who form a special friendship in a small urban park. Every school day, Calie takes a recorder out of her ever-present shopping cart and blows tunes for the chldren of a nerby school. Over a period of months the elderly Calie shares her musical gifts to entertain the children during their daily lunch break. When Christmas comes, the children take their turn in showing their affection and appreciation for Calie by giving her a very special gift which reminds her of the true meaning of Christmas. The lovely artwork by Dean Vavak is a perfect showcase for Mardeline Arroyo's wonderfully charming story of friendship, the devine love of Jesus, and the Christmas season.

Our family loves this book. And it is perfect for the Christmas season. It also helps my children to value the true meaning of Christmas and not just the "getting presents" part of it.

This book is simply amazing. Everytime I read it with my 4-year old, we pick up something new in the illustrations. It is carefully crafted on a religious level to not be overly religious but the book picks up momentum as it progresses. My 4-year old (as well as me!) are constantly looking back at previous pages to see what we recognize in the newest scene. This is such a unique approach to the wonderful carols it illustrates. We originally got a copy out of the library but now own our own, a very well read copy.

The charming colorful artwork will warm your heart. At the bottom of most of the 34 pages, you will find the melody line in music notation, with lyrics & chord symbols of many carols, so you & your child can sing along together. A lovely Christmas book celebrating family, children & Christmas.

This is a beautiful work to behold! Coupled with brilliant paintings from various master artists, the author brings scenes alive as if I stand in the wings of a stage watching the greatest story enacted. The poignant words to songs written by Cindy Morgan enhance the inspiration of this devotional book. I bought this book under the title "The Carpenter's Cloth."

With this book, Sigmund Brouwer takes his novelist's gift and applies it to the events of Jesus' final week on earth. The result is sure to move any Christian.

The book is made up of short vignettes. They start with the triumphal entry and proceed through Resurrection Sunday, with events from every day but Saturday. Whether teaching at the temple or at a rigged trial, these brief passages give some insight into Jewish customs or character's thoughts. Obviously, some of this is extra-Biblical, so it fits the Bible story.

If parts of this book seem familiar, it was released several years ago as THE CARPENTER'S CLOTH. Furthermore, parts were also incorporated into his novel THE WEEPING CHAMBER. If you like this book, I definitely recommend you pick up that novel. It is just as powerful and moving while giving a bigger picture then this does.

Sometimes with only a few paragraphs, Mr. Brouwer is able to give fresh insight into the familiar Bible story. I've used this book as a devotional guide during Passion Week. It touched my heart and made me appreciate anew what Jesus did for me.

This story is so wonderful. Everything about it was wonderful. I wish all books could be this good. It was funny, touching, heartwarming, and very enjoyable. You will feel sorry for the cat but luckily it gets its happy ending - which it really deserves. Buy this book; you won't regret it.

Carvel, an abused young kitten, is tossed out into the freezing cold, with an empty Carvel milkshake container as her only shelter. But when sixteen-year-old Jack, and his six-year-old little sister, Gracie, happen upon the hurt kitten, it's the best thing that could ever happen. For Carvel will finally have the joy of having someone love her, and Gracie finally has proof that Santa Claus does exist.

From the very first page of CARVEL THE CHRISTMAS CAT, John S. Littell grabs your interest, and holds it. CARVEL... is filled with many intriguing, and caring characters, who pull on your heartstrings throughout the entire novel, and keep you wanting more. Jack, while trying to pretend to be a selfish macho teenager, is nothing more than a sweet teddy bear, with a heart of gold; Gracie is one of the kindest children in literature, who, even at such a young age cares for Carvel more than you would believe; and Carvel is a strong, brave, sweet, curious, gorgeous little kitten, who deserves a family who will treat her kindly, and a nice, warm home to live in. This is a must-have holiday book for animal lovers of all ages, as it will appeal to everyone, young or old.

Erika Sorocco

This Book was great! It makes you want to keep reading on and not Put it down!

This Book was great! It makes you want to keep reading on and not Put it down!

Hi I am (...) and I am 8 years old in school I read this book as a D.E.A.R [drop everything and read] book and I could not put it down. The two identical twins help me get attracted to the book. Is the new custodian Santa Claus? Find out in this book.

I liked this book because I like mysteries. I like how Jessica believes in Santa Claus cause I do too! It was a great mystery!!

New lyrics (about or by cats) are given for 20 common Christmas carols. They are funny and all VERY feline. I love it. Old familiar Christmas tunes will never be the same.

This collection of familiar Christmas carols reworked to a feline perspective is priceless. Laurie Loughlin writes with a deft touch and a wry understanding of the feline nature, as only a cat-lover can. The illustrations are hilarious and sweet.

I think my favorite is: "Oh Come All Ye Furful" -- it's not only very funny but perfectly captures cat-ness in lyrics such as:

Oh come all ye furful
Hungry and well-rested
Oh come ye, oh come ye
To the master bedroom

and

Meow, choirs of felines
Meow in expectation
Meow 'til you get your mom
And dad out of bed

Set on the east side of Manhattan, Cecil's New Year's Eve Tail is a children's picturebook following Cecil the wealthy and well-dressed snake. Though Cecil carries himself with impeccable poise, he is distressed that the human world seems to reject him. Just as he is on the verge of giving up, his friends remind him to take part in their holiday celebration - and Cecil learns that fitting in the human world is not as important as being oneself in the company of true friends. A glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to young people rounds out this kindly holiday tale, featuring simple color illustrations of a snake who tries to dress like humans.

What a wonderful book to share with children during the holidays! There are so few books out there that cover New Year's as a holiday, and Cecil's Tail, is one you'll love to add to your library.

Cecil lives in Manhattan, and is a highly respected citizen. His family was wealthy and well thought of in England. The Queen even knighted his grandfather for his services to the court. But one day, Cecil finds himself an outcast among his peers when he receives an invitation to a New Year's Eve Ball. All the guests are asked to wear their finest things and patent leather dancing shoes. Cecil is beside himself because he doesn't own a pair of patent leather dancing shoes. Why doesn't he just buy a pair? This is easier said than done. You see, Cecil is a Snake!

Cecil's New Year's Eve Tail is the second book in Marie Fritz Perry's career that she has written and illustrated. The illustrations are done in wonderful watercolor, ink, and colored pencil - all of which bring the story to life. Perry's also done a wonderful job wrapping us with her words about the craziness of finding the perfect outfit for a party, wanting to hide from our problems, and reminding us that our friends like us no matter who we are.

Stories for Children Editor, VS Grenier