Christmas Day Books

Once again I am enchanted by Robert Sabuda's imagination and genius. This is a lovely collectors book to enjoy at Christmas, or any time.

I already had this book myself, but I purchased multiple copies to give as Christmas gifts this year. I think they were very well received. I have all of Sabuda's pop up books and this one fits in nicely. If you like Sabuda's books, you'll love this one. If you don't have any of his books yet, this is a nice one to start with.

If you are "into" pop-up books this is another to add to your collection. If want to sit and look and read with kids another great book. I would not give the book to the kids, as with all pop-up books this one is fragile

This is a great book to share for all ages. Kids and adults are fascinated by the ingenius pop-ups. A great low tech reminder of the wide-eyed wonder that makes Christmas fun.

makes you feel like a child again..finding a childish fasination
in each pop up..It makes my face light up and puts a smile on
my face with the realization how much work goes into these pop ups

Meredith Gould has done a great job of bringing together traditions from all around the world, and offering these as ways to grow in true faith, not just more items on holiday to-do lists. Her suggestions for Lenten prayer are particularly valuable. Written in a clear, concise, and humorous style, this compact book has earned its place as a family reference.

This is a very nice manual of catholic traditions that can be incorporated into everyday life. My husband and I were looking for something like this as we both weren't raised with any Catholic traditions and hope to raise our kids with a very Catholic home. This is a great starting point, and has a lot of interesting ideas that I had never heard of.

I ordered this for my sister as a gift. She suggested the book and I had no trouble finding it on Amazon. Thanks!

I love this book! I grew up in a Catholic family and in Catholic schools. However, that did not prepare me for passing along Catholic traditions to my own children and to my converted husband. The fear of offending anyone(especially my non-Catholic relatives) made me a little hesitant to "let religious identity permeate our home". Gould's book encourages and instructs on how to do so. She has specific ideas, traditions, and even recipes for living a richer life within the Church.

If you are interested in Catholic customs and traditions for your family, this is a wonderful book. Full of interesting facts for different feast days and practical ways to celebrate in the home. A wonderful tool for the family or individual!

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.

Poignant, powerful stories. Beautifully written with a distinctive and important design. This book's not to be missed--by you, your friends, your business colleagues. Bravo!

Within his book A Leader Becomes A Leader, Kevin Sheehan delightfully illustrates the essence of true leadership. He poignantly definies a diverse group of past and present leaders; while exploring their life events and characteristics of greatness. Encourage your friends, family and coworkers to read this motivational book!

The author does a phenomenal job of breaking the topic down into small manageable and inspiring readings; also covers a great cross-section of leaders and the characteristics that made them successful. I ordered a dozen copies as executive and motivational gifts.

J. Kevin Sheehan presents a celebration of what's possible in his biographical snapshots of great leaders. By focusing on the unique character traits of outstanding leaders the author transforms the mysteries of leadership into something very real. He answers the question "what made them great?" in an extremely concise and inspirational style. Great as a corporate gift or graduation present. My children have used it for school projects and I have found inspiration for my own business. No home or school library should be without this most valuable tool.

What I love most about "A Leader Becomes A Leader" is it's timeless simplicity. I can take this book (turn off the television) and spend quality time with a young child, parent, teacher, grandparent or peer and connect on a visual, thoughtful and emotional level. These inspiring stories remain simple, true and steadfast in their messages of perseverance (and are told with grace). A thoughtful journey through and towards what is really important in life. A great exploration on human potential. This must be shared!

I enjoyed reading this and passed it on to my kids who are visiting the Loire Valley this summer and living with a family there. Proper etiquette is always noticed, and a general knowledge of fine wines can only add to their experience.

Highly recommended! The audio format is a great idea! It makes learning very easy and the information is all relevant. This is one lesson that is interesting and easily finished.

This was my first wine book, and it is still the best beginner's reference. It covers everything you need to get started. The real benefit, however, is the audio format. You actually get to hear the narrator (who is fantastic!) pronounce the names of the various grape varieties, wines and terms. This is a huge benefit and something that cannot be replicated in the written word.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

Although drinking good wine isn't difficult, learning about wine can be. Once on a winery tour a vintner explained that there are 15,000 different choices that can be made from grape to bottle. Sometimes picking out a wine can seem daunting. Food Scholar's Wine Selection & Etiquette does a superior job of teaching those of us who would like to learn more without the information being overkill.

While there are more comprehensive books out there on Wine, I really like this book because it excels at being written for the average person. The book is divided into logical sections. I also like that the effect of climates in a region on the grape are covered. This is an easy way to tell what kind of wine you are getting just by looking at where the grape was grown.

This book will enhance your knowledge as well as your ability to pick out wines that you and your guests may enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to those who want to learn about wine, as this book does an excellent job of giving a basic education about many of the wines of the world.

Each verse of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is depicted on its own page along with a large, gloriously-hued watercolor illustration of the verse. Even cooler is the two-page spread at the end of the book, which brings all of the pictures together and shows how they flow into one another like a mural. The art in the book makes it a wonderful gift idea for the holidays. I actually ordered 3 copies of this book, one for our family and two to give as gifts to other family members.

I love the artwork in this book--it's amazing to see how well the two artists work together and compliment each other. I already have this book displayed among my other Christmas books for the season.

The drawings are simply wonderful to share with people, and a great read over tea on a cozy Christmas eve.

As a huge fan of the work of these two wonderful artists, I highly recommend this book. Their gorgeous illustrations for "The Twelve Days of Christmas" make this a treasure for all time, and a highly recommended purchase for anyone, whatever their age, as a keepsake of the magical Christmas season.

This book is wonderfully illustrated and showcases the talents of these two artists. Each page could stand alone. I'm looking forward to more tales of Christmas from them in the future. You won't regret buying this one!

Our family loves this book. My kids are 9 and 12 and they both love it, as do I! It was a great find for us and it will be for your family too.

I found the stories to be thought-provoking and fun to share with my kids. We got a lot of good ideas for meaningful things to do this Christmas season. It sure is good to remember what Christmas is really all about and with those that I love the most!

If you are looking for a way for your family to spend some time together each night during the Christmas season, then this is the book for you. It is filled with stories that make you laugh and cry. My 4 children ages 6 to 11 couldn't wait each night to see which story was next. It was like an advent calendar that we all could share in.

This is a great feel-good book. If you are reaching for the way to make the season more family-oriented and less about "things" this book is for you!

I am writing this review as a story contributor of this Chicken Soup book and a reader as well. I feel honored to be included in this book with such wonderful talent. These stories are just what a Mother needs to read to her children at night before they turn out the light. What a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season and what a meaningful tradition to start! This is a book to pass down for generations to come! I am proud to be the lead story of such a masterpiece.

Denise Peebles

I've lost my copy of this book, which I acquired while in high school 40 years ago. I loved it! When I saw the old movie with Glynnis Johns, All Mine to Give, based on the book, I was in heaven. I must have another copy to read to my grandchildren.

I first heard this book read on the "Chapter a Day" program from the University of Wisconsin radio station at Madison Wisconsin 48 years ago. I was so moved by it that I HAD to get the book! Since then, it became a family tradition to read it together with the family every Christmas afternoon. As our four children grew and left home, they, too, made it a part of their Christmas tradition. Our oldest son was a pilot in the Air Force. Wherever he was stationed at Christmas he introduced the book to families with whom he shared his Christmases (in the States and overseas). Invariably I would get an S.O.S letter to PLEASE send copies of the book because others were impressed with the story, too. Our daughter taught in grade schools and made the reading of this book to her students a part of "before Christmas" tradition. She, too, requested more copies as students bought the book as presents and wanted to start the traditional reading of the book in their families. The brave children capture your heart. You cannot forget them. And... it is a true story!

You will laugh, You will feel anger, You will be filled with compassion. And you will cry. A very tender account of one family's struggle to cope under devastating and heart wrenching circumstances. This true story is very well written and deserves to be read by everyone.

This is the story of a young boy's decision to honor his mother's deathbed wish. With strong family values instilled in him by both parents, thirteen year old Robbie must decide the fate of his siblings before the town does it for him. With a heavy heart and a commitment to his mother, he sets off on Christmas day to place each brother and sister in a home. This well written true story is excellent reading material for young and old.

This story brings to life the history of the US; poor immigrants struggling and succeeding, raising families, towns pulling together to take care of their own, sons fulfilling the last wishes of their parents. I found this by looking for the source of one of my favorite old movies, All Mine To Give. The movie ends with the children's finding homes and the eldest going off to work in the lumber camps. The book gives more information about thier lives after that Christmas. This is a wonderful combination to use in the classroom to bring history to life for students and to help them see that history is not dates, but people like themselves.

The only complaint I have about Dear Little one is... it ends. I could have read a thousand more pages of this author's loving reflections on subjects that range from hope and new life to marriage and the twilight years. But perhaps that is the beauty of this book - it is so pure and distilled, there may nothing further to add, not one word. Dear Little One seems to work on two levels: first, as a parent's thoughts to her children, and all children; but also then to adults, as children of God. Dear Little One captures the joy, vulnerability, dignity and meaning of being human. The reflections are, in turn, poetic, humorous, whimsical, wise and moving. My favorites include "The Moon in a Bottle Cap," "On Fear," "Money," a clever little poem called "Art," "An Uncertain World," and of course "Dear Little One." I am carrying this book with me these days and looking forward to the author's next work.

Dear Little One is a treasure! Filled with thoughtful insights, honest observations and engaging humor, this delightful book is a great source of inspiration for young and old alike.

At first I thought 'Dear Little One' was strictly a parent's thoughts and dreams for her children, but then I saw where the author was going. The reflections on so many topics of life are divided into four life-stages: infancy, childhood, adulthood, and the twilight years. The author began by talking to a baby. By the last page, she was talking to me. Beautifully written. `Dear Little One' is a classic children's book for grown-ups that reminded me of `The Little Prince.'

I was deeply moved by DEAR LITTLE ONE and bought several more copies for couples I know who just had a baby or are having one soon. This is a perfect gift book, but more than that, because the reflections will last a lifetime. Nice black and white photography, too.

Masterful. Quite possibly the most beautiful book I've ever read, for and about human beings on this earth. The reflections, observations and guiding hopes in Dear Little One will accompany my kids now, and throughout their adult lives. I can't think of another book that does that. This book is unique. And poignant. And ultimately the kindest gift.

I have four children, ages 8 through 3, and this is their hands-down favorite Christmas book. Well, possibly, all-time book. Each page has tons of details for the kids to notice and find -- even as an adult, I seem to find new things in it each time we read it. And thanks to this book, they are learning all the words to the song.

Hilary Knight's Twelve Days Of Christmas tells of a bear who struggles with an overabundance of holiday gifts from her sweetheart. Whimsical animals parade in each scene as poor Bedelia struggles with a house increasingly filled with odd gifts. The illustrations are especially whimsical.

This is a definte must for the Holiday Season. Wonderful details of a courtship between two bears using the song the Twelve Days of Christmas. Each page is a treasure trove!

I've loved Hilary Knight's work since I was a child feasting on his *Hilary Knight's ABC.* In his *Twelve Days of Christmas," Knight provides an original and meaningful interpretation of the traditional carol. I especially love the way Bedelia returns the "true love" of her beloved gift-bringer by making a fair for him to enjoy--love is reciprocal in this book! The second thing I love about this book is the subplot, in which the raccoon struggles to open the mysterious can, only to find a true love of his own. Finally, the concept of each day as a "pick-up," in which Benjamin brings a partridge and a pear tree (and ensuing gifts) on *each* day, adds a new dimension to the story. Well-planned, beautifully executed, and the finest children's picture book version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" that I've seen.

It's Christmastime, and Benjamin Bear looks out his window, and down the path to his beloved, Bedelia Bear's little cottage, and you can almost see the gift ideas popping into his furry head. So, on the first day of Christmas, he arrives with a partridge in a pear tree, and the fun begins..... Hilary Knight, author of Where's Wallace and The Owl And The Pussy-Cat, and illustrator of Kay Thompson's Eloise books, takes this old familiar holiday song, and turns it into a joyous and engaging picture book. His marvelous artwork, full of bold, bright color, and expressive detail, grows busier, and more intricate with each page turn, until it almost spills off the paper. Young and old alike will be mesmerized as they pore over the pictures, finding something new and fun each time they open the book. With a delightful and creative surprise at the end to get everyone in the holiday spirit, Hilary Knight's The Twelve Days Of Christmas is a wonderful read-aloud book the whole family can share together, and is sure to become a "must have" classic to help usher in the Christmas season, year after year.