Christmas Day Books

My kids loved this book and my husband and I both learned a lot too. It's hard to find simple activities that are filled with so much meaning at Christmas time - glad we have this!

I found thiss book to be a great way to help my children focus back on the real meaning of Christmas. It's a great way to teach them about my faith in a fun and creative way. I think you'll love it.

I have enjoyed this book so much that I've ordered extra copies to share with family and friends! The song 'My True Love', that we've heard for years, has such a deep meaning and such a beautiful story, it gives a person a renewed perspective each time you hear the song. This is a wonderful book for young children as well as older kids. The games and poster are great for all ages. Highly recommended!!

I was thinking that this activity book was for the younger set, so was surprised when my pre-teen daughter got all excited and took my book! She immediately set to work coloring it. Really, the presentation of the information is clear and well written, and the drawings are lovely. A very artistic way to teach the meaning of the song.

This is such a great book that I've ordered extra copies for my family and friends! I've listened to the song "My True Love" at Christmas time for years and thought it represented more how materialistic the holiday has become rather than the rich history it speaks of. The book has activities and a message for all ages! Don't pass this up!

I used this book as part of the entertainment program for a ladies tea party. One lady borrowed it from me to use at a Christmas party for her husband's (attorney) practice. It was hilarious and was enjoyed by all.

I was visiting a friend who had this book sitting out on her coffee table along with other Christmas books she was putting out in preparation for the Holiday season. While she recieved a phone call I read this short story and found it so amusing and very cute. Quentin Blake's illustrations and John Julius Norwich's creative insight will make you smile. This story is very enjoyable.

an absolutely charming little treasure. amusing correspondance with the witty and snide illustrations of quentin blake.

This book had me in fits of laughter from the start. I'm not sure why no one thought of this before - what would the recipient do with the partridge in the pear tree by the 12th day? And the question poses itself, would the recipient really be happy with the gift giver by day 6 much less by day 12? This is a fun read! Especially in a time that often lends itself to stress rather than laughter.

What a funny little book. Being a collector of Twelve Days of Christmas books this one really is a little treasure. The story is so funny, showing us the thank you letters from a young lady to her unseen admirer from the 1st till the 12th day of Christmas. First she is so thankful for her gifts she hardly don't know what to say, but as the days passes she gets more and more trouble when her fabulous gifts arrives. It will brighten any cold Christmas day when you sit reading in front of the fire.

And the wonderful illustrations by Quentin Blake makes to book into something very special, a book you can "read" over and over.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

This is a good book, because it tells a beautiful story about a prince that loved Emma, but Emma doesn't want to live in a beautiful castle. This story is about love.

I like this book because it tells about a prince that loved Emma. He want to married her and take her to a castle, but she doesn't want to live in a big beautiful castle. She want to stay home and help her mom to clean the house.. I think the kids that would read this book they would like it.

I bought this book for my daughter and we love it! It's a great way to breath life into the classic tale told in the song "The Twelve Days of Christmas". The illustrations are lovely and text tells the very funny and lovely story of a farm girl and her suitor, the Prince. It is a sweet story that can be enjoyed all year round.

I have a daughter named Emma and originally got this book for her. I have read it numerous times at home, at school and at the library and it is always a hit. This is a hilarious retelling of the twelve days of Christmas. Humor, romance and lovely illustrations make this a great addition to any library.

I enjoyed reading this book and Jan Brett's illustrations were beautiful! I liked learning how to say Merry Christmas in many different languages. This is one of Brett's most colorful and actively illustrated works.

I was very happy with the product and the quick shipping that I received. I would order again from this person

This was one of my favorite books growing up. I, like almost all children loved christmas and this book brings back so many memories for me of Christmas' past. I can remember sitting and just marveling at the illustrations of the book. There are so many differnet things going on in each page that I could literally sit for an hour just going through the different scenes. There is of course the famous christmas carol progressing beautifully through the center frame of each page, but along the sides there is the story of a young husband and wife cutting down a christmas tree and having a beautiful 19th century christmas celebration with their two children. And on each page there is also the phrase "Merry Christmas" in (I think) 12 different languages.
I truly loved this book as a child, and even now as an adult (I'm 20). I'm writing this review from memory, if that shows how much of an impact this book had on me.

I bought this book because 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' is one of my son's favorite songs. I love the illustrations, they're beautifully done. However, the order of the lines appears to be an older form (and somewhat less standard now). The way I've always heard it sung was 12 drummers drumming, 11 pipers piping, 10 lords a-leaping, 9 ladies dancing... this book has the lords and ladies first, then the drummers and the pipers. I realize that this sounds like a funny gripe, but little kids can get really focused on something being in the 'right' order and since this version is going to differ from the way kids hear it sung, it has the potential to bug them.

I gave this book to a 6 year old daughter of a close friend four years ago, and it became her favorite book for months. It still comes out on Christmas four years later.

I recommend it to any parent - especially if they live in the Albany, NY area.

This is a delightful story to read to your children during Advent, particularly around the Feast of St. Nicholas on December 6.


I think this book is a nice change of pace for children who are already aware of who St. Nicholas is and his history as a bishop. This story is set in Albany, New York, probably in the 18th or 19th century. We just know that it was before modern times and certainly before the days of the super grocery stores!

The story centers on the baker, Van Amsterdam, a good baker and honest businessman who gives his customers exactly what they pay for, "not more and not less." Although that is very legal and very fair, it's not exactly fun is it? In the long run it also proves to be bad for business when a mysterious old woman enters the bakery and asks for 13 St. Nicholas Cookies and insists that 13 makes a dozen. When Van Amsterdam reiterates his motto and only gives her 12 cookies the old lady curses him as she leaves with the words, "Fall again, mount again, learn how to count again!"

After that Van Amsterdam's business falls off and his baking suffers. A dream of the good saint and his genorosity turn Van Amsterdam's heart around and changes his business practices. In the end he learns that a few freebies are actually good for business, and for his own heart!

The illustrations are colorful and interesting. My kids loved to look at the detail in them. This is another nice book to read during the Advent season!

This is a gorgeously illustrated book that teaches a wonderful lesson about the spirit of generosity. Who can condemn the baker who is perfectly fair? St. Nicholas, cloaked as an old woman -- who shows him that by giving more of his own possessions, he will in turn receive greater rewards. This is a great way to teach young children about the the joy of giving, and about the life of St. Nicholas. The "truth" about Santa is that there WAS a saint who gave to the poor, filled stockings and dropped gold coins down chimneys at night -- this book could launch older kids on a study of the real saint's life and how Santa traditions arose. My six year old boys aren't ready for that part yet, but they love the story of the baker, and this year we're going to try to bake gingerbread cookies to resemble the baker's St. Nicholas cookies on St. Nicholas Day. (Some clever marketer ought to package this book with a cookie cutter and recipe, because the cookies are beautiful!)

Kids love the Barney version of the 12 days of Christmas. Before long they are singing the whole thing by heart. Good book to have.

This book is much larger than the usual board book, and is very colorful. The twelve days of Christmas theme makes this a good counting book as well. And of course it will satisfy all Barney lovers.

The "touch and feel" aspect of this so-called "Interactive book" leave a lot to be desired. Most of the touchies are embossings on the page or holes cut in the board. There are only a couple of the fuzzy things you usually expect from a touch-and-feel toddler board book.

My 3 year old son always asks to read this book again! Along with the clever variation of the classic Christmas song, there are things to touch, smell, feel, and see. This book comes highly recommended from him and me!

This book addresses all of the superficial things about the Christmas season, while re-focusing the reader on the real meaning of Christmas. I have read it to my kids for the past couple of years. They identify with the things the child in the story likes, but also identify with his assertion that Jesus is the best thing about Christmas. I like that it reinforces proper perspective with them.

It is July and my 2 1/2 year old son still loves this book. He has it memorized. I think the illustrations are exceptional and geared for small children. If you have a toddler, or want an excellent gift for a toddler in your life, this book will be treasured. In fact, we used it as a "guide" to prepare for the holidays last year - on page one it shows children decorating a christmas tree, talking about the ornaments, the lights, page two shows gifts beautifully wrapped, page three shows the special foods of Christmas, but the whole book emphasizes that while all these things are fun, exciting and delicious, the BEST thing about Christmas is Jesus. I like the fact that Santa Claus isn't even mentioned to take the focus off of Jesus.

Christine talks to children about Christmas, "I like everything about Christmas, don't you?" she asks. Christine proceed to tell all the things she likes about Christmas. Each page ends with, "But that's not the best thing about Christmas." The repetition will have children reading along. The book ends with the story of Jesus and the with the best thing about Christmas.

It's Present Day! That means it's time for everyone to give--and get--presents! What does Steve give to Blue? What does Blue give to Steve? Lift the flaps to find out...and to discover a special surprise just for you!

It's Present Day! is a colorful, sturdy paper back that is a "Lift-the-Flap" story. On almost all of the pages are 3 different packages to "flip" open. The pages are thick and glossy (but not a board book) and much sturdier than the usual Blue's Clue's book.

The story takes place in the winter-time and it would appear that this book is Nick Jr.'s attempt to be ultra-PC...offering an alternative to politically and/or religiously "charged" holidays such as Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hannukah.

Still, anytime can be present time and this delightful book will have youngsters eager to turn the pages and open the flaps in anticipation of the various gifts. In fact, the last page features a bright yellow gift marked "For You". How cool is that?

A very colorful, interactive book for kids, especially those 5 and under.

My almost-two-year-old son loves Blues Clues and this is a great book for his age group. The flaps are extra pieces of cardstock glued onto the pages. He hasn't yet pulled one off, but it would be easy to put back on if needs be. Other flap books we own have cutouts off the main page with the hidden part on it's own page inside. These kinds tear off easily and are harder to fix.

Typical Blues Clues format of figuring things out. My 2 year old loves flap books and this one is no exception. The reader is given clues as to which of three flaps to look under to find a specific characters present. Blue has a present for Steve, Steve has a present for Blue, Pail has a present for Shovel, Shovel has a present for Pail, etc. The book has no reference to Christmas or a birthday, however it is illustrated in the winter months. It is a very enjoyable book to re-read.

This is a great read aloud book with lots of opportunities for discussion about types of dogs, learning to count, etc. The illustrations are hilarious. I love it!

Far from the treacly offerings we have come to expect and dread during the holiday season, this book in fact reminds me in many ways of the early work of Alice and Martin Provensen. It's for kids, but the level of detail and thought Ms. Conahan puts into every drawing will hold the interest of older children and the adults who invariably will be reading it over and over again. We look forward to her next effort with great anticipation.

From Kirkus Reviews: "Conahan reworks the well-known words to the traditional Christmas carol to feature a canine crowd ... Children who like to find all the items in each category on a page will enjoy counting up the canines, each illustrated with flair in watercolor and ink. The new words to the old song provide a catchy alternative for musically inclined dog lovers, and there's a marmalade cat on every page to keep the cat lovers happy as well."

From School Library Journal: "On the first day of Christmas, my best friend gave to me a pug puppy under the tree. Each subsequent day there is an increase both in the number of mutts and breeds, and in the comical mayhem that ensues.... Children will love poring over all the lively and outrageous cartoon watercolors and will enjoy discovering the golden tabby that appears on every page. This tale is best for sharing one-on-one or reading independently because of the detailed art and side story line presented in bubbles as conversation among the three friends. Sure to be popular. - M.W."

Article from the Portland Oregonian newspaper: http://www.oregonlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/living/113270731517410.xml&coll=7

Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (10/06)

While almost everyone in the United States is familiar with the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," few people understand the sacred meaning of these days, instead finding themselves mired down in anticipation of Christmas Day itself, losing sight of the bigger picture.

The twelve days of Christmas begin on December 26 and run through January 6, Epiphany Day, when we celebrate the arrival of the Magi to present their gifts to the baby Jesus. This book takes us day-by-day through the twelve days and gives us reasons to celebrate each day. Here's a brief summary of a few days.

Day 1: The gift of God's love for us.

Day 4: The gift of joy. The author illustrates this point with a story of being stuck in an airport with weather delays, when a group of ballroom dancers staged an impromptu show for them. What a wonderful present, to make so many stressed and worried people happy.

Day 8: The gift of humility. We are urged to make space in our lives for others, to respect them for who and what they are. Listen to other people, not only with your ears, but also with your heart.

Day 11: The gift of peace. This is the promise of Christ's peace, given freely to all mankind, as written in the Bible. Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you." Accept this peace in your heart and use it to ward off such feeling as envy, hate or rage. Peace in our hearts will change the world.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas: Unwrapping the Gifts" should be read slowly, chapter-by-chapter, on each of the twelve days leading to the Epiphany, trying to put into practice what you have learned.

How many of us know that the twelve days of Christmas actually run from December 26 through January 6. In our communities, we're so busy with the 'things' of Christmas that by December 26 we're ready to put the celebration to bed for another year.

The Twelve Days of Christmas: Unwrapping the Gifts is an inspirational message of hope that includes the topics of love, revelation, forgiveness, joy, hope, humility, companionship, gratitude, peace and the gift of a name and blessing.

Each reader will have a favorite reading. My favorite comes from the chapter, The Gift of a Name. "Jesus. The name both identifies Jesus--that is, sets him apart from us--yet also gives us access to him." It's a beautiful message.

Armchair Interviews says: The Twelve Days of Christmas is the perfect gift to give to yourself, or to someone you care about. It will be treasured each time it is read.

The traditional twelve days of Christmas run from December 26 through January 6 and are known as the 'Feast of the epiphany', the date on which Christian tradition recalls the magi's arrival to present gifts to the infant Jesus. "The Twelve Days Of Christmas: Unwrapping The Gifts" by Curtis Almquist, SSJE (the Superior at the Society of Saint John the Evangelist in Cambridge, Massachusetts) invites the readers to avoid the holiday hype and commercial overkill of the season to reflect on the source of all the good gifts of life - love, forgiveness, joy, hope, peace, compassion, and sharing. These are the gifts of the Christmas that last a lifetime and even an eternity. "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" is strongly recommended to the attention of all Christians, regardless of their denominational affiliation, wanting to 'put Christ back in Christmas'.