Christmas Eve Books

The story of Flora McFlimsey, the old doll who travels down from the attic on Christmas Eve, is too precious for words. Flora finds that she has the magic ability to move and goes to look at the Christmas tree. Once there, she finds herself unable to move and is put with the other toys by Santa as a gift for one of the children in the house. She realizes that she is old and shabby, and feels quite worthless when she gets a little angelic help.... and ends up being the most beautiful and beloved of all the Christmas toys. The pictures look water-colored and are so soft-looking and sweet.

My mom got this book at a library sale when we were little and it quickly became a family classic. She still has the book, but I wanted a copy of my own at my house to read to my 3yo daughter. I was pleasantly surprised in that the book I ordered was a reprint and was in PERFECT condition with a dust jacket (I didn't know there was ever a reprint so I just figured it was an old version since it didn't specify). Even though I love old things and old books, I was really glad that this was newer because this way it will last longer for my child, and even her children one day. When I read it to her for the first time I almost could not finish the book because all of my own childhood memories came back and I couldn't believe I was reading the same story to my daughter that my mom read to me so many times. It really got me choked up!

Anyway, like you wanted to hear my personal story.... But you will love this book and it is a great tradition to start reading it at Christmas time (especially on Christmas Eve)!!!

What a wonderful suprise! At last I have found Miss Flora McFlimsey, a special doll, after nearly forty years. This was a book that I checked out of our library until if finally fell apart, it was passed amongst the three families on our street with little girls and we all loved Miss Flora's adventures with Santa Claus and how she was rediscovered after being "lost" in the attic! Well, Miss Flora McFlimsey, there's a new generation out there just waiting to rediscover you again, and I plan to start with my nieces. That is, after I have bought copies for my sisters and all our middle-aged friends!! A definite recommendation for any little girl, no matter how young or old

Mysteries that take place in other countries, othere cultures are enjoyable on two levels. Here the story is well developed and convincing every step of the way. you can tell Dekok is based on real police work. And the sociological atmosphere of Amstedam is wonderful

A.C. Baantjer is a very popular author from the Netherlands. He knows whereof he speaks, as he is a former Detective Inspector for the Amsterdam Police, with a career which spanned thirty-eight years. He features Inspector Dekok in at least sixteen addition mysteries which have been translated into English.

This volume includes two Inspector Dekok mysteries: Dekok and the Sunday Strangler and Dekok and the Corpse on Christmas Eve. Both stories deal with the murder of women: the first is a killer who preys on prostitutes, and the second is a killer who preys on the office workers at his company. Both are excellent studies in human nature. Dekok is the epitome of the grizzled veteran detective, and his sidekick, Vledder, is in awe of Dekok's experience and intelligence:

"Of course, you didn't dare tackle it on your own, I bet. You thought: come, let's call Dekok out of bed. The old man will take care of it, right? You thought: Why should I take a chance on messing it up, when I can lean on the old man. Isn't that so? That's what you thought, right?' Vledder looked at him searchingly. Was that a reproach? Did it sound as a reproach? He did not know. The expression on the face of the experienced photographer was unreadable."

Baantjer's writing style is smooth and flowing. Dekok is a superb character...sort of a combination of Columbo and Hercule Poirot. He is intelligent; is a family man; has a good heart; and is very forgiving of the blunders of his prot??. The plot lines are steady and believable, and the dialogue is full of interesting witticisms and give-and-take between Dekok and Vledder. One feels as if Dekok is very much of a master detective, shaping Vledder into what will eventually be a fine detective to take his place. At the same time, Dekok is very much in control of his own emotions as he navigates through the world of murder and intrigue.

Baantjer is a expert narrator who takes the reader deep into the world which police have to inhabit as part of their jobs. He even makes funny little asides to the reader about people who love mysteries, almost as if he is reaching out to touch his audience and give them a tweak on the cheek. This is an excellent and entertaining mystery from a skillful writer and profound thinker.

Shelley Glodowski
Reviewer

This is an inspiring allegory which moves well beyond the agebounds of4-8 years old listed in the ad. Our 3 year old loved it. Because it is only pictures, Dad supplied the narrative, with Larisa adding details to the story. We ordered a second copy of this book to send to a 6 year old girl we sponsor at an orphanage in Korea. The message of hope and inclusiveness says that Santa thinks of everyone and has lots of help (in the form of little fairies) in overcoming obstacles to delivery. Beautifully expressive illustrations. A great gift book for the child in all of us!

This book is phenominal. Until you see the illustrations you can not imagine this book. The store is told with illustrations, that are so detailed, that the story is told by the youngest reader in the same detail. It is a book that can be given to a young child, to read the story of Santa, and can be re-read over and over and be just as fresh each time it is told. I have purchased one for every niece, nephew and God Child and will continue to do so.

I enjoyed reading this book to my kids. They really liked looking at all the colourful pictures. Now they can't wait for Christmas!

Canadian duo - MacLennan and Parkinson - really have their act together. This small package of "feel good" charm has it all; story, rhyme, brightly coloured pictures that capture the imagination, and a solid moral ending. It has my vote.

This is a great holiday book for children. I have two children and they love to listen to this story. It teaches them the true meaning of Christmas, rather than the commercialized meaning. It's a must have for a stocking stuffer!!!!!!

This book is a great book. The book explains the birth and life of Jesus, with an emphasis on Peace on Earth. It is written as a poem that is easy to understand, making it very appealing to children.

This book could be used as a bedtime story on Christmas Eve or any other night. Children can also color in the delightful pictures. Every family should have a copy in their house.

If you enjoy Christmas and you enjoy people, you will want to purchase this book. Once I started the first tale, I couldn't put it down until the end. Then I gave it to my friends for Christmas so they could share in the fun. It isn't sappy like some books, but believable. You might even find yourself in one of the tales. I highly recommend this book to everyone, old and young, even if it isn't Christmas. You will laugh, and you will cry, but when you are done, you will know that it was a good investment and will want to pass it on to someone else. Don't miss it - buy yours today!

This is such a great book! It would be great as a stocking-stuffer at Christmas or an anytime gift! The collection of stories makes it easy to read one at a time if you can put it down!

This book is cleverly written and displays good illustrations.

This is a great book to initiate further conversation with children about their own religion as well as others.

Simply a great holiday gift!

All jewish children have felt the pangs of not celebrating Christmas. Mr Black focuses in on this jewish childhood feeling with humor and demonstrates how all children, no matter what religion, are often not satisfied with what holiday they celebrate. In his funny, creative book, the author hones in on how many children feel during the holiday season and teaches children and adults alike that their holidays can all be shared. This is a fun book that I look forward to reading while I light the channukah menorah in my house and while I sit by the christmas tree at my friends house.

"It was cold in the garden. Cricket felt small and worthless in the bigness of night..." He hops up icy steps, under a big door, across sleek floors, into a warm room, "and over to a tall tree with stars clinging to it." He hopped onto a branch and began to sing. And that's when he hears the voices of father and child discussing the songs of angels. "Did you know that angels sing in the songs of birds, and frogs and people and crickets?" the big voice asked..." The child didn't know that and neither did Cricket. "He was small, then. But not worthless. What a great discovery!" Eve Bunting's simple, gentle text is poetic, and complemented by Timothy Bush's stunning and expressive illustrations. Together word and art celebrate the wonders of the holiday season in a warm and touching way. Perfect for little ones 3-7, Christmas Cricket is just right for quiet, read aloud cuddling, and is a sweet and lovely story to help ring in the holidays. "And in his hiding place Cricket rubbed his wings, one against the other for his own joy, and sang and sang, and sang."

From the first page ,I was drawn into a new an unknown world .I had to keep looking over my shoulder at times.A devilish tale if ever there was one.Keeps the reader interested right up to the last few words.Well done.

This is a great collection of original holiday stories! Simply the best!