Festivals Books

I loved this book and the message it is teaching. God is telling us that by helping others, we are doing His word and carrying on his message. I read it to my grandchildren on Christmas Eve.

The Bible tells of the three wise men, Magi, who came from the East, following a star to the newly born King of the Jews. But, there was a fourth wise man, Artaban, who sold all that he had, and acquired three jewels, to give as his gift to the babe. But, when Artaban stops to help a sick man, he is delayed and misses accompanying the other three, and so he must set off alone. This is the story of the fourth wise man, who seeks the King of the Jews, and finds him in the most unlikely of places.

This is an absolutely wonderful story. It takes the famous 1896 story, written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933), and puts it in simple and yet powerful words which can be read by the younger reader. But, this isn't just a kids' book. Indeed, the author wrote an excellent parable for all Christians, telling a powerful story in an easy-to-understand manner. I loved the story, and Jackie Morris's excellent illustrations.

I am glad to have this book, and highly recommend it to everyone!

How about something fresh and new to cut through some of the Christmas clutter that seems to spring up around the holiday each year and must always be pruned away before the season can be properly celebrated and enjoyed ?

How about a powerful and moving story that has stood the test of time for a hundred years and is available as a children's book?

How about a meaningful and inspiring tale that the whole family can enjoy together, a fictional story that helps to put the real story of Christmas into its proper historical and cultural context, and expose some of its true meaning?

Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) graduated from Princeton in 1873, was pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City (1883-99), professor of English literature at Princeton (1899-1923), and U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands (1913-16). He wrote the well known hymn Ode To Joy (Joyful, Joyful). He also wrote The Story of the Other Wise Man which was originally published in 1895.

He wrote how Artaban desperately desired to travel with the other three wise men to worship and adore the Christ Child, but delayed his quest to bring his gifts to the newborn king in order to help a dying man, save the life of a baby, and rescue a young girl from slavery. Artaban finally loses every one of his gifts but finds and is found by the King of kings. Henry Van Dyke wrote a touching story of someone who spends his life doing good and searching for truth and beauty.

Susan Summers was a teacher in England. During an epiphany service at a small church she first encountered Henry Van Dyke's story. She was so impressed and moved by it that she began to use it each year as a school assembly topic. After leaving teaching she rewrote the story for children, and dedicated it to her former students.

Jackie Morris created the beautiful watercolor illustrations that accompany the text. They include large panoramic vistas and moving portraits.

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This is a great book, especially for anyone trying to teach the real meaning of christmas. It is in the format of a child's book, but its language and subject matter (including the murder of all babies under Herod) is pretty advanced, so it's appropriate for kids who would normally read chapter books: I'd say 7+ years.

This book should be on the gift list for everyone you know! The original story was written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933). Susan Summers has rewritten and brought forth such gorgeous illustrations of a very special tale! No holiday season should go by without bringing this wonderful book out to read in a cozy gathering around the fireplace.

The Fourth Wise Man tells the story of Artaban who had originally planned to journey to Bethlehem with the other three wisemen to pay homage to the new King of the Jews but was delayed by his acts of kindness to others along the way. He does miss the birth of Jesus but continues a lifelong search of the King with a most wonderful journey and blissful end.

This is one of my all time favorites for any season and always brings tears to my eyes to think of the beauty of Artaban's life. Here's what Mr. Van Dyke had to say about his story:
"Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul May keep the path, but will not reach the goal; While he who walks in love may wander far, Yet God will bring him where the blessed are."

Georgie by Robert Bright was sent in a very timely manner and is in very good condition for a used book. I am very pleased with the service.

I have been a first grade public school teacher for 38 years. I discovered the Georgie books in the 70's and started reading them to my first grade classes. When I realized how much the children, the parents, the school librarian, the other elementary teachers, and I all prized them, I started reading them to my daughter and son who also adored them, beginning with Georgie. He is a sweet faced, kind little ghost who looks after Mr.and Mrs. Whittaker. He is also very funny and gets himself in and out of many predicaments. I haven't seen these books for years and I was so afraid they were gone forever until I found them on Amazon com! Now I am ordering them for my three grandsons as I know they will love them as much as their mother did.

I RECENTLY VISITED MY OLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND AS IT WAS A SUNDAY, I COULD ONLY VIEW IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. AS I PEERED INTO THE LIBRARY'S WINDOWS, I RECALLED SEVERAL BOOKS THAT I HAD CHECKED OUT OVER THE YEARS. ONE OF THESE WAS GEORGIE (ACTUALLY A FEW BUT I DOUBT THEY HAD ALL OF THEM). I RETURNED HOME LATER THAT EVENING AND CHECKED MY SHELVES. I ALSO HAD A FEW ROBERT BRIGHT BOOKS THAT I HAD PICKED UP SECONDHAND TO READ TO MY BOYS WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER. IT'S AMAZING TO ME HOW SUCH SIMPLE YET ENDEARING CHARACTER SUCH AS GEORGIE HAS STAYED WITH ME ALL THESE YEARS. I INTEND TO FIND THE REMAINING GEORGIE BOOKS AND ADD THEM TO MY PERSONAL LIBRARY. I CAN ALWAYS CLAIM THAT I GOT THEM TO READ TO ANY VISITING CHILDREN BUT WE BOTH KNOW THEY'RE REALLY FOR ME.

I had this sent to my granddaughter who is two years old. She loves it! Her father has to read it to her every night. He said that he remembers it as one of his favorites.

I loved this book as a child, and I came across it quite accidentally a couple of years ago. My youngest daughter, now 6, counts this as one of her favorite books. Now we read it to each other, almost every night, although I always secretly hope that she will let me read it to her. I love reading it to make it come even more alive (the big door GROANED so...). Her favorite part is when Georgie goes looking for a new home and a ghost at another house turns him away.

It's such a fun book!

Great service. What a wonderful book to share with a family who has just adopted a new baby.

The story is a nice sentiment. The song is slow and difficult to sing. I used the book with children 4-8 but couldn't teach them the song.

I was so touched by this book and the CD that I ordered copies for close friends and relatives to give at Christmas. This book expresses my gratefulness so well and I wanted to give this to others. I have received many grateful comments back. A sweet book and an inspiration to look at what one has and not what one has not.

This book really says in a very few words all we need to know about living a full, rich, peaceful, serene life.

The illustrations actually filled my heart with those same feelings, eliciting quite a response physically and heartfully.

Add the included CD and it is no longer a question, adding this book to your library is a necessity.

In fact, it would make a good coffee table book.....

The simple text acknowledges that the world is not perfect... it is blemished, and it is up to us to choose whether to "moan or sing" and whether to "count sheep or our blessings".

This will be one I will collect several copies to give away and keep around my house.

Although labeled for the three and up age range, my experience suggests this book will appeal more to parents and caregivers than to toddlers.

LYRICS: The lyrics repeatedly use words such as "duly" (as in "duly grateful") -- a contrived phrase which appears repeatedly, apparently because it rhymes with "truly grateful."

CONCEPTS: The ideas--gratitude and choices--are important, and do come across, but not to the age group targeted. Too often, the author tells us, rather than shows us.

Some of the book's concepts are simply inappropriate in terms of developmental level for little ones. For example, "There may be times when I lose the light, and let my spirits sink. But I can't stay depressed When I remember how I'm blessed." Three and four year olds talk and think in terms that are both literal as well as much simpler--glad, sad, mad, etc.

For these reasons, and especially for younger children, you may find it helpful to paraphrase the concepts on each page, using language and examples your little person will understand and relate to.

ILLUSTRATIONS. These are excellent. More than the lyrics, they convey the concepts on each page. Very gentle in their impact on the reader.

SONG. As an Art Garfunkel fan, I didn't find his rendition as inspiring as I'd hoped. It's on a short CD, a single track, less than 5 minutes in length. Finally, the tune isn't particularly catchy and it isn't easy to learn.

LYRICS & MUSIC. On the plus side, both the lyrics and music are included at the end of the book, along with the CD in its endcover envelope.

OVERALL: This is a book most suitable for a thoughtful six year old and a caring parent or grandparent to share and discuss.

I bought this for my 2-year-old son who loves the Backyardigans. I love that this book has beautiful illustrations and the foils add something extra too. There are a few flips on each page and keeps my son interested in the book when he gets tired of listening to me reading. (he has ripped a few off, though) The text rhymes and I sing the book's words to my son in the tune of "Jingle Bells" sometimes and he laughs. This is one book he wants to look at and have me read to him. In fact, he got two for Christmas (one from me and grandma) and he loves them both!

This book is absolutely adorable, any child that loves the Backyardigans will absolutely love this book. If you are anything like me you find that you will have a hard time just reading the book. It's written to the rhythm of the song Jingle Bells, so I find it almost impossible to just read it. I have to sing the words to the rhythm of the song. My son gets such a kick out of it. We've spent many nights laughing and enjoying this book. I highly recommend it.

My three-year-old loves to be read to, especially from books that have flaps. This book fits right into her wheelhouse and our reading sessions are more interactive as she lifts the flaps, points out what's underneath, and giggles. This is a must for parents who (like myself) are trying to limit that daily tug-of-war with television.

Just like the "Monster Halloween Party" book, this book is wonderful for any Backyardigan fan and budding book lover. The flaps are so cute, and pretty durable. I would recommend this for any Backyardigan fan.

The story is nice and simple for my daughter to follow. But I am not a fan of the flap books. I did know it had the flaps before I bought it, but am always upset when they get ripped off or bent or what have you.. ruined.

It was about 5 moose that couldn't find a Christmas tree. It was okay. I rate it three stars.

My 4 1/2 year old daughter is an avid reader. We got this book last year around Christmas time, and so far, I've read it to her way more than 100 times. (At least 3 times a day for the whole month of December 2004 and January 2005. I lost count afterwards.) By around 10th read, she knew exactly where to say "perfectly perfect". By around 20th read, she read aloud with me every "check" and every "perfectly perfect". I dare say by around 50th read, she memorized the book front to back, and would tell you if you skipped a word and which word that was. When we weren't reading, she would mumble to herself this marvelously rhythmic story over and over again. I had to hide this book after the holidays to end her obsession. Now, my daughter is a wonderous adverb-maker, thanks entirely to this book. We've read literally hundreds of stories so far, but no other book rises to this level of loyal infatuation.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. I had trepidations about a moose with a moustache, but it turned out to be hilarious. My 5 and 3 year olds were laughing hysterically. I ended up buying a bunch of these from Scholastic and giving them as neighbor gifts.

I fell in love with Moostache first. When I read Mooseltoe I was hooked again! My daughter is 3 and has already asked me to read it over and over. I even volunteered to read it to her class and it kept the attention of almost 10 2-3 yr olds! I have ordered 5 copies of this book(so far)to give as gifts this year. I promise you will love this book!

Escape the frantic pace of the holidays by sitting down with your child and reading about it in this book. Margie Palatini's wild, rhyming writing style will keep kids entertained. They may recognize their parents' yuletide behaviour in Moose's manic preparations -- and his inevitable forgetting of a key Christmas element. The moral of the story is a tribute to those who will do anything to make everything just right.

This is a very cute little Christmas book and my 12 month old really likes it. My only complaint is that I wish it was a board book and not paperback so it would be easier for her to turn the pages.

If you have enjoyed other Mouse books by this author you will love this sweet Christmas book with it's simplicity and beautiful illustrations. Little Mouse discovers the wonders of the season.

This book starts with "Twas a night still and starry and all through the house, not a creature was stirring . . . just one little mouse." By using the classic Christmas story as a leader, the author and illustrator have created a wonderful little book about Christmas for young children. The mouse wanders through the house, encountering all of the items found in a house that time of year. He finds candy, decorations, a Christmas tree, presents, and at just the right time, Santa Claus. Santa tells little mouse that he is loved, so the story ends with little mouse giving his parents a present. I recommend this book as an enjoyable variation of the standard Christmas theme.

My girlfriend brought this book home as a "pre-christmas" present one year and we both instantly fell in love with it. We don't have children, but we both love the endearing and cute stories. We've read it together many times in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas every year for the past three years. It's a delightful and playful book, beautifully, magically and touchingly illustrated in acrylics. We can get lost for minutes at a time studying the illustrations on each page. Thompson has created a timeless character that I'm sure people will be reading to their kids for generations to come.

Mouse teaches us playfulness, curiousty and wide-eyed wonderment at every little thing that makes life so great. This is the best book of the series, but the others are all fun to read as well. We will keep collecting these as long as she writes them.

My 16 month old loved this board book from the first time I read it to him. He learned to say "mouse" and has fun finding the mouse on each page. The pictures are beautiful and it is more substantial than most board books I have bought. I highly recommend it.

I read this aloud to a class of first graders and they enjoyed the fun ryhming text and colorful illustrations. They were familiar with the similar Christmas story, so were interested in seeing how the Halloween version would play out. My very young grandson loves the story and pictures, too!

Who can forget "The Night Before Christmas"? Well, now you can have the same amount of fun with "The Night Before Halloween". It's a delightful rhyming book that guides children through fun ghost, goblins and little children preparing for trick or treating. My little boy loved it. We've read it over and over, and it'll be a great book we pull out every Halloween!

This book is so beautiful to look at and to read. I wanted to order more but decided to start with 1 and see how I liked it. I can't wait to share this book with my nephew for Halloween. He loves books and this one I'm sure will be one of his favorites. Will definitely order more.

My 3 year old son and I absolutely love this book. It is our favorite Halloween book (and we have quite a few). It has the essence of Halloween from the monster perspective as well as a child's trick-or-treating perspective down pat.

My 5-year old twins loved this book, and wanted to read it for weeks before Halloween. It is very easy to read, since it follows the format of "The Night Before Christmas." That familiarity also made it fun for the kids. They are now looking forward to starting "The Night Before Thanksgiving," though I am trying to wait until it gets a little closer to the actual day.

The author of this book Natasha Wing does a fantastic job describing what a traditional Thanksgiving time is like before and after!!! It's is reminiscent of what Thanksgiving is like at my in-laws house! Both me and my children thoroughly enjoyed reading this book with me numerous times before Thanksgiving!!!

This is patterned after the Night Before Christmas. I had previously given a copy to my 2 granddaughters and this one was for a grandson. It's a good book to read in preparation of Thanksgiving.

My 2 year old twins love this book.
The rhyming text captures their attention as well as the lively pictures. There are lots of items I can ask them to find and count on the pages. Additionally, there are places in the text that are perfect for asking them to predict what is going to happen. Also, at the end of the book the family says a prayer of thanks which is a great place for me to show my children that other people pray to God, too.

It's along the lines of A Night Before Christmas. It's family harmony at T-giving.

Our whole family enjoys this book, which makes us giggle and feel the warmth and love of sharing a holiday with family.

This is a good book for all ages. It's scarey and funny for kids.

This book is hilarious. The author does a great job in making this book funny for kids. You might think that it's going to be scary but t's cute. I read this book to my little brother and he loved it! My new favorite author is Barbara Park.

This story is about a boy.The bogeyman was under the boy bed whild he was reading a animal book . the bogeyman came , and The boy was scare.the bogeyman start to talk to the boy about something . The bogeyman tell story to the boy, and tell bogeyman told the boy to not leave his sock siting there because he going to chock . So the bogeyman went to the sister room.

I am finally purchasing a copy of this book after my son brought it home from his school library for the fifth time in a row. He's 3 1/2 and I thought it might scare him but I think it actually comforts him. It makes the bogeyman seem funny and harmless and gives kids a magical defense strategy (dirty socks). My son particularly appreciates that the bogeyman runs away to the sister's room at the end.

We have gotten this book at lesst 10 times over the past year at
our local library. I finally decided we had to own it.
The story is hysterical and really eases "boogeyman" type fears in
young children. We love to read it with our own "boogeyman" voice
(A heavy new york accent!). This is a stroy both parents
and kids will love. Barbara Park is the author and she is
also the author of the similarly hysterical Junie B. Jones series.
Highly recommended!

I knew exactly what I was getting. This is a very touching story, with illustrations that match the images in my mind. I've known the tale by heart since first I read it. It's nice to hold it in my hands, to share with others, too.

This is a quiet little Christmas story, subtle, a fable for adults and older children. I first purchased a copy 30 years ago and was delighted to see it was being re-released. I sent 17 copies to friends and sharing this little story was a highlight of the holiday for me.

It has wonderful dense illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman, an illustrator of hundreds of books, and also a founder and frequent contributor to "Cricket", a quality magazine for children.

The story tells of a lonely woman who is unexpectedly visited by an "ugly child" and how that experience slowly opens her heart. Who hasn't felt a bit grumpy, been cheered by a visit from a friend, or longed for the feeling of "enough"? Really, you must read it!!

This is a timeless tale that transcends the hype and materialistic madness that have ruined Christmas. The gentle and simple message of this story can be read and heard over and over again with fresh delight each time. I'm so very happy that this book is still in print. It is my all time favorite holiday read-aloud. I have given the book to everyone in my family and many close friends as well.

For as long as I can remember, every Christmas Eve my family would gather around my dad as he read this story to us. Although we are all adults now, and two spouses have entered the family, we all still look forward to hearing this story read aloud. We practically know it by heart. It captures the warmth and beauty of the simplicity of sharing, with humorous characters and perfect illustrations to match. And I know the tradition will continue on in our own families.

If you want to start a Christmas tradition for your children, their children and following generations...this is THE book to have. It's a story about giving, sharing and all those important ideals we want our children to carry with them into adulthood.