Festivals Books

Beautiful story and illustrations. Very moving- parents, remember to bring your kleenex! Could be a wonderful springboard into discussing personal experiences of God with young children, and persistence of faith. Also could incorporate into an open-minded discussion of Christianity and animals/pets (God's love for them and creation). I'm buying a copy for the children I don't even have yet! :)

From Publishers Weekly, February 23rd 2004 "Speirs's luxurious, gilt- accented paintings are an art aficionado's dream... Focusing on the religiously symbolic beast of burden, Gill Speirs opens the door to an inventive interpretation of Scripture... The elegant compositions consistently delight, depicting biblical events in Netherlandish style inspired chiefly by Pieter Bruegel the Elder."

Featuring the museum quality paintings of John Speirs, The Donkey And The Golden Light is a beautifully illustrated picture book by Gill Speirs about a young donkey named Bethlehem and the interaction he has with Jesus beginning the Messiah's birth and proceeding through the flight into Egypt, the baptism by John, the wedding feast at Cana, the events of the Last Supper, and finally with the Jesus' crucifixion at the hands of the Roman authorities. The breathtaking full-color, full-page artworks are of especial note, as they are inspired by classic paintings Pieter Bruegel the Elder. A moving and visually stunning story, The Donkey And The Golden Light would be a welcome popular addition to any picture book collection.

My 2 year old son loves all the Elliot Moose and friend's stories (since we started reading them to him when he was a few months old). He loves to have us read them to him over and over. Recently, he started "reading" them to us! Elliot is such a loving character, that has fun adventures with his friends. These books also have wonderful illustrations we use to teach our son, and have him point out things he knows and learn new words.

"Elliot's Christmas Surprise" is another wonderful release in the "Elliot Moose" book series.

In this one, Elliot is thrilled to receive what she believes to be a surprise gift, but disappointed that her friends haven't received any. She's inspired to make some for them.

The illustrations are soft, safe, cuddly and Christmasy. The characters look like stuffed animals and are wonderful anthropomorphic models. This is an underappreciated series from Kids Can Press that could definitely use some more love.

Charmingly written and illustrated by Andrea Beck, Elliot's Christmas Surprise is a thoroughly delightful holiday picture book about Elliott, a young moose who finds a gigantic red box near his bed on Christmas Eve morning. When Elliott learns that no one else received an early present, he sets to making special gifts for all his friends. The friendly and cheerful color pictures add a particular sparkle of Christmas spirit to this magical story of sharing and happiness.

I would like to say that the CD on this book is exceptional. Especially the young woman who sings the role of Elphina-- what a voice! She has quite a future ahead of her.
A neighbor's son will not go to sleep- even in July- without hearing this delightful CD and its accompanying story.
Buy it now!

This is a book about a little girl who shows everyone that she can do anything the boys can do if they just give her a chance! It's a great story for little ones at Christmas time and all year through. My 3 year old daughter loves this book and the music that comes with it is a special treat! The author has a way of rhyming the words so they keep a 3 year olds attention. Highly recommend this one!

I will not review this book because I am 37 years old. But I will describe my six year old daughters response to it...FABULOUS...She asked to be read this book at least twice a week until she learned to read. After that she read it herself. The book teaches that girls (and women) can achieve what they set out to do even in a male dominated society. It is inspirational and beautifully illustrated. The included CD has songs that my daughter loved to hear over and over again but did not grate on my nerves like Barney.

I strongly recommend this book to all who have children.

If you are a Christain looking for a more spiritual way to celebrate the holidays, this book is an excellent way to introduce Hanukkah to your family of all ages.This year 2007, was our first year of Hanukkah we loved it, it also allowed us to discuss the symbolic nature of the story and relate it to our lives.

Most Westerners know of Hanukkah from the appearance on calendars, but few outside of Judaism know much more about it than the very basic candle-lighting, and even that most of the goyim don't really understand. This book, 'Festival of Lights: The Story of Hanukkah', by Maida Silverman, is in reality a children's book; however, like many children's books, it is a wonderful teaching tool, and this one could teach adults just as well as it can children.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Carolyn Ewing. The full-colour pictures, appearing on every page, show people in period settings and costumes. Hanukkah is based on actual historical events; unlike Yom Kippur which is a more `philosophical/theological' holiday, this one is much more an historical memory event. That, of course, is fully in keeping with the general importance given to history by the Jewish people.

Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabean revolt against Hellenic overlords, and celebrates the miracle that occurred during the rededication of the Temple.

This book, in a merely 20 pages, recounts the story in simple terms that develop the military and political historical events, as well as the importance of tradition and the Temple in Judaism at that time. This book is not so much an original story as it is a retelling of the story. The retelling of story is also traditional in Jewish culture, a time-honoured tradition that occurs with individual families often incorporating their own experiences into the fabric of the story.

The final pages tell of the legend of the Menorah (a candelabra which, for Hanukkah, has 9 candles), the legend of the dreidle as well as instructions for playing the dreidle game and instructions for making your own dreidle, and the words and tune to the Maoz Tzur, which means Rock of Ages, a song of praise for the rededication of the Temple.

Hanukkah is a holiday whose importance has arisen among Jewish peoples as a response to the ever-growing influence of Christmas. Hanukkah is actually a fairly minor holiday in the Jewish calendar, save for the importance given to it as a counter to the almost overwhelming intrusion of commercial Christmas into daily life during the late fall and early winter seasons.

Hanukkah is also a holiday that Christians show know, and could even celebrate. The events tell of historical events that pose no theological difficulties for most Christian denominations and belief systems; indeed, had the Maccabean revolt not been successful, and had the Jewish people been either destroyed or assimilated, then the culture that gave birth to Jesus and his disciples would not have existed a few generations later.

This book is short and sweet, a good holiday gift for children. Published by the Little Simon division of Simon and Simon, it is intended for kids who can read at an early elementary level. It is done in a narrative style that lends itself to character readings, so children or adults could easily adapt this for an oral retelling of the story, or even put together a short play from the text.

I read this to the children in my Sabbath school class. It is worded simply enough for a child to truly enjoy and understand it. It is factual and to the point, so adults can appreciate it as well. It is very colorful and well illustrated. I HIGHLY recommend this book for parents, children's Sabbath morning classes, babysitters, etc etc. Its wonderful. Its a wonderful gift to give to children : nieces, nephews, grandchildren. Its such a nice book even people who have no children will appreciate this book. I have no children, and I love this book. (However I read to the children in the neighborhood as well as to the children in my congregation) Such a wonderful book I can't say enough about it.

Have you ever wondered living so far away from your home town, that you miss out on the slurpy foods you get to eat during festivals. I did and I always missed them. While searching on the net I landed on this wonderful book on Festivals. I had to have it. The descriptions of the festivals, the food you make, and the recipes are so authentic. I made the Ven Pongal and Shakkarai Pongal for the Pongal Festival and followed the recipe to the TEE. It was perfect. The book is a keeper, so we distant Indians dont loose our palates to the festival food.

Festivals and food are core ingredients of culture. And this book is worth its weight in <> and is arguably one of a kind.

My wife recently got this book (with the other book by the same author.. do not buy the more expensive and outdated hardcover editions) and finds it to be very helpful. The cooking (and I am one of the prime beneficiaries) had improved perceptibly and has a lot of added variety. The author is very approachable by email, clarifies doubts (e.g., "cup" is equivalent to American teacup, types of onions, tomatoes to use) and offers suggestions for new recipes. It doesnt get better than that.

My wife also *highly* recommends the book on South Indian Veg Cuisine by the same author.

Personally, I have never had the patience to look at a cook book and attempt to follow the recipes step-by-step. I review the first few pages and I'm totally intimated by the sheer lenght of each formula. However Vijji Varadarajan's book makes every recipe not only simple to follow but also very exciting to create. Each recipe is so quick and elegant that one is inspired to study and create more.
Worried about the quality of the food? Don't be. Follow the guidelines laid out by this maestro and you simply cannot go wrong. Bon Appetite!!!

I had the pleasure of taking a class with this talented writer/illustrator and just love this clever version of this Halloween classic. Her pictures are always so bright and colorful and geared to the child's eye. My grandchildren love this book no matter how many times I read it to them.

You remember the little song from grade school about the five little pumpkins! This absolutely charming book uses the lyrics of that Halloween song and combines them with full double page illustrations in bright water-colors. The fun and excitement of trick or treat night is captured so well in this book. Join the neighborhood witches, devils, ghosts and a cute black cat on a visit to the skeleton's haunted house! The five little jack-o-lanterns roll along for some good high-spirited fun with nothing scary that might trouble little ones. Make some great memories when you share this book with children. Happy Halloween!

I love this book. I read it to my preschoolers all month before Halloween and they never tire of it. The illustrations are just beautiful and very enjoyable for the children. The finger play rhyme in the book is very familiar to most of the children and they like to read along. They also enjoy voting for their favorite of the 5 little pumpkins. Very well done.

Elsa Beskow's books honor the curiousity and innocence of children. No wonder Hearth Song toy stores have carried them all at one time or another. We love The Flowers' Festival not just for the beautiful illustrations, but because it gives names and faces to all our favorite flowers and weeds. This book has deepened our curiousity and appreciation of our daily world. Beskow's books remind us of the simple celebrations of life. We'll pass this one on for generations!

Unfortunately I was not able to get this book new. It is out of print. The used copy I found was in good shape and I am delighted I got it. I do wish they would print it again, however.

It is midsummer's Eve and flowers of all categories and sizes come out to celebrate. Children will especially enjoy the 'stories within the story' as part of the festival is a storytelling contest. The illustrations in this book are beyond compare. Elsa Beskow has an amazing ability to bring out the personality of the flowers and plants in her drawings and words. An impatient two year old may not be able to sit queitly on your lap for this long tale, but just hearing this story read to older children while palying in the same room, has a calming effect on my "spirited" two-year-old. This book has a place on the top shelf of the children's book section in our home - next to other treasures and in sight, but out of reach of little hands.

This is part of a very cute series about Fluffy the guinea pig. Very endearing for those who love guinea pigs---it's hard to find many kids books about them.

My six year old loves Fluffy and his bad attitude and I have to confess so do I. When I'm overdosing on the treacly, politically correct reading material that comes home from school Fluffy is the perfect antidote

I have read two of the Fluffy books. I love them and so do my kids. I cannot wait to read the other two about Fluffy. These are books I don't mind reading over and over with my children. Thank you for them!

This book does an excellent job of telling the story of Passover for young childen. Illustrations are lovely. Most aspects of the sedar are covered: the Four Questions, the meaning of special foods, etc. Our family uses it as a Hagaddah when there are small children attending, supplementing with traditional songs, etc.

The "Four Questions" are always asked of the youngest verbal boy-child at Jewish Passover celebrations; they express the central points of Jewish self-esteem and teach the virtues of charity and respect for human rights that have become the ideals of American Jews. Novelist Lynne Sharon Schwartz tells the story of the escape from slavery in Egypt, the background of the Four Questions, in simple forthright language without any trace of self-righteousness or sanctimony; this is a version of the Passover text that Christian children will be able to appreciate without embarrassment. But the glory of this book shines in the full-page art works by Ori Sherman that match the text. Sherman uses animal figures in human postures and clothing - unfortunately an outrage to some orthodox Jews - to universalize the "seder" meal and the symbols of Judaism with utmost gentility and grace. More than mere illustraions for a kid's book, Sherman's paintings are works of high art; I've seen the originals and I'd be very proud if I'd had the sense to buy one before Sherman's untimely early death.

There is also a companion book in the same format - "The Story of Hanukkah" - with text by Amy Ehrlich and more glorious illustrations by Sherman, vivid colors capturing vivid feelings of joy and awe. Not only Jewish children but children of any faith, as well as parents like myself of skeptical bent, will respond to these two books.

Hardly any memories of my life are dearer to me than reading aloud to my son, who was born too late to know my friend Ori Sherman but who has kept his two books when many others have been given away.

This book has wonderful illustrations and a beautiful explanation of the four questions. It is a perfect gift book for Passover -- especially for friends with children or grandchildren.

This was a great story. Franklin learns how to be a great host in this story. I like the ending where Bear asks, "Next time, can Franklin sleep at my house?" Franklin's parents say yes, and Franklin says, "And don't worry about where I will sleep, because I always have my own cozy bed with me." The joke of this detail is that unlike most instances of having somebody sleep over where the host has to worry about where the guest will sleep(like when Franklin had Bear sleep over), if Franklin is the guest, he's a turtle who, at bedtime, just lays on any floor, crawls into his shell, and goes to bed. In other words, having a turtle(or any other animal that sleeps in its own shell) sleep over might be easier than usual. Great story!

Franklin books are very good to read because they are always teaching you something new. Franklin is absolutely thrilled to have Bear spend a night. It also let the kids know it's ok to be homesick. I especailly liked how Franklin tried to make Bear feel better. In the book Franklin goes back to his room to make Bear feel more comfortable and gives Bunny a hug and says Good night to Bunny. In television episode, Franklin called Bear's parents and let him talked to his parents. Then they playe with the flashlight doing signals to Bears parents. Even though there is a slight difference between the book and the episode, they both had a good time. It teaches how you can make your friends feel less homesick whenthey spend a night with you.

A perfect book for a young child to have before their first sleepover anywhere. It lets the child know it's okay to be homesick and that your friends or relatives are there for you when you're away from home. I know my daughter learns from every Franklin book and this one is no exception.