Festivals Books

I am a teacher in a Maryland district. Richard Stack and his new dog Wonder came to the school for a presentation one day. This is a wonderful author with great things to say in this group of books he has written based on his dog. The kids all love to read his books or listen to them being read. Honestly, I had never read one of his books-but I trust my kids 100% so I picked up his book and feel in love with the books written by Richard Stack. I would highly advise parents or teachers reading and purchasing this book.

As a teacher and librarian, I have shared this book with my students every December. They sit absolutely still with worried faces as Josh the dog is teased by his friends for wanting to be a St. Bernard. Later in the story, they all repeat, "Wow, oh bow wow" with me everytime Josh gets excited.

This book is excellent for teaching kids that they can be anthing they want to be--they just have to believe in themselves.
It's also a feel good book. Expect a round of applause at the end if you are reading to a group--you may even get a hug or two:)

Young children will enjoy having this book read to them. It takes about 20 or so minutes to read aloud so gauge your child's attention span accordingly. Older kids (3rd grade and up) can read it independently, but it really is more fun to share.

My son and I love this book! There are lots of fun things to keep his attention, and a very positive message about believing in yourself. It is about a little mutt who dreams of some day becoming a St.Bernard. He learns that he can't be a St. Bernard, but because he remembers that he is important, he is able to save Santa, help get those Christmas toys delivered and at the same time help his friends to realize that they are important too.

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 bought multiple copies of this book for neices, nephews, godchildren and young cousins. It's a great antidote to the overly commerecialized Christmas season. The writing is elegant but straightforward, and the illustrations glow. Although it has a strong spiritual message, it is not overtly regligous, so is suitable for all children who celebrate Christmas.

I am always looking for good books with lessons or messages- this is one of those books. The idea of giving is always a good idea. It has many words on the page making it more enjoyable as a read aloud or for older children. It is definitely one of our "read at Christmas time" each year books! Hope you'll give it a try.

A long time ago a poor girl named Claire learns to knit by her mother's side - and knits her Christmas dreams into the wool. An order for six stockings could save her holiday; but on the way she meets a boy even poorer than herself: how can she share her dreams of warmth? A poignant holiday story benefits from Bagram Ibatouline's warm and lovely drawings.

this is one of the best christmas books i've read in a long time. it has such a quirky and original setting, and flamingo is a loveable character who won't soon be forgotten. this is the kind of story kids will want to read over and over again (no matter what time of year it is!). it has it all: humor, warmth, and especially christmas spirit.

A flamingo travels to Miami to discover the meaning of the Christmas lights he has seen from across the bay. The illustrations of his adventures are well done and very funny. But the real joy of this book comes with its use as a fun tool to help children discover, along with Flamingo, the real meaning of Christmas. The story provides plenty of opportunity for interactive discussion as you read the book as a family. Flamingo's First Christmas is a delightful holiday story for children.

Snuggle up with the kids and Flamingo's First Christmas and you'll immediately feel the warmth! Follow the main character, a clutzy confused flamingo, through his Miami adventures in search of the meaning of Christmas. Wonderful illustrations accompany Day's sparkling story. If you're from a cold climate, you'll love her first line, "On a warm December evening...." If you've already experienced tropical Christmases, you'll identify with the warm weather perspective! This is one of those read-aloud books that the grownups and older brothers and sisters will enjoy sharing with the little ones.

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!