Festivals Books

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.

"Franklin loved Christmas. He could name all of Santa's reindeer. He could tie ribbons into bows and play 'Silent Night' on his recorder. Franklin liked to give presents and to receive them. But this year he couldn't decide what to give to the Christmas toy drive." -- From the book

Every Decemember, Mr. Owl's students donate toys to needy families--toys that could either be brand new or gently used.

This year, Franklin sifts through his toy box to select something for the holiday toy drive. He discovers some forgotten toys, like a shiny red car and a stuffed elephant. Finally, he decides that he wants to keep everything--except for a rusty truck with a missing wheel.

Franklin asks his father to help him fix the truck, but his Dad tells him that it won't look new or even gently used. Franklin replies that "everything else is too special to give away".

Franklin's Dad then talks to him about the importance of generosity.

The next day, Franklin realizes that all his friends are giving away their FAVORITE toys--causing Franklin to re-think his selection for the toy drive. Now, he worries that he won't be able to find a toy that's special *enough*!

Featuring gorgeous, colorful illustrations, Franklin's Christmas Gift is a wonderful holiday tale showing that the best gifts come from a willing heart--and that giving special gifts can generate feelings just as wonderful as those experienced when receiving them.

In "Franklin's Christmas Gift," Mr. Owl tells Franklin and his classmates that they should pick out a toy to donate to the school toy drive. Franklin gets home, but can't seem to find anything he wants to give away except an old, rusty truck. But when he starts to see what everyone else is bringing and learns how important it is, he reconsiders.

Another great "Franklin" story about sharing what you have to make others happy. Featuring the same sort of warm illustrations as other books in this series and a neat character --- Franklin's Great Aunt Harriet.

As a mother of three small children, I love all of the Franklin series books. This book was particularly poignant at this time of year when children get focussed on the recieving part of their holidays. It lead us into a discussion about giving and how that can feel just as wonderful as getting. After that, my children were actually eager to participate in donating toys to our local church.

My family loves all the Gaspard and Lisa books, but this one in particular makes my son laugh and laugh and laugh. It was a great purchase. I also absolutely love the rich, colorful illustrations.

I have purchased some books of this series in French and some in English, and read them interchangeably to my little girl. Hearing the same story in both languages is a good introduction to basic French. (You can get the books in French at Amazon.fr.)

A charming picture book. Gaspard and Lisa are two little dogs who want to bring a present to school for their human teacher. They decide to make her a raincoat, but of course they make a mess of it. First they tear down the shower curtain to use as material, then Gaspard gets stuck in it when they glue it together, then they try to wash it in the washing machine and it shrinks. However, they can still use the tiny coat - for their teacher's dog Pierre! This book is illustrated with rich, simple paintings that are a joy for the eye and that make the characters quite appealing.

Although the original feel of O. Henry stories is maintained in this book (the dialogue, the solid values and homespun wisdom), the illustratons in this book really make it a stand-out. They are full of warmth, rich colors and just a delight in and of themselves, perfectly complimenting the text. There are no shortage of O. Henry collections out there, but this has to be one of the best ,especially for teen to young adult readers.

Honestly, I wasn't really too enthused when I found out that my 7th grade reading comprehension class would be reading this book. My thoughts? O'Henry. Classics. Ugh.
I ended up loving each and every story included in this book. You have to get into these stories, but the surprising endings are really something to look forward to. Some stories move you, some put a smile on your face, and some just make you go "ooooooooooooooooooooh" if you get it. This book is definitely worth your time, no matter how little of it you have:)!

A collection of timeless stories with unforgettable characters. They depict people who could live in any era with the weaknesses and strengths of "everyman." And of course, always with the "O'Henry twist." The illustrations are so real you think they are actual people.

Outstanding book! The story of a "not so perfect" angel and how she ends up announcing the birth of Christ is concise, elegant and delightful! The illustrations are perfect and fit the story. I collect children's books and was thrilled to find this gem!

God works in veiled and mysterious ways often choosing the marginalized, the overlooked, and the simple to do His bidding and His most important works. In Gloria the Christmas Angel, author Scott Asalone captures the true spirit of the season which is all about discovering and celebrating our purpose in life. Anyone, not just children, will appreciate the heart warming classic tale this story will become!

Gloria is a rather klutzy angel who feels unfit and forgotten. But deep down inside herself, Gloria finds the power to believe in herself when no one else does and meets a child born in poverty who turns out to be the son of God. Because she can see beyond appearances, Gloria not only brings the good news to the poor, she also announces that it is the people of poverty who are also God's own children. Gloria: The Christmas Angel is a wonderfully delightful Christmas picturebook story for young readers ages 4 to 8 that is both entertaining and profound.

The book was a great story to read.The characters sounded so lifelike.I thought that the whole story was so cool (spoiler)

Halloween Night is a Who Done It, for little ones. Each page has a poem, and the answer is found on the following page; however, if you look closely, clues to the answers are painted into the scenes. Halloween Night has a playful rhythm that flows, and the watercolor illustrations are bright, and colorful! Arden Druce, the author, doesn't overreach, and she is wonderfully descriptive, "...who can spin shimmering webs with a swirl and a twist?" For a short, 24-page book, this work carries quite an impact. Altogether, there are only 20 sentences, which takes less than 2-minutes to read, but the combination of good writing, and beautifully rendered artwork makes for a fabulous book. Adults will like this book, because it's fun to read aloud without being scary, or violent.

Rising Moon Publishing is well known for its beautiful children's books, and they continue to raise the bar with this holiday offering for young children. A simple Halloween story that invites young people to respond is "costumed" with full page illustrations that are rich in color and activity. This is a great book to read to young people throughout October in anticipation of Halloween night. The David T. Wenzel illustrations will also appeal to adults who love Halloween and they will want to add this book to their own library.

Reviewed by Brianne Plach (age 10) for Reader Views (10/07)

Are you looking for a small picture book which describes Hanukkah? If you are, Roni Schotter has created just the one for you. Inside the front cover is a description of four specific things associated with Hanukkah. The pictures throughout the book show you just how the traditions of Hanukkah are celebrated. There are little ones that small kids will be able to relate to for celebrating the holiday, including being tempted to steal food before mealtime.

With thick pages, "Hanukkah!" is a terrific book for the youngest reader. Lots of families celebrating together are a big part of this book. Isn't that what this special time of year is great for, celebrating with friends and families getting together? I love this book!

A charming little book for the young at heart about celebrating, with all the trimmings, one family's joyous Festival of Lights.

Destined to be a perenial favorite of RebeccasReads.

Winner of the National Jewish Book Award, this is one of our favorite stories for Chanukah and the holiday season. A warm and cozy glimpse at a family holiday with a simple story that is both funny and appealing. We love the illustrations and the poetic writing and have shared this book with friends of all religions. Everyone loves it! One of the nicest Chanukah books we've ever found to share.

My sincerest thanks to the online reviewer who read this book with her grandfather. As the illustrator of this book, I cannot say what a great happiness it is to know my illustrations have been part of a loving memory.

My father and granfather read this book to my twin sister and I when were about 8 years old (approx. 1990) and it still makes me smile. It was a great way to teach the Hanukkah story and I even have pictures of my great-grandfather (who is now deceased) reading along with my to Hanukkah Cat.

A stray cat turns up on the door step. It is the first night of Hanukkah--even mother and father can't turn it away. Later the cat's love of Latkas saves a lost child. Guess who has a new home on the last night of Hanukkah.

I used to read this charming story to my Kindergarten class until I loaned it to someone who did not return it.

Our son (soon to be 2 years old)loves this book. His birthday approaches, so he is excited to hear about birthdays in general. He has also been to a number of other parties recently, which helps. All in all a very happy book.

My 3 year old grandson loves to come in and sit on Nana's lap to read "Jesse Bear Books" They keep him occupied and also calms him down before sleep. A great book!!

Again this series of Jesse Bear books are wonderful to read and fun for my grandson! One of the best thing in life are opening the doors to reading to your children/grandchildren.

This book is really great - Caillou is such a REAL character and the Easter book is really one of the best books I bought for my 4 year old girl.

I think this is a wonderful book. My children love Caillou and the story is great and the illustrations are absolutely wonderful. My kids adored it!

Probably the greatest Easter book out there. My 4 year old son and my 6 year old daughter absolutely love Caillou and this book has so many beautiful illustrations and the story is really cute.