Festivals Books

Angelica is making a present for her mom for mothers day but Chuckie dosen't have a mom but he had dreams of having one, but he can't give presents to a dream. Chuckie trys Spike to be a mom but he figures that won't work.

this is a wonderful story in which each of the babies give their mommy a present... except for chucky. he finds a picture of his mommy, and thinks it is "booty-ful". he gives the picture to his daddy and it makes him sad, making chucky think he doesnt like the picture. chaz tries to explain as well as he can to his young son that the lady in the picture is his late mother but she still loves him very much.

the part that really got me was the end where a lady reads a poem written by chucky's mommy. she tells him that even though she is gone, she will always be near him. one part is something like "when you feel the warm wind gently kiss your face, that is me, i will always be near you." ~tears~ while the lady is reading the poem chucky is playing innocently, never to know his mother, making the moment even more touching.

This is a wonderful story. Most of the book is very cute and shows a lot of each baby's imagination. But there are a couple of sad parts too that could bring on the tears. For instance, it's happy when Chuckie finds his Mother's picture and realizes it's the lady in his dreams; but it's sad when he shows the picture to Chaz and Chaz becomes sad (Chuckie thinks his Daddy doesn't like the picture, and he says to Tommy "I thought it was a pretty picture"). Also, the poem his Mother left for Chuckie is sad, but happy as well because he knows his Mother is still all around him. I really like this book and the Mothers Day special of the same story, but sometimes I really have to prepare myself for it because I know what's coming.

This book contains 10 heartwarming stories. I think that every story has its own perspective of what life is all about. Some of them make you laugh, and some make you cry. The author of this this book should pat herself on the back. This is a book that you don't want to miss.

Many great heartwarming stories packed into one terrific book! These stories make you want to send a "birthday surprise" of your own to someone very special! This book will surely be on your shelf for many years. Don't miss the short stories from your favorite authors in Birthday Surprises.

I fell in love with this book when it was named to the Texas Bluebonnet Awards List in 1996-97. Since then my students have LOVED reading the stories...each of them unique...each with a special message! What a treasure! It is the perfect motivator for inspiring students to write!

I've been looking for this book as my daughter wants to get it for several gifts. I'll pass on to her that I found it. I have read it and seen the reaction of children to this book. It's absolutely delightful. What a shame that the above review from the School Library Journal is so unfavorable...
Get this book for your child or grandchild and it will become as traditional at Christmas Time as reading "Rudolph" or "The Snowman" is...... You'll enjoy it too!

This book is adorable, charming and sweet an absalute must for all you people who like to read.

This book is adorable, charming and sweet an absalute must for all you people who like to read.

This is a good book about four best friends and what happens during their Valentine's Day. Each story comes with a cool craft to make and funky washable tatoos.

The first story is about Yasmin and her favorite Valentine's Day(V-Day) moment. Cloe is having a big party for V-Day and everyone is excited. When the party gets cancelled Yasmin and her friends find a way to make their V-Day different than no other. This story also comes with instructions on how to make Funky-Fresh Barrettes.

The next story is about Cloe's fav V-Day moment. Every girl at school got a red carnation from their secret admirers. Every girl except Cloe. Cloe tries to find a way to have a great V-Day without a secert cutie. Also comes with instructions on how to make a purse.

The next story is about Sasha's fav V-Day moment. Everyone is at Sasha's house modeling their outfits for the dance.When Yasmin and Jade show off the same outfit Sasha has to save the day so the girls don't ruin their friendship or look like twins at the dance.Also includes instructions on how to make caps.

The final story is Jade's fav V-Day moment. Sasha is directing the school play and is getting on everyones nerves. Jade has to cool Sasha down before showtime.The Show must go on! Also comes with instructions on how to make a T-shirt dress.

Have a happy V-Day an a happy time reading this book.

I got this book today from the mall. It has stories from Cloe, Jade, Sasha, and Yasmin. But they put a picture of Dana in! She doesn't have a story! This is my favorite Bratz book. (...)

The Bratz girls are known for their "passion for fashion" and little else and if, as a reader, you're hoping for insight into the characters of Cloe, Sasha, Jade and Yasmin, you may be dissapointed. A big fan of the dolls, I decided to pick this book up to see if someone had developed a "life" for the Bratz. While each girl's interests and activities revolved mostly round her wardrobe, the message of true friendship prevailed, but not much else. The stories are fun to read however, and do reveal fun "personalities" of each Bratz girl, not to mention the Bratz actually do go to school, something the doll line leaves out! There are also cute and sassy illustrations that accompany the stories which alone was worth the 5-star rating for fun, though the book earns 2 stars for educational and reading value.

Brian is so excited when his parents buy him a pet bird. Everyone is amazed when he teaches it how to talk. When his pesky big brother leaves the door open though, the bird flies out. While Brian's visual impairment plays a big part in the action of the story, it certainly isn't the focus of this charming book. This book acts as a great way to introduce children to diversity.

I purchased this book for my six year old nephew who is blind and a bird lover. This book is incredible! The illustrations are wonderful and the story focuses on family togetherness, not just blindness. It is a wonderful book for siblings with differences, any child really.

Brian's Bird is a wonderfully written and beautifully illustrated picture book. Author Patricia Davis tells a simple direct story while creating many opportunities for visual images. Layne Johnson's striking and colorful photo-like pictures jump to life off the page.

This story of a blind boy who delights in his new pet parakeet is ideal for young readers. The book treats Brian's blindness in a positive manner. The scene in which he uses his sense of touch to solve the mystery of his birthday present gives young readers the opportunity to gain understanding of the special skills of a blind person. The description of how the bird's feet feel on Brian's finger is delightful.

Brian exhibits patience and persistence in teaching his bird. There is humor in the story, as when Brian hears someone calling his name, only to realize it is the bird. Once again, the author highlights the use of an alternate sense.

Brian's brother presents challenges for Brian from the opening pages of the book. Indeed, his brother's actions lead to the bird's flight from the house. The boys work together to solve the problem and sibling teamwork wins the day.

The book presents many opportunities for an adult reading this story to a young child to discuss a variety of issues. The book is also appropriate for young readers up to age 8 or 9 to read on their own.

My children attend the local Montessori program. I bought two copies of the book, one for them at home and one for their school. Before the new year I donated the book along with a small Sabzeh (sprouts grown for Persian New Year) to the classroom library. Their teacher loved it and read the book aloud for other children.
I read this and all other books in Farsi for my children, so I wish the author had provided the Farsi translation as well. They are at an age now that can distinguish Farsi script from English, and wonder how or why I am reading an English book in Farsi!

This book ended my desperate search for material to present to my kids'
schools about Norooz! Ever since my first child started pre-school (he
is 8 now and in 3rd grade), I have been looking for a good book to
introduce Norooz to his classmates. Every year, I have done my
improvisation of what I thought was the best language for kids to
follow. But needless to say, my presentations would go way over their
head, and I could see that they were anxious for me to pass the goodies
around!! Last year, I ordered a video called "bachehaye Bahar". It was
supposed to have a description of Norooz in English as well. It was yet
another disappointment. Besides the very bad quality of filming and
sound, the whole thing was in Farsi!

In this book, Yassaman talks about Norooz very eloquently from a child's
perspective who is born and raised here in the US (San Jose). Both my
kids, 6 and 8 enjoyed the book and now for the first time, I finally
have a book to share with their class about Norooz! I highly recommend
it to all parents with young children.

The book is well written and simple. Perfect for little ones who have a short attention span and love colorful pictures. The book is perfect to read to a pre-school class. The activities in the back of the book were also a hit with my 4 year old. Also a perfect gift for youngsters, your pre-school and local library.

I saw this book on the front display table at one of those large mall bookstores, and was so impressed by it that I plan to buy 5 more from Amazon as gifts for family and friends this holiday!

Beautiful large photos, great production quality, and an absolutely encyclopaedic amount of information on festivals and celebrations around the world. The chapter on Wife Carrying (by men) is hilarious, the chapter on the Miss USA Competition is insightful, and the section on virgin rituals is eye-opening.

Whether used as a reference text, or browsed casually as a coffee-table photography book, "Celebrating Women" offers something for everyone. I highly recommend this book and Amazon is selling it at a great price.

From the moment I opened Celebrating Women I was totally swept away by the double page spread of its stunning first chapter photograph. The energy and spirit behind this ambitious journey by photographer Paola Gianturco comes alive not only through her gorgeous photographs, but also her enlightening words. The descriptive details are told in such intimate and animated language; and the rich color photographs capture the texture of these festivals in a way that explodes the senses.

It's amazing how each culture celebrates women for such different roles. What an opportunity to travel the world with this beautiful book, and in addition to the festivals profiled here, the book includes a listing by month of well over 100 more festivals to explore. The world becomes a bit smaller and hugely more wonderful. I loved seeing women not only celebrated as nourishers and providers, but also as political and as brave. The historical background for the festival in Thailand greatly intrigued me--depicting how women in 1826 saved their own lives and their city from armed invaders by their cunning use of seduction. Some festivals are steeped in history and religious ceremony, while others emerged out of necessity like the one in Guadeloupe. Back in 1916 women who worked as cooks (earning a modest income) formed an association to provide medical care and funerals for their members. Over the years this has become an annual opportunity to get together and present the best Creole cuisine by cooks resplendent in colorful Creole dress accompanied by musicians coming as far as France.

I highly recommend this book for all women everywhere and everyone else who knows and loves them. A beautiful, exciting, illuminating, and intriguing treat for the soul!

Paolo Gianturco is not only a VERY fine photographer, capable of capturing some of the richest color panoramas available in print today, she is also a woman with a mission: Gianturco opens doors, windows and any available aperture to celebrate the glory of Woman.

Gianturco traveled the world, with obvious extended stays in China, Thailand, Spain, Poland, Bolivia, Finland, and the USA, and found a phenomenal number of festivals and events that allow us insights into the various cultures of the world and their particular means of paying tribute to Women. Whether the festivals honor women as goddesses, athletes, healers, warriors, lovers, or heroes, Gianturco photographed these festivals in all their grandeur and then focused on individuals and small groups to make each event a personal conversation.

Her writing is of the highest order: Gianturco shares secrets and cultural pride in her reporting of interviews and personal responses to what she has observed. This is a gifted artist both in photography and written word. To saunter through these pages is to visit peoples, places, and customs new to most of us (with the possible exception of her folio on the Miss USA contest!). Her CELEBRATING WOMEN is successful on every level. Highly recommended for all libraries. Grady Harp, March 05

My two year old son loves looking at the pictures in this book. The baby looks so real. I was pleased to find a book that is simple enough for a 2 year old to enjoy it and so beautiful that an adult will love reading it as well. My son especially likes the picture of the lovely mother gazing down at her child. Although the art work and Wise's poetry are what make the book enjoyable, the fact that the characters are people of color make this book a must have for our family. Because it seems very unlikely that Jesus was a blonde with blue eyes, I want to present images of a more colorful Jesus to my son. I also appreciate the depiction of many wise men from the East, not just 3.

I borrowed this book from the public library and found that it took my breath away. Author Margaret Wise Brown has done many of what are now considered classics such as RUNAWAY BUNNY,LITTLE ISLAND and GOODNIGHT MOON has one more to add to her collection. The illustrations by Cooper are amazing. The realistic pictures of the newborn baby (which remind me so much of my own sons when they were that small)in the manger are very moving. Some narrow-minded people may be put off by the fact that the main characters are African American and the book "appears" to be depicting the Holy family, although Brown's text does not actually indicate this. I also find it ironic that two different online bookstores that I went to for this title do not actually have the cover displayed. The illustrations depicting angels are absolutely gorgeous. I took the book to work to share it with my co-workers who would appreciate it and they agreed with me. I was very reluctant to take it back because I knew I would not be able to have it over the Christmas holiday. I just have to have this book for my personal collection to share with my two sons. This book celebrates the miracle of life and the joy of two parents gazing upon their son with hopes for the future. I hope this book wins an ALA (Caldecott or Coretta Scott King) award or awards this year.

I ran across this book when looking for Christmas books to read to my son. This is a wonderful book that tells the story of Christ's birth with vivid illustration that reflect us as African-Americans. Easy read for the young reader and reading aloud (as we did before we opened gifts). With delightful illustration for everyone as well.

This is the funniest and most original Christmas book I've seen in a long time. We discovered it last December and we'll be reading it again many times this December. The boys (3 and 5) laugh so hard and so do I. This one will end up a holiday tradition.

Every winter I read this story to my little boys many, many times in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The characters are wonderful, and I particularly enjoyed giving voice to Mr. Jenkins, the storyteller. The illustrations are terrific and silly. My boys, now 10 and 11, enjoyed this story SO MUCH when they were little guys. I never thought they'd still want to hear it this Christmas! Make it a family tradition, it's great fun!!

This is one of the cuttest stories I have ever read. I used to read this book to my 3-year old class and they always wanted it read again and again. It makes you use your imagination and the illustrations are wonderfully done. Thanks for such a wonderful book.

I'll not insult you all by describing the action of this classic novella, nor belabor the lesson taught. I'm sure even Mowgli the Jungle Boy must have heard this story once a year growing up in the jungle. But with all the TV and movie and cartoon and Muppet iterations (the best of which remains the 1951 Alastair Sim movie version), when's the last time you went back and actually read the original book?

Dickens is, of course, a wonderful author and earlier generations read everything that he wrote. Today, however, you read an obligatory novel or two in High School, breath a sigh of relief that's over and then blithely ignore him along with the rest of the ancients. But, as a reacquaintance with A Christmas Carol will remind you, he remains pretty accessible and his novels are often quite fun. What's more, there's even a Reading Version (available online) of the story that Dickens condensed himself for his numerous public readings of the tale. It's perfect for reading aloud to the family.

Here's just a sample of the prose to entice you:

On Scrooge before: Oh! But he was a tight-fisted hand at the grindstone, Scrooge. a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner! Hard and sharp as flint, from which no steel had ever struck out generous fire; secret, and self-contained, and solitary as an oyster. The cold within him froze his old features, nipped his pointed nose, shrivelled his cheek, stiffened his gait; made his eyes red, his thin lips blue; and spoke out shrewdly in his grating voice. A frosty rime was on his head, and on his eyebrows, and his wiry chin. He carried his own low temperature always about with him; he iced his office in the dog-days; and didn't thaw it one degree at Christmas.

and Scrooge after: Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.

He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!

We, all of us, have a tendency to let the classics become so encrusted that we take them for granted and forget how good they really are; if this has happened for you with A Christmas Carol, do yourself a favor and dig out a copy and reread it this Holiday Season. I bet it becomes an annual tradition.

GRADE: A+

This version of the Dicken's classic is magnificently illustrated by one of America's foremost artists.

This edition of Charles Dickens classic is doubly wonderful in its timeless tale of redemption as well as the wonderful illustrations executed by American artist Everett Shinn. In no way either slick or modern, when one is handed the book, it seems as you are holding an artifact from another time; a time of coal fires, slate roofs, horses in the streets, a time that predates the sad state of comercialism that permeates contemporary Christmas season. In its simplicity of story and its fine nostalgic illustrations it becomes a treasure to be handed down through one generation to the next.Hope dwells here.