Festivals Books

A farm family grows Christmas trees to sell, and the farmer's wife chooses the most beautiful tree for her own family, putting a sign on it, "Not for Sale". But when a poor family comes to the tree lot to see if they can pick out a tree from the free area (trees that have missing branches or crooked trunks), the poor family's little girl sees the beautiful tree and asks if she can choose that one. Everyone is embarrased that she asks, as the adults all know her family can't afford the tree. The farmer's wife responds that she is sorry, the tree isn't for sale...because they'd like the girl's family to have it as a gift. The book ends, "Yes, it was a great sacrifice. But it brought even greater joy. Isn't that just like Christmas?" The illustrations are very kid-friendly and fun. Applicable Bible verses are at the bottom of every other page. A creative and wonderful story.

this book was a suprising enjoyable tale of right living for young children and adults. Read it again, mom!

Simon P Newman's Parades And The Politics Of The Street focuses on festivities and political connections in early American history, considering how parades were involved in drawing together people of different social levels, and how they influenced politics and opinions about popular leadership. This title would be useful for the college-level course on early American history as supplemental reading.

Simon Newman has given a vivid, fresh and accessible vision of life in early-European America. I'd never given a moment's thought to these matters of public demonstration...A must-read for anyone even remotely interested in colonial, social, even labor history.

The Perfect Present is a very sweet Christmas story with wonderful pictures. Kind of Beatrice Potter looking. And many of the pages open up to one really big page. It's just a wonderful book to read to young children.

This is the story of two rabbits looking for each other, each hoping to give the other a "perfect present." Hague's illustrations are the most cheerful and bright I've seen in any of his books. The children love looking through each page for the miniature kangaroo that is madly hopping away from the young rabbit lad. The fold-out pages are fun, but since they are so large, this is a better book for children who are old enough to be trusted not to pull too hard or smash the pages back in crooked. My 6 & 8 year olds both love this book and have for several years. A fun addition to your Christmas library.

Peter's First Easter lends itself to being read aloud. There is so much emotion. Last year, I had friends over for a Lent get-together. I read this aloud to the kids and my *adult friends* actually cried at the rendering. Peter's point-of-view in the story makes it fresh. And his guilt and desire to be forgiven are so human.

Mary's First Christmas is similar in emotion and read-aloud-ability. My kids laugh when the Child Jesus says, "Elefunk."

Both of these are must-reads for Lent and Advent. Kids love them from preschool to ... well ... to 100!

I just read this book last night. It tells the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of Peter. It opens at the last supper (he didn't know it was the last) and draws the reader into the events at a gut-level but appropriate way for children. I've told my children the easter story before, but the emotion and drama here make it clearer. The outstanding illustrations illuminate the story even more fully. I encourage you to buy it and make it an easter tradition at your house.

The Christmas pieces in Teri Sloat's imaginatively conceived rhyming tale are the stamps on letters to Santa Claus sent from all over the world. It is through these stamps that readers are introduced to different cultures and climes.

A lizard sends good wishes, and wildebeests dance; holidays are observed on mountaintops and in Antarctica. Each stamp from a faraway place reminds us that we are united in joy at this time of year.

Then, when Santa's rounds are complete we find "Santa sleeps `neath a quilt and a blanket of down. He dreams of a world that sleeps safe and sound With a feeling of peace all the year round, While pieces of Christmas cover the ground...

The Christmas pieces in Teri Sloat's imaginatively conceived rhyming tale are the stamps on letters to Santa Claus sent from all over the world. It is through these stamps that readers are introduced to different cultures and climes.

A lizard sends good wishes, and wildebeests dance; holidays are observed on mountaintops and in Antarctica. Each stamp from a faraway place reminds us that we are united in joy at this time of year.

Then, when Santa's rounds are complete we find "Santa sleeps `neath a quilt and a blanket of down. He dreams of a world that sleeps safe and sound With a feeling of peace all the year round, While pieces of Christmas cover the ground."

Recommended for ages 4 - 8.

- Gail Cooke

I used this book and the similar Camino Portugues book for my pilgrimage in April 2006. They are both superb. I followed Brierley's suggestions pretty much to the letter. The book contains excruciating details as well as a longer and spiritual view.

I think of the book as a personal gift to each of us pilgrims. Brierley obviously loves his work and the Camino. He kept me on track, put me to bed early and awake early when it was important, encouraged me to appreciate the wonderful people and sights along the camino. He offers history lessons, lists of practicalities, maps and directions. This book is all you need!

Same format as the Camino Frances guide - laid out in three stages. One stage per day, one map per stage total of 95 pages. In addition to covering the route, it has a section of practical information on when to go, covers Galician history and culture. A beautiful full color guide.

So you are planning a party for your youngster and are trying to remember some fun games from way back, but your mind goes suddenly blank? Here is a collection of twenty fun and simple games for young children, that also very easily lend themselves to variations as you go along. The games described don't involve complicated rules or require elaborate preparations and are clearly and attractively presented. For each game, there is also some advice on safety issues and some ideas for variations. A very useful resource. Worked very well for my four year old's recent birthday party.

I recently gave a party for my 7 year old using games from this book. They had a blast! The games are VERY simple and definitely only for the age group that was recommended by Amazon. Most are the classics that you probably know already but when you sit down to think of things to do, you forget. Its a handy reference guide and not expensive. If you are looking for more complex or unique games, this isn't for you. But for the purpose it was intended, they nailed it. Oh, and it comes with the game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey...I bet that is at least $2-3 by itself in the store!

This is a great book from start to finish. My family enjoy the illustrations and the story. It has become a tradition each yr to read this.

This is the second book we own by this author. As parents we really love the message and the kids enjoy the story over and over again! Great illustrations and a wonderful message that is not based just on being a "Christmas" book. Great story.

I read THE PROMISE and loved it. It's a great Christmas story for kids. I know they will love it too!

I read The Promise as a chapter book to my children (ages 3 to 7 yrs) at bedtime, around Christmas this year. I have never seen my children more anxious to get to bed than that week or two that it took to finsih the story. I was as interested as they were to find out how Sara, Jamie and Matt would make out on this Enchanted Christmas Eve. Great Story!

My 3-year-old granddaughters can't get enough of this book - we read it at bedtime, over and over, every night. They love the pictures and the rhymes, and recite them along with me. When is Simon Davies going to give up more of the same?

This book not only contains bright, spectacular illustrations, but includes large flaps and a variety of textures that will keep a toddler's interest and contains humor that a older sibling would enjoy. The theme is about kisses which makes it a perfect choice for Valentine's Day or any occasion.