Festivals Books

I am buying my second copy because the first one finally wore out after many car trips. I gave this to my 2 year old when she had croup and had to go to the hospital. She decorated her oxygen tent over and over with the stickers! She continued to read and play with it in the car for several months after.

Being a big Rolie fan anyway, my daughter (2 years old) was so excited to get her new sticker book. She has had it for over a month now and still has plenty of stickers to place throughout the book, which is a big plus for a 2-year old. I highly recommend this product to anyone who likes Rolie and who likes their child to have a lot of fun with stickers. I know my daughter (and myself) enjoying playing "stickers."

I found this book to be a wonderful teaching tool. It opens the minds and hearts of children to the Spirit of God. It allows children to understand biblical concept of hearing from God in their spirt. This book opens the doorway to many wonderful opportunities for teaching the children about the Spirit of God and how our obedience to Him is really a blessing for us. I read this book to our Sunday School class and they loved it. After reading this story it was very easy to explain to the children about hearing from God. I hope there will be more books coming on this topic. The Author did a great job of taking a difficult concept and putting it kid terms. Well done! Vanessa Tranquill, Grace Church

Nothing you have not given away will ever be really yours. Most adults, even Christian adults, have difficulty with this concept, and yet Locklear has made the point in a way that even the youngest children can understand and grasp-as can parents who read them this story. Parents who are striving to raise their children to avoid the temptation of materialism in this, the most material culture in the world will find this charming book a solid step in the right direction. The author, having been involved in youth ministry for more than 10 years, is both gifted and well experienced in presenting important concepts to children, and it shows in this highly recommended book.

This book is a wonderful story and the illustrations were absolutely beautiful! The artist really captured the feeling of the story. I highly for young and old!

Most people only know the well-loved story of Rudolph either through the Johnny Marks song or the popular 1964 TV special. However, not many people know that Rudolph was created by a Montgomery Wards employee named Robert May, who also wrote two sequels to the original story. Surprisingly, this sequel, Rudolph Shines Again, was the only other Rudolph story published during his lifetime, apart from the posthumous sequel, Rudolph's Second Christmas. But this episode in the Rudolph story goes the furthest in allowing us to see Rudolph examine his character thoroughly and discover who he really is as a reindeer.

This Rudolph story tugs at the heartstrings more than the previous two books at the beginning, because of how Rudolph feels for his sufferings amongst his reindeer companions who are so fed up with how Santa Claus always finds favour with him and not with them. Luckily, this heart-tugging does not go overboard because we learn that even though Rudolph loses his nose, he remembers that he has forgotten himself in thinking selfishly about it. It is there that we see a bit more character development in him and the story picks up its momentum of its own. Rudolph's willingness to find the two lost rabbits shows the heart he has for others, with shades of his adventures in the Second Christmas episode, and his selfless spirit of charity, and he still retains his inimitable character even when he realises he has regained his nose and does not need to elate over it with his emotions. The story is written with the same rhyming couplets that made the original Rudolph story so fresh, with many ingenous rhyming twists and felicitous touches in the story-telling, and with the resolution this finds at the end of all the three stories, this makes the perfect conclusion to the three Rudolph stories of Robert L. May.

In conclusion, I feel prepared to say that this Rudolph story is as good as the other two, but does more in character development by allowing us readers to follow how Rudolph examines his real character while allowing his heart to glow as brightly as before. My one wish now is that it would be perfect and great if the three Robert May Rudolph stories were published in one book as a continuous Rudolph saga, and that reading the three individual episodes in this story will allow everyone to guide their sleighs to greater self-worth and self-esteem in a soul-stirring story.

Most people who know the story of Rudolph are familiar only with the famous Johnny Marks song. However, not many people know that Rudolph was created by a Montgomery Wards employee named Robert May, and that he also wrote two furtuer Rudolph stories that chronicle his adventures and character development. This story, Rudolph's Second Christmas, proves every bit as enjoyable as the other two Rudolph stories, and shows Rudolph in a more active and charitable position.

I know that this story alternates between prose and verse, but this can't be helped since this Rudolph episode was a posthumous publication after Robert May's death. Nevertheless, it allows Rudolph's heart of gold to shine through every moment of this enchanting episode in his 3-part saga. Rudolph's desire to make this Christmas better can be seen in the sympathy he showed towards the complaint letter he found among the letters that Santa Claus received, and also in his determination and faith in helping the children's circus improve in the quality of its performances. We also get to show Rudolph's inspirational example in allowing the misfit animals to improve the circus, because here, although we know that Rudolph set a positive example by celebrating difference, he was able to help other animals celebrate being different, until he is inspired to continue to serve Santa Claus at Christmas.

Nevertheless, this unfamiliar and not-so-well-known Rudolph sequel, which is a different breath of fresh air from the TV specials, is deserving of a permanent place in any library of any Christmas lover and sensitive human being who can appreciate inspirational fables like this. I highly recommend this as well as the other two Rudolph stories in this 3-part saga, because Rudolph's quest to discover what makes him tick is a heartwarming Christmas parable that can serve every season.

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose, and if you ever saw it . . . " Now that I have you in the mood for this book, let me ask you a question. Did you know who wrote the original story of Rudolph? Well, it was Robert L. May. Did you also know that Mr. May had written a sequel? Have you read the sequel? If not, you should and this is it.

Mr. May died in 1976. In 1991, his daughter was working in the family attic and found several drafts of a sequel written in 1947. These were edited into this story and published in 1992. New illustrations were developed by Michael Emberley to bring the story humorously up-to-date.

Researchers constantly find that reading to children is valuable in a variety of ways, not least of which are instilling a love of reading and improved reading skills. With better parent-child bonding from reading, your child will also be more emotionally secure and able to relate better to others. Intellectual performance will expand as well. Spending time together watching television fails as a substitute.

To help other parents apply this advice, as a parent of four I consulted an expert, our youngest child, and asked her to share with me her favorite books that were read to her as a young child. Rudolph's Second Christmas was one of her picks.

This book is the story of what happened in the year following Rudolph's famous trip with Santa Claus on that "foggy Christmas Eve." When Santa and Rudolph get back from some time off, they start reading thank you letters from children. Unfortunately, they find one complaint letter. They had missed two children with a circus who had been good. Rudolph volunteers to find out how they can avoid missing the children next Christmas. Along the way, he comes up with wonderful solutions that make the whole year better . . . as well as next Christmas.

The book's story line builds nicely around the problems that the children and some unusual animals perceive they have by being different. Rudolph shows them how differences become advantages when brought to bear in the right time and in the right place. So the original story's theme of overcoming being shunned because of being different using Rudolph as the example is much more thoroughly explored in this book. I like the idea of Rudolph taking that lesson and teaching it to others. In many ways, that makes this book more intersting and valuable than the original, well-beloved story.

Children are very aware of and critical about differences in other people and in themselves versus "the norm." This story gives you a nice chance to counterbalance that false conclusion that only sameness should be celebrated. In this way you can encourage your child to be both a keen observer of differences and an innovative thinker about how to turn them to advantage.

There is a television commercial out now that does this well, for example. Two groups of children are being formed into teams by having captains choose players. The assumption is that this will be a sports contest. One side is glad to get a large child, while another side is discouraged about getting a smaller one. Then the contest turns out to be a debate, and the team with the smaller child is ecstatic. That commercial is a good one to discuss in the context of this story.

After you have finished enjoying the story with your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or godchild, I suggest that the two of you have a discussion about what the child perceives of his or her differences as being disadvantages. Then think together about how those could be advantages instead. This will open up a whole new world of possibility for the child. You will be like Rudolph in dispelling the fog so that Christmas can come again this year.

Won't you guide someone's sleigh to greater self worth tonight?

By the way, it's great fun to read this book while playing a recording of the Rudolph song in the background at the same time.

Have a very Merry Christmas, and share the gift of good will with others.

If you do not celebrate Christmas, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season for what you do celebrate. May God be with you!

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and Hermey the elf are simple misfits in Santa's Christmastown. They set off together and manage to find others who also are unique individuals, e.g., Yukon Cornelius, the toys of the Island of Misfit Toys, and the Abominable Snowman ("Bumbles Bounce!"). You will see all the great characters from the classic TV program (with the exception of the Burl Ives narrating snowman). Sit back and read this little book to your favorite kids. It's a happy Christmas story of acceptance and love.

My 4 year old watched the classic Rudolph movie, and immediately wanted a book of the movie that we could read together. I am glad it was available through Amazon. She enjoyed it immensely. There wasn't an overload of words which could lose most preschoolers, and the story is true to the movie. It's a cliff-note version of course, but your little Rudolph fan will enjoy it all the same.

I was immediately drawn to this book since my sister gave me my middle name after her favorite saint, Saint Francis. The illustrations are beautiful, an important factor for those of us with young children since they will be more apt to enjoy a book with detailed pictures. The story is told by Saint Francis to the donkey to help him understand his place in the world. It provides parents a perfect opportunity to discuss how harmful pride can be and how God has given each of us a reason for living. The tale includes an explanation of the creation of the animals and why the donkey was chosen to carry Mary to Bethlehem. In the afterword, the author has also included a mini-biography of St. Francis and an annotated bibliography. A selection you must have to add to your Christmas reading traditions.

I bought this last year for my grandson. He loved it. He turned it over and looked for a gold sticker. He thought surely it had won an award. It has beautiful pictures of Assisi, and combines the story of creation with the Christmas story. I am now buying a copy for our church.

If you want a book that is filled with fantastic images and a story to captivate any Childs mind for minutes (That's a lot of time for a child you know, Parents understand this completely) Best way to satisfy a child and parent this Christmas! The illustrations are breathtaking and the story will blow your mind and crack you up.
MAKE SURE TO MARK THIS AS BUY ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST THIS YEAR!!!

Santa and Me is a beautifully illustrated children's book, with a fun look at Santa and his family. My daughter Gabi loved the illustrations and I myself found the book greatly entertaining. Every time I read the book to her we find something new hidden in it. I would suggest this to any parent looking for a fun new read with their child.

What a darling story for children (parents & grandparents) at the precious Christmas time of year. The poetry is smooth and grabs the attention of young ones, while bringing both Santa with presents and the birth of Christ to the audience. So rare today, combining both themes in a positive light. This short book will be packed with all of our favorite Christmas things, coming out just after Thanksgiving!

Our kids love Santa and hearing about how he brings toys at Christmas, but we want them to remember the true meaning of Christmas and this book is great for tying the two together. It is written entirely in verse, which our kids like, and is a quick enough read for even our 2-year-old to stay interested. I plan to give copies to friends for Christmas.

Read this to the five-year-old twice already, and expect to r3ead it lots more. The ten year old was delighted: she joined us and reread the book when we were done.

Recommended. You got to love those cows.

Those loveable Santa Cows take their human friends on a magic carpet ride to the islands! Tropical fun to keep the holiday spirit alive. You'll love the whole Santa Cow Series!

A very delightful and heartwarming book.

There are many examples in life of how certain people are able to capture the true essence of giving to others. Edward Snow was one of them.

The happiness and joy that Edward brought to the lighthouse keepers and their familes was priceless.

By TT reviewer Nancy Arant Williams

1932

Even as a youth, Edward Rowe Snow grabbed hold of life with both hands. After graduating from Harvard, he throws himself into a career as a history teacher, taking every opportunity to coax history to life for his students and acquaintances on Boston's richly historical coast. At every opportunity, he uses costume and prop to enhance his wonderful storytelling gift.

When he takes a summer job as a tour guide to local historic spots, he keeps tourists spellbound with his tales. Routinely, while telling a ghost story about The Lady in Black, he stands by a black casket. As he spins the yarn, the casket, as he ignores it, slowly creaks open, to the horror of onlookers, and a black clad woman rises--the ghost herself! An experience not soon forgotten!

Over time, he is intrigued by the history of the local lighthouses, and becomes acquainted with the lighthouse keepers and their families. He writes and has published their amazing stories. And it's clear to him, from the beginning, their dedication to keeping the lights burning also keeps them isolated, especially over long, frigid winters.

It isn't by chance that he meets a student, Bill Wincapaw, whose father, Captain Wincapaw gives Ed the chance of a lifetime, the chance to make history himself.

The captain invites Ed to ride along while they drop Christmas packages from a plane--to the excited lighthouse keepers and their families below.

From the first trip, Ed is hooked, returning year after year. When, after a few years, the student and his father move away, they bequeath to Ed the revered position of Flying Santa. But it's a [costly] proposition.

Ill-equipped to learn to fly, he and his wife, Anna Myrle, commit themselves to putting aside part of his small teaching salary each year to fund the gift purchases, special packaging, and the plane rental. No new car or nicer house for them. And each year, the tradition grows more precious to those Ed and Anna Myrle, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, bless with their inexpensive, yet priceless gifts. They drop packages filled with treasures--balloons, books, pencils, paper, magazines, candy, coffee and small toys, things the grateful families can ill afford.

As one of Ed's students, Tommy Gibbons has been a problem from the beginning. Always failing in school, and in trouble due to his violent temper, Tommy has made it clear he has no use for Ed's love of history, nor later, his flying Santa routine.

When Tommy, now a dangerous adult bully, confronts Ed, threatening his family, Santa begins to doubt the value of his commitment.

Ironically, Tommy is forced, as a punishment, to spend a year serving as lighthouse keeper on a tiny, lonely island off Boston's coast. How will he respond to Santa now?

Though Ed, Anna Myrle and the lighthouse keepers are gone now, the legacy of The Flying Santa lives on to this day, bringing hope when it's needed most.

As a lover of history, this reviewer found this story both endearing and memorable. Bernie Schallehn and John Galluzzo bring the charm of the past to vivid life, making you fall in love with their vibrant characters, people who actually lived and made their indelible mark on history. For those of us who fondly recall the past as a time when loving our neighbors was the 'in' thing to do, this tale will warm your heart.

A wonderful story of one small endeavor to change the world, through good times and lean, this one is truly unforgettable.

Hats off to Schallehn and Galluzzo for a remarkable and memorable story--a real keeper to curl up with on a cold winter night.