Festivals Books

for this well-researched series. Grabien has a gift for writing scenes that are spooky without being gratuitous.

I'm sorry, but I frequently save books that I buy from Amazon to read at a future date. This is such a one. I'm sure it's excellent, however, because I've read all the author's other books.

Grabien is a consistently delightful writer, and with "Matty Groves" she not only continues her Haunted Ballad series but improves on it, upping the ante with her scariest ghost yet.

When authors produce a series of novels they tend to fall into patterns in their writing, and the action can get very predictable. Grabien avoids that trap in "Matty Groves"; although main characters Ringan and Penny once again run into a ghost connected to an old folk tune, this time around the threat is more serious and the tactics they used to cope before won't work. Grabien's clever solution to the problem of how to get rid of the ghost is unexpected and yet logical.

As with the two previous books in the series ("The Weaver and the Factory Maid" and "The Famous Flower of Serving Men"), "Matty Groves" combines historical and contemporary fiction into one entertaining story. You don't have to have read the two previous books in the series to understand and enjoy this one, although I'd still recommend reading them in order if you can.

Ever since I was a little girl, I loved ghost stories. I love mysteries and thrillers too and Deborah Grabien has married both genres perfectly in MATTY GROVES. I can guarantee you that if you get a copy of this book you'll be hooked right in. Folksinger Ringan Laine and Penny Wintercraft-Hawkes, who are back from Ms. Grabien's first to outstanding ghostly efforts, are once again involved in a ghostly mystery. The ghost in this story is a pretty malevolent character, some chilling stuff you're going to love to read about.

Ringan and his band Broomfield Hill, have been invited to play at the Callowen Arts Festival at Callowen House in Hampshire and a visit to an old manor brings Ringan and his actress lover Penny face to face with a ghost once again, a ghost who can kill and this is not good, well not good for Ringan and Penny, but plenty good for the reader who will not be able to put this book down.

Musician Ringan Laine returns home to Sommerset, England to find that he and his group Broomfield Hill are invited to perform at the Callowen House Arts Festival. He eagerly accepts the invitation and takes his girlfriend Penny Wintercroft-Howles with him. Residing there is the benign ghost of Lady Susanna who was murdered in August 1629 unlike the two spirits Ringan and Penny exorcised last year who were not as benevolent.

When they arrive, Jane, a member of the band, dreams that she is Lady Susana brutalized by her beloved husband's cousin Andrew. Ringan is possessed by Andrew and almost rapes Penny, hurting her ear and mouth. He is a malevolent incubus and can cause death to the living so he must be stopped before that happens. Penny, who is the power source that wakes him up, feels it is her responsibility to get rid of this evil; with the help of her lover they research records to learn the truth about what happened over three centuries ago so they can send him to hell where he belongs.

Although the antagonist is a ghost, he is just as evil, malevolent and sadistic as the most deranged mortal killer. He plays a major role in the storyline as the protagonists struggle to stop the evil that he perpetrates. The love between Ringan and Penny is so strong that she knows immediately it is not her lover who is hurting her but someone using his body. The investigation to learn the facts about what happened to Lady Susanna is a journey through historical forensic records and it is fascinating to see the pieces come together. Deborah Grabien has written a great mystery wrapped around a terrifying ghost story.

Harriet Klausner

I don't think there a Maisy book that I would give less than 5 stars to! My 2 year old has loved Lucy Cousins books since she was 6 months old. Maisy is simple, sweet and to the point. The fun little mini edition is easy for little hands.

I was skeptical that a full sized Maisy flap book could be reproduced as a miniature, but they actually pull it off. Every time you turn the page, there are 2 - 4 flaps to open, as well as the occasional pull tab. Open the oven to check the cookies, open Maisy's Christmas cards to see who they're from, or peek under the bed covers to find Panda -- they're very creative and not always conspicuous.

As other reviewers have noted, the focus is largely on Maisy buying, wrapping, baking and decorating for when her friends come to visit Christmas morning. Tallulah comes complete with a sparkly silver dress and panties that say "jingle bells" -- one of the more interesting flaps I've seen!

The paper is sturdy, but imho, the flaps tend towards the petite and are a bit on the fragile side -- I'm amazed my rough 2 yr old hasn't ripped any off yet. All in all, though, a thoroughly charming book conveniently sized for a stocking. My daughter *loves* it.

My 2.5 yr old loves this book....It does focus mostly on the material side of the Holiday (much ado is made about getting the presents, wrapping them, making the dinner, the tree etc)....but honestly at this YOUNG age THAT is exactly what makes her so excited about Christmas!!!....You don't need every Xmas book to teach about religion...I think that fact that it DOES center on the stuff that for kids make this time of year so exciting is exactly WHy she loves it so much....

I think it is a very well made book...great colors, flaps and pull tabs.....As an adult , I enjoy reading it to her....

If your child loves Maisy or just Christmas - this is the book for them. Cute lift-flaps and story keep them entertained. My daughter loves to read this one over and over!

This is a good Christmas book for a younger toddler or child. Although it is not a board book, the pages are made of a heavier paper stock and will withstand some abuse. Maisy's Christmas story is consistent with the style of her other books: lots of bold primary colors and simple illustrations that younger children seem to prefer. Throughout the book, there are also flaps to lift and shiny objects. Overall, if you like the Maisy books, I'm sure that you will find this one a good addition to your Christmas collection.

My only mild complaint is that the focus of the book seems to be entirely on the material side of Christmas with presents taking center stage. I know that this book is for very young children, and I'm not suggesting that every book have a heavy handed message, but it would be nice for more books to touch on the larger spirit and message of Christmas.

This is a great Christmas story from Tomie dePaola, author of the Strega Nona series. If you have not read Strega Nona yet, I would recommend that you start with that book, so that you are familiar with the characters and all the personality traits that they possess--especially Big Anthony. But, even of you have not read the original book, you will still enjoy the heartwarming Christmas story that focuses more on the meaning of Christmas than your typical Christmas stories that focus on gifts, Santa, and reindeer.

Strega Nona always hosts the entire town at her home for a Christmas celebration, and refuses to use her "magic" to get her work done during the holiday season, because she just does not think it is the right thing to do. As the season progresses throughout the Advent, Big Anthony is supposed to be going to town to buy things to help prepare for another Christmas celebration. But, along the way he gets "sidetracked" and Strega Nona fears that Christmas will be ruined because he has failed to get the items she needs to prepare for her dinner. I don't want to give away the rest of the story, but rest assured, that the true meaning of giving is told, and children will learn a gentle lesson about the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas.

I got this book from my local library whiloe searching through the Tomie dePaola section, but plan to buy my own copy so that we have it to ready every year during the Christmas eason. You and your children will thoroughly enjoy this book.

"Merry Christmas, Strega Nona" is an amazing book! Written and illustrated by Tomie de Paola, it's exciting and will keep you curious as to what happens next! Strega Nona is throwing a feast for all the people in her town, but will she have all the things she needs and have them ready by Christmas Eve? Read this book to find out!

This is another wonderful book by Tomie de Paola - simple but powerful message, beautiful illustrations, great story. As usual, wise Strega Nona teaches Big Anthony (and us) an important lesson.

For Italian-American families (and anyone interested in other cultures), there is the added bonus of having a number of Italian words and Christmas traditions included in the story - from baccala to zampognari. It is great to be able to share these things with our children. And hey, if Strega Nona likes it, can baccala (dried codfish) be all that bad?

I highly recommend other Tomie de Paola Christmas books: The Legend of Old Befana, Jingle the Christmas Clown, and The Clown of God.

Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) is getting her house ready for the Christmas Eve feast, she gives every year to the people of Calabria. In fact she not the only busy that she needs help, Bamblolona helps her father the baker out at his bakery, because the people of Calabria has been asking for special cakes and cookies. That the baker can't find time to sit in the square with his friends. And Strega Nona doesn't have time to cure headaches, make love potions and get rid of warts. Every day she sends out her dishonest helper Big Anthony to get something for her. And every day he has to change the water to be nice and soft and not too salty for the Christmas stew. And Big Anthony keeps asking Strega Nona to use her magic to do it. And she keeps answering him, "No Magic at Christmas Time". Read the book to see if Strega Nona gets the food ready in time for the feast.

I love this book. My family always reads this book when christmas is coming up. This book is about Strega Nona getting ready for christmas. She has everything ready, but then something happens. To find out read this book. If you like this book also read another christmas book called The Poinsetta by Tomie De Paola.

My early reader wasn't interested in reading any more for the day when we started this book, but each page is so funny that she just had to keep going to find out what happened on the next! The story is amusing for adults, too, and as a read-aloud for pre-readers. As a parent, I appreciate the fact that the humor is not rude humor, which appears so often in contemporary fiction.

My mother in law checked this book out at the local library for our 2 year old daughter. It is absolutely her favorite book and she cannot part without it. We went back to the library today to renew it for the last time and she was on the verge of tears, so I'm buying it now. It's a great story and we read it to her every night.

This is a fascinating book. I hope she writes more stories about the monster. I can see all kinds of possibilities.

I do think it can be classified as a story to read as well as an easy reader. My grandchildren who cannot read think it is wonderful.

This book has become a new favorite in our house. It is witty, funny (to adults and children) and beautifully touching. My daughters love giving copies of the book to friends as gifts. Everyone we've bought it for has loved it!

This is a definite "must-have" for the bookshelf! The story's delightful premise will engage even the youngest reader. Children will giggle at the monster's antics and Annie's dilemna.

The author has done a wonderful job creating fun read-aloud story with sentences that lend themselves beautifully to the eager ears and eyes of children ready to gobble up a love for reading.

I purchased this book along with several others along the same vane for my Grand Daughters. age 2 and 4 to eventually enjoy as I know they will. I am their Gran Pa and are really looking forward to reading it to them when they are old enough. Great illustrations which go great with a twist of the tale....

A very enjoyable book! Our kids laughed along with us as we all learned about "The Monsters." I look forward to buying other books by Marilyn.

This is a great book. The illustrations are fantastic. My fifth grade class loves it!

Once I opened this book I could not put it down. Sure, it's a kid book, but adults will enjoy it too. I'm a big fan of Gris Grimly's artwork, and this book is a showcase. There is a lot of detail in his pictures, so you can just sit and study the pages for a while. The little poems are nice too, but for me, the artwork is what sold it. If you like monsters, you will love this book!

Singer and Grimley have offered a disturbing look into what makes children tick. While presenting themes of exploration into what makes us frightened they have revealed the horrible duplicity of children's literature - good clean kiddie fun and the conflict with societal pressures as defined by what lurks in the closet/future.

Singer's poetic skills are not enough to release the monster within. Grimly, however, skillfully makes the whole message possible. His art focuses the reader's attention to the horrors at hand. The graphic depictions implying the grotesqueness of rote learning are on display for all to judge.

This book will be a delight for both young children and adults with Phd's in litural critique.

My son has recently began wanting more complicated books when we are reading and I found these while searching on Amazon. I purchased them and am very pleased.

The story line is simple but follows a natural, building progression that some of the other "early readers" lack. The short simple chapters have allowed me to introduce a more advanced format to my son and I feel has really enabled him to progress to more complicated story concepts.

I am looking forward to picking up the rest of the series and would definately recommend it to others.

This is one of a series of Mr. Putter books. I am a teacher and my first through third graders love this old man and his cat. I find that Mr. Putter and his neighbor Mrs. Teaberry with her dog, Zeke, help children to appreciate older people and to understand what aging involves.

I loved these books about Mr. Putter and is cat. They were the books i learned to read from. I always asked for the new ones that came out and read them all the time.

Mr. Putter decides he wants to celebrate his birthday in spite of being "too old" to do so. The humor comes to you through the story and the drawings.

Mr. Putter really wants to have a party for his birthday but he thinks that he is too old. He waits and waits for his friend from next door to come over with a surprise! When she arrives he finds that his birthday wish has come true. She brought cake, balloons and a gift! Happy Birthday Mr. Putter!

The cartoon- like illustrations in the book are really funny. Tabby is a cute kitty that always has a cute expression on her face.

This is a great book for early readers. There are pictures on every page and only a few sentences to each page as well.

What's more fun than a pop-up book? And this one is not only delightfully crafted with tabs to pull and wheels to turn. Its colorful, folk-art illustrations have an innocent reverence that is warm and appealing. We see and interact with scenes of the angel appearing to Mary; no room at the inn; the birth of Jesus in the stable; the angels appearing to shepherds; the wisemen following the star; and the wise men presenting their gifts. The brief text is surrounded by lovely, decorative borders. A treat for young and old!

This is a lovely book to share with children. The artwork is beautiful and the pop-up pictures are great to use in recalling the message of Christ's birth. It holds the young child's attention and allows the child or reader to expand on the details of what is portrayed on each page. We enjoyed this book and will continue enjoy it for years to come.

This is another example of beautiful pop up paper art. It truly is art, so wonderfully done. My almost 5 year old enjoys pop up books and is responsible enough to know that you have to be very careful with them. We added this one to our collection right before Christmas this year. The corresponding story is short enough to hold his attention also.

Fantastic Book, I can use it for my Sunday School Class. They can enjoy the story while looking at the pop Ups. You know the old saying "One picture is worth a thousand words", and in this case it is so true. thanks, Muriel Carter

This book is a real gem! The pictures are like Renaissance art tableaux. They 'move' when the slides are pulled, so small children are very intrigued by the book and eagerly waiting to see what will move next. (The pictures are sufficiently fragile that we do not let our 2- and 4-year-olds pull the slides yet.) We have included this book in our Advent activities. It is my favorite of the ten or so Nativity-themed books that we use.

The other book that I love:Who Is Coming to Our House? (Board Book) is told from the perspective of the inhabitants of the stable. Who is Coming to Our House's unique perspective and its lovely rhymes that won me over -- not the artwork. (It tells only a portion of the Nativity story.)

FYI.... While the art in The Nativity is truly awe-spiring, it is probably not the best book for conveying all of the 'facts' of the Christmas story. This book is more of a supplement to other event-by-event chronicles of the tale.

I have been a Pagan for over 20 years, and in that time I have read scores of Pagan and Pagan related books, dozens of which claiming to be "Advanced" or "Beyond the Basics" or "What Next" kind of books. Of all those titles, and of all of that reading, I think I can safely say this is the ONLY book I have read that qualifies as "Advanced" learning, without even claming to be so!

I design and lead ritual in my own coven, and have designed and lead public rituals for various local groups and for Pagan Pride Day in our area. I've been extremely happy with some of the rituals I've written/participated in, and other I've felt were a little flat. When those times have happened I was left scratching my head as to exactly *what* was missing.

This book really sheds some light on areas anyone designing rituals could use. Although written for people designing `large public' rituals, I can easily see how the ideas presented here in this book will help me for my small coven rituals as well.

Who should buy this book?

* Anyone who wants to improve the strength and power of their rites
* Anyone who wants a better understanding of *good* ritual design
* Anyone who cares about the research behind what they are reading
* Anyone who wants to know *why* certain things are done in the context of ritual with actual experience, and explanations as to why, and no FBC
* Anyone who wants more from a book then `by rote' instruction (ie. Now pick up Athame A and insert into Cup B and repeat the following...)
* Anyone who wants a valuable tool in helping to prepare rituals for years to come.

Mr. Bonewits, thank you so much for writing this book! This one goes right into my recommended reading list for students ready to start writing their own rituals.

This is an enormously practical book, rich in accounts of actual experience. I recommend it very highly to everyone. Even Egyptian reconstructionists , Feraferians, high church Wiccans, Asatru, and Neo-Romantics who sometimes disdain the label "Neo-Pagan" will find much practical, valuable advice here. Bring the book home in a plain brown wrapper if you must, but buy it, read it, and grow richer. For beginners it provides an absolutely critical comprehensive introduction to a vast complex subject, one which will continue to be valuable as one's accomplishments grow. What Isaac has to say on the existence of God(s) is more perceptive than anything you read in Philosophy class, and the answer he comes up with is: yes.

Some may find the idea of this book off-putting, thinking that they don't need anybody telling them how to worship. Some will say, "Religion is emotional! I don't want to read about it, I just want to do it." But, there is a great deal of value here regardless of your mindset. Isaac has a lot to say about the need for faith and spontaneity in ritual. With the intention of achieving consensus on the meaning of terms, the book begins with a broad, analytical, brilliantly perceptive survey of religion and religious practice that ought to be required reading for every religious person on earth. Much of it agrees with things I have written myself, but Isaac and I have not compared notes. Isaac and I have come to many of the same conclusions from studying the same subject from the same analytical viewpoint.

One point Isaac does not elucidate is the concept of spiritual orgasm. That is, or ought to be, the goal of every religious gathering, the furthering of spiritual orgasm in the participants. Spiritual orgasm, like other kinds of orgasm, is accompanied by increase in heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, and often visual disturbances and hallucinations, resulting in an overwhelming sense of release. While some of us have little ones at rare intervals, the big ones experienced by Paul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus; or by Joseph Smith in Palmyra, New York; or by Juan Diego in Mexico in 1531 have, if not changed the course of history, certainly profoundly affected many millions of people. But in our rituals, little ones are perhaps more practical and better for domestic tranquillity and the stability of civilizations.

Really good read for someone wanting to understand magic better. Clearly written and interesting, to the point always. Explains the why of it well. Great sense of humor. I would buy more of his books having read this one.

This is the single most valuable resource about Pagan rituals I've laid my hands on. Bonewits makes some persuasive arguments for the cultivation of the art of liturgy and provides useful hints. Although I was slightly put off by the occasional anti-Christian puns, he still gives some good clarifications for Pagan theology. Just remember that people who left the church tend to be biased and don't take these parts as holy writing.

"Neo Pagan Rites" Is by far the best book I have read in quite a while.
It really got me thinking about how my rituals are put together and ways to make them better for everyone. It got me thinking about aspects I would have otherwise overlooked. I recommend this book to any Priest/ess old and new.

As an elementary literacy coach I found this book to be a wonderful addition to my December booklist. This story tells the tale of one family's Christmas Eve tradition of placing food on and around a special tree in the forest each year for the animals. Beautiful illustrations add to the story. This book lends itself to discussion of other family traditions. I used it with all elementary grade levels and we made food for the birds to be hung in the trees around our playground, wrote class and individual poems, and the upper grades wrote personnal narratives about their family traditions. A great way also for parents to think about a family tradition of their own.

I'm a 3rd grade teacher and my kids loved the setting and language of the story. It was an excellant book to enhance future writings about holiday traditions.

This is a neat story about a family's Christmas tradition. Every year, they troop out into the forrest to decorate their night tree, a living pine Christmas tree. The night tree is festooned with edible decorations. After the family enjoys the magic of the decorated tree, they depart, knowing that the friendly critters who inhabit the woods will enjoy the decorations as a Christmas time snack.

The book introduces an interesting family "tradition" and teaches the concept of tradition as well as doing for others (the gifts of food for the animals). It is a warm story that brings smiles to young faces.

This lovely book is a favorite at any time of the year, though it centers around one family's Christmas Eve tradition. My kids have asked if we can start decorating a tree in the woods, too! The illustrations are gorgeous (Ted Rand is one of our favorites) and the writing makes you slow down and savor the unfolding of this simple, but sweet story.

I'm an elementary ed. major and this book is also good to read to kids who don't celebrate Christmas because although the family decorates a tree there isn't any mention of a particular hoilday. The title even lends to this fact.

Old Dog Cora is a wonderful Newfie story about a family learning the importance of respecting and encouraging the spirit of an older dog.

We borrowed this book from the library for our 3 yr old, and immediately fell in love with the artwork, wonderful descriptions, and the heart-warming story of an old dog in with a puppy attitude. We just had to own a copy! For anyone who's ever owned a dog or cut your own Christmas tree in the forest (or hopes to do either), this is a great book.

This is my favorite Christmas story featuring a dog.The spirit of the season is love and understanding,and that is shown so eloquently as Cora is not left out of the annual pulling of the Christmas tree sleigh in spite of her aging body. She is allowed to have her traditional role,but without the weight of the sleigh on her harness, sparing her from overexertion,or worse---from failure. It is a beautiful lesson in compassion and in the importance of feeling useful and needed, especially as we age. And if you have ever loved an aging dog, this story will bring a tear to your eye. This book is worth seeking out despite its out of print status.

I had purchased a book, "The Wreck of the Ethie" that my 11 year old son had absolutely loved. It was recommended to read by a list from Courtney Lewis. Since the entire family had enjoyed that book so much, we decided to try "Old Dog Cora". We were not disappointed The illustrations were lovely and the story heart-warming. This book is a welcome addition to our family library.

Consie Powell should be commended for this fabulous work. The pages filled with her woodcut illustrations could be framable art, and they truly enhance the compelling story. Cora, the oldest of three Newfoundlands, wants to help with pulling the annual Christmas tree home on a sled, but her people won't let her! They don't understand her attempts to help. This would be a great book to discuss the importance of inclusion and how sometimes people (and dogs) can misunderstand each other. The Newf enthusiast will appreciate the artistic depictions of this noble breed.