Festivals Books

My son's kindergarten teacher read this to them this week, and my son and I fell in love with it! A very different story for Halloween, and one that will have your child(ren) wanting to put THEIR jack-o-lantern in the garden instead of the trash, just to see what happens. Terrific story, beautiful illustrations - I'm here to buy several copies to give away as gifts.

My 6 year old son picked this book himself at the library, probably for the colorful, textured drawings but was soon glued to the story of Tim and the pumpkin he named "Jack". The story follows Tim and Jack through a year of seasons and the many physical changes in "Jack" until Jack disintegrates. Later, Tim notices a tiny sprout and later, a whole crop of pumpkins grow! Tim gives them all away except one which he names "Jack" of course.

This is a great little story, far removed from the frightful and cutie-pie ones that are so prevalent at Halloween. Pumpkin Jack is a jack-o-lantern who gradually collapses and dies after Halloween, as all do. We see the little boy through the seasons of his year, occasionally reminded of the old jack-0-lantern. In the spring, a tiny vine begins to grow where the old jack died. The vine, of course, grows pumpkins, which, in the fall, the boy gives away--all but one. Fine watercolor illustrations, which in some places are a bit rough, but the story more than makes up for them. This is what the death of nature in the autumn is all about, beautifully told, with a message of renewal in the end.

Pumpkin Jack is a magnificiantly drawn children's book. It's one of the books that you can relish viewing repeatedly. Very good feature since I anticipate having to read this out loud over and over again to enchanted children. The story is excellent.

Raisel's Riddle is outstanding because this Cinderella is not concerned with her appearance, nor is the rabbi's son. It is a wonderful twist to have knowledge be the commodity most valued!

Raisel is a Jewish girl that is orphaned and seeks work in a Rabbi's household. She attends a Purim dance, meets the Rabbi's son, and asks him a riddle. He seeks her, after the dance, to marry because of her intelligence. This is an adaptation of the story Cinderella. It is told about the Jewish holiday, Purim, which celebrates Esther, the Jewish queen of Persia. It preserves the essential qualities of a Cinderella story by having the girl orphaned, poor, kind, and marrying the "prince" of the story. It contains several references to Jewish words/phrases, such as Zaydeh, synagogue, rabbi, and Talmud. The illustrations match the text well by depicting what is written. The illustrations depict the characters in traditional dress of Jewish people for the date, when not wearing costumes for Purim .

There are so many different cultural adaptations of Cinderella, that I think it would be interesting to teach a unit with Cinderella as the theme. This could be a way to introduce the children to different cultures, while maintaining something that they are familiar with, Cinderella.

Raisel's Riddle is a story that gives profound meaning to the Cinderella fairy tale , Jewish-style. Instead of beauty being the criterion for selection of a wife, Raisel's intelligence and knowledge are the "charms" that win the heart of "Prince Charming," who in this story is a rabbi's son. Another irony is that instead of the woman having to pass the test of beauty, the man has to pass the test of intelligence and wit before Raisel agrees that he is fit to be her husband. Contrary to the feminist critique that Judaism is a system of patriarchal domination, including the idea that girls are not to be taught sacred lore in the same way as boys, Raisel, an orphan, grows up in the home of her grandfather, a Judaic scholar, who teaches her Torah and Talmud. "Get thyself at once to Amazon.com and buy this book." It is endearing and heartwarming.
Rabbi Fred V. Davidow

This is a Jewish version of the Cinderella story. Far better than the original in my opinion, because instead of something as random as shoe size, the key to discovering the heart-stealer is her riddle and her wisdom. This book stresses the importance of learning and is a wonderful romance at the same time. Beautiful!

With so many attacks on Christmas and on Santa Claus, this book is a breath of fresh air.
This man truly embodies not only the spirit of St. Nick but the true and real Christmas spirit. He relates how he got to be "Santa", stories about children and their parents, about his service to the disabled and about how children and adults do a double take when they see his real beard. Judging by the picture on the jacket of the book, I can see why. The man looks like Santa!
He also talks about the real miracle of Christmas, the birth of Jesus and how when Christmas is put in that perspective, it makes everything else about Christmas more wonderful.
It will make you laugh, it will make you cry but most of all, it will make you believe!

I was told about this book right before Christmas 2004. I bought two copies and sent one to my mom. We both read and cried about this book! This is such a heart-warming book! This brings back the magic of Christmas. I really loved the end where Santa tells us grown ups why he thinks Santa helps kids have faith. It teaches them to help others, to think of others, and puts God's love and face on a very special time of year. I really liked the part when Santa is talking to a young girl that is asking him how he flies. Santa tells her that with all of God's love, her Parent's love and her love, it gives Santa the magic he needs to fly on Christmas Eve. There were several things that Mr. Butchart shared in this book that my Husband and I will use when we have kids. If you have anyone in your life that thinks telling their kids that there is a Santa is lying to their kids tell them to read this book before telling their kids that. Also if you are one of those parents that ruin the magic of Christmas for their kids please tell them to keep the information to themselves. I can't tell you how many times I've had a niece, nephew, or family friends children come home crying because some kid at school told them there is no Santa. By reading this book you will understand that most of us use Santa to help us teach our kids about God. Its a very easy quick read. I bought several copies last year to give as gifts to all of our friends and family. My Husband was transferred to GA last year and my Christmas present was to go to Stone Mtn and see Santa!! I was so excited. I waited in line with all the kids and then it was finally my turn! I went and sat on Santa's lap and told him how my family really enjoyed his book. He said that he appreciated the compliments but had to share with me some sad news. On Christmas Day 2004 Santa's wife Annie Butchart passed away and this Christmas was very hard for him. His wife worked with him at Stone Mtn and was very active being Mrs. Claus. From reading his book it is very clear how much he cared for his wife even though I'm quite sure it doesn't even show the half of it. I wanted to share this news so you can appreciate the book a little more. Please buy this book and share it with everyone in your life. I have two copies so when we have guests during Christmas they can read the book and enjoy the season as much as I do.

Ed Butchart is an amazing man. The gift of love he brings to others through his ministry is amazing. The Red Suit Diaries is a wonderful heart-warming story that will surely make you laugh and cry!

This is an inspiring true account of one man's journey from Marine to real life Santa. Ed Butchart recounts moments in his life he choose to reach out to other people in need which is one of the true forms of giving. This book will move readers through laughter and tears as you meet many children (and some adults) who have shared their hopes and dreams with Santa. The similarity between Ed and Santa is uncanny from his photo in the back of the book to the fact he has been Santa for over 15 years at a park and has an organization that distributes wheelchairs to kids in need...this book is one you will give year after year to inspire and encourage those in your life.

R.R. Palmer's "World of the French Revolution" is an excellent account of how the French Revolution impacted Europe. Palmer shows how the ideals of liberty and equality swept into other European land with the help of French armies. Palmer also dispels many of the myths of the revolutionaries such as them being members of the Illuminati, or other secret societies. Instead he shows how most of the revolutionaries were more worried about the establishment and securing republicanism in France.

Palmer dives into the "revolutions" in the "sister republics" of Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Poland, Great Britian, and the United States. In Europe the Revolution collapsed the old order tearing down feudalism. Guilds, corporations, taxes, tithes, tariffs, and aristocracy were swept away. He also relates how the Revolution changed European society forever. His chapter on the US was very interesting. He shows how the "democrats" like Jefferson, Madison, and other republicans were avid supporters of the Revolution believing that republicanism everywhere depended on it's sucess. Overall an excellent study.

R.R. Palmer's The World of the French Revolution explores and extensively describes the origins and outcomes of the Revolution. What sets this often overlooked book apart from all other texts on the French Revolution, is its insiteful and intellectual commentary that is intertwined with extensive facts. The book is presented in an easily readable fashion that is not boaring(as are many other acclaimed Revolution texts). It is ideal for any upper level history student and teachers alike because the content is tremendously through.

Needless to say the history of the French Revolution that began in 1789 and, arguably, has not been completed yet has been looked at from every possible perspective, some of them noteworthy others merely cumulative. In Professor Palmer's little book I believe we have a noteworthy one although the good professor and I would not share the same reasons for that fact. A careful look, as here, at the influence of the French Revolution on Europeon politics, other national liberation movements of the time and the exigencies of military policy make this a worthy study.

At the end of 2007 we have been through a period when the American Bush Administration policy in the Middle East has seen as one of its aims the `export of democracy'; in the terminology of the French Revolution the `export of revolution'. I would also note that during the height of the Cold War with the former Soviet Union, particularly in the immediate post World War II period the `export of revolution' in that case, socialist, raised it head. Thus, the central point of Palmer's book in relationship to the French Revolution today offers some important historical lessons about that phenomenon.

Professor Palmer divides his work into sections dealing with the pre-revolutionary period, the immediate issues of the revolutionary and the significant period of the reign of the Committee of Public Safety in the 1793-94 period. Those parts are fairly common in most studies. What he does additionally is give space to the various external movements influenced by the French example and the policies of the various adversaries of the French. Further he ties the whole period together by giving a fair outline of the Directory period (basically 1794-99) that is overlooked or undervalued in most works and the policies of the various governments toward outside revolutionary movements. This is also the period when the various republics, French created or otherwise, spring into being.

If there is one definitive conclusion that drifts through the Professor's work it is that it is hard, extremely hard, to successfully export revolution, even world historic revolutions like the French one. For one thing history has shown more than one time disagreements on the question within the ruling strata of the revolutionary state. At various times, depending on internal French politics, there was hostility or indifference to those like, the Polish, who wished to emulate or come under French protection. Palmer gives us the highlights to further search for the relationship between local indigenous forces, the role of French military success on the ground and other governmental considerations that forced the creation of a least six French-like republics in the 1790's. This book is hardly the last word on the subject of the French `export of revolution' but it certainly is the first word. Read on.

R.R. Palmer's "World of the French Revolution" is an excellent account of how the French Revolution impacted Europe. Palmer shows how the ideals of liberty and equality swept into other European land with the help of French armies. Palmer also dispels many of the myths of the revolutionaries such as them being members of the Illuminati, or other secret societies. Instead he shows how most of the revolutionaries were more worried about the establishment and securing republicanism in France.

Palmer dives into the "revolutions" in the "sister republics" of Switzerland, Holland, Italy, Poland, Great Britian, and the United States. In Europe the Revolution collapsed the old order tearing down feudalism. Guilds, corporations, taxes, tithes, tariffs, and aristocracy were swept away. He also relates how the Revolution changed European society forever. His chapter on the US was very interesting. He shows how the "democrats" like Jefferson, Madison, and other republicans were avid supporters of the Revolution believing that republicanism everywhere depended on it's sucess. Overall an excellent study.

This is the story of 2 sock monkey. They are invited to a party! Join them as they get ready for it. The pictures are just too cute!

Even a craft idea is included!

I stumbled upon this in my local bookstore BookPeople, and I just loved it. Very cute!

ROCKO AND SPANKY GO TO A PARTY is a nice book cleverly illustrated by Jenna LaReau and written by Kara LaReau. The two animals are drawn with verve and their adventures transpire in a blaze of green and pink 50's inspired decor, though they have a hip-hop twist to their vocabulary speak which appeals to the young. I tried this book out with four kids of different races and all enjoyed watching the sock monkeys cavort to their own party; even the one little girl who spoke no English at all, laughed out loud at the two monkeys, Rocko and Spanky, hugging each other as tightly as they could, perhaps reminding the little girl of her childhood in Cambodia.

Kara LaReau should receive the Newbery Award for her work on this book. Farfetched? Not when you consider she was instrumental in securing a Newbery award for BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE. Her little creations have all the appeal of Curious George PLUS the animals of BABAR, lacking only the unique charm of the first and the majesty of the second. The Newbery, in case we forget, went to Hugh Lofting the Dr Doolittle author, so it is not out of the range of possibility to suggest that Rocko and Spanky deserve it too. And if the author gets an award, I vote also that we give one to sister Jenna, whose illustrations prove one more time the truth of the old adage, that you can throw everything but the kitchen sink into your drawings, but if there isn't heart there, than you have nothing. And she has heart to burn!

Check out the drawings of Rocko on skates or behind the wheel of his miniature Vespa. He's an excitable boy! Stand clear, here comes Rocko. In the meantime, his quieter twin Spanky looks at you with those big soft eyes and you melt a little, even a hard hearted old grownup like myself. Looking forward to the next adventures of these two. If Curious George could have fifteen books, why not thirty for Rocko and Spanky?

Rocko and Spanky are a couple of sock monkeys-twins, actually. They've been invited to a birthday party so they hop on their yellow motorcycle and zoom on down to the Gift-o-Rama to pick up the perfect gift. Rocko wants to buy something fast, flashy, and fun. Spanky prefers something a bit more glamorous. They finally settle on the perfect compromise: socks. (Which look suspiciously like themselves.) "Socks are so practical," says Spanky. "And SO us," says Rocko.

After deciding what to wear, they arrive to find the party is actually for them. They'd forgotten their own birthdays! Thanks to their friends, they are able to celebrate their special day in style.

The text includes a double-page spread titled "Rocko and Spanky's Wrapper's Delight." Here the pair demonstrate how to wrap presents the Rocko and Spanky way.

This buoyant, fast-paced tale was an instant hit with the first graders to whom we read it. The cartoon illustrations are done in a 50s retro style, complete with period details such as poodle prints, coconut monkeys, and the ever-present pink and green.

A deliciously fun retro-read. Who knew a couple of sock monkeys could be so hip? Highly recommended.

Artist's Discalimer: "No socks, monkeys, or sock monkeys were harmed during the making of this book. Honest."

Reviewed by the Education Oasis Staff.

Do you like books about dogs? If you do read Santa Paws Come Home and find out how he saves city people from every day mistakes. Huh? You may ask. He's a sensitive dog who helps people. But when the Callahans go on a vacation, he gets stolen by...... I'm not telling! They plan to drug and sell him! When he escapes he's in an unknown city! Will he get home? Will he get caught? Will he escape? Find out in this book. Use your mind and go on adventures with Santa Paws. Recommended for dog lovers.

by
Mickey

Santa Paw's rescue of a little boy is the top story on the news, but who ever knew it could lead to trouble?
When two local criminals go to drastic measures to steal Santa paws from his family's car the news programs go from reporting his amazing rescue to his horrible disappearance. Then Santa Paws wakes up in a strange car and, knowing he has to get home, escapes in the middle of a highway in New York City.
What with the dangers of cars, trains, and a few mean people, it's hard to believe that Santa Paws will ever make his way home by Christmas. But even when he's injured, lost, and fighting to get home he can't avoid helping many more people on his way.
With the help of a little black kitten who befriends him, will Santa Paws make it home for the holidays?

Santa Paws Come home, by Nicholas Edwards, is a very good book to read around the holidays, or just if your lounging on the beach. When the hero dog Santa Paws gets stolen and escapes, he finds himself in busy New York City. To make matters worse, Christmas is right around the corner! Can the beloved dog return to his family in Oceanport in time for Christmas?

This is an excellent sequel in the series of Santa Paws. The book starts out with Santa Paws' usual helpful rescue. This time the rescue is of a small boy, which in turn ends up on the TV news program. Santa Paws usual act of heroism gets him stolen by 2 local thugs, who are acting on the part of a rich man. Santa Paws manages to escape, but is bumbarded by traffic hazzards and the lost scent of his family and home. He continues to try to locate his home berrings, but as he does, he finds himself in one problem after another helping and saving a variety of different people along the way. Tired, injured, and hurt, Santa paws continues to scense his way home coming across and meeting a black kitten. This young kitten chooses to befriend Santa Paws and follows him until he finally mades his way home to the Callahans.

Mr and Mrs.Wakefield invite Mrs.Wakefield's sisters,Laura and Nancy along with their children,Robin,Stacey and Kelly for Thanksgiving and all they do is fight! Alice[Mrs.Wakefield] and her sisters fight,Elizabeth and Jessica fight, Robin and Stacey fight. I think one of them runs away over the fighting.

This was one of the best SVT books I've read! A great Thanksgiving story with a lot of bittersweet memories & a good deal of family stress that marks this time of the year. The book rivals a Baby-Sitters' Club book with its deep probe into the psychology & family dynamics & poignant parts. Interesting how Alice insisted that she & her sister NEVER fought, but when her sisters Nancy & Laura show up, they fight more than Elizabeth & Jessica & their cousins! All in all, it was a lot like a BSC book...a warm, touching family gathering, but imperfect with a poignant, bittersweet ending. The families of the BSC members end up with family gatherings like that. A great Thanksgiving read!

Good book. Could do a little bit more better. Jessica and Elizabeth are always fighting, that's true. Their mother admit that she and her sisters never fight, even once ! But on Thanksgiving Day, everything changes. Jessica and Elizabeth's aunts and cousins come to Sweet Valley to celebrate the big day. Somebody wake up early in the morning to do the stuffing. Some changes in the family history. It also changes the 'harmony' family who never quarrels. They conduct a war on a day which suppose to be happy and loving. Who stop it ? Jessica ? Elizabeth ? One of their cousins ? You'll just have to read it.

This is another extra-funny Sweet Valley Twin classic!Jessica and Elizabeths auntys are visiting and,despite Mrs Wakefields constant ramblings that she and her sisters never ever fought,the house is FILLED to the brim with arguments galore!It is really funny too,and the interaction between Jess +Liz and their cousins is fun and realistiuc as always,and yep we get to meet Robin again!

The best book I've seen on the subject!

As an anthropologist who teaches classes on Mexico, I use this book often. The "day of the dead" in Mexico exemplifies, for me, the difference between the U.S. culture and that of Mexico. Just as other cultures might find our U.S. Halloween celebrations strangely at odds with normally conservative Judeo-Christian religious observance, this book illustrates clearly the almost unfathomable blending of pre-Columbian cults of death and sacrifice with Spanish-Catholic traditions. Starting with its origins in Mexico's ancient civilizations, the book discusses and illustrates this observance through modern times, and takes the reader vicariously to the areas of Mexico in which it is most enthusiastically observed. Sit down with a cup of chocolate' and some "pan de los muertos" (bread of the dead), and enjoy a book whose topic you might have thought too morbid for your taste, but which you will probably end up finding much more compelling than repulsive. Unfortunately for me (but better for the publishing company!), I am about to order my 3rd copy of "Skeleton at the Feast"--apparently the students to whom I loan it find it too interesting to return!

I bought this book several years ago at the Museum of Mankind, in London. It was the book for the exhibition, which featured incredible paper sculptures of skeletons and demons.
I read every word of the book, and enjoyed the culture, history, and personal stories of these Mexican artists.
Buy it!

As an anthropologist who teaches classes on Mexico, I use this book often. The "day of the dead" in Mexico exemplifies, for me, the difference between the U.S. culture and that of Mexico. Just as other cultures might find our U.S. Halloween celebrations strangely at odds with normally conservative Judeo-Christian religious observance, this book illustrates clearly the almost unfathomable blending of pre-Columbian cults of death and sacrifice with Spanish-Catholic traditions. Starting with its origins in Mexico's ancient civilizations, the book discusses and illustrates this observance through modern times, and takes the reader vicariously to the areas of Mexico in which it is most enthusiastically observed. Sit down with a cup of chocolate' and some "pan de los muertos" (bread of the dead), and enjoy a book whose topic you might have thought too morbid for your taste, but which you will probably end up finding much more compelling than repulsive. Unfortunately for me (but better for the publishing company!), I am about to order my 3rd copy of "Skeleton at the Feast"--apparently the students to whom I loan it find it too interesting to return!

This book is fantastic. I have been reading it to my daughter for a couple of years now. We have read it so many times that I have half the book memorized. Definatley a must have!!

I have 2 sons, now ages 6 & 4, we've had this book for 4 years and for all four years we have read this book at least once EVERY SINGLE DAY! My 4 year old can even recite the book himself without even looking at the pictures. I hate to even admit this, but sometimes we are still reading this close to Thanksgiving (ssshhh please don't tell everyone, but we are all nuts for this book). I Love it, my sons love it, and we are all ecstatic to have tried this one out. I just hope we can find more of these for other holidays or this one might make it to Christmas this year :)

My 2 year old daughter absolutely loves this book. She has been reading it many times a day for over a month! It's a counting book too, and this one gets her counting better than her other books. I first got it from the library to familiarize her with the spooky stuff she'd start to see at Halloween time, and I didn't want her to be scared. It's an upbeat, friendly book, and now she likes ghosts, witches, and skeletons. I had to buy it because I couldn't renew it anymore!!

Witches, ghosts, wizards, and spiders are what make this book come alive. Counting down from twelve ringing bells to one big pumpkin pie, this book will keep the reader entertained through the whole story. In this book, the major characters are a dog and a cat that travel to a castle and meet many spooky creatures on their way. The dog and cat begin on their journey when they see twelve ringing bells that set the spooky, fun, and suspenseful mood of the story. Next, they meet eleven witches, ten friendly ghosts, nine skeletons, and eight spooky owls. The journey continues when the dog and cat see seven spooky-eyed cats, six trolls, five fat spiders, and four wizards. When the dog and cat arrive at the castle, three men in armor meet them at the front gate. Mitch and Titch, the witchy twins, meet them at the front door with one big pumpkin pie. The Halloween party begins, food is served, and games are played. After everyone is partied out, they all go home and go to sleep. This book is very fun and energetic. Any child would love this Halloween adventure.

Everything I've tried has come out scrumptous! Even at altitude it all came out perfect! My "flat land " friends also love this book!

I originally purchased 5 copies of this beautiful cookbook to give as holiday gifts. Most of the recipients live in Colorado and they loved having adjustments for high altitude cooking. This is a great addition to any cooks collection for wonderful recipes at any altitude.

This cookbook is fabulous! I received it as a gift for my birthday last year and love cooking out of it. I can barely cook, but this cookbook is so easy to use!!! I highly recommend this book to anyone, but it is a great gift for college students, family, and friends!

Steamboat Seasons: A Medley of Recipes Celebrating the Flavors of Steamboat Springs with Strings in the Mountains Music Festival This has become my favorite cookbook. Easy and unusual recipes - every one I've prepared is delicious! I love the way it is divided into the seasons of the year, with fascinating vignettes, beautiful pictures, as well as restaurant recipes from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This book has become one of my favorite gifts to give, and is always appreciated!