Christmas Books

This is one of the best books ever! Our family has enjoyed this book for years! Sometimes we even act out the parts. It is so entertaining. It started us on a Nicholas Allan kick where we seek out his books. Some are rather irreverent, such as The Queen's Knickers, but all in good fun. Jesus' Christmas Party is the best one.

This charming story gives a realistic spin to how things really might have been out there in Bethlehem. It makes me laugh everytime I read it, and it makes a wonderful skit that our family loves to put on at Christmas time

I love this book. I bought three, two to give away and one to keep. I have it sitting on the coffee table. People pick it up, think it's a cute kid's book and read through it. I can always tell when they get to the end...there is a little sigh and a look of peace! It reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. That our lives are hectic, just as the inn keepers night was, but he took time to celebrate the baby's birth!

The simple line drawings are accessilble to all. the innkeeper certainly didn't know what he was in for when he let Mary and Joseph use the stable. Despite the bright light and all the interruptions the innkeeper finally gets in the spirit of things. A short, sweet look at the joy everyone had at the birth of a special baby.

The poor inn keeper keeps getting woken up because two tired travelers need a place to stay, they need blankets, there is a bright light in the sky, three wise mencome looking for a baby...finally he storms down to the barn to give them a piece of his mind but stops when he sees the "lovely" baby. In his excitement he runs and wakes all the people staying at the inn to tell them about the baby!

If you are one of those Christmas cooks always looking for the definitive book on Christmas cookies, look no further. The Joy of Cooking : Christmas Cookies is the answer. You will not need another book. It is simple to read and use and has every special dropped, rolled, refrigerated cookie you will ever want to cook for Christmas. A real sleeper.... that all cook book collectors need to have.

I've used this cookie book when making holiday cookies for family and friends for the last several years, and the results have always been a huge hit. Too often Christmas cookies look great but taste terrible - not something to worry about with this book. I particularly recommend the Cranberry-Cherry Pinwheels. They are delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare. However, be forwarned that most of the recipes in this book are also found in the new Joy of Cooking. Joy is great and much more comprehensive. I'd recommend taking a look at it before buying this book.

This book has super recipes. I've tried most of them, and they all work great. The illustrations and pictures are very helpful. It's also good reading, as the quality of writing is very good.

I have used this book time and time again, and not only for Christmas. The recipes are accurate, easy and great. The color photos really show how the recipes should look and they will! I have made more that a dozen different types of cookies from this book and each one was good if not great. The only problem I have with this book is that the ingredients are written into the directions. This makes it a little more time consuming when you are trying to get your recipes ready before the actual assemble and baking process. A minor set back for a really great book.

As the designated Christmas cookie baker in my family, I was given this book about three years ago. It's a wonderful resource for new ideas and rediscovering old favorites. I heartily recommend the snickerdoodles and the orange ginger wafers.

A great book for the child who loves cats.

author of "Hobo Finds A Home"

When Alex loses her kitten it seems like another terrible thing that happens to her after the disease she already has. Fortunately the Adam Hope family comes down with a plan not only to find the little cat but also to collect money to send her to have treatment in London. This is a very cute cuddling story that will make you cry.

Kitten in the Cold
By: Ben M Baglio

This heartwarming story is about Alex Hastings who is sick in Europe. For a Christmas gift Alex and her family are going to America for the operation. Three days before Christmas, Amber, the cat, is missing. Can they find her, or will she freeze?

I like this book because it has excitement. It takes you and draws you in. It's sad when Amber is missing. I like Mandy in this book because she will do anything to save an animal in need.

I think the main idea in this book is that friendship never ends. Alex doesn't want to leave Amber in Europe. See if Alex will solve her problem! Ben Baglio makes you think about your cat or pet and makes you wonder if your pet would run away in the freezing cold.

Mandy and James meet a very ill little girl named Alex who has a beautiful kitten named Amber. Alex has to go to America for a very serious operation, but won't go until she finds Amber, her kitten, because she is too worried about her. Will Mandy and James be able to find Amber to make Alex feel better about getting her operation?

This is an absolutely fabolous book! One of the best books I have ever read! Here is what it is about: Mandy Hope and James Hunter work at The Animal Ark Veterinary Clinic in Welford, England. It is Christmas time. When an ill Alex Hastings {she has a severe heart problem} has to fly to the United States to get an operation, her beloved cat, Amber, mysteriously vanishes. Can Mandy and James find the lost kitty before Christmas Eve, or is she lost forever? Find out in this funny, tense, heartwarming story that deserves 4 paws up!

Loved these simple writings about special memories of the Christmas of different Latinamerican authors. Simple enough to share with our children during Christmas season so they can have a bite to our typical celebrations and learn more about our roots. Christmas is a season of devotion, parties, and just special realities that mix together bringing about our unique typical lives. Recipes, songs, poems our typical way. It is plainly: typical. Excellent.

Brought tears to my eyes as I remembered when I, as a child, would get up before the first rays of tropical light to participate as an altar boy in all the early morning services, and then go have breakfast at someone's house and quickly head back home to put on my school uniform before starting the day. Thanks for rekindling those long lost memories.

Las Christmas is a collection of stories celebrating Latino families and the celebrations around Christ's birth. Although many of the stories are full of warmth and happiness, (and recipes), there are a few with sadness and the poignant remembrances of poverty. This book is a must for Spanish teachers, like me, who want to try to capture the true "flavor" of La Navidad.

I bought this book for my daughter and before I wrapped it,I started browsing thru it. The different memories of Christmas past bought tears to my eyes when I recalled my 1st Christmas in Puerto Rico. It was so exciting going door to door and greeting our neighbors with "Parandas". The recipes included are an excellent way of passing our LATIN TRADITIONS down from generation to generation. What a great gift for anyone who is interested in how different cultures enjoy Christmas or for anyone who would like to learn to cook traditional holiday food. Recipes are very "reader friendly".

Such a fun read, even the sad stories since they, too, are part of our shared history. Can't wait to make the pernil. Helped me understand the crazy notion of "asalto" that I grew up with but had no idea was cultural in nature; I just thought my Dad was nuts. As a second generation "born here" there was so much I had an inkling about but this book taught about our history and traditions in the best way possible - through food and music, tears and laughter.

If your kids like cat or animal stories, and know the nativity story, they'll love this little tale of mother-and-child cats intersecting with the Christ-child-in-a-manger.

Lovely and unique illustrations. A good Christmas present, for sure.

This book is a sweet and special addition to anyone's Christmas book collection, and especially for those who enjoy reading to young ones--or who love cats! Leona Novy Jackson's tale of a little kitten who is missing from the stable where the infant Jesus later is born, is sure to appeal to little ones. It has eye-appealing wonderful woodcuts by Kelly Dupre which exude the simple joy of the story; my daughter and I had fun searching for the kittens on the pages where they appeared. (The image on this page does not do justice to the vibrant colors on the cover; and the sturdy hardcover features a matching image beneath the dustjacket--very nice.) This book is an interesting variation of the much-beloved Christmas story and reinforces the reality of the story for young children simply by NOT focusing on it, but on the cat family instead. Finally, there is an illustrated glossary in the back of the book, giving easy-to-understand descriptions of the Christian symbols that were in the artwork (such as, the Stable, Holly, etc.). This is another distinctive feature and older kids will want to read it through, as well as the adults. All in all, a great read-aloud book or one you will find your little one paging through on his or her own just for the fun of it. If you like to invest in quality books, this is a must for the Christmas collection!

Legends associated with cats and Christmas have been with us for centuries. There are songs, stories, and poems with cats using the Christmas theme. You will find pictures of cats and kittens on Christmas greeting cards and ornaments. This remarkable story tells of a mother cat anxiously looking for her smallest kitten. She had searched everywhere in the stable. At the sound of two strangers entering the stable, mother cat jumps into a manger to hide. To her surprise she finds her lost kitten sound asleep. She quickly and stealthily returns the kitten to her hiding place in the hay.

During the night the miracle of Christmas took place. The Christ child was born and placed in the manger. "Now, down through the history of cat kingdom, mother and father cats tell this story to their kittens. They tell about the night Baby Jesus slept in the same manger the little kitten had found for its bed."

This heartwarming story is enhanced by the woodcut illustrations of Kelly Dupre. The pictures are child like in character, imaginative, quaint, and colorful. This combination of narrative and art make this a delightful story for reading to children, ages three through seven in observation of the Christmas season. An added feature of the book is a glossary describing many familiar Christmas symbols. I highly recommend that church and public libraries add this book to their selection of seasonal resources.

Parents will experience an exciting, fresh joy of reading as they share this delightful book, about the legacy of the cat family and the birth of Christ, with their children.

"On the holiest of night long, long ago, the animals in the stable were restless..." Thus begins this engaging Christmas picture book that will capture the imagination of young children.

The Littlest Christmas Kitten tells the story of a mother cat who is frantically searching for her little kitten in a very special stable... the stable where Baby Jesus is born. But where could the kitten be possibly hiding?

The illustrations, with their earthly colors, are interesting and original and capture the setting and the `essence' of the story well. The language evokes a warm feeling of serenity and peaceful beauty very appropriate for `the holiest of nights.' At the end there's an illustrated glossary of Christmas symbols related to the kitten's tale.

This is a book that both teaches and delights, and that will make a lovely gift for a young child.

"The Littlest Christmas Kitten" is a very special picturebook retelling of the Nativity story where youngsters ages 3 through 7 can feel the restless anticipation of the animals and the worried concerns of mother cat for her little lost kitten. The lost is found in the midst of a miracle on a special night when Jesus is born and the first Christmas occurs. Kelly Dupre's superb artwork wonderfully enhanced Leona Novy's original and entertaining story about the love and care mothers have for their little ones -- and the birth of the Baby Jesus. Enhanced for young readers with a short word list about Christmas, "The Littlest Christmas Kitten" is wholeheartedly recommended for parents wanting something seasonal to read to their children, and for any community library's Christmas picturebook collection!

This book is really great. Read it!

Mandie and her best friend are going up to visit their friend Jonathan in New York. Of course Mandie finds a mystery and they get invloved in many mysterious things. Mandie and Jonathan get trapped on a roof, Mandie is sick, they're late for dinner and they see snowball(mandies cat) below about to fall and die! What will they do? read it and find out!

It's Christmas time, and Mandie is having everyone come over for the holiday. But she is unsure about Jonathan and Joe getting along, and she is quite sure that this is going to be a very interesting vacation!
But then a mysterious package arrives on Mandie's doorstep, and upon opening it turns out to be a box of dirt with strange pathways etched out in it.
Mandie thinks it's a treasure map, and Joe thinks it's a practical joke. Who is right? And who sent the mysterious gift? Find out in 'Mandie and the Unwanted Gift!'

This book is one of my favorites. I thought it was funny how when Polly saw Jonathan, she quickly turned her attentions from Joe to him. Jonathan's coming was actually a blessing in disguise!

Mandie is going home for christmas holidays and is very excited. But she has one problem or make it two. She needs to talk to her grandmother before the Guyers come, so she won't be mad when they just show up. Mandie doesn't know what's wrong with Mrs. Taft and Mr. Guyer. There's also Joe. She hasn't told him that Jonathan is coming. Will he get mad at her, because the boys haven't exactly gotten along around Mandie?

Then one night before everyone arrives a package for Mandie comes. It's just a "mess" of holly, dirt and ribbins. Joe is sorry that he suggests it is a treasure map because then Joe, Jonathan, Polly and Mandie go on treasure hunts. Who sent Mandie the present. Read to find out the funny ending, how the boys get along with the fact that they're not the only boys in Mandie's life and how Mrs. Taft reacts with the Guyers arrival.

I just love Mandie books. I can read more than one in a day! I can't wait until "Mandie and the night thief" comes out. Are there any others after that one? I want to read how Mandie's life wraps up when she is older. Will she really marry Joe or maybe Tommy?

this book was good, no really good. Anyways.. mandie gets all frustrated thinking that everyone will be mad at her for inviting the guyers over for christmas. Mandie still doesn't know why grandmother doesn't like mr. guyer or if joe and jonathan will try to out-do each other. But she's in for a big surprise when someone leaves a present on the door step that is nothing but holy and dirt but is it a treasure map?? i really enjoyed this book and thought it was really nice of jonathan to do what he did knowing how much mandie likes mysteries

I have enjoyed all of the Mannheim Steamroller Christmas cd's and this is no exception. We used it at the yarn shop during Christmas season and it was well received by our customers. Yes, people do ask what cd is playing. I know people do purchase these cd's for their own use.

I like very much this book, have good thoughts and is special for the seasson.

The pieces were written and/or collected by Chip Davis and are poignant and nostalgic. A most enjoyable reading at the holidays.
Also includes a 2-song CD...very nice.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Celebration
The music of Chip Davis in Mannheim Steamroller is like no other music I've ever heard. The instruments come through beautifully. I have several Mannheim Steamroller CDs and have given many to friends over the years. You have to listen and enjoy!

It is a great piano reduction. It sounds mannheim steamrolleresque, even though it doesn't have all the drums and horns and stuff. You have that feel of it just in the piano. it's great.

This book is a MUST have! The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, the words powerful. What a wonderful book to bring out season after season.

This beautifully illustrated book is a keepsake item that the receiver will treasure for years to come. The story of Mary and Jesus' first hours together is so tender and meaningful to all who are familiar with this event. It's really hard to describe the impact this book has. It is a companion and expansion to the Christmas Song "Mary, Did You Know?", written by Mark Lowry.

If you have ever heard the beautiful song, "Mary Did You Know?" then you can truely understand the excellence of this book. The illustrations are magnificant giving a young child more understanding to the words of the song. It also inspires us older people as well. I just shared this book with the members of my choir and am back here tonight ordering many of them a copy. It is an excellent book for this wonderful time of the year to be able to sit back and reflect rather than get caught up in all the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Enjoy and God Bless.

The words to this Mark Lowry song are awesome enough, and, to add the beautiful pictures makes this book a must have. We have a continuous check out of this book from our church library, and will be purchasing it for our daughter's next birthday!

My kindergarten class did a Mass based on this book, they themselves had come up with very similar questions. Did Mary know everything? This book really makes one think, and such beautiful questions.

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 book contains an excellent assortment of both familiar and not-so-well-known Christmas songs. The arrangements are advanced enough to avoid sounding incomplete, yet easy enough that an intermidiate to advanced player can get through them without too much trouble. Pleasing chords. It is nice to have the words included also. I received this book as a Christmas present, but I will probably be using it well into the new year!

A must-have for group song leaders (or wanna be s)!
I like this book very much, even though it costs more than some similar Christmas songbooks because it contains:
A spiral binding allows it to lay flat on music stand, piano, etc.
A lyrics book allows more people to sing along than just those that can look over the shoulders of the accompanist.
Brief stories about the songs and carols (not 100% accurate, but some stories are more legend, anyway), some that I had not seen before.
Guitar chords.
A great many selections.
Some selections I had not been aware of before.
Faster, easier, and more reliable (and legal) that searching for lyrics and music on the internet.

Drawbacks:

Some selections are in a key unfamiliar to my accompanist, and me but then I don't really have that great of a singing range.
Some very popular selections are missing: "White Christmas", "(There's no Place Like) Home for the Holidays", but those are so familiar and easy to sing I probably shouldn't count them.
Probably because of space limitations, some selections do not have all of the verses that I have discovered in other sources.

P.S. Another good songbook that I found is "Most Popular Christmas Songs & Carols" (Warner Bros.) has some newer selections and might be helpful.

We love this book and find the music arrangements great! The history of each song is also makes fun reading and learning. This has all the classics, good oldies, and new fun Christmas songs I grew up with.

Reader's Digest has made a GREAT contribution to musicians with this edition. The spiral binding helps the book stay open flat, and songs are set on facing pages to minimize page turning. Great for the pro or the amateur musician.

As a pianist, I have always looked for accessible christmas music to play and sing along to. I love this collection because just about every carol is in there, they're easy to play at a moment's notice, and a lryics book is included. This book is great for christmas gatherings when everyone wants to request their favorite carol. The music is easy enough, but not overly simple. I take this book with me everywhere at Christmas time!!