Christmas Books

This is a fun book to read aloud to kids and adults. The characters add a bit of whimsy to Christmas!

This is the best Christmas book written since "Twas the Night Before Christmas." We love this book so much it has disappeared and we have to buy a new one. Even my sister-in-law, who has no children, loved it so much she went out to buy it. She reads it to her high school students every christmas. They love it too. This is definately a book for everyone. I have read it to classrooms full of 2,3,and 4th graders and it has always been a hit. You will love this book!

This book is a hoot! My 5 year old loves it, I thought it was hilarious, and my husband thought the illustrations were great, too. I intend to buy additional copies--for my adult friends.

We bought "How Murray Saved Christmas" for our annual Christmas book (year 11). The author has created a fun story with witty writing and wonderful illustrations. Kids and adults are sure to find this book filled with Christmas fun! This is not your typical Christmas tale, but it is sure to become a family favorite! Give it a try.

I also recommend Mike Reiss' "Santa Claustrophobia" ; you will not be disappointed!

I have received everything from quiet snickers to loud guffaws, as I read this book to the students in my school. What a "thinking person's" twist to the Santa Claus story! This can be read again and again, each time picking up more clever turns to the Christmas night adventures of Murray and his elf buddy.

This story is not so much about laughter as it is about small people caring about saving laughter in certain parts of the world when the Shell of Laughter is stolen by an evil spirit named Killjoy Crosspatch.

The fairies learn what laughter is made of including eighteen tickle feathers, the sound of puppies barking, a two-part joke, Christmas snow, and a few other things. They also learn how laughter is spread around the world and that we must have some sorrow as a balance in the world in order to know what laughter and happiness are.

I like the flow and length of this book because it held my kids' interest and was a quick two-night bedtime read. My son is four and liked the story as much as my daughter, six. I have read them the first two books in this series. My son wanted to know if the brownies were going to get to lead some of the adventures instead of just helping the fairies. I won't be telling him that it looks like that isn't going to happen since this is The "Fairy" Chronicles because I want him to continue to enjoy the stories..

This is a good Smile and Feel-Good book and we will be reading it again. I recommend it for kids of all ages.

The leprechaun in this story might make you laugh. If he doesn't, Snickers the hedgehog will. You might also get a kick out of the things laughter is made of, I did. All of these fun things are inside the shell of laughter and mix themselves up in correct proportions to produce laughter. An elf then spreads the laughter over the world using the winds of the world. And because he does this, we can all have a laugh. Great story!

These are not the fairies of yesteryear. Nor are they ultra-mod or futuristic. Creative use of characters, good writing and a nice flow of events make this an enjoyable book. Recommended.

Thistle and the Shell of Laughter is a lovely fairytale story about fairies, but it is also a tale of the need for balance in our world. Two concepts are prominent in this book. First, that tears and laughter must both exist and second, that without sorrow we wouldn't know what happiness was. There is also a clever balance of characters in this book, real balancing fantasy (hedgehog, elk, rabbit, tortoise, bird vs. unicorns, elf, gnome, witch, fairies). The Stone of Tears balances the Shell of Laughter. The elf twins balance each other (Staid vs. Blithe).

Many fairytales don't present their lessons and themes as well as this one does. I was impressed when I read the second book in this series by how small the Web of Dreams was. I am even more impressed with this story because it is extremely clever. I don't believe a child will be able to pinpoint the theme, but will enjoy the story. As an adult reader, I find myself reminiscing about the fairytales I read as a child because this is a new version of some of those classic and clever stories.

Thistle is a fairy. It is just before Christmas, and she is at a sleepover with her friends. They go to Fairy Circle and see unicorns. The Shell of Laughter is stolen from an elf who takes it around the world so everyone will have laughter. Thistle goes to find the shell. Other people help her. A hedgehog giggles and helps her. They go through the forest and find the shell and a mean spirit who stole it. The end is happy because there will be laughter in the world again. The fairies go home for Christmas. I liked this book, and I will read it again.

This new edition of the best-selling Merry Christmas Songbook now comes with a companion 23-track CD!

The Merry Christmas Songbook is a collection of more than 100 Yuletide favorites, plus a lyric book. The 23-track CD will help you and your family enjoy the songs, create memories, and share the warmth and charm of this wondrous time of year. The convenient spiral binding enables the pages to lie flat when the book is open, and the songs are self-contained on one page or on facing pages to keep page-turning to a minimum. In addition, the songs are uniquely readable - when a song has more than two stanzas, a faint tint runs through each alternate line, making it easy to keep your eyes on the proper place when singing.

The companion CD contains such favorites as "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," and "O Holy Night." The lyric book is perfect for those who love to gather around the piano or organ and sing along.

Titles: Silent Night * Away in a Manager * The First Noel * Blue Christmas * Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas * Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree * Frosty the Snowman * Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer * Here Comes Santa Claus * Let It Snow * Winter Wonderland * The Coventry Carol * Burgundian Carol * Buon Natale * Auld Lang Syne * What Are You Doing New Year's Eve * Ring Out, Wild Bells, and much, much more.

I am a piano teacher, and this is my favorite Christmas Songbook for intermediate players. I see on Amazon that there are sellers who are attempting to jack the price up of the older edition of this book. But the contents of the older edition are identical to the "new" Reader's Digest Merry Christmas Songbook , with CD, which Amazon sells for around $19. Do not pay $63.90 for a $19 book.

I can't believe they still print this book! My family has had it since probably the mid-80's, and I have been playing out of it ever since I could read music (about age 6). It has always been a joy. The music is definitely for experienced pianists, but be sure and read the "stories behind the songs" at the beginning of each section for some fascinating insight into your favorite Christmas songs. This book is a definite must for those who love playing and singing Christmas music.

This is the best collection of Christmas songs I have found. Spiral bound with hard cover. If you are looking for Christmas sheet music, look no further.

This collectin of classic and popular Christmas carols is truly wonderful. Not only is it at a level suit for an average piano player, the compositions of the songs are so enjoyable, and fun. This book is definetely worth the money! Have fun!

Not a story you will be able to believe,but plenty fun..Copied from the movie BIG,the Sweet valley Twins wish they were grown up(at a carnival)and their wish comes true.They wake up in the morning as 18 year olds.

This book was VERY good. I loved it! It starts off as the twins are invited to this great, big Christmas bash of the year. Of course, the best part was that there was going to be high school guys there! But when they're parents say they're too young for a high school/middle school party, they're hopes and excitments vanish. But that night before they go to bed, they wish they were all grown up so that they could make they're own decisions and not be bossed around by grown ups all the time! When the following morning arrives, they realize they're wishes came true and thats when the adventure and excitment begins! Read this book! You'll love it! I guarantee! :) ~Samantha~

Janet and Joe Howell are giving a Christmas party.Mr and Mrs.Wakefield let Steven go,since they will have High and Middle schoolers there,but NOT Elizabeth and Jessica,they go to a carnival instead and make a wish for being big.Next morning,They are Adults or teenagers.Their clothes won't fit,so they take their mom's clothes.They get a job driving a donut truck,and working in an office.Steven relizes that the women are his sisters.They go to another carnival and look for the wishing well and unwish the wish.

This book was one of the best books out of the sweet Valley twins series. With its series of laughter, fun and emotion it is the perfect book for you hopefully.
It is about these two identical twin sisters Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. One of Jessica's friends Janet Howell is throwing a joint big christmas bash along with her high school aged brother Joe. The twins older brother Steven is invited to go along with the twins. The twins are very excited about going but Steven isn't. He would give anything for them not to be there so he trys to bargain with them.
Eventually the twins parents Alice and Ned Wakefield find out there are going to be high school boys at the party and are a little worried. With a little help from Steven telling his parents how 'wild' the party is going to be the twins aren't allowed to go. They get very disapointed. That night they go to the carnival and make a wish together. They both with 'I wish i were grown up.'
However, much to their surprise their wish comes true! In the morning they wake up to find they've grown into young women overnight. They quickly escape the house so it doesn't cost major embarrasment and their parents think they've ran away. Steven feels bad and trys to help them.
I won't say anymore, i'll have to let you read it for youself.
I Hope you get as much pleasure out of it as i did.

I first read this book about two years ago, but forgot to write a review.
Liz and Jess's parents were being overprotective and weren't allowed to go to this big party because their parents thought. then they make an exact same wish(they're twins!) and the next morning theie wish comes true! but after awhile they regret what they wished for. if you want to know why then i suggest u read the book. have fun! :)

Just what I wanted, the only problem I encountered, wasn't with the book but with the delivery of the item. I ordered it on the 7th and it arrived on the 24th. Amazon was very helpful in solving my problem. I will continue to place orders with them. Thanks again , my granddaughter loves her book.

I grew up in New Orleans and my dad would read this to me every year. After many years and many moves, we lost our original. I was thrilled to find this on Amazon and I purchased it for my dad as a Christmas gift. What a wonderful sight to see him reading it to my two sons this Christmas Eve!

This book has been a Christmas tradition in my family for many years. We are Cajuns and love this story. The illustrations are well drawn and bring this story to life for people of all ages.

My husband and I saw this book when we toured New Orleans a couple of years ago, but I couldn't justify the price they were asking for it in the stores there in New Orleans. However, when I saw the price through Amazon, I had to have this book. It is definitely a lighthearted story that old and young would enjoy.

I purchased this book for my two grandsons, ages 7 and 4. I was born and raised in Louisiana as was my daughter and the Cajun history is part of my grandsons' legacy though they were not born there. The grandsons were reduced to laughter and delight at grandma reading the book to them in the Cajun "accent". The 7 year old has tried his hand at reading as well and thoroughly entertains his younger brother. This will definitely become part of our Christmas traditions here in Illinois. The best part of all, it keeps my grandsons inspired to read!

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition is a treasure for those -- like me -- who love this Christmas classic. It is a great "behind the scenes look" that includes photos of the cast of characters whose voices are so familiar. Give it as a gift to the "Peanuts Fan" in your life.
Philip D. Halfacre
Author, Genuine Friendship

While we've been treated to many Charles Schulz documentaries and remembrances over the years, "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" is the first book to focus on the first Peanuts' television special. The book includes in-depth interviews with producer Lee Mendelson, animator Bill Melendez, and Vince Guaraldi's children. This book is the ultimate backstage pass to the recording studio, with interviews with the original child actors who voiced the characters and sang on Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here." As a bonus treat, the script and original animation art round out the book.

I loved this book! It has material for every fan of the famous TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I may not be musical, but if you are, this book includes the music. I am fond of the discussions of the people involved in creating the production of the TV show and the script. I will be using the script in my classroom for Reader's Theatre. The book has a lot of material that has meaning for me personally. I was young when this special was shown on television and it was always one of my favorites. The book was not a disappointment to read and own. I am very glad I bought it.

This is the ultimate companion to the tv show. The art work is from the original show and the dialogue is a great bonus! The book is also packed with great trivia and information about the decisions "behind stage" that led to the creation of the ultimate Christmas Special.

"Charlie Brown Christmas" is the crown jewel of Christmas specials. Heavy on holiday introspection, but with the dry wit and humor you'd come to expect from Charles Schulz's creations.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" just expands that experience, by outlining how the famed special came to be -- the music, the animation, the voice acting, even the advertisement to get people to watch it. It's a charming, nostalgic little book, and a good accompaniment.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" was spun up quickly, when Coca Cola wanted a Christmas special in less than a week -- and Charles Schulz's lovable loser Charlie Brown seemed to be the ticket. But the special was made very differently from other cartoons -- 2-D animation, no laugh track, uncutesy kids, and (horrors!) a jazz soundtrack. It was doomed to fail, they said.

Well, instead it became a booming hit, and has been running every December ever since. Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez reminisce in here about the much-loved Charles Schulz, and about Vince Guaraldi, who made the distinctive piano soundtrack, and why it's so beloved -- it dares to approach holiday ennui and commercialization, then dashes it away with Linus' description of Christmas' meaning.

As for the "making of" portion, there are storyboards, musical scores, test photos, clips of television reviews, and rare photos like Melendez and Schulz doing the football gag. Finally, there is the entire script of the special, framed by colourful stills from the cartoon.

You couldn't wring this much information from most half-hour animated specials, no matter how much fun they were. But it's a bit different with "Charlie Brown Christmas." It was so completely unusual -- and has proved to be so timeless -- that a book on the making of it, and its effect, seems completely right.

It's a very conversational, reminiscent book. It feels like sitting in a room with Melendez and Mendelson, listening to them reminisce about "Sparky." And we also get input from other people involved in the project, such as Christopher Shea (Linus), who talks about his famous "Second Chapter of Luke" speech, as well as odd bits of trivia (the little girl playing Sally had to be fed her lines).

The Christmas special is more than able to stand on its own, but "Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" is a wonderful accompaniment. Full of interesting tidbits and history.

My 3-year-old loves this book and so do I. I've been reading it to her for over a year and it's always been a favorite. It has great illustrations and a clever, original story.

Jan Brett's story, "The Hat", is a real wonderous book! This book is a wonderful well-written story! With breath-taking pictures, and a beautiful story line, this book will have you smiling all the way through it!
In the story, a little hedgehog named Hedgie finds a stocking on the ground. Thinking it is a stylish winter cap, he wears it on his head, but it gets stuck on his sharp pointy quills! He goes around to show off his newfound hat, but gets laughed at by the animals each time. Poor miserable Hedgie goes off to be by himself. When the "hat's" owner retrieves it back from Hedgie, a wonderous and helarious thing happens! You'll have to read the book to find out!
The realistic pictures and side drawngs complete this wonderful picture book. For ages 6 and up, this book is another one of Brett's adored picture books that will have you reading it over and over again!

Love Jan Brett... This one actually has two stories going, one in the main pages and one in the insets along the side, then they come together in the end. Fabulous!

I love Jan Brett's work: A modern day Shirley Hughes, I think. 'The Hat' is as beautiful and charming stories as any of her stories - and with wintertime feel-good-factor.

Get The Mitten instead, if you don't own it yet. This one is a little on the tedious side. You can see exactly where it's going from the very beginning and it doesn't have the peek-a-boo/sneeze joke in it that my daughter loves so much in The Mitten. To be honest, this is one of those books we have in our bookcase for variety and one of those ones where I skip parts just to get to the end of it.

Excellent book. I highly recommend it. It will cause you to beleive in a higher being.

This is, simpy put, one of my favorite readings of all time.

This very short novel is engaging, exciting and very well written. Forsyth showed that he's more than one of the best thriller writers of all time.

It's too bad Jimmy Stewart is gone, because this book is pretty much a cross between The Spirit of St. Louis and It's a Wonderful Life and he -- a pilot like Mr. Forsyth -- would have made a Christmas classic of it. On Christmas Eve 1957, a young RAF pilot takes off from Germany in his Vampire to fly home to Britain. But first his instrumentation fails on him, including the radio, and then he flies into increasing fog, making it awfully unlikely he'll avoid crashing into the North Sea, nevermind land safely. This prompts a dark night of the soul:

Ten minutes went by, nearly two complete triangles. I had not prayed, not really prayed, for many years, and the practice came hard. Lord, please get me out of this bloody mess... No, you mustn't talk like that to Him. "Our Father, which art in Heaven --" He'd heard that a thousand times, and would be hearing it another thousand times tonight. What do you say to Him when you want help? Please, God, make somebody notice me up here; please make someone see me flying in triangles, and send up a shepherd to help me down to a safe landing. Please help me, and I promise -- What on earth could I promise Him? He had no need of me, and I, who now had such need of Him, had taken no notice of Him for so long that He'd probably forgotten all about me.

Well, you pretty much know how the rest of it goes, but Mr. Forsyth handles it all quite deftly and the novella certainly belongs on your annual Christmas reading list.

I cannot say why, but this short novella always mskes me think of Paul Gallico's wonderful story, "The Snow Goose." The biggest difference is that the primary character survives his experience in "Shepherd".

I first read this story about 20 years ago and I have since lost my copy of it and am going to order another. It is a great yarn, scaring you one moment, cheering you the next and with an ending worthy of Alfred Hitchcock at his best. I believe that I'll be ordering more than one so that I may send some as Christmas presents.

I first read this little book when it came out, in 1976. I have since bought many copies and given them away to friends. I have even sought out German-language copies to give to friends overseas who aren't fluent in English.

(The local library has an Audiobooks version, but I didn't care for that and stopped it after only a few minutes. A droning voice can't ever substitute for the images and sound effects created in the reader's own mind).

As far as Christmas memories go, reading this little story on Christmas Eve is one that I treasure to this day. My only regret is that one can never recapture the exact experience of reading it for the first time. I envy those who are about to discover this story.

Somewhere, I have a large unbuilt plastic model of a DeHaviland Mosquito. Have had it for 25 years, a gift from my best friend who got the book from me as a Christmas gift. Someday I promise to built it up, with decals for call sign "JK."

This was the favorite Christmas book of my childhood, and remains the favorite with my children too.

great story book for children. reprint of original from 1950s. recommend as holiday reading with children.

the book is okay, the stories are short, and the drawings aren't that great, a lot of the drawings are in black and white too

This book is a must-have for your children's Christmas story collection, a great choice for snuggling up at night during the holidays with your family. It's filled with lots of classic tales about Christmas, and some that have been faded in the cultural memory, but which are well worth sharing. My children particularly enjoyed the tale of the Babushka, searching for the little child who was born on Christmas night. There is a wonderful variety of stories to choose from, and a well-rounded treasury to appeal to both boys and girls alike.

The Tall stories are really cute and creative. I'm glad to have discovered the book.

This gentle story, told in simple rhyme, shows animals in a stable getting ready for a special guest. The block-print art, rich in earth-tones, gives a humble and loving feel to the scene. Each animal does what it can to prepare the stable, and when Mary and Joseph arrive, the animals stand in hushed anticipation. The final page shows all the animals gathered around the new baby Jesus, saying, "Welcome, welcome to our house!" A perfect read-aloud for little ones.

My toddler class loved this book. They loved the repetition and every time I'd read the line "Who is coming to our house?" they'd yell Jesus!! It is a great story told from the animals' perspective and a wonderful addition to any preschooler's library!

A wonderful little board book for the little ones. Nice size for them to handle! The Christmas story from the viewpoint of the stable animals is special. The colors are eye catching. Highly recommended!

This book is a favorite for my two pre-school-aged children. We read it year-round.

The rhymes of the tale are engaging. (I love the oft repeated line: "Someone, someone," says Mouse.)

My only quibble with the book is the art work. It is not to my taste, though I think that that is more a matter of personal preference than anything else.

I am SO SICK of this book. I have to read it over and over and over again all day long. My daughter (17 months) will pull it from the bottom of a pile of books and bring it to me to read. On the final page she pats the baby's face and says "Baby. Baby." It's a very sweet little book and worth getting; your child will love it.