Christmas Books

Dan Davis has done what few can do anymore: he has brought wonder and surprise to the tale of Santa. His original take on the centuries-old legend is a joy to read.

While the book is broken down into easily-digestible chapters for younger readers, it does not talk down to children. It is a compelling story for readers of all ages. My teenager picked it up one afternoon and read it through twice. The illustrations are delicate and enduring; they compliment, rather than overpower, the story.

While "An Orphan's Promise" is a great stand-alone book, I highly recommend its prequel, "The Blacksmith's Gift." I eagerly await the continuation of the story of Mr. and Mrs. Kloss.

I just received three copies of this book today for my youngest grandchildren. Before I gave it to them I read it myself and loved it. It's such a great story, well written and puts a different perspective on giving, loving and magic. I highly suggest buying Mr. Davis' first book "The Blacksmith's Gift" as well as "An Orphan's Promise". Illustrations are beautiful in both books. Orphan's Promise is about a little girl who goes to help Mr. Kloss be a carpenter but is told she can't because she isn't a boy. This book shows that 'yes, you can'. Well done and recommend both of Mr.Davis' books. Can't wait for the last one to be published in a year or so.

With the second installment of Second Star Creations' "Christmas Story" series, author Dan T. Davis and artist Christina E. Siravo unfold an intricately weaved carpet for the reader to walk upon. Using a myriad of techniques including inventive layouts, brilliant illustrations, rivetting prose, intriguing myth, and good old fashioned storytelling, the team has created a perfectly orchestrated children's book that should be a given under every Christmas tree. Even the changing moods and seasons of the tale are conveyed not only by the beautiful prose and artwork, but also with the coinciding colors and fades of each turned page. Further illuminating Davis's vision of the origins of Santa Kloss, the story also gives us a good background for his special reindeer and even for the Rudolf story.
In "An Orphan's Promise," a young orphan named Ruby is the main character, and Mr. Kloss takes a supporting role. Both of them are rich, evolving characters changed mightily by the stories end, but it is Ruby who undergoes the most profound change. She is also the person who the major themes, insights, and plots of the tale center around.
Davis does a remarkable job of holding the reader's attention and leading his audience through emotions in order to impart understanding of the message. Interspersed folklore of the Alvar (Norse forest elves) and Nissen (Scandinavian barn fairies) give depth and realism to the Santa legends, and by the end it's easy to believe even if you're an adult now who forgot all about ol' Santa Kloss long ago.
Perfect touches at the end of the book, like the Nissen adding Rudolf to the toy sleigh, the post-script poem for Ruby, and the traditional Norwegian folksong complete with musical notation, are even more reason why you'll find yourself enjoying this story again and again each Christmas.

Wonderful classic rhymes and a really GREAT CD along with this book, some of these songs are really catchy and I find myself listening to it even without my kids!

My dad reads me nursery rhymes all the time. This is one of my favourites. We have it on Mondays, Wednesdays and at the weekends. I love "I had a little nut tree" and also "Three blind mice" but there are some nice not so well known rhymes in there as well. Beatrix Potter is so good at this stuff! Valerie.

I love these little books. They are beautiful colors and wonderful prints not to mention timeless stories. I am fascinated by the life of Beatrix Potter and these little books only complete my collection.

Petunia loves Charles so much she gathers the money to buy his freedom. This old fashioned love story would be as good for Valentines Day as Christmas, since its story is about true love, someone for everyone, and the power of true love.

The Petunia books are among my favourites from my childhood and are still enormously appealing to children. This story was originally published in 1960 and while elements might not appeal to some people now, it is in fact subversively a wonderful tale.

Petunia is goose who lives at Pumpkin farm. During a walk in the snow one day she comes across another goose called Charles at Windy Farm, he is being fattened up for Christmas dinner. Petunia is a pet so is not being fattened up - however she falls in love with Charles and vows to help him escape.

First she dresses up by painting herself as a terrible dragon. It works, but only briefly. Charles is led back to the farm - he is 20 pounds in weight and worth 75c a pound So then Petunia hatches a new plan, collecting pine to make christmas decorations and selling them, then she makes other decorations.

When she has enough money she rushes to the farm to buy his freedom. The farmer and his wife are so taken with her devotion that they give her Charles and her money back. She and Charles have a marvellous christmas party with all the animals (and Mr and Mrs Pumpkin) and live happily ever after with all their goslings

I am sure you can see the appeal. There are some gender roles in this with the farmer and his wife, but then there is Petunia who is tenacious, clever and completely out of stereotypical-female-role. She is a great role model as she peseveres until she finds the solution.

The drawings are in the sketchy style of the period with many as line drawings and some coloured. They are very appealing but sometimes I think I prefer the rich lush characters in other books. Petunia is a lovely quirky character to look at and to read about.

There are other Petunia books and I would highly recommend those as well.

I loved this Christmas story as a little girl! I have read and reread it over the years. Now as a teacher for almost 20 years I get to share it with my class each year as my favorite story. It encourages them to think of others during this busy season. It is a beautiful and fun lesson about loving and what you can do for others.

This lovely author is able to evoke the feelings that one longs to feel at Christmas. It's more than nostalgia. She draws the reader in with beautiful or whimsical poetry which, although old, is somehow not dated. We are treated to sweet photographs and prints chosen so well for the thoughts and feelings they stir in us. She opens up her home and those of her cherished relatives and friends, and gives the reader the experience of meeting and enjoying the quirks and wisdom of each of them. What a treasure to have stumbled upon! How many cookbooks are this rich?

This is a lovely book. Recipes and crochet projects are interspersed with old-fashioned Christmas memories. The recipes are practical and delicious. There are cakes, pies, puddings and candies. This book made me want to get right up and start baking. It will go a long way to making this 21st century Christmas as old-fashioned as possible.

My mother gave me this book for Christmas 8 years ago. I literally haven't put it down since! It not only contains recipes that were (and still are) cherished from a generation who knew what life was really all about, but the incidental tidbits of how life was lived long ago is absolutely priceless in this age when things are so inside out and everyone is looking for security and peace. The poems that were dear to the hearts of the depression era pull at the heartstrings, and the wonderful, descriptive details of families and friends that seemed to gather for any reason place the reader in that special time. The recipes are delicious and made with the easy-make-do-with-what-you-have confidence that our grandmothers prided themselves on. From Aunt Mabel's Cranberry Bread to Uncle Bud's Vinegar Pie, they're all recipes that would be welcome on any of today's contemporary tables. Granted, many of us wouldn't dream of making pie crust with lard....but one wouldn't hurt! If anyone has already read The Pioneer Lady's Country Kitchen, than The Pioneer Lady's Country Christmas is a must have for those collecting unusual and homey cookbooks. So stoke up the woodstove, grab a cup of hot chocolate and a cat for your lap, and read this book. You'll be transported to a wonderful memory!

This is something to be cherished year after year. I will love it forever!

If you like Mary Engelbreit, you will like this book. Even if you are not a big fan, The Queen of Christmas is a very sweet book for children of all ages. Mary's illustrations are as bright and happy as ever and she is even a decent writer. The story follows Ann Estelle through the last few days before Christmas as she adds new things to her Christmas wish list everyday. In the end she realizes that the presents were not what made Christmas so special. This book also has the added bonus of sevel pages of Ann Estelle paper dolls. I gave this book to my 2 1/2 year old daughter and she loves it.

Young Ann Estelle aka the Queen of Christmas, began working on her Christmas list right after Christmas last year. While it may seem strange to begin wishing for new gifts right after you received a batch of splendid ones, Ann Estelle felt that it was essential to begin marking down the items she wanted the most. Now, one year later, Ann Estelle's list has grown to an amazing length, containing small items like a red skating outfit - with sparkles - all the way to large items, such as a pony. Now, as the Christmas celebrations have begun taking place, the Queen of Christmas realizes that there is much to do. From baking cookies, to sledding, to trimming the tree. With so much of her time taken up by festivities, Ann Estelle almost doesn't finish her list in time. But the Queen of Christmas knows just how Santa works - he'll bring her something great no matter what, even if it's not on her list.

Mary Engelbreit's illustrations have captured hearts around the world, but now her precocious alter ego, Ann Estelle, has the power to capture audiences with her oft-times zany, and spoiled-like musings on the world, and the holidays in general. Ann Estelle is like the world-renowned ELOISE, sans the Plaza Hotel. Her thoughts regarding the holidays, and presents, are hilarious, and mesh quite well with how young children think - that Santa will bring them anything and everything on their list, no matter how out there their requests are. Mary Engelbreit has done a marvelous job giving an enjoyable voice to Ann Estelle, while her illustrations depicting the Queen of Christmas participating in all things festive - from skating to sledding, and baking to feasting - bring the holiday tale to life, and close it with a moral that will leave every parent in smiles. Engelbreit and Ann Estelle team up to make your spirits bright this holiday season!

Erika Sorocco

I read this book in one evening. I found it touching and remarkably insightful. I enjoyed each and every page.

"Rachel's Daughters" is a powerful and important work of Christian historical fiction. The story begins in Bethlehem at the time of the census ordered by Caesar and unfolds over the next 32 years. The reader is drawn into the life of Rachel, her family and friends. A young, pregnant, Jewish woman , Rachel anticipates a full life with her husband Jacob. Walking home one day she meets a young couple, Joseph and Mary, on their way into Bethlehem. This encounter begins the intertwining of biblical and fictional characters and events that form the fabric of the tragedies and joys of Rachel's life. With incredible expertise in the cultural and historical details of the times, the author, Donna Swanson, not only tells an intriguing story, but also enlightens the reader with the intelligent and accurate geographic, social and religious renderings of her characters' lives. From Bethlehem to Arimathea to Galilee we journey with Rachel and experience what life was really like for her people. But her journey also moves us to another level-we sense the spiritual crisis in her soul as she struggles to reconcile the losses and sufferings of life with faith in a good and sovereign God. Through the discovery of the Christ child by the shepherds, the atrocity of Herod's slaughter of the innocents, a new start with family ties to Joseph of Arimathea, a re-acquaintance with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an unforgettable conclusion, the reader will enjoy every step of this journey. Make sure you bring tissues for tears, a receptive mind for learning and an open heart for the joy this book will bring you.

Review by Joe Ellis, author of the Christian suspense novel, "The Healing Place."

"Rachel's Daughters" is a powerful and important work of Christian historical fiction. The story begins in Bethlehem at the time of the census ordered by Caesar and unfolds over the next 32 years. The reader is drawn into the life of Rachel, her family and friends. A young, pregnant, Jewish woman , Rachel anticipates a full life with her husband Jacob. Walking home one day she meets a young couple, Joseph and Mary, on their way into Bethlehem. This encounter begins the intertwining of biblical and fictional characters and events that form the fabric of the tragedies and joys of Rachel's life. With incredible expertise in the cultural and historical details of the times, the author, Donna Swanson, not only tells an intriguing story, but also enlightens the reader with the intelligent and accurate geographic, social and religious renderings of her characters' lives. From Bethlehem to Arimathea to Galilee we journey with Rachel and experience what life was really like for her people. But her journey also moves us to another level-we sense the spiritual crisis in her soul as she struggles to reconcile the losses and sufferings of life with faith in a good and sovereign God. Through the discovery of the Christ child by the shepherds, the atrocity of Herod's slaughter of the innocents, a new start with family ties to Joseph of Arimathea, a re-acquaintance with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an unforgettable conclusion, the reader will enjoy every step of this journey. Make sure you bring tissues for tears, a receptive mind for learning and an open heart for the joy this book will bring you. Review by Joe Ellis, teacher, lay pastor and author of the Christian suspense novel, "The Healing Place"

This was an excellent book to use in my 4th grade class for read aloud. It had developed, believable characters and a great plot. We used it for predicting and the story left us many opportunities to make inferences. We can all identify with the character of Meg and her struggles to make her life seem normal with a stressful home and a special needs brother. There were many opportunities to make personal connections with the story. The book also has a tremendous ending that left some students, and myself, with tears in our eyes because we were so touched. The theme defintely helps us look at ourselves to figure out what is really important about Christmas which was very good for all my students since they come from very difficult backgrounds. All could relate to and see what was really important. Each student loved this book and so did I.

This was a very enjoyable book, particularly good to read during the Christmas holidays. It puts things into perspective. It gives kids insight into the difficulties families experience when a family member is disabled.

The book A Real Christmas This Year is probably the best book I have ever read. It's about a girl who's brother is mentaly challenged. She thinks he's going to ruin christmas. This is a really good book.

Robbie is in 2nd grade. He is shy and nervous. His classmates do the unexpected as Robbie searches for a Christmas story to present. I would recommend. Great character trait story! Beautiful illustrations!

This story of a nervous boy who has to write and tell a Christmas story at school is touching, and fun. While asking for help from his friends, and being a moral example to them, Robbie doesn't realize he's writing the perfect Christmas story. This will soon be a Classic!

I"m taking a reading course and the instructor read this book... everyone was in tears. This is a wonderful story!! I left class and found the nearest book store and bought it. I love children's books that teach valuable lessons. I plan to use it to teach my students how to identify the character, goal or problem and the solution.

I read this book to my first grade class. It really got them involved and wanting to know more. They were so engaged! I suggest this book to anyone who has young children! It tells all about how the reindeer came to be the ones to pull Santa's sleigh!

Moe Price's simple but effective humor is the perfect tone for this tongue-in-cheek telling of Santa's first sleigh and the search for the proper "livestock" to pull it. Morozumi's illustrations lend a lovely holiday atmosphere without gooey sugar coating to glop up this funny Christmas "tail."

Without a doubt, Morozumi's illustrations are the most beautiful we have seen. The story tells of Santa's decision to use reindeer instead of other animals to make his deliveries. Read this book to see how they were chosen. This continues to be a favorite in our household.

Room at the Inn contains two great Christmas novellas. Great stories to curl up and read over and over.

Orange Blossom Christmas by Kristy Dykes. A cute story about two very different personalities who are pushed together by circumstances not of their own choosing. A great read.


Mustangs & Mistletoe by Pamela M. Griffin
A wonderful story that keeps you entertained from the first to the last page. Ms Griffin brings the characters to life & makes you feel their joy & heartache along with them. This is a timeless story that can be enjoyed and learned from for a long time. Amazing what can happen when you are not looking for love.

The two novellas in this book, by Kristy Dykes and Pamela Griffin, are heartwarming and sweet. Perfect stories to snuggle up and read by the Christmas tree lights. The characters are well developed and so likeable. Readers will remember their sweet journey toward love and marriage long after the last page of the book is turned. A definite must-read during the holiday season. For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com

ROOM AT THE INN offers two light, contemporary novellas for some delightful reading this Christmas season.

Orange Blossom Christmas, by Kristy Dykes, takes us to a run-down bed-and-breakfast in Florida. Owner Landon Michael is expecting the imminent arrival of the first guest to stay at the inn since his wife had died, over a year ago. Lois Delaney, secretary at a church in north Georgia, is sure this little vacation is exactly what she needs for a relaxing Christmas vacation. What she finds, instead, does not quite live up to her expectations.

Landon, on the other hand, is wondering what possessed him to open the inn again, yet is strangely drawn to his guest. When Lois learns she is the inns only guest, she is curious about Landon. The two are drawn together, and Landon is pulled out of his reclusive existence as he gets closer to Lois, even though he is convinced she is as crazy as a loon.

It is fun reading and you'll love getting acquainted with Landon and Lois as they each come face to face with their own loneliness and find a special brand of peace at Christmastime. Oh, there are a couple of delicious-sounding recipes at the end of this novella you just have to try.

In Mustangs and Mistletoe, by Pamela Griffin, we meet Taylor Summerall, content to work with her parents at the Silver Spur B&B Ranch. When brother Chad coerces Taylor into taking on the responsibility for a friend Chad has invited to spend the holiday at the ranch, Taylor detects some match-making mischief afoot. She is sure she can thwart any attempts to throw her into the arms of Derrick Freeborn, Chad's accountant friend from Chicago.

Derrick, seeking some rest and relaxation from the corporate jungle, finds himself at the mercy of Taylor and her `schedule' to teach him all about what happens on a ranch - from learning to ride a horse to camping out on a freezing Texas winter night. Taylor's obvious attempts to keep herself aloof from Derrick only pique his interest in her.

Here is a really fun, light-hearted romance with the wonderful backdrop of a Texas Christmas.

This is good reading for the season, curled up in front of a cozy fire with a cup of hot chocolate, cappuccino, or just a plain old cup of tea - or any favorite winter-time beverage.