Holidays Books

Hand your child a book that combines the elements of community service, the benefits of a Catholic faith formation, and the challenge and rewards of adapting to life's ever-changing nature. Author Erin MacLellan delivers all this and more with her engaging first novel, Run from the Nun! (Holiday House, October, 2003, hardcover, 128 pages) This action-packed mystery, aimed at readers ages 9 through 13, finds its central character Kara adapting to life at her new Catholic school. Younger children will love having the story read to them also. Catholic themes abound in this fun book - you'll want to read along with your kids.

I thought Run from the Nun was really cool because, even though Kara wanted to escape from her school at first, she ended up wanting to stay. The other thing I liked about Kara was I knew how she felt being the new kid in a school. I've been the new kid a lot. Run from the Nun is funny and I like the mystery part of it. The ending will surprise you!

RUN FROM THE NUN is a good book. It talks about moving to a different school where you know absolutely no one while at your old school you had a really good friend. Imagine the scenario: your parents move you to a completely different school, a Catholic school, and you are not even moving! Then when you call your best fried, she only talkis about how she and apreppy person are getting to be best firends. So of course Kara REALLY wants to go back to her old school. What happens? Read to find out!

Kara McKinney is transferred to a new school and does her best to be expelled so she can return to her old school and her best friend. Despite her valiant efforts, she can't get thrown out of St. Joan of Arc School. In the meantime, she develops a friendsip with crime-solving, Nicole Kingston, and together they uncover a mysterious mission of the janitor. Lots of action, humor, and misguided zeal fill this fun book. A non-stop dash of laughs, mystery and the importance of friendship.

"Run From The Nun" is a funny, well-written and action-packed adventure about a girl's exploits in a Catholic school. The heroine is scrappy and loveable-a wonderful mentor for girls. I love the way the author gives readers an affectionate glimpse into Catholic school life. At the same time, she examines some important friendship issues. My daughter loved this book so much she wanted to stay home from school to read it!

This is the real thing folks. No more cute travel stories that romanticize without substance, that Disneyize and exaggerate. This book is the story of the author's courageous and thoughtful trip through an amazingly historical place that is also presently complicated and important. However, the author comes at it from a personal angle: the cosmology of canoes. We learn the importance of canoe travel not only to the Maya but to the author and people in general. That connects to the Maya cosmology and culture, the sense of place that is inherent in living in a watershed and having your existence contingent to flowing water (whether you live in the Lacandon forest or Westchester County), the importance of the geography of the region to the people who live there, and then finally to how all this connects to the Zapatista movement and the modern, and not so modern (this thing is full of scholarly but apt historical asides) plight of the indigenous Maya. All along the way you get to like the author, in his sometimes goofy gringo ways but his omnipresent awareness of his own place within the experience. Sprinkle in healthy doses of heart-thumping whitewater in canoes with inexperienced bow-men, death defying swims, life-threatening bandits, and tight, musical prose, and you've got one heck of a book. I tell you what, Shaw's got it right, the same way Matthiesson did. I recommend this book extremely highly. I wish it were getting more publicity. Read it. Its important.

I was disappointed after getting to the end of the book to find out that the author only navegated half-way down the Usumacinta. It's like reading a book about someone who goes half-way up Everest! I understand his reasoning (security) and financial limitations, however the security situation dramatically improved shortly after he left and he could have easily finished the trip. Putting in the extra effort and completing the task would have definitely improved the book and the author's contribution to the world's body of knowledge. His insights on the Mayan's use of rivers for commerce and the east/west trade routes are excellent. His thorough research into the more recent history of the area was also excellent.

(From Planeta Journal) - Ready to explore one of the world's most intriguing regions? Take your trip with Christopher Shaw who introduces readers to the Usumacinta River and its magnificent watershed that stretches across the Mexico-Guatemala border in his new book, Sacred Monkey River (New York: W.W. Norton, 2000).

Subtitled "A Canoe Trip with the Gods," this notable book traces the author's canoe trips running the great river. Unlike many adventure travel narratives in which the author plunges into an unknown terrain, Shaw aims for comprehension rather than searching for misadventure. The result is an account which combines the best of travel literature and environmental reporting.

Few travelers opt for the watery path, particularly with the threat of hijackings and shootings in such a remote area. But Shaw, an accomplished river guide and an enthusiast of the Maya culture, will not be deterred.

"In classical art, two gods pictured as canoeists, accompanied travelers on both actual and metaphysical journeys," Shaw explains. "Both gods paddle the souls of the dead to the Otherworld and the cosmic canoe -- the Milky Way -- across the sky."

Shaw also connects with the environmentalists in the region, including Fernando Ochoa and Ronald Nigh -- two pioneers in developing sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

The book is a veritable "Who's Who" in the region. Meet Scott Davis of Ceiba Adventures, Maya scholars Linda Schele and David Freidel, Moises Morales, the owner of El Pachan and Victor Perera, author of The Last Lords of Palenque.

The book is divided into 12 chapters and boasts the 1953 Franz Blom map of the Selva Lacandona on the inside book cover. What would be useful additions would be a map of the author's expeditions and an index of places and names.

Sacred Monkey River deserves a long shelf-life and it will no doubt be consulted for many years by travelers and environmentalists alike.

This book has been a genuine page turner for me, and as I approached the end I tried not to read too much at each sitting so I could prolong its pleasures.

It is for anyone interested in Mesoamerica, Mayan culture, canoeing as adventure, or boats as the movers of trade and ideas. Also for anyone who is lusting for an otherworld experience, metaphorically or actually, though trave, boating, psychogenic drugs, or all of the above. It is full of honest hard-nosed obserevation of nature and the specific nature of this area, and at the same time streches for and is able to peek at the"final" trip, perhaps as many civilizatins saw it, goin on a craft down a river or out to sea/see. shaw effortlessly intertwines some Spanish into his evocative--dare I use the word--poetic English, always aiming for and touching precision and clarity without sacrificing mystery. On, I believe, its deepest level, the language as well as the story drew me into the unknow, into the future, and of course the past as well.

(From Planeta Journal) - Ready to explore one of the world's most intriguing regions? Take your trip with Christopher Shaw who introduces readers to the Usumacinta River and its magnificent watershed that stretches across the Mexico-Guatemala border in his new book, Sacred Monkey River (New York: W.W. Norton, 2000).

Subtitled "A Canoe Trip with the Gods," this notable book traces the author's canoe trips running the great river. Unlike many adventure travel narratives in which the author plunges into an unknown terrain, Shaw aims for comprehension rather than searching for misadventure. The result is an account which combines the best of travel literature and environmental reporting.

Few travelers opt for the watery path, particularly with the threat of hijackings and shootings in such a remote area. But Shaw, an accomplished river guide and an enthusiast of the Maya culture, will not be deterred.

"In classical art, two gods pictured as canoeists, accompanied travelers on both actual and metaphysical journeys," Shaw explains. "Both gods paddle the souls of the dead to the Otherworld and the cosmic canoe -- the Milky Way -- across the sky."

Shaw also connects with the environmentalists in the region, including Fernando Ochoa and Ronald Nigh -- two pioneers in developing sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

The book is a veritable "Who's Who" in the region. Meet Scott Davis of Ceiba Adventures, Maya scholars Linda Schele and David Freidel, Moises Morales, the owner of El Pachan and Victor Perera, author of The Last Lords of Palenque.

The book is divided into 12 chapters and boasts the 1953 Franz Blom map of the Selva Lacandona on the inside book cover. What would be useful additions would be a map of the author's expeditions and an index of places and names.

Sacred Monkey River deserves a long shelf-life and it will no doubt be consulted for many years by travelers and environmentalists alike.

What a fun book! The illustrations are very eye catching and the book made both of my toddlers laugh and giggle the whole way through - priceless! Sweet natured story with a lesson in team work!

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RC70JZBKPV6B
Cullen of CullensAbcs.com reviews this book and gives you ideas on how to use to use it interactively with your child. For you I have more video book reviews, free children videos and free activity idea videos at the CullensAbcs.com website. If you have a children's book you would like me to review and offer ideas on how to use it interactively with children please send an email to CullensAbcs@gmail.com. Also, feel free to to add me, Cullen Wood, as a Facebook friend.

Santa's Stuck was used at a recent school board sponsored workshop for teachers. It is an excellent resource for the classroom or library.

We bought this at a book fair at my sons school in October and have been reading it ever since (it's February!) It's adorable & funny and my son loves to yell out the "Puuuull, puuush ... whooooosh! Santa's out!" every time. Very sweet illustrations as well. A winner.

THIS IS A FAST FUN FINE LITTLE BOOK THAT THE KIDS COULD READ TO ME! WE WOULD JUST LOVE TO HAVE A FIREPLACE FOR SANTA TO GET STUCK IN & HAVE ALL KINDS OF CRITTERS TRYING TO HELP OUT!!! I ALWAYS MAKE THE STORY READING TIME AN ALL OUT ONE TWO THREE EVERYONE GETS INVOVLED KINDA TRIP!

Wonderful for children, awesome art, and a charming story that I think is appropiate for the youngest of children who are able to follow it. The story is about a little girl named Hannah Marie about to go on her first trick or treat outing with older children instead of her parents. An older cousin, displeased at having been made to take Hannah, carries out a dirty trick to scare her bad enough for her to beg to go home so he can get rid of her. Only Hannah is saved by her Scary Godmother and the tables eventually get turned! In addition, it was even educational (such as explaining the different kinds of bats and why they're good creatures in a way that I think a 5-year-old could appreciate).

I believe this is a treat for all ages. I'm 24 and I've already read it all the way through twice, loving it the second time even more than the first (as I caught more details). And if that's not enough, I LOVE the smell of it! :-)

Though just a note: I ordered this in November and despite Amazon claiming to have it in stock, I didn't get it until a week ago. But I'm glad I'm waited for it instead of trying to get something else!

This is a great book, it is worth the price. The art is fantastic, my 3 year old daughter loves it, and so do I. Good clean spooky fun!

...a beautiful and entertaining book. What adult or child would not find this book enthralling?

Jill Thompson is easily one of the most gifted artists I have ever seen. Her work is truly beautiful, and every illustration leaps off the page. This book, as well as the others in the Scary Godmother series, are perfect for Halloween lovers of any age. I'm 28 and I just love sharing these stories with my young nieces and nephews. Thank you, Jill, for giving us such a wonderful world filled with loveable characters!

...with any of the Scary Godmother Books. They are all instant classics. The illustrations are some of the best I have ever seen. My daughter loves this book.

I bought three books to use to coordinate my upcoming two week trip to CR. As it turned out, I booked two of the authors' suggestions. One of the inns that I selected that was in this book, was in none of the other books I used. While making the arrangements, the staff of the inns/lodges were very helpful and nice (even though I had to email them numerous times with questions). I will say, though, that this is not a 'budget' hotel/inn guide. If you're a backpacker or on very limited budget, I don't think this guide will be of much use. The book is also very nicely constructed with lovely pictures and quality, glossy pages. All in all, a very nice book.

Travel the whole of the country with good suggestions of places to stay. Especially enjoyed Sueno delMar. Am going to try places in Poas next.

Sleeping with the Toucans proved to be the perfect companion for our 1 month trip to Costa Rica in February. Travelling with two 6 year old children can be a bit of a challenge - but this book took the guessing out of what to see and where to stay for our family. This is not just a book filled with lodging ideas - as each section begins with very detailed information about the area, towns and sights. I love the descriptions of all the geographical areas and made several changes in our route based on reading such clear and personal descriptions. The lodging sections have great places to stay on any budget - and calls attention to different lodging categories and amentities - honeymoon, get away, kid friendly, wildlife viewing etc... I am so pleased to find this book and hope that travelers following the authors suggestions are as excited as we are to visit beautiful Costa Rica.

This is a fabulous book that explores the tiny, eclectic, out of the way lodgings that aren't included in other guide books. The authors provide a snapshot of each place with a substantial description to give you a good idea of what kind of atmosphere each one evokes. Definately a good choice if you're planning that trip to Costa Rica!

Its nice to read a guide book by people who have actually been there and write it as they see it - nice comfortable writing about where and what - and a big help in finding the places you want to stay in

"Snappy Little Halloween" is a pop-up book featuring assorted Halloween characters (witches, ghosts, mummies etc).

The illustrations are incredible. The children love to see the scary creatures spring out. Each page contains a short verse on a character.

"Halloween's a time for spells. This witch makes strange things grow.
But - oops! - she's made her nose too long - OH! OH! OH!"

I wasn't happy with the verses. I felt that the author wasn't making a genuine effort to describe these characters. In particular, there is a suit of arms, yet young children (two's and three's) who may not have ever seen one, wouldn't know what the characters name was because it is not mentioned. The same can be said for Frankenstein.

This is another great book in the Snappy series. The pop-ups are big, colorful, and amusing. My 13 month old daughter loves it and we do too.

When I first saw the book, I thought the mummies,witches and monsters might scare my 2 year old daughter. I was so wrong. She loved the rhyming, repetative words at the end of each page. "Halloween's a time for spells, this witch makes strange things grow. But OOPS she's made her nose too long, OH OH OH!" Long after Halloween was over (much to mom's chagrin) we still want the Halloween book. And she could recite it word for word to me, without my prompting her. She would bring it out at times other than bedtime and want to read it to me- or vice versa. The pop -ups were colorful and animated. I would recommend the Snappy series to all moms of toddlers. We had the Christmas and Snowtime versions last Christmas ( my daughter was 18 months) she would sit for half an hour as long as someone read them to her over and over. A great way to introduce kids to reading!

Everything in the previous reviews is absolutely on the mark! An additional joy to this book for my 4-year-old is the way in which many of the pages can be made to "perform" -- the skeleton dances, the haunted suit of armor can "clank" up and down, etc. My son is a great fan of puppetry (my girlfriend is a professional puppeteer, which helps), and this brings a little of a show into bedtime (or any time) reading. Several of his friends also have the book and love it!

These books are wonderful!.. I am a school teacher, specifically I teach French to the elementary level. The children love these books. I translate everything into French and it really helps the kids to remember their numbers, colors etc.
Thanks for such a wonderful teaching aid.

My aunt used to read me this book every Christmas Eve and I've always known that it is the true story of Santa...I wish everyone could read it to their kids, I certainly intend to read to mine someday!

Probably the single best Christmas book I have ever read. Fantastic story and terrific artwork. A lot of imagination went into explaining the various facets and history of Christmas. I have to buy a used copy since I gave away the other two I bought to friends and relatives.

Every Season this most wonderful book is appropriately displayed on our coffee table along with double stuffed cookies, a friendly note why the kids were good, and some milk for Santa. It beautifully illustrates and tells how Scribbler Elf wrote the story and other Elves painted the wonderful pictures.

We've found, with a little help of the internet, one of our favorite painter Elves (James Himsworth III) still painting other wonderful children's books at GHLPublishing.com and Dimensions. However, we really wish this classic was more readily available to our neighbors and friends. Many of our neighbors find it difficult to locate. But, thanks to Amazon.com for promoting this fine children's tale!

We recommend this book to anyone who loves Christmas and Santa. Please write and ask Amazon.com and GHLPublishing.com to carry this every Holiday season. Don't let it go out of print, please.

Merry Christmas, The Habermehl Family (Terry 9, Jason 4, Mom)

It tells you so much about Santa and the North pole.I love how it tells how he got started!Its just great!A holiday favorite!

One of the best stories about Santa Claus I've ever read. I nearly cried when I bought this for my young daughter some years ago as it brought back all the magical Christmases from my youth. Its tale is wonderful and the illustrations are delightful. It will warm the hearts of all ages....

I loved the stories; they were developed well, but I felt a let down by the end of the first story; It didn't really say for sure whether Elijah was free or not; it was just assumed; I would have loved to know how Kenneth felt watching that scene play out in front of his ex wife's house; I would have truly loved to see how the mother and sister felt but hey you can't get it all. The last story was interesting; my thing with this was it just left me hanging. no bow was tied.

In Taking Chances for the Holidays, Three talented authors, Adrianne Byrd, Donna Hill and Monica Jackson treats the readers to three very different stories that stirs, stimulates and makes you laugh. Adrianne Byrd's FINDING THE RIGHT KEY, is Hot and Sexy and should come with a label that says 'CAUTION CONTENTS ARE HOT". Donna Hill's "Out With the Old", adds an office romance that sizzles during the holiday and Monica Jackson's Merry Christmas, Baby completes the book with a sexy romantic/comedy that will have you bursting at the seams. Put the three together and you have the hottest read of the holiday. This one is definitely one to read and read again. For relief, have a cold drink and willing partner close by when you finish.

Taking Chances was a great book. Adrianne Byrd's "Finding the Right Key" was definitely off the hook and not for the faint of heart. We all wished we had a friend like Kimora. That story was the BOMB!! Being a die hard A Byrd fan I knew the story would be all that so I read the book backwards to save the best for last. Donna Hills "Out with the Old" was good also I like how she made reference to the "Pause" series. and Monica Jackson's Merry Xmas was funny I really enjoyed Sharyn's mother's character she was something else. Great Book. I suggest you pick it up.

The triple threat otherwise known as Adrianne Byrd, Donna Hill, and Monica
Jackson have pooled their collective talents into Takin' Chances For The Holidays. The result is a sharp, sexy story of three resourceful heroines looking to find a little holiday spirit! The stories were entertaining and the characters endearing. I would highly recommend this book for a fast paced and fun holiday read!

I am new to reading Ms Byrds books....So far I have read "Measure of a Man", When You Were Mine" and now this book "Takin Chances For The Holidays". I gotta say all three of these books I read in one sitting. They are all GREAT books. I am now a dedicated reader of Ms. Byrd's book. She has a great line up for 2007, I cant WAIT! I better get a jump on the older books because, she has so many other books that I heard are just as good as the ones I have already read. Keep up the excellent work....YOU GO GIRL!

This is a wonderful book.
My cousin and I have both read it to our children for years and we agree that it's a book we highly recommend.
Our kids got it as a gift with a bunch more books and included with it were audio cd's, making the story come alive even more. If you could find it with the cd, it makes it all the more interesting during "quiet time". But even without the cd, it's a keeper.

This is such a neat book. Ted is a very interesting character.
It reminds us, as adults, we need to still hang on to our imagination that we had as children. My children who are 4 and 7 love this book.

My daughter has a herd of imaginary friends, so she and I both enjoyed this book. Imaginary friend Ted arrives for a visit to a small boy, he wreaks havoc much to the consternation of the boy's father. But in the end, Ted helps teach dad a lesson in having fun.

The illustrations are well detailed, though Ted looked a little bit....well, almost scary looking. The boy resembles Harry Potter.

Overall, I'd recommend this book.

Having a handful of his own imaginary friends (and also a father whose name happens to be Ted!), my 4yo son just adores this book!

The story line is basically that Dad is too busy/preoccupied to spend time with the son, and purply-pink friend Ted (visible only to the boy) shows up to liven things up a little. Ted was the dad's imaginary friend as a child, too, and in the end the Dad gets his priorities in order and "gets in touch with his inner child" again.

This is also a good story for grownups to pay attention to as you read it to your child: we should never let ourselves get so busy that we neglect our kids' emotional needs, and just because we don't see things the same way our kids see them doesn't mean that our kids are the ones who are in the wrong.

One interesting thing is that the mother in this family is never mentioned, leaving it up to the imagination whether she is there (but just not a player in these scenes) or whether she is gone (due to death or divorce or traveling on business or whatever). But as the story is about the relationship between the father and son (and, of course, purply-pinkish Ted!), my son never questioned where the mommy was or why she wasn't around. To parents raising children in a non-traditional family, this book might be a welcome change of pace.

From the mind of Tony DiTerlizzi comes yet another delightful romp through the imagination entitled Ted. Ted is the imaginary friend of a lonely little boy. Ted looks something like a giant basset hound dipped in Strawberry Quick. The boy's father is a rather busy fellow, being very business like and such. Far too busy to find time to play with his son. Of course this being the time when imaginary friends are needed most up pops Ted. Ted and the boy promptly get themselves into all kinds of mischief. The boy's father doesn't believe in imaginary friends and forbids his son from having them in the house. Later the boy discovers that Ted was his father's imaginary friend when he was a child. In the end the boy is able to prove to his father that Ted is real by leading his father to a playground where a certain item from the man's childhood is hidden. Ted is a solid work from an extremely gifted artist. Certain to be a shinning gem in any child's collection of books.

Preston McClear

I always make sure I have a Time Out guide with me when I am visiting a city with much to offer. I spend two full weeks every fall in Las Vegas and always have the latest Time Out Las Vegas guide with me. The restaurant and hotel listings are comprehensive and varied. No category is shortchanged- they even suggest the best places to get married and offer at least a dozen side trips from Sin City. Attractions and local shops for everything from souvenirs to haircuts are listed. The gambling section describes many of the most common games, which have the best odds, and where the best place to play each of them is.
In addition, the Time Out guides are written in a very entertaining and cheeky fashion. You will be hard-pressed to find a guide that offers as much information on the multitude of things on offer in Las Vegas.

i'm heading to Las Vegas in September in 2008.i wanted a book that would go through everything that las vegas had to offer. i am not going to gamble. so i was delighted that the book only had a small chapter about gambling.the book listed everything from shopping to eating. the most informative part of the book was the trips of of town, i didn't realisze California was so close to Las vegas (1 hour flight) so now i'm heading to LA aswell thanks to the book. it also has a wedding section which i found useful as i hope to get married in Vegas in 2009. it had all the information about about getting a marriage licence & the hidden costs.
great read. Well Worth Buying!!!!!

TIME OUT LAS VEGAS is a great book about all the pleasurable activities available in Las Vegas, as well as its seamier side. The book also discusses how segregated the city was racially until the 1960s, and how African-Americans were made to feel unwelcome there. Also, there is a discussion on the influence of the Mafia in what has become known as "Sin City." Finally, there are tips on how to avoid losing all of your money at the gaming tables, slot machines, sports books, and, if you're a horse-lover, horse-racing betting stations. This book is essential for keeping yourself healthy and safe in Las Vegas, and if you go there without it, you could be declared too mentally disturbed to manage your own affairs.

This book pretty much tells it like it is. It accurately describes the tacky and over-priced sights. It also tells where to find the good values and reasonably priced venues. There are sections on all the free goodies you can get and places to go when you get tired of the glitter of Las Vegas.

To me, Time Out guides are the best you can buy. They are better than Lonely Planet and Frommers and anything else on the market. They are very in-depth, colorful, heaps of photos, so informative and often go the extra mile by adding bonus pages on either the history of the city, or the culture or anything of even minimal interest.
This 2007 edition is choc-full of anything you wanted to know for your vacation to Vegas and day trips to other places like Arizona, California and Utah. It even has a mini segment about gambling and lessons on how to play some of the more popular games in the casino. There are listings in the back for hospitals, websites for where to find dentists, list of radio stations, post offices and almost anything you could want to find. It covers where to stay from budget to grand opulence, what to do with or without kids, maps of the Strip and surrounding areas and of course my absolute favourite topics - food and shopping.
By the time you read this guide, you will be a novice of Vegas whether you've already been before or going for the first time. I'm about to go to Vegas for my 12th time and I still find this book of use. I highly highly recommend it and recommed their other guides for other great cities around the world.