4 comments about The Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas.

1. Opening with the traditional version of the beloved poem "A Visit From St. Nicholas" renowned children's book author Marianna Mayer seques into the life of St. Nicholas, the saint whose legendary generosity was the genesis for Santa Claus.

   St. Nicholas, who lived during the fourth century in the area that is now known as Turkey, was the child of practicing Christians who died when Nicholas was but a boy. Fortunately, they were people of wealth so the child was left with a handsome inheritance which it is said he used to help others.

   According to stories that have grown up around the saint when he was still a boy he overheard villagers in the marketplace discussing a family that was destitute, so impoverished that three daughters were to be sold into slavery.

   That night young Nicholas stealthily approached the family's home and threw a bag of gold in through an open window. So astounded was the man to find this amazing gift that he sat by the window each night hoping to see his benefactor.

   When he did catch Nicholas leaving another bag of gold the man wanted to know how he could repay him. The boy only asked that the man never tell who had helped him.

   Later, as an adult, Nicholas was elected Bishop of Myra and continued his selfless generosity which won him legions of followers.

   Illustrating her story with reproductions of paintings by some of the world's greatest artists, including Tintoretto and Fra Angelico, Ms. Mayer has created a keepsake Christmas book that families will enjoy season after season.

   - Gail Cooke




2. A wonderful family keepsake. Well written and well presented in a beautifully artistic work. Something to read to children. An answer to a life long question. Is Santa Claus real? Or Saint Nicholas? Wonderful!



3. How I wish I'd had this book when I was a child. That certainly would have cleared the Santa question up for me in good order.
   
   What is so wonderful about this book is that it is a biography of St. Nicholas, the bishop who was later canonized as the Patron Saint of Children. Santa Claus is a variation of the name Saint Nicholas. In Dutch, St. Nicholas is translated as Sinterklaas.
   
   It is a beautifully illustrated work that shows how the tradition of Santa Claus caught on and is a book families are sure to enjoy.



4. The following text made me rethink my plans to give this book to my third-grade nephew: "A few years after Nicholas was ordained bishop, a man who kept an inn on the outskirts of the city murdered three youths and then hid them in a tub of brine...". Not exactly bedtime story material. So, I'll set it aside to give to him when he is a bit older. In the mean time, I did give him Paul Prokop's book The True Story of Santa Claus which I think is more appropriate for a younger audience.

1 comments about Night Before Christmas: A Lift-The-Flap Rebus Pop-Up Book (Lift-the-Flaps Rebus Pop-Up Book).

1. This book was purchased for my 3 year old son. It has since grown as a traditional reading for the anual childrens party and displayed in the livingroom for all who visit. This book captures the childrens imagiations, with it's detailed 3-D illustrations, and wonderfully written poetry. This combination holds everyones attention; Both young and old come together for it's reading. The only draw back is that it ends too soon and you may find yourself reading it over and over again to a captive audiance.

4 comments about Peter Claus and the Naughty List.

1. It was the part of the Claus family job, son Peter hated most, separating the naughty kids from the nice. He knew first hand what it was like to be on the naughty list, since he was on it last year. No presents under the tree. "Does it have to be that way? Can't naughty kids get gifts too?" Santa was firm. "I didn't make the rules. More nices than naughties and you go on the nice list and get lots of presents. More naughties than nices and you go on the naughty list and get nothing. That's the way my father taught me to do it when he was Santa, and the way his dad taught him." But to Peter, it just didn't seem fair. Santa didn't even know what those poor "naughty" kids did to get themselves on the list, in the first place. So late that night, he hitched the reindeer to the big sleigh, and set off on a mission to help those naughty children before it was too late..... Lawrence David has written a delightful holiday story with a gentle message about fairness, forgiveness and saying you're sorry, that won't be lost on young readers. His simple and straightforward text is beautifully complemented by Delphine Durand's charming and humorous childlike, geometric illustrations that are bold, bright, and wonderfully expressive. Youngsters will enjoy poring over the artwork and finding all the special little details in each picture. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Peter Claus And The Naughty List is creative and original, a nice addition to your holiday picture book shelf, and a wonderful read-aloud story the entire family can share, discuss and enjoy together.



2. With a happily contorted version of the Santa Claus mythos, Mr. David has made a delightful story with a great outlook on human nature. This book is a perfect antidote for those who run screaming when being force-fed the mantra that 'Polar Express' is a modern Christmas classic. It avoids cliche, makes one laugh, and has the admirable quality of having likeable characters, including the independently-minded hero.



3. This story about Santa's little boy, Peter, teaches readers a lesson about giving. Peter tries to help the naughty children of the world and helps himself as well. This Christmas story is entertaining while it teaches an important lesson about the true meaning of Christmas. It also teaches "naughty" children everywhere that there is hope for them if they do something nice for someone!



4. What do I love best about this book? Is it the whimisical illustrations? The wonderful story? The infusion of myth and merriment into a charming tale that will please both young and old? All of the above!

   This story is deliciously naughty and nice with Santa Claus' boy going to help the naughty children of the world explain their bad deeds, but along the way, he discovers something about his own naughty antics.

   This should be heralded as a classic, right along with Rudolph and Frosty.

4 comments about Spot's First Christmas (color) (Spot).

1. My name is Cory Smith. I am in first grade. I LOVE all the Spot lift-the-flap books! My favorite book is Spot's First Christmas. I like when Spot finds the bone on the Christmas tree. I hope Eric Hill writes lots and lots of Spot lift-the-flap books!!!!



2. We are first graders in Lockport, NY. Our names are Patrick and Zachary. We have read all of the Spot lift-the-flap books. Our favorite book is Spot's First Christmas. We like Christmas. We like when Spot almost tipped over the tree. We hope Eric Hill writes 500 more Spot lift-the-flap books!



3. ...and Christmas has been over for a month. She's four, but she loves Spot books. Partially, she loves to lift the flaps, but also, I think she likes the big text and how there are only a few words on each page. Simple.



4. After reading this novel. I have found there are not enough words per page to draw me into the wild world of spot!!! I am not feeling the through action line was enough to keep me 'enthralled' until the end( I kept stepping away from the book for breaks). I have enough problems finding my own possesions in my bedroom and am slightly upset that i now have lost some more!
   
   All in all i believe this dog has way too many emotions and opinions for a dog as mine blatently does not talk...especially to me!!!
   
   As long as you are under 30 you may appreciate this book - or close to senile!!! Have fun.

3 comments about Bah! Humbug?.

1. This was a gift and became my first Lorna Ballian book. She is my favorite children's author. I read it to my children many, many times and now have to read it to my second graders. Just like my own children, they say, " Read it again!". Like many of Lorna Ballian's books, another story is going on in the illustrations.Watch that bear! Children love those tricks she plays in the illustrations!



2. I have been searching for this book! My children and I used to check this out of the library every Christmas for over 5 years! My daughter, Nicole, would laugh about the big brother--and her big brother, Rob, would act just like him. Nicole and Rob were excited about me trying to find this book, even though they are going to be 21 and 25 respectively. These books are for everyone, children and adults alike. Buy it for all your favorite people!



3. Lornia has been my children's favorite author forever and I know enjoy reading her stories to my grandson. Lecia's artwork is beautiful! I have an original which was illustrated by Lornia. What a wonderfully artist family!

2 comments about Christmas on the Farm.

1. We love this book! It is a great picture of life on the farm in Iowa not so many years ago. Our grandchildren love reading the book with us and seeing the wonderful pictures.



2. Mr. Artley paints a sweet nostalgic look at Christmas of the past.
   From the special homemade toys, to the school Christmas programs.
   And how cozy a wood burning stove could make the house.
   He make you feel like you are there with his family.
   It is a wonderful way for old and young alike to experience an old fashion,
   Christmas on the farm.

No comments about A Book Of Christmas (Pop-up Advent Calendar).

No comments about Christmastime in New York City (A Picture Puffin Book).

3 comments about How Santa Really Works.

1. This is a fun-filled read. Parents, grandparents, older siblings, etc. will get quite a kick from reading and sharing this colorful and "informative" look into Santa's life!!
   The illustrations are fabulous. I had been searching for this years Holiday Book for each of my grandchildren and this one more than fills the bill. It is a delight. . .if a bit off the wall!!



2. I bought this book for my 6-year-old son who has many questions about Santa. If he ever get a hold of the book I am sure he will enjoy it. The last two evenings my 10-year-old daughter and I have read this book together and we enjoyed everything about it. While it is a typical quick read for a picture book, we spent a long time study the illustrations which we thought were very funny. I found myself enjoying this book so much I forgot for a few minutes that it was fiction. Definitely worth buying and quite a cute book for a gift.



3. I bought this book last year 2006 for my then-6-year-old son. There is so much to read (and so much humor!) on every page - it's so entertaining. I love it because it presents the mystery of Santa in a fanciful, rather wacky way - we both get lots of laughs and it's crazy ideas always provoke a few questions along the way. This book has become a new Christmas tradition in our house and has been a party-gift for a few friends as well. Spread the cheer!

2 comments about The Best Christmas Ever.

1. Father Bear has had a bad year and there is so little money that the Bear family does not expect Christmas presents. But when Christmas morning comes, there ARE presents under the tree and little footprints in the flour snow around the base of the tree. The presents themselves are surprising in their simplicity. Here is a picture book that speaks to what Christmas should be.
   The pictures are simple and the colors muted and that fits the story perfectly. This book is destined to become one of my all-time holiday books - and I have a lot of them.



2. I love the message of this story. My kids loved it too and now give me buttons (you have to read the book) as gifts.