5 comments about Love, Santa: A Different Kind of Christmas Story.

1. After reading "Love Santa" by Sharon Glassman, I was reminded that one person can make a difference. Like many other people who get caught up in the whirlwind of their own life, I too did not pause to reflect upon the meaning of the holiday season and the true spirit behind gift giving. Sharon's book is a wake up call to everyone to count your blessings and think of the less fortunate.

   In addition, her story is cleverly written with huge doses of humor, and one I would recommend for tweens to seniors.




2. Sharon Glassman's Love, Santa is the tender, witty and charming story of how one confused, shopping-challenged but thoroughly good-hearted young woman finds her way through the manic commercialism of the American holiday season to a deeper celebration of what it means to give. I laughed and wept in the same breath, and I came away from Ms. Glassman's book inspired to do my own part for Operation Santa Claus this season.



3. Glassman's charming quest for a real Christmas is both witty and rich--a must for fans of the season and anyone who has ever wondered about the US Post Office's Operation Santa.



4. The first thing I did when I got home was unpack my letters and put them on top of my desk so they could breathe. Then I steamed some spinach in a warm filtered-water mist, read a book, and went to sleep. Then at four o'clock the next morning, I woke up in a cold sweat. I had gone from being an independent single woman to being the sole provider of Christmas for three innocent children. What had I been thinking? ~Sharon Glassman
   
   Sharon Glassman instantly captured my attention with her modern journal about her adventures that lead up to the first entry on December 22nd at 2 A.M. Not the time of day one expects to find anyone at a post office. However, the all-night main Manhattan post office on Thirty-third Street and Eighty Avenue is where we find the author waiting in line, observing her surroundings and taking the opportunity to chat with a hockey player with a French accent and irresistible smile.
   
   Sharon Glassman's writing style is witty, modern and deliciously entertaining. Santiago Cohen's art really captured my attention and helped to give the story an additional dimension of merriment.
   
   Sharon Glassman may well be the Bridget Jones of Christmas although the focus is much more on shopping and the story focuses on buying gifts for children. The "wish lists" to Santa are letters sent to the post office from families in need. Sharon finds herself interested in three letters and then wonders what she was thinking. She only has a few days to find the presents and get them shipped in time for Christmas.
   
   As she recounts her own Christmas history, you can see why her desire to transform herself into a "Lace-Clad Girlfriend of Christmas" overtakes her and leads her to her dream Christmas party. She also takes us along for her Christmas shopping trip that may inspire your own Operation Santa Claus dreams.
   
   In her search for the perfect presents, she realized how specific the children's wishes are and that a castle, a football and a down jacket will take her on some interesting shopping trips. I loved her description of New York and how her pro-Noel family camped out on a red-and-green plaid living room couch to watch holiday television specials.
   
   If you are wondering how you could give the gift of Christmas to children or adults across America, Sharon's heart-defrosting story will give you ideas about how you can find similar volunteer efforts.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



5. I met Sharon Glassman, the author of Love, Santa, once on a warm, fall afternoon in Rye, New York. She was energetic and tiny and one of the most quick-witted people I've ever met. That day, I made a mental note to pick up a copy of her book just to see what her writing was like, and, having done so, I am happy to say her writing is much like her: funny, a little nostalgic, and winning. Love, Santa is a small book--not really long enough to curl up with, but a nice little gift book. It recounts the author's amusing struggle to fit in with a holiday that can obviously be a bit awkward for a kid growing up Jewish in America. Happily, Sharon seems finally to have found a way to make peace with Christmas--and then some. All in all, a nice little story.

2 comments about Witch's Christmas.

1. This is a funny little story about how a witch helps her neighbors celebrate Christmas. Kids enjoy the holiday mix-ups, such as the witch's tree decorated with skulls and bats. It is also about how two kids love their next door neighbor even if she is ... well, a witch! In the end, the witch saves the day for Santa when he gets into a jam. This book is by the author and illustrator of the Clifford books, and is similar to those books in humor and illustration style.



2. The Witches Christmas was a very good book. It was the nicest story that I have read. It was the coolest story too. I thank you should buy it because it is very very funny!

No comments about The GREAT MONARCH BUTTERFLY CHASE.

No comments about Born on Christmas Morn (Arch Books).

2 comments about Angels and Other Strangers: Family Christmas Stories.

1. This is an inspiring collection of true Christmas stories by Katherine Paterson, author of the Bridge to Terabithia, Jacob Have I Loved, and other high-quality books. She has won numerous awards for her work. The stories in this book are not your typical meaningless holiday tripe. Instead, they deal with real people in real situations, and how they found hope, courage and faith in the midst of them. This is a book to be treasured.



2. Around the holidays, so many different collections of inspirational stories appear on bookstore shelves, that it's often hard to muddle through them all, in an attempt to find the gems. With Katherine Paterson's ANGELS AND OTHER STRANGERS, however, it was quite simple to discover that this was one of the gems, based on the first story alone.
   
   ANGELS AND OTHER STRANGERS - After a series of aggravating Christmases spent in various strange places, including the hospital, Julia Thompson is happy to know that this year, there will be no interruptions from crabby Aunt Patty. However, on Christmas Eve, she receives a call, and suddenly finds herself, along with her infant, and young son, Kevin, reluctantly riding the dark roads of Washington on her way to pick up the renowned Aunt Patty. When she runs out of gas, a man she has never met before named Jacob, on his way (on foot) to visit his pregnant daughter Arlene. Upon their paths crossing, the two each receive a holiday miracle that they'll never forget. 4/5 stars.
   
   GUESTS - Pastor Nagai has had a lonesome year, having been the victim of a terrible bombing that took his entire family away from him, simply because he believes in Christ, and the American holiday traditions. Traditions that are not embraced by the Japanese. Even so, on Christmas Eve, Pastor Nagai begins his holiday service, only to be surprised by guests who are interested in hearing what he has to say. 4/5 stars.
   
   MANY HAPPY RERUNS - Elizabeth is sick of everything lately. From the screechy singing voice of her Sunday School teacher, Miss Violet, to the fact that she has to endure annoying Aunt Gladys until her mother returns from the hospital, a new baby in tow. However, none of that can compare to the fact that her parents are practically forgetting about Christmas, and Elizabeth altogether - spending too much time fussing over the new baby. So when Elizabeth decides to do something about it, she has no idea that she'll put herself in the position to learn yet another lesson just in time for the holidays. 4/5 stars.
   
   TIDINGS OF JOY - Carol can't wait for her new baby to be born. The name - Joy - is already picked out for the little girl. But when she has a terrible nightmare three months into her pregnancy, she's shaken up, worrying non-stop until the baby is born, and her nightmare is proven true. Now, without the love of a newborn, Carol finds it hard to take care of her toddler, finding herself snapping at him at all different times, for no reason. That is, until she finally realizes that Joy was meant to do something better in life than stay here on Earth. 4/5 stars.
   
   MAGGIE'S GIFT - When Mr. McGee is invited to spend Christmas in Hawaii with his daughter, and rich husband, he quickly turns down the offer, not interested in spending his holiday in the warm sun surrounded by hula dancers. So when he's offered the chance to open his home, and his heart, to two orphans (a brother and sister), he quickly accepts; only to find that his new charges are ungrateful, and searching for things that he can't afford. It is only when Mr. McGee (who is temporary family have begun referring to as Maggie) teaches the two children a lesson about giving back and sharing, that the holiday begins looking up. 4/5 stars.
   
   STAR OF NIGHT - Carl has been searching for his drug-abusing son Jimmy for years, ever since he first left Chicago. Rumors of death have been floating around since then, but Carl has never been sure. So when he receives a phone call from one of Jimmy's old friends, saying that he was spotted in Washington, Carl, noting that it's Christmas, hops a plane, leaving his family behind, in an attempt to search for his son. When he arrives, however, he is surprised by something even more unexpected. Something that is sure to make his holiday bright. 4/5 stars.
   
   HE CAME DOWN - Lydia has been suffering from depression ever since her husband passed away, leading her to lock herself up tight in her home, and shut everyone out. However, when her son Stephen, a pastor, invites her to spend the holiday with him, she feels that she can't refuse. Then she is asked to take care of a sick woman's baby as her daughter participates in the Church play, in the character of Mary. Lydia is wary, but soon realizes that spending time with this sick woman, along with her child, is exactly what both women needed. 4/5 stars.
   
   WOODROW KENNINGTON WORKS PRACTICALLY A MIRACLE - Woodrow Kennington has always found his younger sister Sara Jane to be supremely annoying. Messing up his stuff, digging through his room. Which is why he's excited to learn that his parents are expecting a new baby - hopefully one who will respect him. When Sara Jane learns about this, however, she becomes obsessed with the Lord, and praying, and slowly begins to drive Woodrow out of his mind. So, in an attempt to bring the old Sara Jane back, he plays a trick on her; only to find that it questions her faith, and leaves her rejecting what she previously embraced. 4/5 stars.
   
   BROKEN WINDOWS - Philip has been a pastor for over 35-years, but still can't manage to come up with a sermon for the holidays that will work wonders - which is what he's looking for. Then, something strange happens, a baseball breaks a church window, and Philip encounters two little boys and their mother (their father having left them), who want nothing more than a nice Christmas and their father back. Philip, having yelled at them previously, feels horrible for what he's done, and now plans on helping them to have the best Christmas they've ever had, while writing a sermon that will knock his congregation of their feet. 4/5 stars.
   
   I was hesitant to read ANGELS AND OTHER STRANGERS when I first stumbled upon it, as there are so many holiday short story collections that rarely live up to your expectations. Which is why I am happy to say that ANGELS AND OTHER STRANGERS did not fall into this category. From the very first story to the very last, I was absorbed in reading these touching tales that flocked all over the world, describing families of all different nationalities, races, and more. With each story, you are filled with a warmth that stays with you long after the book is completed. The shining stars of this collection would most likely have to be WOODROW KENNINGTON WORKS PRACTICALLY A MIRACLE and ANGELS AND OTHER STRANGERS. However, each story must be read in completion, for they all possess their own traits, and miracles, which can't be missed. Katherine Paterson has woven an inspiring collection of short stories that will make you smile from ear to ear, and thaw even the Grinch's cold heart and soul. Your heart will sing like a choir of angels upon completion of this joyful holiday effort.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer

2 comments about Burro & the Basket.

1. We have kids and lots of books. This is must have. The kids love it, and we do too. Very well written and great illustrations. If we did not have kids I would have purchased it!



2. This is a very enjoyable book. Has a great message for kids and is fun for them to read.

1 comments about The Hawaiian Christmas Tree.

1. Dawn Adrienne's "The Hawaiian Christmas Tree is a charming story that will entertain and inform children everywhere. Although fictitious, it is also based on fact - the first arrival of Christmas trees in Honolulu in the early 1900s and what life was like on Oahu and Maui around then. Eye-catching, colorful illustrations enhance this book. - Glenda Chung Hinchey, writer

3 comments about Little Polar Bear Christmas Advent Calendar.

1. The calendar is beautiful. It also has a good thickness to it, so I expect it should last for quite a few years.



2. Okay, now the advent calendars I remember as a child had little candies or toys or something in each day. This is a piece of cardboard with little cardboard doors that open to pictures of toys. That's it. No story with it, no treats. It's just not that exciting. It's a nice picture, but $7 for a piece of cardboard seems a little high. If someone has to pay shipping on it, it's EXTRAORDINARILY expensive for what you get. Go pick up a chocolate advent calendar at Walgreen's -- even with the not so great chocolates, it's more exciting than this.



3. When I ordered this advent calendar I presumed it was like most of the ones I have purchased in the past. That is when you open each window there is a chocolate treat for each day. Much to my disappointment this calendar only has cheezy little cartoon pictures behind each door. Save your money and don't buy this one folks...

1 comments about Jim Thorpe, Original All-American.

1. This book is written at a junior high level, but the topic and writing are captivating for adults to read as well as kids at the junior high level. Unlike other books about Jim Thorpe, this book takes the reader on a journey through what every day life could have been like for Jim Thorpe from childhood through his early adulthood. Jim Thorpe is a great role model for everyone, and this book is a great introduction to his life.

1 comments about A Stocking for Jesus *.

1. It's never too late to begin a new family tradition, especially one which emphasizes the true meaning of the Christmas season. With her book A Stocking for Jesus (Pauline Books and Media, September 2003, paperback) author Suzanne Arruda shares the inspiring story of one little girl who remembered what Christmas is truly all about.
   
   Young readers and their parents will be inspired by the story of young Elise, who takes time amidst the holiday decorating to remember Jesus on the occasion of his birthday. Elise and her family create a new family tradition by giving gifts to Jesus in the form of acts of love, service and prayer. The family gifts are noted on slips of paper and placed in Jesus' special stocking.
   
   Along with the fun story and bright illustrations, this book comes complete with a ready-made family activity, enabling your child or family to create and fill your own "Stocking for Jesus". With its emphasis on the true meaning of giving, A Stocking for Jesus deserves a place in your family's holiday reading repertoire.