5 comments about Christmas Pop-up.

1. Not much to this book, but it is OK for a few dollars. Doesn't measure up to others by Robert Sabuda



2. Like every other Sabuda product, it is first class! It was a nice item for a small gift.



3. If you are looking for pop-up books. The best are made by Robert Sabuda and Matthew Reinhart.My son really enjoyed this book.



4. I have sent many of Sabuda's books to nieces and nephews over three. At last one to send to someone between 1-2 years with little hands.



5. As with Sabuda's other pop-up books, this will not disappoint.
   
   This mini book has mostly white (metallic accents, red for Santa) pop-ups that "pop" in 2D, as well as 3D, because of the solid-colored background. The book spells out Christmas with each page layout having a letter and a pop-up that corresponds to that letter (SPOILER ALERT: C-Candle, H-House, I-Icicle, S-Snowflake, T-toy, M-Manger, A-Angel, S-Santa).
   
   While this mini book can be enjoyed by all ages, it seems like it would be an especially good option for younger children. Small hands could hold the book and the pop-ups aren't as intricate, with the potential to harm them, as with some of Sabuda's other books.

2 comments about Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Pictureback(R)).

1. My 4 year old watched the classic Rudolph movie, and immediately wanted a book of the movie that we could read together. I am glad it was available through Amazon. She enjoyed it immensely. There wasn't an overload of words which could lose most preschoolers, and the story is true to the movie. It's a cliff-note version of course, but your little Rudolph fan will enjoy it all the same.



2. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer and Hermey the elf are simple misfits in Santa's Christmastown. They set off together and manage to find others who also are unique individuals, e.g., Yukon Cornelius, the toys of the Island of Misfit Toys, and the Abominable Snowman ("Bumbles Bounce!"). You will see all the great characters from the classic TV program (with the exception of the Burl Ives narrating snowman). Sit back and read this little book to your favorite kids. It's a happy Christmas story of acceptance and love.

5 comments about Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem.

1. I have the sneaking suspicion that the same team of writers behind Britney Spears platinum single "Hit Me Baby One More Time," also wrote Maya Angelou's bestselling poem "Amazing Peace,"
   Both are full of cliches and obviously attempt to make a lot of money by playing off our emotions, however, Britney Spears song is better because Britney Spears song actually has a beat, whereas Maya Angelou's poem is written in "free verse" (that's an oxymoron by the way)



2. I did not get to read this book myself as it was a belated Christmas gift for one of my wonderful sisters, and she loves anything by Maya Angelou. I am pleased to say that she was absolutely delighted and said this was the most beautiful poem she had ever read.



3. As is typical of Maya Angelou, a beautiful, inspiring book. I put it in my new granddaughter's time capsule, to be opened when she's grown.



4. We all have very strong feelings about peace. Throughout human history, peace has always been lacking. We live in a time when our country is run by corrupt criminals who attack other countries for corporate profiteering. We also continue to live in a world where the three major religions all proclaim they are the one true religion and war on the other two. So, it is definitely a good time for a message of peace!
   
   But this beautifully bound little book containing a cliche'd, trite, and just plain bad poem comes up empty. A message of peace is not sold in a one-poem book for $9.99 as an impulse-buy merchandising scam at Christmas. If Maya Angelou had printed this poem in newspapers, or sent out postcards to the world on her own dime with this poem, I would have more respect for her intentions. But this book is the worst scam, one that plays upon our hearts and souls to milk our pocketbooks. I received this book as a gift from a friend who had bought it for everyone she knew. Her intentions were beautiful: a message of peace.
   
   The end of organized religion will bring us one step closer to a world where the are no wars in the name of God. For those of you who don't know, Christianity was created by the Romans as a method of controlling people. If you have to go through the priest to reach the divine "God", and the priest can tell you what "God" orders you to do, then the priest (the Church) has control over you. The truth is, the divine nature of this universe is inside all of us. We are all made of cosmic stardust, literally, because all matter on this planet was made from exploding stars. We are all sacred. All you have to do to reach the divine is sit quietly and reflect upon your own beautiful luminous nature.
   
   So if you want to give a beautiful message of peace, don't give $9.99 plus tax to Angelou and Random House. Just reach out with your own beautiful nature to those you love (and those you don't). Write your own poem, your own song, whatever. Make your own little book, and make it real. Work for peace. Volunteer. Get involved. It will mean so much more than Angelou's scandalous, commercialized marketing scam of a Christmas Poem.
   
   And if you want to read some real poetry, try Charles Bukowski. His stuff is infinitely better and you'll get hundreds of great poems for the price of one bad one from Angelou.



5. I first heard this poem when it was read on the Oprah Show by the author and the host. It was so moving and I think is it Ms. Angelou's best work. I purchased my copies to give as gifts to friends and to pass on the prayer for universal peace.

3 comments about Around the Year.

1. i could not find any magic in this book. the style is the same but the pictures and colors are just not magical. i hope it is the printers fault. i was also not happy with the amount of information in book. prehaps you should describe these books better. this is the 5th. tasha tudor that i have bought from you and the first i have not liked.



2. Around The Year was originally published in 1957, and is generally regarded as one of the author/illustrator's finest endeavors in picture-book form. Tudor has penned appropriate short verses to accompany four pages of delicately-detailed scenes for each month, two done in watercolor and two in pencil.

   Miss Tudor is famous for her sensitive and accurate depictions of rural scenes of the past. I consider this book to be the pinnacle of her successful efforts in bringing the loveliness of by-gone days to the present-day young reader. Commonplace events such as running home during a springtime shower and ice-skating on a pond are given as much attention by the artist as are holiday-times and other special moments. Tudor's portrayal of children carving jack-o'lanterns for Halloween and the setting-off of firecrackers on America's Independence Day are quite memorable.

   On each page, there is much to be shared between any adult and child reading the book together. The Thanksgiving scenes are particularly evocative (and timely) for the start of meaningful discussions between parents and children. Tudor's observant eye gathers the flora and fauna of New England and delivers them to the observer in a delightful, but natural manner. Throughout the pages, there is a charming lightheartedness and gentleness rare in today's children's books. The careful reader will also find moments of unexpected humor. I highly recommend this book for both its content and delivery to readers of all ages.

   That said, I am livid with the publisher's decision to replace what I consider Tudor's finest dust-jacket design with a repeat of an image from the month of April--even though it's arguably the finest single composition presented in the book. The original painting of 12 miniature portraits featuring monthly activities (in a clockface pattern) coupled with a seasonal bird portrait in each corner is a tour-de-force in composition. It hints at the precious jewels to be found inside the book's covers, yet stands alone as a memorable work in itself.

   To make matters worse, the original title-page featuring another twelve individual bird portraits each surrounded by Tudor's distinctive twig frames has also been discarded. The new reader is also denied the enjoyment provided by Tudor's clever embellishments of the book's title, including an inchworm wending its way along the top of a letter.

   There is an unfortunate lack of faithfulness to both the clarity of line and intensity of color that were so notable in the book's early printings; this happens all too often in the modern world of children's-book publishing. Hopefully, the printer and the publisher will work together to rectify these failings for subsequent printings.

   Even with these faults, this book is a visual feast for both those who already do, and those who will now learn to, appreciate the value and importance of America's past rural life. Moreover, it is an enduring testimony of Tasha Tudor's distinguished contributions to the world of children's literature .




3. Around the Year by Tasha Tudor is a splendid peek into the simply wholesome traditions of a New England farm family throughout the year. Tudor's pictures are darling. My children love it. I'd recomend this book to anyone with children, anyone who needs to teach children about the monthes and seasons of the year, or anyone who just loves a really good poetic picture book. Enjoy! We did.

5 comments about A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Peanuts).

1. The book is good, however it is way too small. There are many pages and it was intended to be a story for my Pre K class. I had to omit several lines and pages. I was disappointed as I did not expect such a tiny and complicated book.



2. This book is very small, but hardcover. My kids enjoyed the story anyway and got them to read it without a fight because it was so little. Still had 30 pages though, I believe. Anyway, cute little book - just get it when it's on sale for $1 like I did.



3. Charlie Brown has a bit of a problem with the old holiday days off thing, it seems. This team, he has an additional burden, that of being the food provider. Not sure I would want to be going to dinner if Charlie Brown was cooking, but I might take a chance on the Snoopster, though.
   
   More of the usual Peanuts sort of thing here with the rest of the gang.



4. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Peanuts)
   I was very disappointed with this product. There was no indication in the description that this book was actually in miniature size. Although it may be a cute stocking stuffer, it is not a suitable addition to a classroom or personal library, as this was meant to be.



5. Live and learn. I never thought to look at the dimensions of a book in the description. I mean, why would I? They don't make teeny weeny books that appear normal size on the computer, right? um--wrong. It's teeny.
   
   Now, my kids think it's the cutest thing, so that makes it worthwhile. If not for that, I would call this a bad joke.

5 comments about The Girls' Revenge (Boy/Girl Battle).

1. Having read the other three books in this series I was delighted to find this installment. Naylor's plot twists are unpredictable, yet belivable. Her hints about an upcomming relationship between Beth and Josh will draw mixed reactions from readers, but all will eagerly read on to find out what will develop. Funny, fun, fabulous reading!



2. I dont know what to say it was great. I just finshed reading it so its still fresh in my mind. The one thing I can say is Naylor better make another!! If you raed the frist three books you must read this one. The whole book is great but what i reall want to read is one where the Benson's move back but the Mollys find a house in that same place that would be great. Like I said this is a must read!!



3. I really liked this book it's really funny. It takes place in December. I would explain, but that would give it away.



4. The Girls' Revenge is a really good book. I like the way Phyllis Reynolds Naylor can continue this series to the fourth book without having the excitement or comedy drag. I especially liked the fact that Peter keeps going over to the enemy camp, much to his brothers' anger and embarassment. I would recommend this book to any Phyllis Reynolds Naylor fan.



5. The Girl's Revenge is one of many books about the Hatfords and the Malloys.I love the sieries and think that this author is a very good writer!

No comments about Merry Christmas, Ollie (Gossie & Friends).

5 comments about Why Christmas Trees Aren't Perfect.

1. 
   A simple answer to the question in the book title -- because in imperfection you find beauty and grace and wonder. The this story is full of such things.
   
   This book is one of our family favorites -- a classic we return to and will carry with us in memories. Reading this book together gives us the chance to stop in a very busy season and wonder about things bigger and more important than wrapping and running. The message that defines perfection is a life lesson we all need.
   
   I will be purchasing this book to give to my children's families as they marry and begin their own Christmas traditions.



2. I wanted a Christmas tree book to read to my kids when we went to cut down our tree. I had never heard of this book, but I chose it from the library because it was about a Christmas tree. It is a wonderful heartwarming story. It has everything my fou-year-old (and me) loves. It has animals, a queen and castle, and a touching ending. I am going to purchase one for our family to make it a tradition on the day we go get our tree and I will likely purchase a few more as gifts as well.



3. This book has a great message for young and old alike! This is a book for anyone who has performed acts of service and wondered, "Does it count for anything?" And the answer is yes. Every act of kindness has a lasting impact on the giver as well as the receiver.
   
   This story is beautifully told and illustrated. This book is a great addition to any home library--it is the kind of book you want to own not just borrow from the public library.
   
   Also recomended:Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--another poignant story about the rewards of giving...



4. The little book impresses children (and adults) with the true spirit of Christmas, giving of one's self. The illustrations are beautiful and the text well written. It has become one of my favorite Christmas stories.



5. This is a heart warming story about a small Christmas tree that is not perfect, because it shares from the heart.
   This story was read to my child at school, and it was liked so much that she wanted one for Christmas.

1 comments about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever CD.

1. The book was fabulous...but the audio version is hilarious!!! Elaine Stritch brings the story to life as it is meant to be told...great for the whole family! Add this to your annual traditions!

5 comments about The Tall Book of Christmas.

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



2. 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.



3. 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



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



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