4 comments about Instant Christmas Pageant: The Fumbly Bumbly Angels (Instant Christmas Pageant).

1. I am currently working with the memebers of our church to present this play. It has been a breeze. Practices were easy and the children could work more on staging and facial features instead of the lines. Maybe after a few more practices we will try them doing the lines!!!



2. I love this series of 5 books!! Each one offers a different perspective on the Christmas story. This one is told by 4 Fumbly, Bumbly angels who want to sing in the "Heavenly Choir" but sing at a stable in Bethlehem instead! Each book comes with a CD with all the music and spoken lines on it. All children do is act along with what is being said on the CD. Audience members are encouraged to participate through singing as well. The costumes are super easy to make and there are great tips for adjusting the program to fit the number of actors. I love all 5 of these books and HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an easy to do, fun and professional looking Christmas Pageant for children!



3. The Fumbly Bumbly Angels Christmas Pageant is a great production for your fumbly bumbly children. This is a low stress production; no dialogue to memorize, simple staging and costuming and it includes enough congregational traditional carol singing to get everyone into the holiday spirit.



4. We haven't used it yet, but it appears to be well done and a good resource

5 comments about The Christmas Tree.

1. Do you like adventure? If so, read Julie Salamon's The Christmas Tree.
   In this book Julie puts a man in charge of finding the perfect tree for Rockefeller Center. This book is an adventure book because the main character has to find the perfect tree before Christmas.
   The main character's name is Jesse. Jesse leaves Rockefeller Center a few days before Christmas to find the perfect Christmas tree that everyone at Rockefeller Center would enjoy. On the way to upstate New York. Jesse saw the perfect tree, but this tree wasn't an ordinary tree because it belonged to a nun named Sister Anthony, known as Anna.
   Jesse talked to Anna about the tree. This tree was the only friend that Anna had while growing up in the convent. Anna told Jesse a story about her and the tree. Jesse told Anna about why he needed the tree and Anna said that he could take the tree for Rockefeller Center.
   The Christmas tree is a symbol enjoyed by all the people at Rockefeller Center, by the crowd, Jesse, and Anna. Anna was glad to see that everyone was enjoying tree.
   If you like Christmas, or you just need some time to rest from working, or you just need to read something around a fire on a cold winter's night, this is the right book for you. This book is about sharing and caring at the same time. You should read this book because it is exciting and you can feel what is happening in this story.



2. I have this book and love it! I saw a movie on TV about 10 years ago about this book. I have not been able to find the movie on DVD or VHS. I would love to have a copy of the DVD if anyone knows where I can obtain one.



3. This book is fantastic!! I have had it for many years and never tire of it. It is a great feel good at Chritmas story!!



4. I saw the 2006 Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center and felt compelled to read this little book that packs a huge punch. As a New Yorker, I delighted in the setting. The author writes with such visual details, personifying nature, amd the scenes came vividly alive in my mind as I was reading along. And this lovely story provides a gentle reminder of the lessons life has to offer and of the little joys we miss seeing or listening to thoughout the pressures and fast pace of our daily lives.



5. This is a tidy story that is very deep. Taken at it's word it is a beautiful story. Yet, it whispers of much more. What I really loved about this book is how it affirmed my own love and appreciation of trees. That each tree is unique and that there are some that are very special.
   "He was only a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But I have made him my friend, and now he is unique in all the world."
   From: The Little Prince

5 comments about A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition.

1. This is the ultimate companion to the tv show. The art work is from the original show and the dialogue is a great bonus! The book is also packed with great trivia and information about the decisions "behind stage" that led to the creation of the ultimate Christmas Special.



2. "Charlie Brown Christmas" is the crown jewel of Christmas specials. Heavy on holiday introspection, but with the dry wit and humor you'd come to expect from Charles Schulz's creations.
   
   "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" just expands that experience, by outlining how the famed special came to be -- the music, the animation, the voice acting, even the advertisement to get people to watch it. It's a charming, nostalgic little book, and a good accompaniment.
   
   "A Charlie Brown Christmas" was spun up quickly, when Coca Cola wanted a Christmas special in less than a week -- and Charles Schulz's lovable loser Charlie Brown seemed to be the ticket. But the special was made very differently from other cartoons -- 2-D animation, no laugh track, uncutesy kids, and (horrors!) a jazz soundtrack. It was doomed to fail, they said.
   
   Well, instead it became a booming hit, and has been running every December ever since. Lee Mendelson and Bill Melendez reminisce in here about the much-loved Charles Schulz, and about Vince Guaraldi, who made the distinctive piano soundtrack, and why it's so beloved -- it dares to approach holiday ennui and commercialization, then dashes it away with Linus' description of Christmas' meaning.
   
   As for the "making of" portion, there are storyboards, musical scores, test photos, clips of television reviews, and rare photos like Melendez and Schulz doing the football gag. Finally, there is the entire script of the special, framed by colourful stills from the cartoon.
   
   You couldn't wring this much information from most half-hour animated specials, no matter how much fun they were. But it's a bit different with "Charlie Brown Christmas." It was so completely unusual -- and has proved to be so timeless -- that a book on the making of it, and its effect, seems completely right.
   
   It's a very conversational, reminiscent book. It feels like sitting in a room with Melendez and Mendelson, listening to them reminisce about "Sparky." And we also get input from other people involved in the project, such as Christopher Shea (Linus), who talks about his famous "Second Chapter of Luke" speech, as well as odd bits of trivia (the little girl playing Sally had to be fed her lines).
   
   The Christmas special is more than able to stand on its own, but "Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" is a wonderful accompaniment. Full of interesting tidbits and history.



3. I loved this book! It has material for every fan of the famous TV special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas". I may not be musical, but if you are, this book includes the music. I am fond of the discussions of the people involved in creating the production of the TV show and the script. I will be using the script in my classroom for Reader's Theatre. The book has a lot of material that has meaning for me personally. I was young when this special was shown on television and it was always one of my favorites. The book was not a disappointment to read and own. I am very glad I bought it.



4. While we've been treated to many Charles Schulz documentaries and remembrances over the years, "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" is the first book to focus on the first Peanuts' television special. The book includes in-depth interviews with producer Lee Mendelson, animator Bill Melendez, and Vince Guaraldi's children. This book is the ultimate backstage pass to the recording studio, with interviews with the original child actors who voiced the characters and sang on Guaraldi's "Christmas Time is Here." As a bonus treat, the script and original animation art round out the book.



5. A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition is a treasure for those -- like me -- who love this Christmas classic. It is a great "behind the scenes look" that includes photos of the cast of characters whose voices are so familiar. Give it as a gift to the "Peanuts Fan" in your life.
   Philip D. Halfacre
   Author, Genuine Friendship

No comments about A Magical Christmas.

1 comments about The Littlest Angel.

1. I bought this classic as a Christmas gift. It looks beautiful and is sure to be treasured.

3 comments about Terrier in the Tinsel (Animal Ark Series #34).

1. My Idea about the book is that i like it alot.I like it because I like animals.I think people that like animals would like the book.Somthing I do not like about the book is it is like a kids book.It is long but the words are a little to easy.So If we have a nother book asinmentI think I may read a more harder book.But not to hard but just a little more difficalt.And work my way up harder then harder.I think you would like the book because the fact that it is about a dog.But i think you would not like it because you could read it in like two days.Thats my idea about the book.
   
   
   The book is called Terrier in the Tinsel.There is a girl named Mandy Hope and both her parents are Dr. For animals.Her mom Emily Hope is working on a pis named Peaches,he is pretty,with rosettes of creamy fur.Her dad Adam Hope is working on a Santaland for the Hospital.Christmas is in four days and the santa outfit is not fitting him.They live somwhere warm because they never had a white Christmas.Mandy was going to take a walk but then she spotted a small brown-and-white Jack Russel Terrier.Mandy got closer but then he would just back away from her.She tryed talking to him but then he just ran away.She told her mom and dad they said they could not do anything.Three days later they saw the dog again.Mandy took it to the Hospital with her parents.They said she is fine.FinallyAt the end of the book the dog did not belong to anyone.There was a girl in the Hospital.She did not have anyone so they gave the dog to the little girl.The dog was put into the Santaland.He was a Raindeer.That is the summary of the book Terrier in the Tinsel.



2. I was amazed at how fast it was delievered to my house. The book was also in great condition.



3. Animal lover Mandy Hope, and her best friend James Hunter can't contain themselves as they countdown the days until Christmas morning. But with only four days left until the big day, there is tons of work for the two pals to do: namely, help set up the Santaland at the Walton Cottage Hospital. After all, Mandy and James are lucky to have the opportunity to spend the holidays at home with their families, but for the sick patients at Walton Cottage, the only celebrating they'll be doing is in their hospital rooms. So Mandy and James, along with Mandy's Gran and Grandpa have taken on the duty to do the decorating, and Mandy's father, and resident Veterinarian at Animal Ark, Dr. Adam, will stop by Santaland on Christmas Eve dressed as Santa to hand out gifts to the children in the pediatrics ward, and give them a bit of holiday spirit. But when Mandy stumbles upon a little Jack Russell Terrier in the hospital parking lot, her Christmas spirit goes out the window. The weather is so cold, and the terrier must be hungry and frightened, yet he won't even let the patient Mandy approach him. At around the same time, Mandy and James befriend a young boy named Charlie Kingston, who is recovering from bronchitis. Charlie is full of energy, and volunteers to help Mandy and James set up the twinkling Santaland, but sometimes the exuberant boy does nothing more than cause trouble. However, when Mandy learns how much young Charlie loves dogs - especially terriers - and introduces him to Gran's meals-on-wheels friend, Percy Green, she realizes that sometimes a boisterous little boy, as well as a slightly ornery old man can make the perfect pair - especially when it comes to Christmas and animals.
   
   It has been years since I've sat down to read one of the ANIMAL ARK books - which I devoured one by one when I was a child - but since taking time to do so, the magic I used to experience when I was younger when delving into one of these delightful books has returned. Mandy Hope is the same lovable heroine I loved all those years ago. The twinkle in her eye, her jovial spirit, her willingness to help anyone in need...each and every quality is still there, shining brightly. While James Hunter is still his semi-mischievous self - trying to take charge of his out-of-control pup, Blackie, listening only to his growling stomach (which is always begging for food), and taking orders from the large and in-charge Mandy. Together, these two characters create a dynamic duo that is absolutely impossible to resist. Ben M. Baglio has brought his signature trait to the forefront, as well - introducing a new character to not only help Mandy and James, but who can be helped by the two friends. TERRIER IN THE TINSEL shines like the brightest star on the Christmas tree.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Freelance Reviewer

5 comments about A Small Miracle.

1. Anyone who has looked thru my precious book always gives it back to me with tears in their eyes.
   
   What a heartwarming story -- a fairy tale that could almost come true; and you kind of wish it would!!
   
   The illustrations in this book come alive with a powerful simplicity.
   
   The artwork is the kind that leads your eye into all its multi-faceted (yet simply rendered) details, and each time I look at it, I am rewarded with more details that I had missed before.
   
   I can almost hear the anticipatory almost-sacred hush on that village's cold, snowy, almost deserted streets on this very special, last day before Christmas.
   
   A VERY special book!!



2. What a wonderful way to "read" a book with a young child.....sharing the pictures and thoughts together is a great way to fire up their young minds, by putting their own thoughts into each picture. Love the story's moral as well.



3. This book is outstanding. A clearly defines the true meaning of Christmas and the holiday spirit.



4. Amazing...Stocked full of pictures that spell out a beautiful story. Little people can "read" on their own or discuss with a parent.
   My children love it...OK... I love looking at it too. You don't even realize that you aren't actually reading because the feelings portrayed are so strong.
   A great gift!



5. One of our family's all-time favorites. Sweet, simple, profound story of the essence of Christmas as shown in drawings of figures of the nativity story giving real love and service. Perfect gift for children and adults.

No comments about Best Christmas Crafts Ever!.

5 comments about The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving.

1. In The Legend of St. Nicholas, a beautifully-illustrated picture book for kids in the four-to-eight range, young Nick comes to realize that Christmas is about more than amassing material possessions. On a last-minute shopping excursion with his father, Nick is drawn in by a store Santa's recounting of the Saint Nicholas legend. The other Nick's decision to dedicate his life to giving, rather than receiving, serves as a strong inspiration for our modern-day Nick, showing him the Christian meaning behind a religious holiday that many now experience only in a commercial, secular sense. It also uses Saint Nick's story-within-the-story to draw a clever connection between Santa Clause and Christ's birthday. My five-year-old loved this book, insisting that I give it five stars. I agree that this would make a great addition to your family's holiday book collection.
   
   -Kevin Joseph (as reviewed for TCM Reviews)



2. It's easy to assume that St. Nicholas is just a fairy tale, but there is a historical basis for the legend. Dandi Daley Mackall, a wonderful children's author, tells the story simply and effectively. A boy shopping for presents for his brothers overhears the tale being told by a shopping mall Santa. He is so inspired by the story of the real St. Nicholas that he follows his example by giving gifts in recognition of the greatest gift: the gift of God's son.
   
   As is usual with the Legend series by Zonderkidz, the book is beautifully illustrated. Inspire someone by giving this book as a gift.
   
   Cindy Thomson
   Author of Brigid of Ireland



3. You might think it would be easy to translate the real story of Saint Nicholas of Myra into picture book form so that it can be shared with children. But the task is more complex than it first appears. If you research the origins of our Santa Claus, you either come up with voluminous information about travels, miracles, and patronage; or you land on a single statement that insists that no confirmed historical facts exist about him. It's tough to boil down the facts, such as they are, and figure out an engaging way to present them to young people.
   
   Dandi Daley Mackall takes a stab at the assignment with THE LEGEND OF ST. NICHOLAS, which puts a contemporary twist on the historical account. The book begins with a boy named Nick who goes last-minute Christmas shopping with his father. Nick is more focused on what he'd like to get for himself, not on presents for his little brothers. But he overhears a department-store Santa retelling the story of Saint Nicholas. He learns a bit about a young man who saw suffering and had enough wealth of his own to help out his friends and deposit anonymous gifts at their homes. When he later saw how much his gifts were appreciated, Saint Nicholas decided to celebrate Christmas in that fashion from that point on. Hearing this tale had its effect on real-time Nick, and in no time he was busy figuring out what to get for his family members.
   
   The plot is nicely done, even if we don't believe that a young person can be turned around so quickly these days. Guy Porfirio's illustrations are rich in color and expression (though the text mentions that Nick is ogling CDs, not the DVDs that he is seen holding in one scene). Children might be stunned at first to see Saint Nicholas depicted as a handsome young man, not much older than themselves. But of course that's the point! And I think it is well made here. Good job!
   
   Mackall and Porfirio are not the first ones to tackle this subject, and they surely won't be the last. Other good picture book treatments include: Marianna Mayer's "The Real Santa Claus," which provides a detailed history of Nicholas' life; Demi's "The Legend of Saint Nicholas," which streamlines a similar history and features iconic illustrations; and "The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale" by Aaron Shepard and Wendy Edelson, which brings to life a simple and colorful American folktale of gratitude, inspired by the saint. Each one is worthy of sharing with a child during the holiday season.



4. This story of Saint Nicholas is simple and perfect for reading to children on Christmas eve. The language is simple and easy for them to understand. The story is simple as it tells the story of Nicholas, a boy of the fourth century who unselfishly gives his belongings to his friends on Christmas day, vowing to do so ever after in honor of the Christ. The pictures are well done and the story tells us of another Nicholas who learns the true meaning of Christmas from Santa Claus. Simply put,if you are looking for a way to explain Santa Claus and Christmas, I feel this simple book will help.



5. We focused on this book last Christmas and can't wait to read it as a family this Christmas. It's now part of our tradition. This is an absolutely wonderful retelling of the best parts of the life of Saint Nicholas.

5 comments about Dick and Jane: A Christmas Story (Dick and Jane).

1. As a pre-school teacher in my home for over 20 yrs., I am so happy to see the Dick and Jane books revived! They are the best tool for teaching upcoming young readers. I remember how much I looked forward to reading when I was first introduced to the family of Dick and Jane. If you didn't grow up with them, you don't know what you missed! The kids love the stories, and the pictures encourage them to use their imaginations. The pictures are beautifully done, too. Once they learn to read the simpler versions, your child will graduate to the harder and harder stories. One thing I would add: They make excellent birthday and Christmas gifts to any 4 or 5 year old!!!!



2. This is an absolutely wonderful book for now or the holidays. Would make a great gift for anyone who grew up with Dick and Jane and Spot....what a great memory from the past!



3. But did anyone else notice that the father was plucked completely out of the story? He appears on the very first page reading the newspaper, but that's it! He plays no role in the family's activities. hmmm. These aren't the Dick and Jane stories that I grew up with. In those stories the father was present and the family was complete. But that wasn't very PC was it?



4. 
   I purchased five Dick & Jane books for my six year old grand daughter. She was able to read them with ease. I know this will help her improve her current reading ability. They will also be a keepsake for years to come.
   RAB Sullivan County NY



5. I grew up on Dick and Jane. What better way to make my little ones love reading as much as I do!!! Dick and Jane is the way to go!!! All four of my children grew up on Dick and Jane as I did and they love to read.