4 comments about The Perfect Christmas Gift (Gigi, God's Little Princess).

1. Princess Gigi is a little girl who is waiting impatiently for the arrival of Christmas Day and all the gifts for her that will be under the tree on Christmas morning. Being a princess, Gigi is positive that this is the Christmas that she will be receiving her royal crown. But when Christmas morning finally arrives, there is no crown-sized box or package. That's because there is no crown! Instead, Gigi will be getting a gift more wonderful than any crown she could ever imagine! Children's author and Christian communicator Sheila Walsh has crafted a simply wonderful and inspiring picturebook story for young readers that is delightfully enhanced by the colorful illustrations of Meredith Johnson. "Gigi, God's Little Princess: The perfect Christmas Gift" is the perfect addition to family, elementary school, and community library Christmas season storey books for young children.



2. The Perfect Christmas Gift is Book #3 in the Gigi, God's Little Princess Series. This is less a Christmas book and more a Gigi book that takes place at Christmas. Fans of Gigi will love it.
   
   Gigi cannot wait for Christmas to come! She knows she is getting a big gift and the anticipation is killing her. This must be the year she finally receives her royal tiara with jewels befitting the princess she knows she is.
   
   On Christmas Eve, Gigi's daddy reads to her about the birth of Jesus. She decides a stable and manger are not nearly good enough for a baby king. "But at least He got gifts...that must have made Him feel royal." Her father replies: "He was the gift. God's perfect present to all of us."
   
   On Christmas morning Gigi tears through the mountain of gifts, hunting for the tiara she knows is there. She can't find it. Finally, with a tear on her cheek, she opens the biggest present, knowing there will be no princess crown this year. Inside is something she loves even more than a jeweled crown. That night she decides the shepherds were probably just as surprised as she was. "Who would have ever thought that the very best gift in the world would come in such an unexpected package?"
   
   The last page of the book quotes Luke 2:10-12 and Matthew 2:10-11.
   
   What I Like: Gigi is endearing. She's precocious and sweet with a tender heart. Using such an adorable character, this book makes a wonderful point: that sometimes the best gifts are not at all what we expect; sometimes we don't even know what we really want the most -- a message which the target audience (girls who think they're princesses) need to learn. I love the illustrations! The book would not be the same without them. Also, the price is nice. Usually hardcover picture books of this size and quality are much more expensive.
   
   What I Dislike: This book is long and, like the main character, seems to lose focus in a couple spots. My daughter loved The Pink Ballerina (Gigi, God's Little Princess), but this book didn't hold her attention. She is below the suggested age range, so the length may be perfect for older kids. Another minor detraction, the mountain of gifts she receives on Christmas is daunting. I understand Gigi is an only child, but I felt this reinforced the materialism with which princess-crazed girls already struggle.
   
   Overall Rating: Very Good.
   
   Tanya -- Christian Children's Book Review



3. We love GiGi and this book certainly doesn't disappoint. My 4yr old daughter loves the stories and videos that always bring the message home for her.



4. I bought this book for my daughters, and they really enjoyed as did I. If you want a good Christmas story with references to God instead of Santa, this is the book for you.

3 comments about Old-Fashioned Santa Claus Cards: 24 Cards.

1. I was under the impression that these cards were regular Christmas cards and not postcards. Hence the 3 stars, otherwise I like them alot.



2. This is a very beautiful way to share Christmas with others. The old fashioned pictures in a high gloss finish are so bright and cheerful and very Christmasy. Everyone who received one of these cards really appreciated them.



3. Nice Clipart...some good old classic generic clipart.
   I scan it in...wish it was already scanned in.
   
   Great price...
   You should be happy.

No comments about Eloise Decorates for Christmas (Ready-to-Read Level 1).

5 comments about The Littlest Angel.

1. My Grandma has been reading this story to me ever since I was little, and even though I am 21 I still make her read it to me every Christmas. It is one of my favorite stories and someday I will read it to my children too.



2. This story has been a part of our Family life since my children were small. Now they are grown up and have their own children. We still read it every Christmas Eve. This version of the story is beautifully illiustrated and as ever, warms your heart on each reading. I have read this to Brownies, Girl guides and this year to a senior citizens group over the holidays. It never fails to bring a tear to one's eye and yet hope to your heart. I highly recommend this story and this book to children of all ages.
   Jean W.



3. My Mother read this book to me when I was a child. I am still very disturbed by it and I am 48 years old. It is a very sad tale about a 4 year old who has died and is now lonely, unhappy and homesick in heaven ; separated from his mother. Not exactly the image of heaven I want to convey to my small child. I know a lot of people consider this book to be a classic. But I would urge every parent to read this book through before you read it to your child to determine if you feel it is appropriate for your child. I just remember being about 4 years old myself and wondering for years why my mother would read such a sad and depressing story to me.



4. I was four when I lost my brother to cancer. Explaining this to a child was very difficult for my parents. I remember having this book read to me over and over and it made the "reality" of death a little easier for a child. I buy this book for baby showers and it still brings me to tears after all these years. (my children also love this book)



5. This is my favorite Christmas story from childhood. I still get tears when I read it today. I have given copies of this book to several children over the last Christmases in hopes that it will effect them as it has me.

5 comments about Josefina's Surprise: A Christmas Story (American Girls Collection).

1. Josefina and her sisters, Ana, Francisca and Clara are struggling to keep the Christmas alive after Mamå's death. Every year when a girl would turn eight they would recieve the Nina doll. But when Josefina turned 8 they forgot about the tradition since Mama had just died. But this Christmas Josefina is 9 and she wants the doll. But Clara doesn't want to give the doll up since she wants to remember her mother. Then when the doll is lost Josefina just gives up hope but Christmas Eve is always filled with love and surprises.



2. Josefina Montoya is a nine-year-old girl growing up on her family's rancho near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1824. Mama died last year, and since then, life for Josefina, her father, and her older sisters, Ana, Clara, and Francisca. Even though things have been better since Mama's sister, Tia Dolores, came to help out, the Montoyas still grieve. Josefina feels that celebrating the Christmas traditions will make her miss Mama more - but they bring her peace and happiness. And one special night gives Josefina courage and hope for the future, and brings Josefina an unexpected gift. This book was very good and I learned a lot about the traditions of Mexican families living on the Southwest frontier in the 1820s.



3. In this book Josefina gets to be Maria in the Christmas play. She has a happy Christmas.



4. This is another book in the American Girls series about Josefina Montoya, a ten-year-old girl living in the New Mexico of 1824. In this book, Josefina and her sisters prepare for Christmas, a grand celebration in New Mexico, made all the more special by the towns use of the Christmas altar cloth made by Josefina's late mother. However, when the altar cloth is brought it, they find out that the flood (Josefina Learns a Lesson) damaged the cloth. The girls rally round to fix the cloth...and perhaps fix themselves at the same time.

   The final chapter of this wonderful book is a highly informative look at Christmas in New Mexico in 1824. Jean-Paul Tibbles' excellent illustrations complement the story nicely, and add a great deal to the joy of reading this book.

   This is a wonderful story, with some excellent lessons. I liked the way the family pulled together, and worked hard towards something beyond themselves. Also, I like how the family's religion is worked into the book in a warm and inspiring way. This is another excellent American Girls book, one that my daughter and I recommend to you.




5. This Josefina story blends the joyous with the bittersweet. Like the other books in the series, the book explores the grief that a family has after the death of the mother. That being said, it is not a 'sad' story -- there are happy portions and the ending is full of Christmas cheer. I heartily recommend it.

2 comments about Saint Francis and the Christmas Donkey.

1. I was immediately drawn to this book since my sister gave me my middle name after her favorite saint, Saint Francis. The illustrations are beautiful, an important factor for those of us with young children since they will be more apt to enjoy a book with detailed pictures. The story is told by Saint Francis to the donkey to help him understand his place in the world. It provides parents a perfect opportunity to discuss how harmful pride can be and how God has given each of us a reason for living. The tale includes an explanation of the creation of the animals and why the donkey was chosen to carry Mary to Bethlehem. In the afterword, the author has also included a mini-biography of St. Francis and an annotated bibliography. A selection you must have to add to your Christmas reading traditions.



2. I bought this last year for my grandson. He loved it. He turned it over and looked for a gold sticker. He thought surely it had won an award. It has beautiful pictures of Assisi, and combines the story of creation with the Christmas story. I am now buying a copy for our church.

2 comments about The Miracle of the First Poinsettia.

1. I like this book because of the main character, Juanita. She is very brave because even though she thinks all the people would stare at her because she is bringing weeds to the baby Jesus she goes into the church. Another reason I like the story is when she goes into the church the weeds turn into flowers and this is a great surprise.



2. A really different Christmas book. It is the retelling of an old story in picture book form. This would go along well with learning about how Christmas is celebrated in Mexico. It is a great story too. It also opens up a chance to talk about gift giving and the importance of keeping perspective. I would recommend it for all ages.

2 comments about My Little Pony: Rose Blossom's First Christmas (My Little Pony).

1. Let me start off by saying that I am a Christian who knows that Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ. That being said, this little book is about a new baby pony named Rose Blossom and her first experience with a Christmas party in Ponyville. Although it never mentions Jesus, it also doesn't mention Santa either, which makes it a nice, neutral story about a happy party taking place during Christmas. The book's cover is beautiful and glittery.



2. I honestly can't review the book, because it never arrived! I ordered it for my niece on Dec. 2nd, and it didn't arrive in time for Christmas. It's now Jan. 2nd, and it still hasn't arrived. Two other items ordered from Amazon haven't arrived either. (One is a Curious George Christmas book which I ordered for my nephew...)
   This experience is not typical of Amazon, and I welcome a customer service rep to contact me to get it straightened out.

1 comments about Wild & Wacky Totally True Bible Stories - Christmas CD (Wild & Wacky Totally True Bible Stories).

1. Buy them all!!! My kids know so many great Bible stories (and not just the easy ones, like Noah & the ark) from listening to Frank Peretti's CDs. They have played them over and over and over again.

1 comments about A LazyTown Christmas (Lazytown (8x8)).

1. This show may not be in production any longer, but a four-year-old I know likes the show and is happy to have books from the series.