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.

3 comments about Snappy Little Christmas: Have the Best Christmas Ever!.

1. A wonderful Holiday book! I have read this book to many classes. They loved each page.



2. I purchased this book and found it to be a truly wonderful children's book for the holidays. I didn't realize it was geared toward the older child, and I gave it to my 1 1/2 yr. old. As you can guess he ripped all the pop-ups out shortly there after. I fell in love with the pop-ups and the colors. It is very easy to read and keeps your child's attention. I paid 12.95 for it in Chicago. I am purchasing it today for about $9. This time it will get put away after the holidays!



3. I bought this book to help explain Santa Claus and Christmas to my two year old son. (He was afraid of Santa last year.) As I turned the pages, my son kept saying "WOOOWW" at all the pop-ups. It is a very colorful book and fun to read. It is definitely on a two year old level (just enough wording). And now he's asking to go see Santa!!

4 comments about The Last Straw.

1. This is such a wonderful book! Every year I look for a special book to share with my family, this year it will be The Last Straw. It is a humorous tale that also teaches a valuable lesson about humility. The Last Straw is right up there with Santa Calls and The Red Ranger Came Calling. I highly recommend this book!



2. A proud camel is selected to accompany the Magi described in Matthew to carry gifts for Jesus. He tries to get out of the journey (he has other commitments), but is convinced otherwise by some sand-blowing voices. As his journey continues, so does his burden, as gifts are added to his back. A young child even adds a straw for the baby's bed, that, well, I don't want to spoil the ending ("Will this straw cause me to fall?").

   We used this book as the basis for our church's family Christmas Eve service. The children participated in a recreation of the Christmas stories in Matthew and Luke, and then settled in for a reading of this great book. During the story, we had two people in a camel costume come through the aisles, as "presents" were loaded onto baskets on the "camel's" back. It was a great success, and helped bring alive the oft-repeated Bible stories.

   Thury has a great skill of weaving in enough adult humor to keep the attention of even the most holiday-weary parent (this camel complains of his joints, gout and sciatica, which all parents and granparents can relate to after weeks of holiday shopping, eating and "assembly-required" efforts). My seven year old has requested it again and again. Original, enchanting and a great twist on both the Christmas story and "the straw that broke the camel's back." Or did it? The pictures are outstanding.




3. I love this book. I read it to my Sunday school class every year (preschool & kindergarteners) -- I still get teared up when the camel arrives at the manger...it is so touching and awe inspiring! The children are completely entranced by the story -- no one stirs as we read the story -- even the 3 year olds will be still with their little jaws open.
   
   Together we wonder... will the old camel make it to the manger? Will the camel accept the little boys gift at the end of the journey?
   
   It should be on every child's bookshelf at Christmastime. It is the spirit of the season.



4. This book was introduced to me by our pastor's wife. It follows the journey of a begrudging camel and his lack of enthusiasm to do as God's angels asked him and take gifts to the new baby King. Just when Hoshmakaka can't seem to bear anymore, he takes one last piece of straw and that brings him to his knees in front of the Baby Jesus and he forgets his burdens. This is a beautifully told and illustrated story that delights my four year old and brings tears to my eyes as I realize the parallel for our everyday lives.

5 comments about Advent Storybook: 24 Stories to Share Before Christmas.

1. I borrowed this book from our library last year when I was searching for ways to supplement Jesse Tree and make it more accessible to my small children, then almost 6 and 2. This book was magical for my kids, they loved and begged for it every night. It had so many wonderful messages within and truly enhanced our Christmas season. I am buying it this year because my daughter has already started to ask if we will read it again. Throughout the bear's journey in the book, he encounters different people, creatures and situations that each send gentle and wonderful lessons that really rang true with my children and made me fall in love with this book. Our family adored it and looks forward to it in many years to come. If you are looking for The Christmas Story, this is not it, but a beautiful parallel, in that the main character is going to visit the Christ child and each day is a part of his journey. There are lessons of love, giving, and even not judging books by their covers.



2. The stories are cute, but very short. As a little bear walks for 25 days to see the newborn Christ Child, he encounters other animals who join his journey. I was disappointed that many of the daily stories miss the chance to reinforce lessons about kindness, sharing, courage, patience, etc.



3. My son and daughter (5 and 6) love this book and can't wait to read it each night of Advent. They love that it has a bookmark and they can keep track of the night. Plus, it is a rare opportunity to help instill a deeper meaning to Christmas.



4. This is a very nice Christmas activity story book, there are 24 stories to read. I read it to my 4 year old son, each story is short enough to keep a young child or readers attention, my son could hardly wait for the next story. It is a great way to count down the days to Christmas.



5. Benjamin bear, like all small children, is anxious for Christmas to come. As Benjamin bear opens the doors on his advent calendar, Mother bear tells him twenty-four little stories about another little bear's journey. The first door on the advent calendar reveals a glittering star that leads Benjamin, little bear and us day by day to the manger. These stories with their short reflections on human kindness and God's love are the perfect way to teach tiny children about the true miracle of Christmas, the birth of the Christchild in Bethlehem.

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!

4 comments about The Bears' Christmas (Beginner Books(R)).

1. My two and a half year old son loves this book. It is all about the Berenstains bear dad giving and teaching his son to use skis, skates and a sled. Its a great father/son book. Its hilarious because the dad is so smug about teaching these things but everytime he tries to teach, he has a calamity. Basically its the Tim Taylor of Berenstain Bears books. Its also a great book for getting your child interested in winter outdoor activities.



2. When brother bear gets a pair of skies, skates and a sled for Christmas Papa bear is sure that he will be bale to show his son how to use them. This book is full of laughs!



3. I loved this book because it reminds me of my dad and me, when we used to go through out the Manhattan Trails in Grand Rapids. I loved it and my dad taught me how to ski, and snowboard there just like papa bear did to his son. I just loved it the way that they spent time together. And I cant wait to go to see my dad in the winter and we can go do the same things that we do in the winter.



4. "The Bear's Christmas" by Stan and Jan Berenstain is a fun book both you and your child will enjoy. This is one of the Berenstain books that rhymes -- I like those best.
   
   Brother bear gets a sled, skis, and ice skates for Christmas. Papa bear takes Brother bear out to show him how to use his new equipment. Papa bear tries to show Brother bear how he used to sled, skate, and ski when he was a cub. Things don't go as Papa bear plans ...
   
   My daughter and I really enjoy reading this story.

5 comments about A Creature Was Stirring.

1. Kids will enjoy this story, parents too, and everyone can marvel at the fantastic illustrations. Carter Goodrich is an amazing artist. In "A Creature Was Stirring" he captures a great Christmas feeling with his colors and the few characters of the book are full of life and personality. He has a particularly interesting take on Santa. The story is cool too, it offers a fresh spin on the old "'Twas the Night Before Christmas", telling the story from the perspective of a little boy, which I am sure kids will love. The original text is used in the story as well, so you get a nice new version with the classic there too, good deal.
   
   Buy this if you want a great Christmas story for your kids and the child inside you, and also if you have any interest in Carter Goodrich, illustration, animation design, or great drawing and painting in general.



2. Magic abounds in Carter Goodrich's splendidly illustrated second story tucked alongside the familiar 'Night Before Christmas.' A little boy's insomnia culminates in his own brief flight in Santa's sleigh, while stockings are stuffed at the hearth below. Night and snow and reindeer and pillows are all illustrated with a deft colored pencil/watercolor mix that intrigues the artistic eye. Goodrich shows a new side of himself, a pleasant surprise to fans of his New Yorker magazine covers.



3. This is a great take on the great old classic I love. I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my six year old great nephew, so I have not given it to him yet. I love the illustrations and think he will too!



4. A small boy knows he is supposed to be asleep on Christmas eve but he risks the "naughty" list in order to get a peek out the window when Santa's sleigh arrives.
   
   Moore's well known poem chronicles Santa's visit on the left page while the boy's adventure with Santa's precariously parked sleigh develops on the opposing page.
   
   One alert kindergarten lad pointed out that the boy's words were printed in white while Moore's poem is printed in gold. I was so pleased he had noticed and it makes the last page of the story even more fun.
   
   Lovely golden end papers open the book. Goodrich's illustrations are humorous and the kids followed the story easily. It was a fun read.



5. What a wonderful take on the classic Clement C. Moore poem. On the left pages the traditional poem is rendered, but on the right we hear from a little boy -- a creature who was stirring! Although he knows it is naughty, he can't help but take a peek (and maybe a little joy ride!) on Santa's sleigh. With brightly colored, page-filling, eye-catching illustrations, this book is a great way to introduce new readers to the classic poem or freshen up an old classic.
   
   As a read-aloud, the left side/right side layout can be a little confusing, but should be pretty clear if you give the classic poem and the sections told from the little boy's point of view different voices and emphasis. The big, bright illustrations are also great for groups. But this would be a great little lap-read too.

No comments about Jungle Fury Jungle Justice (Power Rangers).

5 comments about The Santa Claus Book.

1. Santa gave me this book when I was still a baby, and I've had it ever since. I'm 21 now and I still think this is the greatest book to read during the holidays. It makes you smile because the way it's written is just really heartwarming and really puts you in the holiday spirit. My mom calls me every year to tell me she got 'the Santa Book' out because I think she loves it more than I do! haha.



2. I always remember this book being around our house every Christmas, and I would read it over and over- poring over it for hours. Alden's presentation of research was so "scientific" and official-looking that I believed way after all the other kids my age! In fact, when other kids would tell me they didn't believe anymore, I would tell them they were wrong and their parents had lied- Santa Claus IS real, I have the book!



3. I received this book for my first Christmas (1983) and spent many Christmases after that reading it under our Christmas tree. This book is full of imaginative, fun, and hilarious stories and characters. I cannot imagine a Christmas without it and recommend this book to everyone, young and old. I hope to share my copy with my children and help create the memories that it inspired in my youth.



4. I've had this book so long, and read it so often, that I'm shocked it's still in one piece. Alden Perkes, a master storyteller, presents an 'inside look' of the North Pole, the reindeer and elves, and-- of course-- Santa himself in such a convincing manner, this almost-30-year-old wants to believe all over again. So glad I can share it with my kids now, and that the magic continues...



5. I purchased a hardcover version of this book for my children about twenty years ago. It is so amusing and full of Santa's life at the North Pole. Santa's favourite cookies recipe is yummy - these had to be made every Christmas. I totally recommend this book for anyone young at heart.

5 comments about Amazing Christmas Extravaganza (bkshelf) (Bookshelf).

1. I like the book because of of the illustraitons are great. It is a awsome book! the book is about a man that wants to make his house really cool this Christmas. How ever his nieghbor thinks that he has a lack of lights. then the man makes a lot of stuff tomake his house neat. then the people break everything. if you are reading this I hope you read this book.I like the book because of of the illustraitons are great. It is a awsome book! the book is about a man that wants to make his house really cool this Christmas. How ever his nieghbor thinks that he has a lack of lights. then the man makes a lot of stuff tomake his house neat. then the people break everything. if you are reading this I hope you read this book.



2. The illustrations in this book are great and the story is amusing for the most part. However, the story takes a disturbing turn when the neighbors decide Mr. Merriweather has gone overboard with the X'mas decorations and they march over armed with baseball bats and the like to rip down and destroy the display. My 5 year old was horrified and couldn't understand why the neighbors didn't talk to Mr. Merriweather instead. While the neighbors finally realize they went too far, the story was ruined for my child who said she never wanted to read it again. Honestly, it was a rather violent twist to an otherwise enjoyable book.



3. My 2nd grade students love this book year after year. The illustrations are wonderful, and David Shannon does another spectacular storytelling job. Sparks great discussion about what is important during the holidays.



4. I appreciate the values that the author is trying to impart. Christmas (and life) should not be about aquiring more things especially at the expense of our neighbors and friends. However, as I was reading this book to my day-care preschool children they got really frightened upon seeing the very scary-faced angry mob with golf clubs, mallets and other tools of destruction. I don't think they had been exposed to the mob mentality yet. They wondered why anyone would slash, bash and trash another persons things (not a great value to impart). At least Mr. Clack and the others were sorry in the end for what they had done.
   I had not previewed this book before I shared it with my children - I would not have read the book to them. My copy is in the garbage.



5. My son has been a David Shannon fan since he was three. Mr. Shannon does not let us down with his wonderful illustrations and well written books. The best part of this book is it doesn't have to be Christmas for you to enjoy it. The story allows children to see that it's not so much about the extravaganza but the smaller things that you should value. We thoroughly enjoyed this book.