No comments about Alvin and the Chipmunks: A Chipmunk Family Christmas (I Can Read Book 2).

1 comments about The Candle in the Forest: And Other Christmas Stories Children Love.

1. This wonderful book that is a part of the Christmas in My Heart Volumes is unique in that the stories were chosen with children specifically in mind. It is a gift book with heirloom qualities. The special details are a pleasure to behold and there are pages for entries of special Christmas memories, activities, scriptures and photos etc. It is a lovely book to share with loved ones and pass down to children and grandchildren. Delightful!

1 comments about The Case of the Santa Claus Mystery (Jigsaw Jones Mystery Super Special, No. 4).

1. Jigsaw has a case. He has to catch Santa. When he tells a classmate the classmate wants a picture of Santa too. What will Jigsaw do? This is a short book and not at all challenging but I enjoy the author's writing.

5 comments about Holiday Princess: A Princess Diaries Book (Princess Diaries).

1. To be a good Princess, one must be diplomatic, and educated in everything regarding the countries and principalities surrounding one's own charge. This includes knowing how to celebrate every winter holiday, from the well-known Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, to the often unspoken about Yule, Chinese New Year, and Saturnalia - just to name a few. But this is not all that a good Princess must know. A good Princess must also be up on gift giving - what exactly is the right present to give to a guy you're not dating, but hope to be dating soon? Then there's those fabulous holiday movies - including some very unconventional holiday tales; and all of this is rounded off with a nice hot chocolate with marshmallows. This year, spend the holiday with Princess Mia, and her band of closest friends, from Lilly to Michael, and Tina to Paolo, as they give you the lowdown on all things Christmas, from how teenagers in other countries celebrate the holidays, and how to say "Happy New Year" in every language known-to-man.
   
   I have purchased and read every PRINCESS DIARIES HOW-TO BOOK, but HOLIDAY PRINCESS instantly took the prize as my favorite installment in the series. Perhaps it's my love of Christmas that made it my favorite; or maybe it's the fact that I love reading about how the PRINCESS DIARIES gang is spending their holiday season. Either way, HOLIDAY PRINCESS is a fun-filled book that will keep everyone on their toes for the holiday season. Cabot has created an informative guide that features style tips, shopping solutions, and much, much more that will get everyone through the Christmas rush; and each tip is accompanied by a marvelous illustration by Chesley McLaren. Overall, this is a must have book for all PRINCESS DIARIES fans, as it will quickly win a place in everyone's heart this holiday season.
   
   Erika Sorocco
   Book Review Columnist for The Community Bugle Newspaper



2. I have all of Meg Cabot's Princess Diary books, I even have the release dates marked on my calendar, so I was first in line at my bookstore this morning to buy this book.
   
   In this book, Princess Mia, her family and friends share their Christmas memories and customs. There is even a section on Christmas cards, and how to say, "Happy New Year" in a lot of languages.
   
   Great book to learn about Christmas customs and such.
   
   ``Katrina



3. Back again with another addition to the Princess Diaries series, Princess Mia invites us to share the holidays with her and the family in her witty rendition of what happens during the holidays. Loaded with advice from everyone closely associated with her, each chapter is also laden with her own views and excerpts on how things really are.
   
   From holiday etiquette on everything from addressing cards to purchasing gifts for others, to what's fashionable to eat, there's something for everyone in this little book (that is, if you're into being a princess and all). Mia is hilariously objective in her comments about her family's take on things, and Meg Cabot cleverly does this by putting all of Mia's comments in red, so you can't mistake her thoughts.
   
   One of the highlights of the book is Mia's chapter on Christmas around the world. Throughout the chapter, there are dozens of countries, complete with folklore, tradition, and how this particular culture spends their holiday season --- a very useful and informative tool for the student who has to do a book report (hint, hint). It's all there. There might even be some countries listed that no one has ever heard of, or ever thought of, that celebrate their own version of Christmas.
   
   Additionally, there are explanations on which movies are best to watch during Christmas, recipes to make, and the real story of truths and myths of what Christmas really means. Finally, it's a wrap with an in-depth guide to Kwanzaa and, of course, the symbolization of Happy New Year, complete with a listing of how to say it in 60 different languages!
   
   Although we won't be in Genovia with the royal princess, she made sure we knew enough to have lasting memories, as if we were. Happy Holidays everyone!
   
   --- Reviewed by Belinda Williams



4. We're either approaching or all ready knee deep in the holiday season, depending on your point of view. Many of us feel overwhelmed by this time of year, but don't worry, Princess Mia is here to rescue us.
   
   With her usual flair, Ms. Cabot has penned an amusing guide to all the holidays and variations thereof celebrated in the Christmas season around the world. Despite the light tone, this is actually a very informative book. I guarantee that unless you have studied holidays in depth, you'll learn something and enjoy yourself while doing it. Most of the characters we've come to love in the other Princess books contribute to this volume; Lily, Grandmere, Michael, Mr. G, Mia's mother, friends, baby brother, and of course, the Princess herself. If you just need to take a break from the onslaught of chaos, then no matter how old you are, grab this book and smile.
   
   Amanda Killgore



5. I usually like Meg Cabot, but this book was a waste of my money. It is boring and not half as good as I expected of Cabot. The Princess Diaries Books, as oppose to the series, are just not worth it.

1 comments about The Little Engine That Could and the Snowy, Blowy Christmas (Little Engine That Could).

1. I think that this would make a great special gift for Christmas for a four or five year old just starting to read.
   
   Gunner September 2007

1 comments about N is for Navidad.

1. This is a beautiful book that shares Christmas customs that are celebrated in the Latino culture. The illustrations are fantastic and I hope Joe Cepeda wins the Caldecott Medal for this book.

3 comments about Franklin's Christmas Gift (Franklin).

1. As a mother of three small children, I love all of the Franklin series books. This book was particularly poignant at this time of year when children get focussed on the recieving part of their holidays. It lead us into a discussion about giving and how that can feel just as wonderful as getting. After that, my children were actually eager to participate in donating toys to our local church.



2. In "Franklin's Christmas Gift," Mr. Owl tells Franklin and his classmates that they should pick out a toy to donate to the school toy drive. Franklin gets home, but can't seem to find anything he wants to give away except an old, rusty truck. But when he starts to see what everyone else is bringing and learns how important it is, he reconsiders.
   
   Another great "Franklin" story about sharing what you have to make others happy. Featuring the same sort of warm illustrations as other books in this series and a neat character --- Franklin's Great Aunt Harriet.



3. "Franklin loved Christmas. He could name all of Santa's reindeer. He could tie ribbons into bows and play 'Silent Night' on his recorder. Franklin liked to give presents and to receive them. But this year he couldn't decide what to give to the Christmas toy drive." -- From the book
   
   Every Decemember, Mr. Owl's students donate toys to needy families--toys that could either be brand new or gently used.
   
   This year, Franklin sifts through his toy box to select something for the holiday toy drive. He discovers some forgotten toys, like a shiny red car and a stuffed elephant. Finally, he decides that he wants to keep everything--except for a rusty truck with a missing wheel.
   
   Franklin asks his father to help him fix the truck, but his Dad tells him that it won't look new or even gently used. Franklin replies that "everything else is too special to give away".
   
   Franklin's Dad then talks to him about the importance of generosity.
   
   The next day, Franklin realizes that all his friends are giving away their FAVORITE toys--causing Franklin to re-think his selection for the toy drive. Now, he worries that he won't be able to find a toy that's special *enough*!
   
   Featuring gorgeous, colorful illustrations, Franklin's Christmas Gift is a wonderful holiday tale showing that the best gifts come from a willing heart--and that giving special gifts can generate feelings just as wonderful as those experienced when receiving them.

1 comments about Paddington and the Christmas Surprise.

1. Reviewed by Sophia McElroy (age 5.75) for Reader Views (11/08)
   
   I thought this book was funny. The pictures were very interesting and made me laugh. My favorite part of the story is when Paddington and his family go on the sleigh ride. They come to a part of the tour where Paddington is mad at the display because a plastic reindeer was laying on its side and all the stuff was a mess. This really made me laugh; Paddington didn't think it was funny at all. I think he is a really cute bear. I liked when he at the marmalade from Santa.
   
   Parent's Note:
   
   Sophia was so taken with the pictures she wouldn't even really talk to me about the story itself. I kept asking her and she just kept showing me her favorite pictures. I would have to say that for her, the illustrations told the story for her more than the words in "Paddington and the Christmas Surprise" by Michael Bond.

No comments about Funny Faces Santa Claus (Funny Faces).

5 comments about The Legend of Holly Claus (Julie Andrews Collection).

1. The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan and Illustrated by Laurel Long
   While the premise of the fairy tale is pretty cheesy (Mr. and Mrs. Claus have a daughter), and the book dwells way too long in the cutesy (read: fairy hide-and-seek and doll making), this turned out to be a pretty good fantasy, right up there with the Oz and Narnia series, and very, very reminiscent of Victorian fairy tales like The Rose and the Ring, The Reluctant Dragon, The Selfish Giant, and others I read in a 19th Century Children's Literature course. It's a fairy tale, while sometimes clumsy in prose, is beautifully imaginative and grotesquely described. Holly Claus has the most pure and innocent and loving heart in all creation. Unfortunately, this is the very thing that--when willingly given--will break the curse on the evilest of warlocks. Holly travels to late Victorian New York City, inspires children to follow their dreams by giving them toys (the old "toys are powerful" motifs of Christmas), and eventually defeats the evil Herrikham in an unfortunately predictable ending. But this tale is woven with such clever and imaginative pieces (particularly the creatures from all over folktale in the Land of Forever) and folktale plot twists (Holly's heart is encased in snow, so she is cursed to always be in the cold; a creature of such goodness and purity actually causes fear and horror in the perfect Land of Immortals). Also, there are some genuinely awesome characters, most importantly the two that serve as counter-points to Holly's optimistic innocence: Tundra, Holly's gruff wolf guardian who's a bit tormented, and Christopher Carroll, Holly's love interest, who has seen too much of the evils of the world and has lost his faith in magic. Also, this book is amazingly, beautifully illustrated, truly like a Victorian fairy tale. Grade: A-



2. This is a fantastic story! I really liked the characters, especially the main character, Holly. The beautiful illustrations add to the magical feel of the story. I really like the author's style. I liked how you couldn't tell who the "bad guy" (Herrikhan) would appear as in New York at first. The author has a great way of describing everything, especialy the land of Forever. This is a great book to share and read aloud. It is one of my top two favorite books ever. Most people who really like high fantasy will really enjoy this book.



3. This is a fabulous story about adventure, magic and the power of kindness. Its so creative, I just had to share it with other teachers! It gives a whole new life to the 'pantheon' of Santa Claus, creating characters who move you, scare you and have you cheering them on.



4. This is the greatest book ever! Kept me on the edge of my seat every time I picked it up to read. Full of hope and wonder. I lent it to my sister, a teacher, and she recommended the book to the school's librarian. Most of her students wanted to borrow it from her to read it, because she'd read some of the book outloud to them and they fell in love with it. I recommend this book to EVERYONE!!!!!



5. I loved this book it brought me back to my child hood in a fun and loving way. I thought it was well written, I did not want to end. I hope the Author writes a sequel