5 comments about Secret Santa.

1. The book Secret Santa, by Sabrina James, is an exciting, dramatic, fun fiction novel that you can't put down! It has a terrible misunderstanding of relationships and everyone gets confused. Who will end up together? Find out yourself! I really liked this book and would definitely recommend. It just has a bunch of high school students trying to figure out the secret Santa gifts, " Presents? Kisses? Maybe both!
   
   Noelle Kramer and Lilly Norris have been best friends their whole lives. Living in Manhattan, they stick together through this adventure. Noelle had a crush on Charlie Grant, her neighbor, for as long as she can remember, but what will happen when his little brother comes into the picture? Lilly has yet to get over her last boyfriend, but who knows what this game will do for her?
   
   Celia Armstrong just moved in and hangs around with the "popular girls," but would rather be with Noelle and Lilly. You'll be surprised at who she ends up with!
   
   This book makes you guess who will end up together, but don't get confused! Sabrina James made this book suitable for almost any age, by making it something to relate to. It is a quick read, but still detailed.



2. 
   Its Christmas in Manhattan and North Ridge High has decided to go a different route with a game of Secret Santa. Who will end up together? Find out yourself!
   
   I really liked this book and would definitely recommend. It just has a bunch of high school students trying to figure out the secret Santa gifts, "Presents? Kisses? Maybe both!"
   
   Noelle Kramer and Lilly Norris have been best friends their whole lives. They stick together through this adventure. Noelle had a crush on Charlie Grant, her neighbor, for as long as she can remember, but what will happen when his little brother comes into the picture? Lilly has yet to get over her last boyfriend, but who knows what this game will do for her?
   
   Celia Armstrong, also known as "beach girl," just moved in and hangs around with the "popular girls," but would rather be with Noelle and Lilly. You'll be surprised at who she ends up with!
   
   This book makes you guess who will end up together, but don't get confused! Sabrina James made this book suitable for almost any age, by making it something to relate to. It is a quick read, but still a great book.



3. I am a librarian, and I sponsor a book club for 7th and 8th graders at my school. We ordered this book for our December selection. They really loved the book!



4. I'm a mom who bought this book for my 6th grader's stocking. The book store had it on the table with all the other holiday classics, yet its new (10/07). They had it right though--this is sure to withstand the test of time to become a holiday favorite. It's fun santa cover made it an eye-catcher and who doesn't like secret santas for a storyline? It's all about relationships, just what kids this age are getting into. I was surprised the content was so captivating, it really held my interest. Meant for teens and tweens, I couldn't put it down either!! the ending is quite exraordinary--the last line a little grown-up, but very appropriate for the storyline. I really think kids from middle school thru 10th grade, the grade level most of the characters are in would enjoy this book. A perfect stocking stuffer. Pick one up for your favorite tween or teen! A great holiday book, but probably a fun summer read as well when dreams of romance under the mistletoe, bright lights against winter snow and cups of cocoa with minimarshies abound!!



5. It's Christmas, and time for Secret Santas! Everyone knows the gift exchange program, but it has never been done like this. A school-wide Secret Santa game plays matchmaker as students give gifts to each other, in hope that something amazing will happen in return. This tale becomes a weave of friendships and feelings as people speculate and sneak in search of their Secret Santa's identity. But what comes out of this game, no one knows. 'Tis the season for juicy stories and surprises!

No comments about Christmas Around the World (Young Reading Series 1 Gift Books).

No comments about Holidays Around The World: Celebrate Christmas: With Carols, Presents, and Peace (Holidays Around the World).

5 comments about My Dad Cancelled Christmas!.

1. Sean Casey had a vision somewhat different than the father from Christmas favorite "T'was the Night Before Chistmas." Nonetheless, "My Dad Cancelled Christmas" offers a great plot line that relates to parents and kids alike. The book, which tells the story of a father who loses it on Christmas Eve and subsequently cancels his family's celebration of Christmas, is illustrated by Sean's daughter Quinn, age 10. She has a great deal of talent and captures her fathers imagination well.
   This book definitely should be up there on everyone's shopping list. "My Dad Cancelled Christmas" is definitely a refreshing alternative to the traditional and mundane "T'was the Night Before Christmas." It would not be a bad read to the kids before settling them down for "their long winter's nap" on Christmas Eve next holiday season. This would also be an excellent read for teachers of all elementary grades looking to expand their bookshelves and their students' imaginations. Definitely a "must" on next year's Christmas list, but why wait? It can be read year round to keep everyone in the holiday mood and get a laugh in here or there.



2. What is it about Christmas that inspires the best bedtime stories for kids? Maybe it's simply snuggle factor. The crackle of the fire in the fireplace, the warmth of the blanket that dad tucked us in only the way dad can do it. Written by dad and illustrated by his young daughter, the book itself is a homage to the wonderful blessings of family. Reading this book to your children at bedtime will not only entertain but like most celebrated rhyming Christmas stories will teach them a wonderful lesson about appreciating what you have.



3. Okay, so we don't have kids of our own so sue us. It is a delightful book and and as I was reading I thought to myself that if we had kids the husband here would probably be just like the dad in the book, because that is how he is with our 3 dogs. We could most definately see this being a big time holiday film, either for the big screen or even television since we really need to have more quality television for children. The wife is a teacher and we are thinking of ordering a whole bunch of copies for the kids as we get towards the holiday season. Many thanks to Mr. and Miss Casey.



4. A fun Christmas story for children and adults. The students in my class really enjoyed this book. It is funny and it teaches a wonderful lesson. The illustrations were fun too!
   Good holiday books are hard to find, but this one is GREAT!



5. My husband and I read this to our children and the kids loved it! They've been asking us to read it over and over again. Our six year old actually asked us if daddies could really cancel Christmas? A great holiday read!

4 comments about The Animals' Christmas Eve (Little Golden Book).

1. This book was one of my favorites as a little girl. Now, as a grown-up, I'm overjoyed to have found it again. Gale Wiersum takes the familiar counting-up-to-twelve verse form and from it weaves a sweet poem, recounting what the animals say to each other on Christmas Eve, "after all the people leave." Each group of creatures offers a bit of the Christmas story to their fellows. The illustrations are soft and magical. Give this one to a child who likes poetry, or read it aloud during the Christmas season (I've even seen it recommended as a resource for Sunday schools). You'll like it, too.



2. What a wonderful "throwback" to another era, with this Golden book which highlights some of the great artwork and poetry to celebrate Christmas. The story focuses on the many different kinds of animals who were present when little baby Jesus was born, such as chickens, four brown horses, five gray donkeys, six spotted calves, and...I think you get the point. It teaches the basics and provides great inspiration and truth for the children on one of the most sacred days of the year. Read it and your eyes will probably begin to well with tears. The picture of the eight nestling kittens is truly precious, as well as the eleven puppies who listen well.
   
   A marvelous collection for any library!!!



3. Great selection of Golden Books.
   Sometimes I cannot find these in stores. My sorority donates these books each meeting to underprivileged children. It is much easier to order from Amazon! Now I always have a supply on hand for an upcoming meeting.



4. I was dismayed to see that this item is not shipping with the original artwork, but rather with very colorful, stylized illustrations. The rhyme is exactly the same. I will try to post a picture of the new art. It's pretty in its own way, but lacking all the soft realism that was so charming about the original.

5 comments about The Night Before Christmas: The Anniversary Edition.

1. The Night Before Christmas: The Anniversary Edition is a large-sized picturebook featuring the classic Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore and warm, colorful, museum quality illustrations by Christian Birmingham . The typeface is so big that it is quite easy to read along with young ones, and the twinkling gleam in Santa's eyes is perfectly captures in the impressively memorable artwork. A beautiful reissue of a timeless holiday classic, The Night Before Christmas is an ideal family gift for the holiday season and would make a popular edition for community library holiday picturebook collections.



2. I purchased this book to start a new family tradition. It is oversized and has large print. Not every page has a color picture, but those that don't do have a black and white sketch. Of all the books of "Twas the Night Before Christmas" that I reviewed before purchasing, this was the best. I hope it will become a well-loved family tradition to be read each year by our family.



3. This is a beautifully illustrated classic holiday story. It's one we read as a family every year. Highly recommended as a keepsake gift or to add to your own collection.



4. I love Christian Birmingham art work but I wasn't very excited with the illustration in this book. I have seen better copies of the famous Night Before Chistmas poem.



5. This large hardback version is simply fantastic. I think the illustrations are magical and they send me off into a fantasy world - my kids will believe in Santa because this book makes me believe all over again. It will be a family favourite in our home year after year. I have been looking for ages and this really is the best version I have seen - wonderful - sigh.

No comments about Deck The Halls (Littlest Pet Shop).

5 comments about Santa's Book of Names.

1. I cried as I read this book for the first time - it is an endearing story about Edward, who is having difficulty learning to read. His teacher suggests he undergo more "tests", but his parents insist "no...more patience". When Santa delivers gifts to Edward's house on Christmas Eve, it happens that he can't read his book of names of boys and girls. Christmas is at stake and Edward must step up to the plate and read the names for Santa. Edward goes with Santa in his sleigh and saves the day by reading aloud the names in Santa's book. He gains his self-esteem and self-confidence in reading, and saves Christmas too!
   This is one of the best Christmas books I have read and I ... hope it becomes a classic. This author has written two other books about Edward, just as charming: "Edward and the Pirates" and "Edward in the Jungle".



2. Edward cannot read. He almost can...but not quite. His teacher tells his parents that there are many tests he can take that will find what the problems are. However, his mother insists on "No tests...just patience."
   It is Christmas Eve and Edward struggles to read his favorite Christmas story when he hears a noise. He runs downstairs to find a large, old book. "It must be Santa's!" he thought.
   Santa comes back for the book, which happens to be his "Book of Names," but looses his glasses, and needs Edward to go along with him to help him read the names. Edward struggles at first, but Santa helps him. In the end, Edward does fine reading and Santa returns him home, thanks him, and rewards him with a new book.
   On Christmas day, Edward reads his new book to his two happy parents.
   I believe that this story is really inspiring. Edward gains self esteem, self confidence, and he saves Christmas! This book seems to be an instant classic. The story is good and the illustrations are beautiful. People of all ages will enjoy reading about Edward's memorable Christmas.



3. This book was very interesting. It all started with Edward not being able to read. His father would always read him a story on Christmas Eve. Edward wanted to read really bad. This story tells how Edward goes from being doubted, to actually being able to read. It brings about a conflict with the losing of Santa's glasses. I think that that was the opportunity that Edward needed to learn how to read. His parents woke him up on Christmas morning. They wanted to read the book to him. He ended up reading it to them. I would definitely recommend this to any kid that wants a good story to read.



4. My frien loved this book great book for people who deal with children and to show children a variety of names.



5. My son had learned his ABCs. He could sound out words. He just couldn't take the plunge. This inspiring Christmas story helped him believe in himself.
   
   I bought this book from Amazon and added it to our rotation of bedtime reading. My son connected with Edward, the central character, who helps Santa make his Christmas deliveries by reading from the book of names.
   
   You could argue that I've rated this book a star higher than it deserves but since it was the book that inspired my son to read, I'll stand by my rating.

1 comments about Caillou: Happy Holidays! (Caillou).

1. Parents of preschoolers throughout North America are inevitably familiar with the cherubic visage of that beloved cartoon character, Caillou. Ever since Caillou debuted on Canadian television in 1998, then took the United States by storm via PBS in 2000, the little boy with an unyielding desire to learn and share has become a favored staple of entertainment for many children. The educational show based on the book series by Christine L'Heureux has forged its path into mainstream media.
   
   Chouette Publishing, distributor of L'Herueux's books, continues to produce books based on both the original Caillou design, as well as the newer, made-for-tv version. This October release, based on the television series and adapted by Marilyn Pleau-Murissi, arrives just in time for Christmas. Caillou: Happy Holidays! is an informative look at holiday traditions throughout the world, tailored for a preschool audience.
   
   The story opens with Caillou taking notice of his mother, filling out Christmas cards. She invites him to make his own, and he eagerly sets forth with crayons and paper. When his cards are finished, he's anxious to make sure they are delivered on time. His mother assures him that she will get them mailed, but Caillou's father takes advantage of his son's excitement to introduce him to a calendar that counts down the twelve days of Christmas. Each day, Caillou gets to open a flap on the calendar, which reveals a story about various customs around the globe.
   
   While Caillou learns about the likenesses of Santa Claus in other countries and celebrated holiday dishes, he is also participating in his own festivities. A friend invites him to a Christmas play, his mom encourages him to donate some of his toys to needy children, and he bakes and decorates with his family. Each activity teaches him about sharing and giving as he works his way through the twelve days, building on a theme of family tradition.
   
   This is a gorgeous picture book, with a cover adorned in gold metallic accents and the vivid primary color illustrations unique to the show. The vibrant colors are bound to dazzle the eyes of many a preschooler. The homes look like gingerbread houses amidst a classic winter wonderland. Eric Sevigny's brilliant illustrations make the book, and the oversized pages showcase his artwork beautifully.
   
   Caillou's experience offers some valuable cultural exposure to children, showing how others might celebrate the holidays differently from their conditioned expectations. Children learn the sources of some common traditions, like who decorated the first Christmas tree and where Santa Claus originated. Unfortunately, the author fails to mention that there are many stories surrounding these traditions, and the ones noted in the book are just selected versions. Since most of these traditions are rooted in legends that cannot be confirmed or denied, there are multiple variations of each story. It is up to parents to explain this discrepancy to children. Some areas could have used more exposure. Kwanzaa is not mentioned at all and Hanukkah is only briefly explored. The traditions, though geographically diverse, focus mainly on Christian ideas.
   
   My six-year-old son has yet to outgrow Caillou, and was thrilled when this book arrived. He sat quietly in my lap for the entire 80 pages, which is quite a feat for his impulsive personality. He enjoyed counting the days down on the illustration of the calendar, comparing his own calculations to that of the story. He's dubbed it as one of his favorite books, and we're sure to get many more reads out of it before the holidays arrive. From a child's perspective, the book is a smash hit. Caillou: Happy Holidays! is a book that children will proudly display on their bookshelves.

2 comments about Mingus Mouse Plays Christmastime Jazz (Baby Loves Jazz).

1. We've loved the other Baby Loves Jazz books (Ella Elephant & Miles the Crocodile), so we were really excited for this Christmas one. When it came my daughter recognized it and wanted to listen to it right away. The music was great, and I enjoy listening to it, but through the whole CD my daughter (3 1/2) kept asking when there was going to be a song with words, and sure enough she loved the two that had even a little bit of singing. Great music and we'll keep it around, but a bit disappointing due being primarily instrumental which wasn't what we were expecting.



2. My 19-month old daughter loves these books (and the CDs) although she's enjoyed them since she was around 6 months old. I recommend them highly. And my husband and I enjoy reading them to her (which can't be said for every board book out there).