Amazon.com

A cup, a compass, a key: the magic tree house has brought siblings Annieand Jack to Camelot, where they embark on a mysterious mission to find theseenigmatic gifts. In this special hardcover addition to the bestselling MagicTree House series, the young adventurers must travel to the Otherworld, an"ancient, enchanted land beyond the edge of the Earth, the place where all magicbegan" to save Camelot from dark wizard Mordred's evil spell. If they fail,Camelot will be forgotten forever. Fans of the beloved, highly readable seriesby Mary Pope Osborne will rise to the challenge of this longer, more complexcompanion to her other titles, which include Earthquake in the Early Morningand Twister on Tuesday.As in every story in the sequence, Jack and Annie bravely plunge into theirquest, learning about a culture and time very far removed from their own, andprove once again that children can make a difference. (Ages 6 to 9)--Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Christmas in Camelot was Great!
I thought Christmas in Camelot was great because it took place around Christmas time and I read the book around Christmas time. It was also the longest book I ever read in my life and my favorite book in my life (so far). It taught me about Camelot and the Knights of the Round Table and I thought it was really good.

If You Like Winter, Read This Five Star Book!
Do you want to know what Jack and Annie do in The Magic Tree House In Christmas? This maybe their last adventure! This book is about two kids named Jack and Annie who go to a magic tree house to live an adventure in a book. And the pictures are really good but they only have a few pictures. I give it two thumbs up! If you want to see what adventure they have, read Christmas in Camelot by Mary Pope Osborne.

Best Book Ever!!!
I liked this book a lot because it was interesting and it was an absoloute page turner!I recommend this book to people who like adventure books and a little bit of magic!

GREAT BOOK!!!
I LOVE to read but this book has open my reading up even more I am a A+ in reading I love this book!!!!I really do!!...Thanks

Would you have christmas at Camelot
This book is about Christmas in Camelot. There are two kids name Jack an Annie. They see this dove flying so they follow it and see the Tree House and go in they find this that said come to Camelot and Annie said, "I wish we could go there". They go around and around and they see Morgan and an evil knight who puts a spell on them. ... Read more

Book Description

Mia would give all the jewels in Genovia for the perfect present

Every year, Princess Mia spends the holidays in Genovia with Grandmère. This year, she's looking forward to the most perfect Christmas ever: her boyfriend, Michael, and her best friend, Lilly, are coming to Genovia, too.

But even a princess's plans can go awry. Lilly has a lot to learn about palace protocol, and with all the state holiday functions Mia must attend, there's no time to linger under the mistletoe with Michael. Worst of all, Mia hasn't been able to find him the perfect gift.

Can Mia stop her (bah-hum)bugging long enough to see that the perfect present has nothing to do with international express courier -- and everything to do with real love? (Though some shiny silver ribbon never hurts ...)

Amazon.com

One couldn't select a more delightful and exciting premise for a children's book than the tale of a young boy lying awake on Christmas Eve only to have Santa Claus sweep by and take him on a trip with other children to the North Pole. And one couldn't ask for a more talented artist and writer to tell the story than Chris Van Allsburg. Allsburg, a sculptor who entered the genre nonchalantly when he created a children's book as a diversion from his sculpting, won the 1986 Caldecott Medal for this book, one of several award winners he's produced. The Polar Express rings with vitality and wonder. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

An Absolute Necessity For Anyone's Personal Library
Oh, what a beautiful book this is! I've owned this book for over fifteen years, and every year during the holiday season I take it down from the shelf and read it, and I am immediately taken back into time. For the few minutes that it takes me to read this book I once again become a child full of wonder and innocence. I begin to believe in the magic of the holiday season, and yes, for a moment I even believe in Santa Claus again.

This is the story of a boy lucky enough to ride The Polar Express to the North Pole on one magical night to see Santa Claus and his elves. While the destination is exciting, the real fun is riding in this train full of children, all dressed in their pajamas and snacking on cookies and milk. The story is beautifully told by Chris Van Allsburg, but the real reason why reading this book is an annual tradition for me is the brilliance of the illustrations. The pictures are painstakingly detailed, especially the beautiful images of the train, the light from the stars in the sky, and the fallen snow.

While Santa Claus is incorporated into the story and the illustrations, he is not the focal point. The crux of this book centers around this train, the wintery environment, and the youthful magic that makes it all so special.

I am now 22-years-old, and this book is just as compelling for me today as it was when I was 5. I look forward to the day when I will have children of my own and will be able to make it an annual tradition to read this book to them. This book is a must-have for anyone's personal library, especially if you are a parent, a child, or a child-at-heart like me. I give this book the highest of recommendations.

Sorry, the movie can not be as wonderful as this book
Chris Van Allsburg's "The Polar Express" tells the simple tale of boy who has been told by a friend "There's no Santa." However, the boy knows this is wrong, which may explain why the Polar Express shows up outside his house that night to take him to the North Pole. In the giant factory city where all the toys are made for Christmas, the elves will all gather and Santa will give to one of the children on the train the first gift of the Christmas season.

"The Polar Express" is a simple tale of the power of belief, told through exquisite pastel drawings that make a steam locomotive seem a soft vision of light in the gently falling snow. The story being told is almost as good as the illustrations. This is a modern Yule time classic, which teaches a simple lesson: always fix a hole in your pocket.

I find it hard to believe that this beloved children's book is coming to the silver screen through full CG animation, even if it is Imageworks' next-generation motion capture process that the digital characters to be modeled on live-action performances. But if the movie leads new readers, both young and old, to discover Van Allsburg's original book, then we can think of it as being the world's longest commercial and not a inadequate substitute for one of the great picture books of all time.

Wintery Exploration
I have loved this book since I first heard it in second grade. That little boy reminds me of how I used to stay awake all night Christmas Eve and then sneak downstairs when I heard the first little noise. The artwork is wonderfull, I would just sit there and imagine I was part of the book. I am diffently going to get this book for my children.

Can't you hear the whistle blowing?
It must be nice to have written a real holiday classic. I imagine that author Chris Van Allsburg must be tickled pink by way his book, "The Polar Express" has slowly gained increasing attention and praise as the years have gone by. Though not my favorite Van Allsburg (a tip of the hat grants his miraculous "The Stranger" that honor) this book is perhaps more perfectly his style than any of his other texts. And in that way, it is truly wondrous.

In this story, a young boy travels at night by a train bearing the book's title to the North Pole with a host of other antsy children. This combines the dual pleasure kids would feel in getting to staying up late AND taking a train all by themselves. Once at the North Pole, our hero asks Santa only for a silver bell from his reindeer's sleigh. Santa complies and though the boy looses the bell on his way home, Santa returns it to him. For years afterwards, only those who truly believe can hear the bell's magical ring (which, actually, explains why adults cannot hear Santa fly overhead at night, I suppose).

It's a lovely story, complimented nicely with Van Allsburg's realistic (but not photo-realistic) illustrations. Particularly nice is how the story does not date. Though it clearly takes place at a time when children wore dressing gowns, it does not feel as if it is a period piece. The kids traveling on the train are slightly multi-cultural and the waiters on the train delightful in their white puffy hats.

This book is so well loved that it has actually inspired whole communities to create their own makeshift Polar Expresses. On these trains, kids are served hot cocoa "as thick and rich as melted chocolate bars" while grown-ups read them the book. They then meet Santa and go home contented and happy. Unfortunately, as charming as this may seem, it may be greatly exploited with the late 2004 release of the CGI film version of the book. My advice is to grab this book right now, regardless of whether it's Christmas or not, and read it to your kids thoroughly. Such nice stories as this deserve extensive attention. Let us all hope that this story sinks deeply into the canon of picture books beloved by millions of kids the wide world over. It's a class act through and through.

If you have a little kid in your life, it's a MUST READ
Gorgeous illustrations.
Amazingly mesmerizing language, almost poetry.
Magical story about Santa's visit on Christmas Eve. Santa, however, arrives on a train instead of a sleigh, and he takes the boy on a train ride to the North Pole (a trip that is so exquisitely illustrated that you can come to believe it's real), where, from among hundreds, he's chosen to receive the first Christmas present, which he can choose. He could choose anything, anything at all - and he chooses one of the bells from Santa's sleigh, which is loaded, ready and waiting.
When he returns home and the train pulls away, he's devastated to discover the bell has fallen through a hole in his pocket. What happens next to restore this child's believe in Christmas magic.
Buy the book and find out. Buy it. But it now and read it yearly at Christmas. When your kids grow up and leave home, read it to yourself. Then read it to grandchildren. Take it to your retirement community and keep reading it.
For sure. ... Read more

Book Description

The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming. To his amazement, Christmas comes anyway, and the Grinch discovers the true meaning of the holiday. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

A Great Children's Book With Lots of Heart
I pondered the idea of writing this review like Dr. Seuss would, but I didn't want to try and fall on my face. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is one of those children's books that are almost flawless (right up there with "Where the Wild Things Are"). The Grinch has spent years looking down at Whoville and hating the Whos for their joy, and especially at Christmas time. He decides to put an end to their joy by masquerading as Santa and stealing Christmas. Of course, it doesn't go exactly the way he planned.

The story's beauty comes from three sources: the heart in the story, the way it's written, and the maturity of the approach. By "the heart" I mean that it deals with a transformation of the Grinch that could be called an epiphany. It ranks right up there with the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol". The character finds a much better way to live.

I think everyone knows what I mean by "the way it's written" but, just in case, I'll say a little on the subject. Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) wrote some of the best, most lyrical, most amusing poetry in history. The only reason he isn't routinely grouped with The Great Poets of History is that his poetry was very (and beautifully) simplistic and designed for children.

By "the maturity of the approach" I mean that this is a children's book that hits the perfect tension level for children. It does not treat that them as totally fragile (Santa gets kidnapped, Christmas almost gets sabotaged, Max the dog is treated as a slave) but it also relieves them and rescues them from their fears in a well-paced and realistic way that mirrors how parents can talk to their children about real-life fears and scary incidents.

One of the top children's books. In my opinion, this is the best of Dr. Seuss.

Charming tale!
As Hollywood prepares to unleash yet another dreary, mangled version of a classic book, I found myself sitting down to read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" yet again.

The Grinch, for no apparent reason, REALLY hates Christmas and the Whos of Whoville love it. Angered by their holiday festivities and happiness, he plots to steal their presents and decorations, under the assumption that Christmas can't/won't exist without them. So he sets off with faithful but much-kicked canine Max to destroy Christmas. But is Christmas only presents and ornaments?

Dr. Seuss's delightfully-skewed rhymes and names are as enjoyable as ever, making the important message of Christmas infinitely more palatable than if it had been a much-regurgitated, cliched book. I admit it--at the beginning the Christmas season I tend to act Grinchish, and I felt much better after reading this book...

If you like this book, then check out the old cartoon special (though not the live-action one). "Grinch" is a treasure in kid's literature and can be enjoyed by anyone...

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a story about a character who is miserable and dislikes anything good and happy.
The author believes it is because the Grinch's heart is too small. The Grinch tries to stop Christmas from coming to the Whos down in the village below called Who-ville. He stole all their presents, food, decoratons and everything they owned. He thought they woud have nothing to celebrate without gifts. Instead, he learned a valuable lesson - that Christmas is something much more that presents. It is the spirit of giving and being together that bring joy. Dr. Seuss has a way of teaching a lesson with funny characters and rhyming phrases. I think this is a good story for all ages.

Great Christmas Story
This Childrens book is one of my favorites. It teaches kids a very good lesson. It teaches them the true meaning of Christmas. It shows them that Christmas isn't about just toys. I think this is one of the best children's books I ever read.

Scrooge for Kids
Maybe that's oversimplifying a bit, but the basics are the same. In this story, we have the Grinch, who hates Christmas and every year must put up with the celebration of the Whos who live in the valley below his cave. But this year things will be different. This year, he intends to do something about it. Surely the Whos will be disappointed when they wake up Christmas morning to discover that all their presents and decorations have been stolen. Or will they?

Told is classic Seuss fashion, completely in rhymes, this book appeals to kids year round. I know I insisted that it be read to me more then just in December. The fanciful illustrations, also classic Seuss, are just as engaging as this story. After all, what could be worse to kids then no Christmas? Yet there is a message here that there is more to Christmas then the commercialism we see around us. It's subtle and not expanded on greatly, but it's there none-the-less.

Surely Charles Dickens' classic tale was an influence when Dr. Seuss sat down to write this book. Both the main characters hate Christmas and miss the point, but have a revelation that shows them how important Christmas really is. Of course, the meat of the stories is completely different, so kids not ready for Dickens will love this one.

If there is such a thing as a classic picture book, this belongs in that category. Enjoyable at Christmas, or the whole year round. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Welcome to the hilariously hypothetical world of Laura Numeroff andFelicia Bond. Everything has an impact on everything else in this world, so ifyou take a mouse to the movies, don't be surprised if you find yourself beingrun ragged by the exuberant little fellow's increasingly grand appetites. Whenwe first met him in Numeroff and Bond's tremendously popular If You Give a Mouse a Cookie,he had more energy than a 2-year-old on lollipops. Now, in the excitement ofthe Christmas season, he's unstoppable. Going from movie theater to Christmastree lot to the neighbor's yard for snowmouse-building, he's a very demandingmouse indeed--in only the best way, of course.

The freshness of the If You Give a... series is diminished only slightly as thesequels pile up. The dazed and earnest look on the face of the mouse'slong-suffering friend makes a marvelous foil for the mouse's high-spiritedexpressions. Adult readers will chuckle as they recognize the ephemeral passionsof a child, while children will simply love the unfolding chain of events. Aperfect Christmas read-aloud for the impetuous youngster on your list. (Ages 4to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Wonderful Book for Christmas Holidays
'If You Take A Mouse To The Movies' by Laura Numeroff, with Illustrations by Felicia Bond, A Laura Geringer Book, 2000.

This is an excellent continuation of the collaboration of Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond on children's books based upon fanciful 'IF/THEN' statements. If you take a Mouse to the movies, then he will want popcorn; THEN, this results in his stringing the popcorn to decorate the Christmas Tree (which is the central theme of this beautiful book), and then, and so on. Each improbable 'THEN' is the joy of this book. For example, the little Mouse is given just the right clothes for the wintry weather, including a cute red woolen cap, with holes for his large ears. Finally, after making snowmen, decorating a Christmas Tree, you will come full circle, and, after giving the Mouse another batch of popcorn, again, ''he'll want you to take him to the moves'.

I enjoyed reading this book to my grandchildren. The younger boys (twins) were captivated by the richness of details in Felicia. Bond's illustrations, while the older grandchildren (especially the girl) rolled their eyes at the 'silliness' of each new IF/THEN situation 'for example, a Mouse making a 'snowman' and (!) with snowy white mouse ears! The Christmas theme makes this an ideal gift for the impending holidays.

Little Mouse is Back...
If you take a mouse to the movies, he'll ask for popcorn. When you bring him some, it will remind him of Christmas and he'll want to string it...then he'll demand a tree to hang it from...seeing the snow on the ground will make him want to build a snowmouse, then a snow fort, a snow fort fight...and on and on. This little mouse is as busy and demanding as ever in this fourth book of the series. Laura Numeroff's simple, funny text, captures the essence of the pre-school mind as her mouse jumps from one idea to the next, in his logical little mind, until finally coming full circle, back to the popcorn. Felicia Bond's colorful, busy and expressive illustrations compliment the story perfectly and your youngsters will love finding all the special little details, hidden in the pictures. Children of all ages will be amused and delighted as they enjoy the chaos this little mouse wreaks on his human friend. This is a wonderful holiday book the whole family will enjoy.

I know this book by heart...
My seventeen-month old son will search through his vast library to find this book (and the others in this series), protesting when I try to compromise with another selection. He loves the story, knows when to turn the page (which is no longer necessary, as I can recite them all from memory) and will accept no subsitute. I even tried burying the books away so that I could read something new to him, but he dug them out, carried them down the stairs and insisted I drop everything to recall what are apparently his favorite stories.

special
This is a funny book, nice pictures, great book by Laura Numeroff. Follow, the holiday fun and irresistable tale about taking a mouse to the movies. Colorful artwork by illustrator Felicia Bond.

Not About the Movies.
I picked this book up because I thought it was going to be a story about watching movies with a mouse. However, it's not. Instead it's about what happens when a young boy takes a mouse to the movies and how he gets sidetracked on the way home into doing all sorts of things assorted with Christmas: from getting a Christmas tree, to building a snowman, to building a snowfort. The illustrations are quite nice and children love hearing this story read over and over. Even though, I used to teach at a preschool, I didn't know this book was written by the same lady who wrote IF YOU GIVE A MOOSE A MUFFIN. That book is much more interesting and the zany connections made are more humorous for all ages. Nevertheless, IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO THE MOVIES is a decent book and makes for some fun holiday reading with youngsters--read the book, then do some of the activities described together. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An absolutely beautiful book
Couldn't recommend this edition highly enough. The illustrations are beautiful and bring the magic of Christmas to life for both young and old. It truly is an heirloom edition made all the more special by the brass christmas stocking bookmark.

One Beautiful Book
Gorgeous...that is the best word to describe this book.

Christian Birmingham's illustrations create the pictures of the story that we all have in our heads...but alas, cannot paint ourselves. ... Read more

Book Description

This classic reissue from the Wee Sing collection offers holiday songs and fingerplays guaranteed to provide hours of parent-child interaction. Every child's favorite seasonal song can be found in this jolly compilation, from "Here We Come A-Caroling" to "The First Noel" to "Here Comes Santa Claus," and the one-hour CD or cassette can be used to follow along with the book or on its own. No Christmas would be complete without this Yuletide treasure! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Only Wee Sing tape I still listen to.
What a great compilation of holiday songs. When I was two, my Mom bought Wee Sing and Play, Wee Sing Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies, Wee Sing Silly Songs, and a gazillion other tapes in the Wee Sing series, including this one. I still have all of them. I'd have to say that this one is my favorite. I'm 22 now, and Wee Sing For Christmas is the only Wee Sing tape I still listen to. Unlike many of the other Wee Sing tapes, with this one, adults join in on the chorus on most of the numbers making it sound almost like a choir. Some of the songs are sung only by adults. All of the well loved Christmas songs are on here, there's songs about caroling, Jesus's birth, and finally Santa Claus. You are sure to find your favorites here. Even if you're into your sixties and don't have any children, buy yourself a copy. But beware! Wee Sing for Christmas is only for the young, and the Young at Heart.

good collection
This is a good collection of many Christmas songs. I'm not particularly fond of the tape, not liking the arrangements and children's voices all that much. But the music book that accompanies the tape is well worth having--useful season after season, with 58 different songs. Secular songs like Here Comes Santa Claus, Up on the housetop, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, Deck the Halls, Here We Come A-Caroling, O Christmas Tree, and of course Jingle Bells. More traditional songs, too, like the Twelve Days of Christmas, The First Noel, Joy to the World, We Three Kings, O Come, All Ye faithful, Silent Night. And some children's favorites like The Little Drummer boy, Children, Go Where I send Thee and Go Tell It on the Mountain. There are also some unfamiliar songs, like 'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (a Huron Indian carol which is beautiful) and Three Great Kings (fingerplay) and Must Be Santa.
I recommend getting this, for the season, the mood and the kids to have their own Christmas music. ... Read more

Book Description

Who will save Christmas?

Santa Claus is not his usual, jolly self. In fact, he's in a terrible mood. He doesn't believe that children appreciate Christmas anymore. This year, he has decided that he is not going to deliver any Christmas presents!

Luckily, his daughter, Sarah Claus, knows who to call for help. The Lambchop family! But can they convince Santa that there are still good children in the world? Just leave it up to Stanley.

Book Description

Every December, an envelope from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien's children. Inside would be a letter in strange, spidery handwriting and a beautiful color drawing. The letters told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas's house; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with a troublesome horde of goblins. Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, adding yet more humor to the stories. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness of Tolkien's Father Christmas Letters. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Charming Christmas letters
J.R.R. Tolkien was best known for his studies in philology (study of language) and epic fantasy novels. But Tolkien was also the proud dad of four kids -- and he didn't just read "Hobbit" to them at bedtime. He also, over the course of several years, wrote and illustrated whimsical letters from Father Christmas at the North Pole, here compiled into an unusually charming book.

In these letters, Father Christmas kept the Tolkien children updated with stories about the caves at the North Pole, the goblins, the gnomes, the elves, underground fights and firework explosions, cave drawings, and the goofy slapstick antics of the North Polar bear. (When Father Christmas couldn't write, his Elvish secretary filled in)

"Father Christmas's" letters are really, genuinely sweet. Maybe it's because they were being given to real kids that they didn't end up cloying or cutesy. And of course, Tolkien's detailed, colorful, fantastical, intricate pictures are what make the letters come alive; you can imagine the Tolkien kids eagerly examining the pictures as well as the written words.

Tolkien also sprinkles the stories with things that his kids were probably intrigued by, like prehistoric cave paintings, fireworks, and a comic bear who causes all kinds of mayhem. And fans of Tolkien's fantasy works will probably enjoy checking out things like the invented Elf language (as written by the secretary Ilbereth) and goblin language.

"Letters From Father Christmas" won't exactly make you believe in Santa Claus again, but it is one of the prettiest and most charming Christmas picture books out there. Definitely recommended -- and not just for Tolkien fans too.

Make Reading This to Your Kids a Christmas Tradition
Letters from Father Christmas, complete with interjections by an elf and the clumsy but valiant Great Polar Bear, is simply the best Christmas book I've read in several Christmas seasons.

The best parts of the letters are the Great Polar Bear's escapades. The clumsy oaf is simply a thorn in Father Christmas' side, but always helpful. And valiant! See how the Great Polar Bear, stomped and crushed those nasty Goblins who steal all the toys for the shipment to Britain.

This book made me wish that I could write Christmas replies to my kids like Tolkein. What love to take the time to leave such a wonderful legacy to his children, and subsequently, to us!

I can't see any reader being disappointed with this book. It is simply charming and will really please the big kid in your house (you) and the little ones too.

Anyone can enjoy this together
very sweetly done, he obviously tried very hard to get into the characters he was portraying, even down to changing the handwriting. Even my grandmother really enjoyed this book, so age is not a limitation. It was the one time in a long time we've sat down and read together since I was a child.

Wonderful Christmas book
I wish I had seen this book earlier when my children still believed. I would have loved to do the same and send Christmas notes back to them! These notes however are incredibly creative and I would have had a hard time living up to the quality of Tolkien's writing.

This book is a top Christmas book in my household. It and "Polar Express" are a favorite read after we open up the x-mas box and put up the tree.

Great children's stories. Make sure to buy the new edition!
It is not surprising the creator of Middle Earth, and the father of the fantasy genre, would create such an elaborate, creative collection of Christmas stories for his children. This book is a nice addition to my library, as it contains the text of the letters, as well as Tolkien's hand-drawn illustrations and North Pole post markings.

While this book does not relate to his Middle Earth universe, it is easy to recognize the origin of some of its characters. The goblin attack on Santa's cellar presages the Goblin-Elf wars in Lord of the Rings. Santa's elf-secretary Ilbereth is the obvious progenitor of the ancient elf-queen Elbereth. We even get a glimpse of elvish writing and the goblin alphabet!

If you have the chance, buy the new revised version of this book. I have the 1991 reissue edition. It is only 48 pages long, and omits the letters from 1920 - 1924 and from 1939-1942 . The new edition is one hundred pages longer and contains previously unpublished material. ... Read more

Book Description

Called one of America's favorite Christmas stories, and now a classic television movie, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever has been a favorite of young readers the world over since 1972. Funny, memorable, and outrageous, it is the story of a family of incorrigible children who discover the Christmas story for the first time and help everyone else rediscover its true meaning. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

The Best Christmas Book Ever
Here's a simple, enchanting tale. It's warm and funny and thoroughly unpredictable. It's published in a short and skinny book in large type and, assuming you can tear yourself away from the story, it can be read in small spurts.

The Herdmans are absolutely and without question the worst kids "in the entire history of the world." They are guilty of evey unmentionable childhood crime and have thought of more than a few original ones. When they take over the church Christmas pageant (although none of them has ever attended church, much less heard the Christmas story before), the first Christmas becomes new and real in some pretty surprising ways.

Nevermind that the publishers call this a children's story. It isn't. The vision it has to offer is hilarious yet deeply touching in a profound yet innocent way.

Stock up on copies for Christmas gifts to teachers and friends. I'd give one to the friend who wails that Christmas has become too commercial or to the harried mother of a lively brood or to someone who dreads the holiday. And keep one for yourself because it's almost as much fun each time you read it.

Merry Christmas!

A great Story for the whole family
I first read this story when I was in gradeschool. Actually the teacher read it to us. Over 10 years later when I saw it at a used book store, I instantly picked up a copy and I don't have any kids. I re-read it myself and will read it every Christmas Season. It's about the Herdmans and the Christmas Pageant. The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world and they end up as part of the pageant.

The pageant is about the Birth of Jesus which the Herdmans know nothing about. It's a very funny story throughout and a very touching story at the end. You don't really have to be Christian to enjoy this little story. I'm not and I love the story. I definitely recommend it to almost every family as a story to be read year after year. As your kids grow, perhaps they can read it to you.

Great family fun.
This book is one of the most hysterically funny, heartwarming tales you can read. Our family (all adults now) reads it every Christmas eve. It's great fun for both kids and adults. I can't reccommend it more highly!

Best Christmas Book Ever!
My son and I read this book every year at Christmas, and every year I start to cry in the very same spot--which is pretty much the same spot where my high school English teacher started crying when he read it to us and I heard the story for the first time. The idea of grace--that the "glad tidings of great joy that shall be to all people" included the likes of the awfuller-than-awful Herdmans--is humorously and poignantly conveyed by the narrator, a classmate of one of the older Herdmans. If you have never read this book, you are missing out on a real treat. You will never look at the Christmas story again in the same way. "Hey! Unto you a child is born!"

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOD BOOOOOOOOOOK
Okay, people, what we have here is a GOOOOOOD book. I'm in 3rd grade Mr. Boen's class in McKinley school. He read the book to us, watched the movie, AND FINALY, WE'RE GOING TO PUT IT ON AT A CENTER FOR THE ARTS!!!! in Fergus Falls,MN if you live here, you will see a good show!!!!!! I am narrator 1, 10, 24, 25, and 50A(sorry if Mrs. Armstrong is to high). I'm also in the choir. That's why I love it SOOOOOO much!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Three-time Caldecott Honor artist Jerry Pinkney brings new relevance to the classic Hans Christian Andersen story

The wintry streets of an American city are thronged with shoppers, in preparation for New Year's Eve. But no one is interested in buying the matches and artificial flowers offered by one little girl. Wishing to avoid the cold welcome awaiting her at home, she lights her matches for what little heat they can provide. The visions that she sees in their flickering glow warm her spirit, even as the brutal cold of night destroys her body.

Three-time Caldecott Honor winner Jerry Pinkney's interpretation of this famous Hans Christian Andersen tale transforms the little Danish girl into a child drawn straight out of the American melting pot--a child who is of no easily identifiable culture, and so is of them all. The poignancy and immediacy of Pinkney's art draw the reader into the early twentieth-century streets, to witness how the poor can be invisible in the midst of the wealthy--a condition Andersen would instantly recognize. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

THE SADDEST CHRISTMAS STORY IN CREATION
This is a story that has made me misty eyed since I was 5. I first read this story my 5th Christmas. It appeared in a Christmas magazine and to this very day it always makes me more than just a little misty eyed.

An unnamed girl is sent into the cold, cruel city to sell matches by her equally cold, cruel father. She turns her income over to him and he beats her when he feels she has not sold enough matches.

One night the girl, frozen to the bone, lights a match. A glorious Christmas tree appears, bright and blazing. That vision vanishes along with the match when it burns out.

The second match she lights shows a splendid holiday feast -- a Feast of Illusions. This, too, fades away when the match burns out.

The final match she lights reveals her beloved, deceased grandmother. The girl runs to her, never to return to the cold city streets.

The next morning, she is found, frozen to death in the street. This story gets to me every single time. I would never be able to read it aloud because it is just too sad.

Very touching story
This story is about a little girl who tries to sell matches to people in the streets in order to make money for her family. One day her father was furious for the lack of funds his daughter was bringing home. He ordered her to stay out on the streets and not return home unless she had sold her matches. After walking around in the freezing cold and snow she was scared to go home and be beaten when she had not sold the required amount of matches to return home. She tucked herself into a corner and rested. After feeling the bitter cold and snow the little girl decided to light matches in an effort to stay warm. With each match she lit a magical vision appeared. With each match the little girl saw warm loving Christmas scenes. Some of the scenes were a feast, a fireplace and finally a warm memory of her grandmother. With this memory and loving scene the little match girl was brave and comforted. Soon the warm comfort of her grandmother allowed her to be comfortable and whisked her away to heaven.
The author wanted everyone to believe in happy memories and warm thoughts no matter what emotional state you are in, or whatever social class or size. This is a wonderful story with beautiful pictures that just help the authors' words in describing the warm feelings. You actually can feel the warmth of the little girls visions through the matches.
I love this story. It gets me choked up when I read it. But the little girl was so peaceful when she left to be in heaven with her loving grandmother. Everyone's wish is to be loved no matter where you are in life, simply to be loved and filled with warmth.

My Favorite Book
This book is very sad, but it has beautiful pictures. It can make young children cry at some times. This girl had to sell matches, and if she didn't she couldn't go home because her father would beat her. It took place at Christmas time, so it was very, very cold. The little girl sat between two houses and lit a match. The first match lit up a big iron stove. The next match revealed a beautiful Christmas dinner. The last one revealed a beautiful Christmas tree. This story is one of my favorite stories because it has beautiful drawings and it teaches you a lesson. The lesson is that some people don't have it as good as you so you should always help them.

Touching story by one of the Masters.
It is a good story told by none other than the storyteller,Hans Christian Anderson. This book is nicely illustrated too. But, I hope the reviewers don't reveal all the plot for those who have not read it yet.

Good enough. Worth having
This review pertains to the book with artwork by Rachel Isadora only. ISBN: 0-399-21336-8. For some reason, Amazon continues to publish this review under the wrong book, one that does not feature artwork by Rachel Isadora, even though I pointed this out to them.

This book is a verbatim retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen tale. The story is not embellished or changed in any way. The tale is illustrated with "luminous paintings, capturing the mood of a snowy Victorian winter..." (from the book jacket blurb).

Since the tale is only one and a half pages long, that makes for a slim book. The odd pages feature a paragraph of text , about three sentences, while the even pages feature a painting illustrating the text. About 13 paintings.

The book is hardcovered with two additional paintings, and you get a paper book cover mirroring those two paintings and the bonus blurb.

I can't see reading this story to a child. It's just too dismal. You can't read it without crying. It's an adult topic and an adult treatment. The powerful story is designed to make an adult think and reexamine his behaviour.

I rated the paintings with only three stars because they're good enough, but did not blow me away. The cover painting that you see here on the web site is a good example of the quality and style of the paintings. ... Read more

Book Description

Tor Classics are affordably-priced editions designed to attract the young reader. Original dynamic cover art enthusiastically represents the excitement of each story. Appropriate "reader friendly" type sizes have been chosen for each title--offering clear, accurate, and readable text. All editions are complete and unabridged, and feature Introductions and Afterwords.

This edition of A Christmas Carol includes a Foreword and Biographical Note by Jane Yolen.

Scrooge was a foul old man who wrapped his cold, uncaring heart in chain. Chain of greed. Bigotry. contempt. Apathy. Selfishness. he detested the world, and was alone. Until the night his long-dead partner Marley appeared.

A hideous spectre forced to walk the earth forever, Marley was damned. As Scrooge would be...unless he agree to face three ghosts. One would take Scrooge back to the memories he'd buried. One would show Scrooge the world of joy and friendship he'd rejected. One would force Scrooge into the dreadful shadow of the future he'd forged.

Three ghosts of Christmas. Of Christmas Past. Of Christmas Present. Of Christmas yet to Come. All offering Scrooge a single gift--a chance.
A lance chance to give love.
A last chance to join life.
... Read more

Reviews (115)

A book that everyone should read
There is no reason to go into the plot or particulars of A Christmas Carol: I know of no one who is not conversant with it. Almost everyone, from young children to senior citizens, has at least seen it in a screen adaptation. It has become an integral part of the Christmas season, an immortal classic, beloved by both young and old. That said, if you have never read the original text, you owe it to yourself to do so. This story, though short and simple, is a timeless classic for a reason: it is immaculately written, has a great theme, and is undeniably heartwarming. Dickens is at his brief best here, deftly and skillfully weaving this immortal story in a spellbinding manner, making great and timeless art out of what would have been an overly-sugary-sweet mess in the hands of a lesser writer. This story is good enough, and well-written enough, to melt the cold hard of any cynic. The prose style he uses in this book is just about perfect: it makes for a fast-paced read which can easily be read in one setting, while also managing to be entertaining, and even suspenseful -- with a fine moral to boot. The story is also more than it seems: in addition to the simple morality tale, Dickens manages to weave in some social criticism, while also intermixing elements of horror and not a slight bit of humor. This is one of the few books that I truly recommend to everyone. Everyone can read it, and everyone can enjoy it. An essential classic.

What the Christmas spirit is all about.
Just as Clement Moore gave us the definitive Santa Claus in "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (a.k.a. "The Night Before Christmas"), Charles Dickens gave us the definitive Christmas spirit in his simple but charming novella "A Christmas Carol". First published in 1843, this supernatural story of an elderly man's redemption from his mean-spirited, miserly ways takes place in Victorian London, but its universal theme of charity towards our fellow man has endeared this classic to many a generation around the globe. In addition to its priceless role as a morality tale, the book colorfully describes the Yuletide customs practiced in England during the early nineteenth century. This Washington Square Press edition of "A Christmas Carol" is unabridged, yet you can understand why so short a book is yet published in abridged versions, especially for schoolchildren. Not infrequently, Dickens veers from the main story line and goes into tangents of a philosophical or descriptive nature, much like the converser who abruptly changes the subject only to return to it with the familiar "Anyway, ... ". I assume children (and some adults) may find these tangents cumbersome and distracting, but they are still useful in that they reflect Dickens' thoughts while writing the book. It may still be difficult for some of us to think that cold-hearted Christmas-bashers like Ebenezer Scrooge exist, but look at human nature around you, and it will be difficult no more. At a time when "Merry Christmas" is being supplanted by a more vague "Happy Holidays", and the season gives way to coarse behavior and unchecked materialism, "A Christmas Carol" is the perfect guidebook to put things into perspective.

Excellent book - A Must Read!
Charles Dickens's classic novel, A Christmas Carol, is his most famous and beloved story. Millions around the globe have read this touching book, about brotherly love and charity, since it was first published. Countless people have seen Ebenezer Scrooge, the selfish and unkind man, transform in to a kind and generous person by the visits of four mysterious ghosts.

The story begins in the afternoon of a frigid Christmas Eve, as a mean-spirited man named Ebenezer Scrooge sits in his office. Scrooge is a cold-hearted and selfish miser, who isn't in the spirit of Christmas. Every so often, he shouts, "Bah!" or "Humbug!" He doesn't even buy coal for the fireplace, so he and his clerk freeze away. No one likes him, and no one stands up to him. Dickens describes him thus: "No beggars implored him to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o'clock, no man or woman ever once in his life inquired the way to such and such a place, of Scrooge." However, this is exactly what Scrooge wants - to be in his own world.

Dickens starts out the story by stating that Scrooge's former partner, Jacob Marley, is dead. Then, he reverts back to what Scrooge is up to. As it is Christmas Eve, Scrooge isn't happy. He scares all the carolers away, and refuses to donate money to the poor. When the day is finally over, he goes back to his house, and tries to go to sleep. As he locks the door, he sees an apparition. There is Jacob Marley's ghost - looking right at him! Scrooge is shocked at first, and still is shocked when Marley's phantom tells him some surprising news. The ghost explains that there will be three other ghosts yet to come: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. Then, he leaves.

As promised, the ghosts of the past, present, and the future visit Scrooge. The ghost of the past shows Scrooge how he used to be. Scrooge discovers that his life was somewhat pleasant, but still lonely. The ghost of the present reveals to Scrooge his more recent attitude toward Christmas. It shows Scrooge the consequences of his actions, most of which are to Scrooge's dislike. The ghost also informs Scrooge how other people are celebrating. Dancing, playing blind man's buff, and caroling aren't part of Scrooge's world for certain. The ghost of the future shows the time when Scrooge is dead and no one cares for him; actually everyone is happy that he is gone. Meanwhile, all of these visions have Scrooge sobbing in tears and he is finally ready to make changes in his life. After the final ghost leaves, Scrooge runs about his little town donating money, greeting people, and visiting his nephew and clerk's family. It turns out to be a very happy Christmas after all.

I liked A Christmas Carol very much. Charles Dickens's style is very descriptive. I especially liked the vivid verbs and adjectives Dickens used when he described Scrooge as a "squeezing, wrenching, gasping, scraping, clutching, covetous, old sinner!" As for Scrooge, I liked him a lot. The book was funny when he said something completely nonsensical like "Bah!" or "Humbug!" On a scale of one through ten, I would give A Christmas Carol a ten. It was enjoyable and interesting to read, especially over winter break, as it heartens the spirit of Christmas itself.

Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is a really good book I thought. Your learn not to be greedy, selfish, and how to spread tons of love around Christmas. It teaches you not to take grantite of what you have. You should be thankful for what you got. The three ghosts of past, present, and the futer of Christmas. Ebenezer Scrooge is haunted by all the ghost plus his old friend Jacob Marley. This book is heart warmer to all or at least it should be. I hope everyone takes the time to read this heart warming book and enjoy it time after time.

Not for kiddies
This is Dickens at his best. But your add said this was for ages 4-8. As this does not appear to be an abridged addition, 4-8 years old is way too young. I will be reading it to my 8 year old, explaining the olde English phrases as we go. Best to say this is the original text and leave it at that. ... Read more

Book Description

Who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve to bring presents to good little bunnies? Santa Claus, that's who! And Max wants to stay up and see him. Max's bossy, older sister Ruby doesn't want him to stay awake, but, as always, irrepressible Max has other ideas. He sneaks downstairs to wait for Santa...with unexpected results!

"Wells' pudgy bunnies and delightfully understated story will inspire year-round cravings for candy canes."-Publishers Weekly ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Max is at it again!!
A great book for Max and Ruby fans! It's not too long with just a few sentences on each page and the illustrations are great! It holds my 3 year olds attention all the way through and even gives the parents a chuckle when Max comes back with his own answer of "Because!!" (I'm sure that's just payback for all the times our kids have to hear that answer!) I highly recommend this book!

Max Enchants Again
We absolutely love the Max & Ruby books. Max's Christmas was one of last year's gifts to my toddler munchkins. They love it and they just can't get enough of Max and his bossy-but-loving sister, Ruby. Max's Christmas takes Max through the Christmas Eve bedtime preparations, with Ruby helping him brush his teeth and put on pajamas. "Why?" asks Max. "Because," says Ruby. Max wants to know why he can't stay up to see Santa and, after Ruby puts him to bed, he decides to take his blanket downstairs and just see for himself. Max falls asleep, Santa comes down the chimney (Santa is a bunny, of course), and Max wakes up. Santa tells Max to go back to sleep. Max asks, "Why?" Santa replies, "Because!"

Kids love this book because they identify so completely with Max, even kids who don't have bossy big sisters. Max's adventures mirror those of all little children who are trying to figure out their often confusing world. ... A full Max & Ruby library is one of the best ongoing gifts for pre-school children.

I love Max!
Rosemary Wells' Max and Ruby books are the best books for small children of all time, and Max's Christmas is the best of the best. The focus of the book is Max asking his older sister Ruby a thousand questions about Santa Claus that she can not answer (until, an exasperated Ruby finally screams BECAUSE! and refuses to answer any more questions). If you've dealt with any 2 to 4 year old at Christmas time, this will seem so real you won't be able to keep a straight face. It's just a pure delight.

The illustrations are more detailed, and the colors more interesting than in the Max board books. It's done in a way that the pictures all look bathed in candlelight, which creates a perfect atmosphere for the book. That's one of the things that makes this book even better than the other books in the series.

The recommendations for this book say it is for toddlers to pre-school children, but my kids continued to love it and want to hear it every year until they were about eight. My son loved it so much that I have him on tape reciting it by heart at age three.

If you have little ones to read to at Christmas, this is a must-have!

Max's Santa FAQ
It's Christmas, and Ruby is trying to get her little brother Max ready for bed, and answer his questions about Santa. See what happens when Max has to see for himself. Fun book, because most of Max's dialog is made up of the questions toddler's ask 1,000 times a day, especially: "Why?"! ... Read more

Book Description

A touching story about a disabled lamb who finds he has a special purpose and place in this world.

Reviews (37)

Wonderful book for children and adults
My eight year old daughter asked for this book after her library teacher read it to her class at school. I rarely turn down a request for books, so I ordered it for her. When it came, and I read it to her, I couln't get through it without becoming all choked up! It is a beautiful story about a crippled lamb who, because of his lameness, is in the stable when the Baby Jesus is born. It is wonderful because it says not only does your infirmity not limit you, it can actually give you an opportunity for greatness!

A Warm Offering
In this religious book for children there is a little lamb named Joshua who is crippled and his best friend Abigail who is an old cow.
In this story the other sheep make fun of Joshua and makes him feel sad and miserable. When the shepherds are about to take the sheep to a better pasture the sheered says that Joshua must stay here. When Joshua is awakened in the stable by some noises he finds a little baby crying because it is cold and there are no blankets. So Joshua keeps him warm with his own wool and the family is very grateful to him. Well it turn out that this little baby is Jesus the king, the so of God. Finally Joshua understands why he is cripple for if he hadn't had been he would not have been there to keep the baby warm.
This amazing book was written by: max, Jenna, Andrea, & Sara Lucado and was illustrated by Liz Bonham.

WONDERFUL Story!!!
My mother bought this book and the DVD for my 2 year old daughter. Both the book & the movie instantly became her favorite -- she'll ask to read the book and watch the movie several times a day.

It is a wonderful story that will bring almost anyone to tears (maybe even "Daddy"!).

I highly recommend this book & movie for children of all ages (from 1 to 99).

not a dry eye in the house
I hope I never meet the person who does not cry when he reads this book.

The Christmas Story from a New Perspective
THE CRIPPLED LAMB is quickly becoming a new Christmas classic for children. It tells the story of the birth of Christ through the eyes of Joshua, a little lamb. Joshua is disabled and therefore unable to graze in the fields since he cannot keep up with the others. He has to stay behind with his friend, Abigail the cow who tries to cheer him up by telling him "God has a special place for those who feel left out." Joshua has the opportunity to be part of God's plan when Jesus is born. Mary and Joseph do not have a blanket and Joshua sits next too the child to offer him warmth and be a blanket for the Christ child.

This book is a collaborative effort of well known Christian author Max Lucado and his three daughters Jenna, Andrea, and Sara. The book also contains beautiful artwork by illustrator Liz Bonham. The artwork alone is worth the price of the book.

If you are planning on purchasing this book as a gift, I recommend purchasing at least tow copies. It is such a wonderful and heartwarming book, you may not want to give it away. ... Read more

Book Description

Bestselling novelist James Patterson, who has been entertaining millions of Americans for decades, now brings his considerable talent for storytelling to a young audience with a joyful, spunky tale that brings every child's Christmas fantasy to life. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Book!
This book was one of the best children's books that I have ever read. Well, here's what it's about: This is about a girl named Lucida and her family. Christmas {or la Navidad as it's referred to in the book} is drawing near and every year at Christmas, a manger scene is put at the front of the town church. Well this year, the blanket they use to wrap around the baby Jesus has become old and worn. So the priest asks Lucida's mother to weave a new one because her skills are so excellent. She accepts, and with help from Lucida, they then begin to weave a beautiful blanket. But unfortunately, just before they finish, on the day before Christmas Eve Lucida's mother gets ill. Lucida can't finish the blanket alone, but she tries anyway because her family would have nothing to offer to baby Jesus. When her attempt fails, Lucida's very upset and doesn't want to take part in the procession going into the church. She then meets an old woman who turns her thoughts around and teaches her a very important lesson. To find it out, read the book today!

What a great book for children to read. This book teaches that no matter what gift you give someone, whatever you do, it doesn't have to be the best, the most expensive {ect. ect.} it just has to come from the heart. That's a lesson that kid's these days should learn, as well as some adults. So read this book to your children today, I'm sure you'll love it..

Good Book
This book tells a legend about the gift of giving. It is set in Mexico, close to Christmas time. All the families are preparing their gifts for the baby Jesus. One family is making a special blanket for the baby, however the mother gets too sick and she cannot finish the beautiful blanket, so the family will have no gift to give on Christmas. So the young daughter tries to finish the blanket but ruins it beyond repair, so she hides from the rest of the town's people and does not go to church on Christmas. While everyone else is walking into church baring their gifts, the young girl watches from afar. However while there she encounters an old lady who teaches her a valuable lesson. The young girl learns that it is not the gift that you give but the thought that you have put into it, and the mere gesture of giving. The author gets the point across about gift giving so well. I came away from this book remembering and understand that it is truly the thought that counts and not the gift itself.

A much cherished book
This is a much cherished book in our family. My son received it when he was 3.5yo. He loved the story and illustrations then and even more now, a year later. My 2yo is frequently drawn to this book and enjoys studying the pictures. The writing is excellent, the tale is told with great respect and the illustrations are riveting. We have recommended or given this book to many families and all have enjoyed immensely.

Loved it and so did all of the children I read it to!!!!
I used this book as a unit last Christmas on traditions and folklore around the world. Everyone loved it, parents and children alike. Many asked where they could purchase the book to make it permanent part of their Christmas library. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A peak into the Black experience.
Christmas is a time filled with traditions mostly associated with European values. Many families in this country come from different cultures and do not feel that they fit or are comfortable with the traditional celebrations. This book offers a peak into one Black families experience during the holiday times. Within the story are samples of African values of character and bravery. There is a warmth within the characters as well as exciting action filled ending. Enjoy!

Terrible for young readers
I found this book to be terrible for young children! There are a lot of big words that my daughter did not understand. All she learned from the story was it is ok to go into a burning house to save someone you love. And it was ok because the blanket was magic. What kind of lesson is that?! I have read the book,and I think it should be for third,forth and fifth graders. I am very upset that this was read at school to my five year old and she came home talking about magic blankets being ok to hide under when there is a fire. And that is what she taught my three year old son! God forbid-if there is a fire-will he remember me saying " crawl below the smoke and get out fast " or is he going to remember his sister(the light of his life) saying " I heard at school that some blankets are magic and will keep you safe in a fire!" I pray I never have to find out whose words he remembers! I do not recommend this book for kids under 8.

An excellent book to help children with racial differences
This book is one that I knew I had to buy immediately. The illustrations are beautiful, and it is a story that will help children who are dealing with differences in life they feel are due to the color of their skin. It encourages pride in ethnicity.

I think this is a great book.
I am a third grade student.

I really enjoyed this story. Although, I didn't like it when the snowman melted. The way they talked was funny to me and I liked that. I really liked the Kente cloth.

I think everyone would really enjoy this story.

Poignant story enjoyed by teacher and her first graders
Every winter, for five years, I shared this book with my first graders. As I read, we would be drawn into the setting and feelings of the characters, especially those of Jacob. Then we'd have interesting discussions about the snowman, the kente and what it represented, and the various emotions invoked from hearing the story. Now I teach college students (preservice elementary teachers) and will use the book for conversation about multicultural education and integrated curriculum. Thank you, Phil and Carole. ... Read more

Book Description

Christmas is coming and Carlos and his family are going home-driving south across the border to Mexico. But Mexico doesn't seem like home to Carlos, even though he and his sisters were born there. Can home be a place you don't really remember?

At first, La Perla doesn't seem very different from the other villages they pass through. But then Carlos is swept into the festivities by Grandfather, Aunt Ana, and the whole village. Finally, Carlos begins to understand Mama and Papa's love for the place they left behind, and realizes that home can be anywhere, because it stays in the hearts of the people who love you.

Eve Bunting and David Diaz-the Caldecott Medal-winning team behind Smoky Night- collaborated once again to create a dazzling picture book that glows with holiday joy and the spirit of Mexico.

Reviews (4)

Eve Bunting and David Diaz do it again!
Eve Bunting takes her readers on journey with a Mexican family going home for Christmas. The text she uses is elegantly written. Through the feelings expressed by Carlos and his family you get a real sense of the Mexican culture and the importance of family. David Diaz's illustrations lead you into the journey with Carlos and his family. With the use of collaged background and inset illustrations the pages come alive. The text of Bunting and the illustrations of Diaz give you the