Love 2 Learn.net

First reviewed:

12-5-05

Christmas Turtles

Author(s):

Sara Ann Denson

Number of pages:

32 pages

2006

Publisher:

Purple Sky Publishing

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Grades K-2

Review:

Reviewed by:

First reviewed:

11-30-06

On That First Christmas Eve

Author(s):

Carol and Robert Dowgiallo

Illustrator(s):

Dorothy Perez

Number of pages:

48 pages

2005

ISBN:

1592761836

Publisher:

Our Sunday Visitor

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

This is one of those delightful children's books that I wish was hard-covered instead of paperback! This book is a simple idea: a 40-some page poem that details the first Christmas Eve. Sounds pretty traditional and common, yes? The unique thing about this book, though, is that the authors link that first Christmas Eve to Jesus' baptism and death on the Cross and then come back full circle to the first night, but now with children of the world surrounding the manger. It's a beautifully done explanation for WHY Christ was born. In simple rhythm poetry and simple pictures, children are shown that Jesus was born in a manger two thousand years ago, but his birth and resurrection are just as much for the children of today as for the shepherd children in that long ago field.

The illustrations by Dorothy Perez add to the innocence and beauty of the book. The pictures are lightly drawn colored-pencil sketches, a new sketch on every two-page spread. A simple, lovely book for children to read throughout the Christmas season.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Mary C. Gildersleeve

First reviewed:

12-1-05

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Author(s):

Susan Wojciechowski

Number of pages:

32 pages

1995

Publisher:

Candlewick Press

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

This is a lovely story about a gruff woodcarver who is commissioned to make a Nativity Set for a young boy and his mother. The story is beautifully written and lovingly illustrated. This is such a favorite for my children that we keep it out year-round and it has been read over and over and over again. This is simply a can't-miss book - at least check it out from your library. When you buy a copy, I certainly recommend the hardcover for durability. There are many copies available used online - at Amazon.com there were over 50 used copies available - most for well under $10.

Additional notes:

Newer editions have a different cover, but interior artwork and content appear to be unchanged.

Reviewed by:

First reviewed:

11-29-05

The First Noel

Author(s):

Maite Roche

Translator(s):

Marianne Lorraine Trouve, FSP

2009

ISBN:

0819826871

Publisher:

Pauline Books & Media

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

There is nothing like a nice new book for children about... Christmas! This new Pauline Books & Media volume is a translation of an original French book. I had my 8 year old read it aloud to me, and she loved the illustrations that bring together the human and the supernatural very well. She loved the sweet, cute angels and all of the animals at the familiar stable! Biblical details are all present here: the story follows Mary and Joseph from before the Annunciation, their wedding and the trip to Bethlehem through the Magi at Herod's court, the slaughter of the innocents and the Holy Family's tenure in Egypt. Mary is shown round and pregnant in the beginning, and breastfeeding our Savior baby in Egypt, all in a very natural, warm and cute way. Click here to view a promotional video of this book on YouTube.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by:

Ana Braga-Henebry

First reviewed:

11-22-2009

The Friendly Beasts

An Old English Christmas Carol

Illustrator(s):

Tomie de Paola

Number of pages:

32 pages

1981

Publisher:

Putnam Juvenile

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Grades K-2

Resource Type:

Picture Books

Review:

"The Friendly Beasts" is a lovely old English Christmas carol (the words and music are included in their entirety on the last page). Tomie de Paola has drawn beautiful pictures, in his signature style, to accompany the words to this song. (We didn't know the song before we came across the book. Now we tend to sing it, rather than read it, to the children.) It has been a favorite in our family partly because of it's beautiful simplicity and is frequently requested (even when it's nowhere near Christmastime) by our younger children. The artwork is to be enjoyed and cherished over and over again. I especially like a little drawing of the Annunciation that just shows up on the front cover.

Here is the first verse of the song to give you the idea:

Jesus our brother, strong and good,
Was humbly born in a stable rude.
And the friendly beasts around Him stood,
Jesus our brother, strong and good.

Reviewed by:

First reviewed:

12-1-05

The Fussy Angel

Author(s):

Mary Arnold

Number of pages:

32 pages

1995

Publisher:

Bethlehem Books

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Sample Pages

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

A humorous rendition of Baby Jesus' birthday told from the point of view of "the fussy angel" who wanted things to be just right for the newborn king. The angel complains about the dirty animals, argues with the wise men and tries to make the angelic choirs sing a little quieter. The story has greater depth than what is perceived at first glance. It is about the great and glorious God who loved mankind so much that he was willing to come down to earth and put up with all of our silliness and imperfections. This will be a favorite among the preschoolers in your home, but Moms will love it too.

Reviewed by:

First reviewed:

1998-99

The Jesse Tree

Author(s):

Geraldine McCaughrean

Illustrator(s):

Bee Willey

Number of pages:

93 pages

2005

ISBN:

0802852882

Publisher:

Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Review:

Take a grumpy old man working in a Church, add an inquisitive little boy, assorted other characters and mix in the greatest story ever told and you have the book, The Jesse Tree, written by British author, Geraldine McCaughrean. This is sure to be an Advent classic!

Set in the present day, an old woodcarver (who tends to grumpiness) is carving a wooden Jesse Tree for a church. Jesse Trees are an ancient traditional way of showing Jesus' lineage - from the start of the world, through Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, David, Jonah, John the Baptist and finally to Mary and Joseph in a stable in Bethlehem. The old man is lovingly carving the figures and symbols representing each of 24 stories for the carved tree. The book opens just as he starts to carve the earth and moon, to represent God's creation. An inquisitive boy stops in the church and asks the ubiquitous question, "why"?

Through a series of 24 stories, the man slowly details the story of mankind - from the creation through the fall and right up to Jesus' birth. Each story has a different symbol and link to the Bible.

This book is beautifully told. The pictures are not spectacular, but at the head of each story, a small inset shows the symbol for the story. This makes it very easy to use this book as an Advent Calendar. That's what we're doing this year. In November, my younger children and I crafted the same 24 symbols, but we used oven-bake clay. We then made a cloth tree wall-hanging with 24 strings to attach these symbols. Starting December 1st, we read one story each night, attaching the appropriate symbol. On Christmas Eve we will attach the 24th symbol - the brightest star ever seen - heralding Jesus' birth.

This book, and our homemade Jesse Tree, will be a family tradition for years to come - a tradition that links the Old Testament to the New Testament - that links the first Adam and Eve to the new Adam (Jesus) and new Eve (Blessed Virgin Mary).

Reviewed by:

Mary C. Gildersleeve

First reviewed:

12-6-05

The Last Straw

Author(s):

Frederick Thury

Illustrator(s):

Vlasta Van Kampen

Number of pages:

32 pages

2006

ISBN:

0881061522

Publisher:

Charlesbridge

Binding:

Sewn Hardcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Resource Type:

Review:

To celebrate Christmas, in addition to baking Christmas cookies, setting up the manger scene, decorating the tree, and numerous other seasonal activities, we also like to pause in out preparations to cozy up together and read good books that encapsulate the true meaning of Christmas. The Last Straw by Frederick H. Thury is one such book.

Hoshmakaka is a grumpy, old camel, who would rather do anything than carry gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Bethlehem. He is sleeping peacefully one night when he is visited by voices informing him that the wise men have chosen him for this task. He balks at the idea, providing feeble excuses, but when a furious wind blows the sand, he changes his mind.

The next day as the servants of the wise men are placing the precious gifts on his back a group of young, admiring camels comments that he must be very special. His pride puffed up, he brags that he is “as strong as ten horses” and then allows the young camels to accompany him along the journey. This could be his downfall. Will they find out the truth?

Along the way, one after another person or animal begs Hoshmakaka to carry a gift to the newborn king, creating a mountainous pile on his back. Finally, he comes within sight of Bethlehem. Feeling the strain of the weight, he doubts he will make it when a small voice asks him to carry one more gift for the baby.

Can he do it? Will he make it?

The pictures are delightful. My children enjoyed picking out the gifts piling up on his back. It has also become a familiar line in our home to say, “My joints, my gout, my sciatica.” And the ending is superb! All ages will enjoy this wonderful story.

Perspective:

Judeo-Christian

Reviewed by:

Elizabeth Yank

First reviewed:

12/4/2007

The Legend of the Poinsettia

Author(s):

Tomie de Paola

Illustrator(s):

Tomie de Paola

Number of pages:

32 pages

1994

Publisher:

Paperstar Books

Binding:

Softcover

Subject(s):

Grade / Age level:

Grades K-2

Review:

This lovely retelling of an old Mexican legend transports us to the mountains of Mexico, where a young girl, Lucida, prepares for Christmas with her family. Her mother is a fine weaver, and the Padre asks her to make a new blanket for the Baby Jesus. When her mother falls ill, she longs to help finish the blanket, but only seems to make a mess of things. With no gift for the Baby Jesus, Lucida hides and watches the procession from afar. An old woman assures her that "any gift is beautiful because it is given" and that "Whatever you give, the Baby Jesus will love, because it comes from you."

Feeling more courageous, Lucida picks a bundle of weeds and brings them to the Baby Jesus in the manger scene at church, where they are beautifully transformed.

Perspective:

Catholic

Reviewed by: