A Magical, Marvelous Explanation About Santa When Your Child is Ready to Understand What Santa Really Means ...
348937
In "Love, Santa", Martha Brockenbrough has given parents a magical, marvelous way to explain Santa to inquiring little ones who are ready to understand what and who Santa Claus really is.  Taking the character Lucy from age five to the age of eight through the gradual enlightenment and the reality of Santa, Ms. Brockenbrough follows the realistic manner through which maturing children comprehend the reality of Santa.  Each year is marked with a letter from Lucy to Santa that the reader removes from an envelope and can then read.  This interactive feature adds to the appeal of "Love, Santa" and helps a child become involved in the narrative as they read Lucy's letters.

Lee White's colorful illustrations are visually appealing; they have depth and dimension.  Rendered in what appears to be watercolors, the illustrations contribute to the overall excellence of the story.

If your child is asking questions about Santa Claus and is ready to understand what Santa really means, Martha Brockenbrough's "Love, Santa" is an extraordinary way to gently explain the reality of that mythical figure.  Definitely a five star book for the right age child, but not for little ones who still believe unquestioningly in the magic of Santa.
1662387
Traditionally our family has collected a new Christmas book or music CD every year for 20 years. The Magic Christmas Key is our newest addition rounding out our collection beautifully by answering the age old question most parents struggle to answer: How does Santa bring gifts to those without a chimney? Through a suspenseful plot capturing the heart of a boy struggling with responsibility and trustworthiness, The Magic Christmas Key appeals to children of all ages who wish to capture the thrill of Christmas Eve anticipation. Along with the decorations and memorabilia sparkling with sentimental meaning, I expect Leann Smith's beautiful tale to be a favorite among the beloved holiday books that make their annual appearance on the coffee table and into the hands of our children and grandchildren. Entrusting the key to different young ones each year can add to the excitement and make for sweet teaching moments. I look forward to revisiting its "magic" every year hereafter.
2902777
This is one of the cutest Christmas stories I've ever read, and with a toddler, I've read more than a few. I can see this becoming a Christmas classic, I can even see an eventual Christmas movie made from this book! It is so good in fact, that I wonder what Felice's life is like when it's not Christmas anymore. Is it like a Christmas Toy Story? With all the other ornaments in the attic?
To sum the cute little story up, Felice is the Christmas fairy that sits at the top of the tree year after year. Until a spoiled little girl, throwing a tantrum, knocks her off the tree. Thus giving her the chance to see the dazzling Christmas tree from a whole new perspective that she had never before experienced. Having realized also upon her tumble, that she was not the only one in the tree! But without her at the top of the tree, where she imparts her Christmas magic, granted to her by Santa, the tree and all its inhabitants (including her!) will slowly fade and become dull. So her new-found friends tell her that she can come visit when she gets lonely and convince her to let them help her get back to the top. But she has a request for Santa when he comes and being the magical and jolly fellow that he is, he comes up with a fitting solution which involves a lesson for the spoiled little girl and elicits her help for Felice the Christmas fairy, without her even being aware how very much her help means for Felice.
The story itself is beautiful and rhymes all the way through which is a delight for my toddler, and the moral is a great one for everybody, but especially children, at Christmas time, to remind them that Christmas isn't just about what you're given but also about giving. And of course the age old lesson, "He knows when you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake!" So even if this book had been nothing but words it is worth owning, although if you have Kindle unlimited you can read it for free (as I did, but I'll be buying a hard copy version to read over the many Christmases to come.) The illustrations really make the book shine, they're the added magic of the book, similar to Felice and the tree! The colors alone are magical themselves and all the illustrations have little hidden details that are so much fun to look at. One in particular caught my attention, with Claws the Cat's glowing green eyes in the background, I almost missed that detail at first but it makes the whole page so much more intriguing! And every page has similar details like that, that really serve to illustrate even the smaller details of the story. Definitely worth reading, certainly the kindle edition but an especially beautiful book to have a hard copy of. Would be a great Christmas gift, for a young child or a new mom. I'll certainly be getting a copy for my daughter and another for my nieces. I'm sure it'll become a classic in time, up there with The Grinch, Polar Express, The Night Before Christmas, and A Christmas Carol. Check it out on Kindle and see for yourself! Merry Christmas!
1147800
The Christmas present written by Alexander McCabe is a book that has a hidden message in it.  Did you know that there is an elf that watches you all the time and your elf has the same name as you?  Gabriel doesn't believe in Santa and it's up to Rudolf and Gabriel the elf to teach Gabriel that Santa is real.

This is the perfect bedtime story while you are counting down the days until Christmas.  It is perfect for children aged 4-10 years old.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish and I think you will too.  5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by Rory (age 10)
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Thanks Dr. Eich for putting this book together.  It is a treasure to keep.  It is short, sweet and to the point.  My 6 yo loves it and reads it year round.  This book is also worth giving as Christmas presents to kids especially those who question whether Santa is real or not.  If you  want to introduce your kids to the real story of Santa, this is it.  A short story of his life and how he came about being Saint Nicholas.  Its a perfect dose of reading for young children.  Now you do not have to make up lies about Santa or put together make believe stories to your kids, just read this book.  It's the real deal.
1118239
This is an inspiring allegory which moves well beyond the agebounds of4-8 years old listed in the ad. Our 3 year old loved it. Because it is only pictures, Dad supplied the narrative, with Larisa adding details to the story. We ordered a second copy of this book to send to a 6 year old girl we sponsor at an orphanage in Korea.  The message of hope and inclusiveness says that Santa thinks of everyone and has lots of help (in the form of little fairies) in overcoming obstacles to delivery. Beautifully expressive illustrations. A great gift book for the child in all of us!
143776
This is a wonderful story about Santa with a delightfully unconventional approach. In it we find out how Santa's beard went grey, how he got fat, how he got elves and how he got reindeer. Further, the illustrations are magnificent. I would strongly recommend "How Santa Changed" to any parent or educator to read to a young reader.

Well down, Karl Steam! :)
1372627
The numerous books and television specials devoted to Santa Claus would suggest that the topic has been worn out.  However, in Kears Pollock's new book, we get a new take on how believing is passed on from generation to generation.  The fun of discovering the "realness" of Santa is one of family and community.  Pick up this book for your family and enjoy how believing grows and deepens.
4278661
Ever wonder about the traditions we have at Christmas? Have you're kids ever asked, and you just didn't have an answer for them? This book explains how the tradition of the Christmas stocking came to be.

Personally, I love to read about where certain traditions came from. I love it even more when it is explained from a Christian perspective, especially Christmas traditions since it is the celebration of our Savior's birth first and foremost. This book is a very simple book for kids of all ages to enjoy. This is a book I plan on reading to my children this Christmas and many Christmases to come.

**I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 < http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
117124
This was a wonderful Christmas story that truly depicts the real meaning of the Christmas season. My 5 year old understood that Christmas is about giving to the less fortunate and in doing so, is giving a gift to God. The book was beautifully illustrated.... a book to be read and reread every Christmas season.
222059
My godchild's first words were "touchdown!" So when he hit the terrible twos, it was time to give the parents a hand with keeping him focused on being good for Santa. The Elf gave the parents a fun way to help him and his new baby brother learn about the holidays, Santa and 'being a good boy.' The parents have enjoyed reading the book and playing 'elf'. It's a fun learning toy for everyone. Love the football jersey. It's just the right personalization.
2175557
Ever wondered who Santa Claus really is and how he came to be?  Well, look no further than this charming little Christmas tale that could easily become a classic in your home.  Not only does the author present a brief, but welcome, back story about Klaus's mortal life, but he answers all of those questions that children ask around Christmastime.  Why does Santa Claus use reindeer to pull his sleigh?  Because he grew up in the cold, snowy north and they were his wife's favorite racing animal.  Why does Santa Claus deliver toys down the chimney?  Because Klaus's mortal enemy, Rolf Eckhof, took half of the toys one year and burned them, which meant it wasn't safe to leave the toys outside anymore. This also led to the popular belief that you better be good or you won't get a Christmas toy as all of the parents of those toyless children used the experience as an opportunity to remember all of the things their children did wrong that year.  How does Santa deliver toys around the world in one night?  Through Chronolepsy or time stopping.  How does Santa understand all of the different languages?  By using the Lingua Franca Effect, which means Santa and his reindeer speak and understand whatever language is predominant in the region they are in.  The book also covers the concept of Tarrying (not aging and living a long life), why many believe Santa Claus is a Saint, how he makes toys, how he receives letters, how he travels, who the elves really are and so much more.  Think of a question about Santa Claus and it will probably be answered in this book!

This book begins and ends with a narrative by a person who claims to have seen Santa's sleigh and to have had the privilege of reading The Green Book, which is a biography of Klaus.  I feel that these sections will be interesting to adults and older children, but they kind of drag it down a bit for little children.  I understand why the author used them here and I appreciate the challenge to spread the true spirit of Christmas in the season, but they were not my favorite parts of the book.  My favorite part was the story of Santa Claus itself.  This book is brief, succinct and there is not a lot of time and effort developing characters, describing locales or going into great depth on any particular point and I think that this was a great way to go.  I envision families around the US including this book as part of their holiday traditions.  This is a wonderful little tale to read aloud to children of all ages.  Santa's story is only seven chapters long and, while some of the chapters are lengthy, I feel that this book could easily be shared with children over a week or two in December.  Hopefully it will spark a wonderful feeling for Christmas in readers of all ages and draw families closer together during the holiday season as they focus more on the spirit of giving than on receiving.

I have enjoyed reading this book for Christmas during these past two years.  It is a quick, easy read that only takes an hour and, with a mug of hot chocolate close by and some Christmas carols playing, it always brings a smile to my face and gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling about the holidays.  Again, this is a simple story, told with simple words and, while there is a villain, there is not a lot of excitement or thrill in the book, but I have grown to love it.  If you are looking for a good family gift to purchase for Christmas or enjoying reading holiday books yourself, this is one for the keeper shelf!
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My elementary school child got this from the library last year before Christmas.  We had plenty of laughs learning how Santa and his army of elves pull off Christmas every year.  We now look at our house and the world a little differently, no longer ignorant of the inner working of the CIA (Christmas Intelligence Agency).  The hilarious illustrations and comical antics of hopeful children and hard working elves will keep you and your children giggling well past bedtime.  When this book was checked out of the library this year, we just had to buy a copy of our own, to review annually before Santa's big day.  For the seasoned believer, the evidence is obvious and for the budding doubter, there are plenty of explanations to keep you pondering for yet another year.
2449864
A wonderful book for older children which pulls together all aspects of Santa and brings the reader to the true spirit of giving that is Christmas.
3215955
If you want to encourage your child in acceptance of all religions and beliefs in the context of a magic Christmas story, this book is for you!  My six-year-old girl is asking for it time and time again and I can see that the ideas in it appeal to her.  Who knows how soon we could have world peace if we had more books like this around to educate and entertain our children with?
4211145
The Night Before The Night Before Christmas is a beautifully illustrated, timeless tale with a twist. It is the night before Christmas Eve and all of Santa's elves are at work making the final toys for Santa to deliver to all the good girls and boys the very next night. Main character Elfie is a likable little fellow who takes pride in his work. And he wants the toys he makes to be perfect. His perfectionism is something many of us can relate to; I sure can. But unfortunately for Elfie, this is no time to be perfect. Or is it?

My favorite part of the story, besides the spectacular full-page illustrations, is that Santa himself knows the reason for the season, or put another way, Santa knows the true meaning of Christmas and who and what it is that makes Christmas special. You have to be open to what I call a "time paradox" (the twist) at the end of the story, if you are, I'm confident that you and your children will embrace the feel-good message presented here. Overall, The Night Before The Night Before Christmas is a sweet story about a very special Christmas gift.

Visit www.frogonablog.net for more information.
1768000
If you want to teach your children about Christmas - the real Christmas, The Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas by Jill Hardie is the book to get! It's for ages 4 to 8 and it's a perfect story for any child.

Author Jill Hardie tells the story of Sam, who is so excited about Christmas! Sam is preparing his Christmas "want" list and he's excited about the upcoming holiday parties. At the same time, he is so curious about one very mysterious gift -- a sparkly box sitting on the mantel above the fireplace. Whenever Sam asked his mother about the box, she would tell him to wait, that she had a few more things to put in the box.

In the midst of all of the Christmas festivities, Sam and his family bless other people with various acts of kindness, and all the while Sam waits impatiently to find out what is in the box. On Christmas morning, Sam finally gets to open the box, and he finds the slips of paper recording his family's good deeds.  His parents explain to him that the things they are doing - the blessings they are providing others - are a gift for Jesus in honor of His birthday. Sam was confused as they had given the gifts to people, not Jesus. His mother explains that when we give to others we are giving to Him.a gift for Jesus -- for Jesus said that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him.

The Sparkle Box story is inspired by Matthew 25:40 "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."  The book challenges us to put aside our wants for those in need. To think of others. Whether it be a material item like food, clothes or shelter. Or a spiritual need, such as praying with someone, lending a shoulder. Or maybe giving of your time to a neighbor or friend in need.

This heartfelt story will inspire readers to adopt this faith-centered tradition in their own homes. The illustrations in The Sparkle Box are awesome and children are very engaged to the story. The Sparkle Box includes a glitter-coated fold-out Sparkle Box on the inside cover of the back. The book is absolutely gorgeous and is destined to become a childrens Christmas classic for years to come! You can start your own family tradition of giving gifts to the One who gave all to us!  The Sparkle Box is definitely a "must have" book for anyone that has children or grandchildren!

I was provided with a review copy of this book as a First Look Blogger for Worthy Publishing without cost in exchange for this, my honest review and unbiased opinion.