Secrets of a Christmas Box

Author: Steven Hornby
Publisher: Ecky Thump Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9815883-0-8
Pages: 248
Price: $18.95

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It’s Christmas Eve, and the family has pulled out the Christmas Box to decorate the tree. They string the lights and strategically place their ornaments on the branches, before celebrating the magical evening. But what happens once they turn in for the night?

As the family sleeps, awaiting Santa’s arrival, the tree-dwellers come awake and have their own celebration. After a year in the Christmas Box, they’re eager to enjoy each other’s company and snack on pine needles. But not all tree-dwellers rejoin the tree every year, which leads Larry, Debbie, Tinsel, and newcomer, Splint, on a journey to find the Christmas Box for some answers.

Not all is well in the land of tree-dwellers, and there is malice among the revelry. Will this brave foursome find out what’s going on, and will they make it back to the tree in time to join the others for the big sleep?

Secrets of a Christmas Box is a fun holiday tale, with romance, intrigue, friendship and adventure. Although there are some sad moments, all ends well as the tree-dwellers finally find safety. Reading this unique Christmas story every year may well become a new family tradition.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Snow Valley Heroes

A Christmas Tale (Planet of the Dogs Vol. 3)
Author: Robert J. McCarty
Illustrator: Stella Mustanoja McCarty
Publisher: Barking Planet Productions
Genre: Children / Dogs / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-9786928-2-7
Pages: 81
Price: $14.95

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The King of the North has decided to put an end to Christmas, so he hatches a plot against Santa and the elves to be sure no one will ever celebrate again. But he doesn’t count on the Planet of the Dogs coming to Santa’s aid.

When word reaches the dogs that Christmas is in jeopardy, they come back to earth to join the two human children they’ve worked with in the past. Executing a daring plot to infiltrate the Ice Castle, they wreak havoc on the King and his men. But will they be successful?

In this third volume of the Planet of the Dogs series, readers are once again treated to the kindness and cooperation these dogs embrace as part of their very nature. Not only do they save Christmas, but they also teach the King of the North an important lesson he’ll never forget. Written in folk style and illustrated in beautiful pencil drawings, Snow Valley Heroes is a charming and heart-warming Christmas tale.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Santopia – Book One: Santa and the Lost Princess

Author: Sir Nicholas Throckmorton
Publisher: Gramercy Park Press
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 0981715400
Pages: 116
Price: $12.95

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Far north, in the magical realm of Santopia, the current Santa has a new son. The Wizard issues a prophesy for this new heir to the kingdom, which says baby Nicky will marry the first girl born after him.

But over in the kingdom of Drear, the Countess is nearly about to give birth. After hearing the prophesy, she induces labor and is pleased when her daughter, Dazzle is born. That is, until she learns another couple has also given birth to a daughter, who may have been born before Dazzle.

Upsetting the Countess of Drear is never a good idea, so this poor couple needs to do something quickly before they and their new daughter lose their lives. Escape is dangerous and nearly impossible, and intrigue and treachery abound.

This story is set at Christmas, and is full of colorful holiday imagery. Many of the Santa traditions are included, making the story feel real. But one thing I found a little confusing was the different races at Santopia that all ended in “elves” – Gelves, Trelves, etc.

I enjoyed this story, and found myself cheering for the young couple to save themselves and their daughter. But I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the ending, which left the story at an obvious cliff-hanger. If you love Santa and Christmas, I think you’ll enjoy this fast-paced and fun tale.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Night Before the Gingerbread Man’s Christmas

Author: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721090
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

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It’s tough to be a snack at Christmas!  The Gingerbread Man is curious about Santa’s visit to his house, but soon becomes worried as Santa prepares to eat his pastry friends.  How can he convince Santa to spare them, and turn his attention to healthier veggies instead?

This cute and clever Christmas story of a kindhearted gingerbread man is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Gingerbread Man’s Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Night Before the Three Bears’ Christmas

Author: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721120
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

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It’s Christmas Eve and Baby Bear hears a knock at the front door. Could it be Santa? But of course not – he’d use the chimney! A poor, orphan skunk has lost his way in the forest and wants to come in for the night. But will Santa be able to find him at the three bears’ house?

This adorable and heart-warming Christmas story of a little orphan skunk and the three bears is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Three Bears’ Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Night Before the Little Mermaid’s Christmas

Author: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721106
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

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The little mermaid has decorated her home deep under the sea, in the hopes that Santa will pay a visit on Christmas Eve. But can Santa get to her home? How will he ever be able to find her, and if he does, how can he breathe?

This adorable and heart-warming Christmas story of the little mermaid is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Little Mermaid’s Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Night Before the Three Pigs’ Christmas

Author: Larry Carney
Publisher: PC Treasures, Inc.
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-1600721236
Pages: 24
Price: $6.95

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The three little pigs are all snug in their beds, waiting for Santa Claus to visit their house. But the big bad wolf is hungry and needs to find something to eat. He comes up with a plan to sneak in and catch them so he can have pork for dinner. But he doesn’t count on Santa’s help in rescuing the pigs.

This cute and clever Christmas take on the story of the three little pigs is written in rhyme, and is accompanied by a CD-ROM. This includes a read-along version of the story so kids can follow the story as they’re learning to read. It also has several novelty Christmas songs with easy to learn lyrics kids can sing along to. And it includes computer activities like coloring pages and an on-screen performance of one of the songs.

Since this package comes with a book, music and activities, The Night Before the Three Pigs’ Christmas is a superb value for the price, and would be ideal for any family looking for fun new holiday stories to enjoy.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Elmo’s Christmas Countdown

Author: Meg McLaughlin
Illustrator: Tom Leigh
Publisher: Dalmatian Press
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 1-40375-013-0
Pages: 24
Price: $3.50

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When Santa’s elf crashes his sleigh, it nearly causes a holiday disaster. The Christmas Counter Downer has lost its boxes, and without it, Christmas will be late. But Elmo suggests they make a wish on the Christmas star for the boxes to reappear.

As if by magic, each of the boxes is returned to Santa’s elf in the correct order, counting down from ten to one. And when the last box is returned, they realize a true Christmas miracle has occurred because Christmas will arrive right on time.

Adapted from the original screenplay, Elmo’s Christmas Countdown is a new and fresh Christmas tale that also teaches counting – but in reverse. This fun Sesame Street story will please kids and adults alike.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

My First Night Before Christmas

Author: Clement C. Moore
Illustrator: Tom Newsom
Publisher: Piggy Toes Press
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-158117808-1
Pages: 12
Price: $9.95

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The magic of the holiday season is expressed so eloquently through Clement C. Moore’s classic poem, “The Night Before Christmas.” Children of many generations have grown up listening to it read on Christmas Eve, as they await Santa’s arrival. This book was obviously created with that magic in mind.

As a touch and feel and sparkle book, each page has a special decoration to enhance the illustrations. Santa has a soft and cuddly beard and a red satiny jacket. The children sleep with a quilted bed cover. And bright sparkles adorn the Christmas ornaments and Santa’s sleigh.

Solidly constructed with sturdy pages, this book is meant to last, for many enjoyable Christmas memories. My First Night Before Christmas would make a charming addition to any family holiday tradition.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Christmas on Deery Street

Author: Steven Roberts
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.
ISBN: 978-1-4327-1311-9
Pages: 90
Price: $12.95

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Christmas On Deery Street is a collection of short, cozy stories centered around the popular Christian holiday. Steven Roberts has neatly spun a collection of his father’s well-told tales into an entertaining and often inspiring book.

Each segment is a fictitious account, “with a small element of truth” according to Roberts, of life in the not-so-distant past. The reader learns about the hardships and miracles of life through the eyes of everyday folks during the magical time of the Christmas season.

“The Angel at Union Station” is one tale that seems almost too good to be true, but nonetheless, you believe it anyway. The reader has little choice because in this nutty world of ours, a dreamy story that firmly puts a smile on your face is a welcome respite.

Who would not want to read about an anxious soldier, away from home for several years, wondering if his girl still loves him after all this time? Of course we know how it turns out, but the charm is in the way Roberts tells the story. The magic and mystery are what make it all worthwhile.

“Magic Socks” and “Our Star” are two others that go well with a fire and a hot cup of tea on a cold night. And if you are sitting, reading next to your Christmas tree or not, you may find yourself happily reminiscing of your own favorite childhood memories or ones of your family or friends.

Christmas On Deery Street is a wonderful book for all ages that will delight the heart and warm the spirit. And you can get these good feelings reading them at Christmas or any old time of year.

Reviewer: Gene Berger