Editorial Review

Fifteen years and one Caldecott Medal after its publication, Chris VanAllsburg's Read more

Reviews (199)

Great Book
I thought this book was great - it was really colorful. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone.

I like this book...and I think you will too!
This book is about a little boy who finds a train in front of his house. He has a chance to go on a great journey...does he get on the train? I think you will like this book. This book makes me feel happy. Your kids might like it too!

S, Bartkus Review
This beautifully written 1986 Caldecott Award winning book captivates readers young and old to love this Christmas classic.The story is told from a young boy's point of view of waiting for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve, only to find a train waiting outside his bedroom window ready to go to the North Pole.Van Allsburg immediately draws the reader into the story by capturing the young boy leaning outside his window leading the reader to turn the page and see what the boy sees. The storyline follows the journey of a boy on the Polar Express train to see Santa in the North Pole and receive the first gift of Christmas.It teaches a strong lesson for those who believe and is appropriate for children while bringing back the warm eager memories of waiting for Santa.Van Allsburg's award winning illustrations are so realistic and fill the pages to capture the emotions and spirit of the children.His use of shading to create shadows on each page capture the essence of the Christmas Eve night.The lights in the background seem to pop out in the background as if one turned on a light switch.The detailed realistic drawings capture the emotion of the young boy especially when he lost the bell that Santa had given him.We see him on the train and empathize with him along with the other children as if we were riding right there in the train with him.Although the illustrations gained the main recognition of the story, his use of rich descriptive language also strengthen the story.Van Allsburg's use of similes to compare, give vivid details and appeal to the senses of the reader.For example, one line describes the chocolate cocoa as " melted chocolate bars."The popularity of this book was made into a blockbuster movie and Van Allsburg's talent of lasting artisitic impression and rich language was not lost.This book will continue to touch readers of all ages and capture the warm spirit of Christmas. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio: Juvenile    2. Children's audiobooks    3. Christmas    4. Fiction    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    6. Juvenile Fiction    7. Santa Claus    8. Unabridged Audio - Fiction/General   

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Reviews (5)

A wonderful tale narrated by the best voice actor in the business
First, the tale: Dickens' story hasn't aged at all. On the first page, there's this wry joke about how Marley was "dead as a door-nail," then goes on to speculate about why door-nails are more dead than, say, coffin-nails. This sets the tone for a powerful tale of redemption and change laced with both humor and a bit of fear (all these ghosts!). At the end of it all, Dickens inspires us to be better with this old story; he really captures a "spirit of Christmas" (and I listened to the story in March).
As Magnificent as the Ghost of Christmas Present!
Charles Dickens is a legend, and Jim Dale should be.I was thrilled to find out that Mr. Dale had recorded "A Christmas Carol" because I've listened to many many hours (and more voices than hours!) of Mr. Dale.
Lead on spirit...lead on!!
Mr. Dale provides his usual vocal magic to bring Dickens' immortal holiday classic to life.Excellent narration, sprightly character voices and the reader's sense of good fun make this recording my personal favorite of 'A Christmas Carol'.
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Subjects:  1. Audio - Fiction (Unabridged)    2. Audio: Juvenile    3. Audiobooks    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Classics    6. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Unabridged Audio - Fiction/General    9. Juvenile Fiction / General   

Reviews (3)

Clear Toy instead of Sugar Plums!
If you ever had "clear toy" candy (still made in Lititz), and know what the words "schusslich" and "nixnootzes" mean, you'll enjoy this version of The Night Before Christmas done by someone who knows PA Deutsch (German) commonly called PA Dutch.Whether or not you grew up in a PA Dutch family, you might learn something.I did!And, there is an explanation ofpronunciations (like "ch" for "j" so "just so" becomes "chust so") in the back of the book.There is also a pretty good recipe for Shoofly Pie (similar to mine), but unfortunately none of the great Christmas cookies, like Sand Tarts and Molasses Cakes.I now read this charming parody of Clement Moore's version on Christmas Eve.

Fun and somewhat accurate
The author of this book read it to kids on the Pennsylvania Kids Network, and they loved it - but then, kids would love it when a stranger would come in and readlegal advertising from the newspaper. Can you really trust the judgement of a group that loves McDonald's and Pee Wee Herman?Nope, this is a book for adults to enjoy, year after year. Kids will never appreciate the naming of the holsteins, or the authenticity of the Plain Sect traditions associated with Christmas.They'll just laugh when the roof caves in.So don't give this book to your kids. Give it to your boss, or to your webmaster - someone who enjoys subtle humor in the style of Shel Silverstein. An adult will appreciate it a lot more.

Gut Deutsch Fun!!
The hex signs, the cows on the cover are a clue to the pure fun of reading Williamson's Pennsylvania Dutch Night Before Christmas.The cadence, the w/v sounds are possible to understand from the very beginning.The explanations of the German dialect are not overdone.Even the names of the cows and steers are Pennsylvania Dutch to the core.The book is fun to read aloud; fun to look through: the illustrations are as joyful as the words.Children outside the area of Amish populations may not understand some of the subtle humor, the names used, such as "Stolzfus."But children of all ages will enjoy the overall effect of the book: good fun. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Children's    2. Audio: Juvenile    3. Children's Audio - 4-8    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    5. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas    6. People & Places - United States - Other    7. Christmas books    8. Fiction   

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• Unabridged

Reviews (1)

Delightful
I picked up the cassette version in Hanover, NH while visiting the bookstore there, then my wife and I listened to it on the drive home to Connecticut. We'd heard about the book, but hadn't read it. What a treat. First, it surprised us to hear it in rhyme. But it wasn't rhymy, if you know what I mean. It flowed, and the sentences weren't doing somersaults to make the rhyme scheme work. It was great prose, too, not just poetry. And the narrative which carried the sentiment was so touching. Not even a half hour for both this story and the sequel, both of which were on the same cassette. Lovely. Delightful. Sorry I hadn't discovered it earlier.reviewed by Steve Burt, author of A CHRISTMAS DOZEN FROM THE CHRISTMAS STORY PASTOR. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Fiction    4. Holidays - Christmas    5. Inspirational - Gifts    6. Religious - General    7. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    8. Fiction / General   

Subjects:  1. Animals - Alligators & Crocodiles    2. Audio: Juvenile    3. Children's Audio - 4-8    4. Children: Grades 1-2    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    6. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. People & Places - United States - Other    10. Collections & anthologies of various literary forms    11. Fiction   

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Reviews (2)

Frank Capra meets the Little Prince
These days, we can use a shamelessly heartwarming fable and that isexactly what "The Most Beautiful Gift" was to me. The book owessome of its atmosphere to Frank Capra's "feel good" movies but itis as modern as Stephen King's books. A lovely gift for children aged 6 to90. In Italy we got three more books by this guy and I hope they getpublished in the States too. The latest one is called "The LittlePrincess" and moved me to happy tears. I rate "Gift" 4 starsonly because "Princess" deserves a somewhat higher mark.

A real treat ; at last, a well told tale.
I expected your usual sappy fable for dumb kids. Heck, was I surprised. This novel is witty, amusing, and a pleasure to read for children of ALL AGES(I'm 45). Well, even a sequel would be a nifty idea: I liked each and every character, and wanna know more about them! This guy Snow (a pseudonym, I gather from his posting) is real talented. Top-notch job, fella ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Fiction/General    2. Children's audiobooks    3. Christmas    4. Christmas stories    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

In this follow-up to his bestselling autobiography Read more

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Reviews (61)

nothing new, but still ok
i read Rocket Boys, which i loved, and then moved on to the Coalwood Way.i was rather disappointed when i started it. it wasn't that it was about a period of time covered in rocket boys - i knew that already.but what i loved about rocket boys was the portrayal of a small town, and the coalwood way basically repeats that subject, which i think was pretty well covered already in Rocket boys.
Interesting Memoir
Homer Hickman "Sonny" has had an amazing senior year in high school. With a mixture of friendship, love, and death the story is amazing.

Very Good.
I'm more of a World War 2 fan and read alot of WW2 stuff, but even so this book was excellent.Homer is da bomb.I saw "Rocket Boys" 10 years ago and this book was very similar to that movie, even though they are of different periods.I didn't know how good these books were, but should have after watching rocket boys.This book is great. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    3. Aerospace engineers    4. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Childhood Memoir    8. Christmas    9. General    10. Novelists, American    11. Regional Subjects - South    12. Scientists - Astronauts    13. United States    14. West Virginia    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Bargain   

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Reviews (24)

I'm 16 and guess what...
Ok...this is my dad's name and I'm sixteen years old and I still read this book once a year at Christmas time since it always puts me in that magical Christmas mood in which anything can happen.Mostly for kids around ages 8-12, but still can be enjoyed by people of all ages!

"Goop" all right
If the author of this book were not Dean Koontz, I am sure it would never have been published.In trying to be quirky, irreverent fun, it succeeds only in being unfunny and very unpleasant.It is also poorly structured, long-winded, and technically inept.I was actually rather shocked at just how bad this book is, coming as it does from such a successful writer.Not everyone can write children's books, although these days it seems just about everyone is trying. Fun for Ages 8 and Up
This book is a modern Christmas classic.Santa has been mugged, tied up and stuffed under the basement stairs by his twin brother, Bob.At first, Bob comes across as malevolent and psychotic, intent on destroying his brother's reputation as well as wrecking everyone's Christmas.But thanks to the efforts of two brave sisters, we find out that Bob is merely jealous of his brother and has forgotten some basic behavioral standards.The story is told entirely in rhyme.Indeed, it is Koontz's clever rhymes that will keep you in stitches-he even finds not one, but two rhymes for halitosis!
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Subjects:  1. Audio: Juvenile    2. Children's Audio - 4-8    3. Children's Audio - 9-12    4. Children's audiobooks    5. Christmas    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    9. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Santa Claus    12. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas   

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Reviews (7)

bestbookever
wow !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! hank the cowdog is a great book for the family or by yourself . john r erikson did a wonderful job onthis book . you need to read it to belive it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.

Hilarious
Hank the cowdog is "head of ranch security," and tend to act like Barney Fife. the entire seires of Hank the Cowdog stories are hilarious. The story is told from the perspective of Hank and the animal characters in this story, such as Drover, the young pup in training for ranch security, are constantly causing problems for Hank. In one story Hank gets sick after eating a frying pan full of bacon grease. He knows what he should and should not do, but always finds himself being overcome by his true nature--egotistical, gluttonous, etc.
My Hank Review
This is one of my favriote books it is funny and exciting. It takes the perspective of a cowdog on a ranch in east texas. That thinks he is head of ranch security and goes through a lot of hillarius storys. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure - General    2. Audio: Juvenile    3. Children's Audio - 9-12    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    6. Humorous Stories    7. Juvenile Fiction    8. Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories   

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Reviews (16)

A mix of nice and not-so-nice
This book had some stories in it that were a tad uplifting, but there were too many other stories with cheating husbands.That was a bummer; I was hoping the whole book would be full of feel-good Christmas tales, not feel-depressed.Anyway, my favorite was the first story, "The First Step of Christmas."I just prefer the happy endings!

What I am at a loss to explain is why I finished it.Ever hopeful, I guess.These are the basic formulaic Binchy-craft, and just how many women can keep justifying their existence as the mistresses of married men, and why are the men so shallow, and why does it always take a handsome single stranger to lure poor, misunderstood mistress back to righteousness?

Read it over each holiday season....
I bought this book the year it came out, and was slightly disappointed in the dismal tone some of the stories begin with.But Binchy is at her finest with characters that are full of flaws and concerns just like all of us.I have read it again and each year the characters become closer to me and I appreciate her writing more fully.Not heartwarming holiday faire, but insightful.Quietly thought provoking.Details make it rich.Thanks Maeve. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Fiction - General    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Christmas stories, English    5. Fiction    6. General    7. Holidays - Christmas    8. Short Stories (single author)    9. Fiction / General   

Editorial Review

Patrick Stewart's one-man production of Dickens's Read more

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Reviews (135)

A Nice Price (Even For Scrooge)
I've always liked the story of "A Christmas Carol", whether it was a live action film version, the Muppet version, the Disney animated version, even one of the dozens of sitcom parodies. I finally got round to reading the original, and I quite enjoyed it. Even though I'd seen and heard so many versions of the story, reading it was still very special.
Wonderfully Spooky.
this is not the best of Charles Dickens but it is one of his triumphs and his shortest book.
the christmas carol
the author is Charles dickens. there are 112 pges. the story begins w/ scrooge in his counting-house on a frigid, foggy christmas eve in london. the characters are: scrooge, bob cratchit, tiny tim, jacob marely, the ghosts of christmas past, present, and future, fred, fezziwig, belle, peter cratchit, martha cratchit, the portly gentlemen, and mrs. cratchit. the setting is one frigid, foggy christmas eve in london to a happy but still cold christmas day. the beginning of the plot starts by an old man named scrooge, a very greedy person who hates christmas and loves money, counting his money in a counitng house. the rising action is: the mean old man is haunted by four ghost, including Bob marely. this book is very inspiring book to those who are mean greedy of money and those especially that hate christmas.i like this book because i used to take christmas as a day of juss getting presents and it taught me that christmas is really about love and family. this book showed me that even though they give me a cheap gift but to thank the person fer giving it to me. like the saying goes,: "its the thoght that counts." if you are a hater or that u dont really care about christmas, read this book. it will changhe ur thought aboput christmas. this book is very interesting. readers all over the world should read it. this book teaches people that take Christmas fer granted a lesson. this book inspires, teches, and somewhat entertains. read dis book! and you'll think so 2. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Children's Classics    2. Audio: Juvenile    3. Classics    4. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas   

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Reviews (10)

childhood reader
this book is great i have been listening to this book sense i was 8yrs old. I've got the book on tape and every year as a tradition, I listen to it why i do christmas shopping, or wrapping presents, or on my way to my familys cabin. Read it and you will be hooked.

A Return to Christmas
This season something extraordinary is about to reveal itself.A Return to Christmas is an impenetrably, exciting book by Chris Heimerdinger.When you start reading this book you will not be able to stop.Will the Holiday's rediscover something they been without for eight years?We follow the lives of two boys named Chess and Artemus whose paths cross in unusual and unexpected ways.Is it possible that Chess could be Artie's brother? I assure you that this book will leave you at the edge of your seat.We loved it!It was the best book that we have ever read!

Brilliant
Chris Heimerdinger is one of the best writers in weaving a tales so real you can taste. Not only are his stories highly entertaining, they have good messages to send us. In A Return to Christmas, Chris writes a compelling tale of a modern day prince and pauper. It tells of the struggles of one family, having lost their love of Christmas and thrown into a pit of grief they cannot climb out of, until a light of hope shines. This book has value on all levels. To those who have not read this, get it now and read it. You'll be glad you did. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Fiction - General    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Christmas stories, American    5. General    6. Holidays - Christmas   

Reviews (5)

Seven Stories of Christmas Love serves as lesson for the entire year.
This tape came to me as a gift. I enjoyed it the first listening several years ago. Each year before Christmas I listen to it again. I nearly know the script by heart, and it means just as much, if not more. Each year of those 10-15 years that the tape has been part of my Christmas, has brought changes in my life. However, the lessons of the seven stories of Christmas love are imprinted on me. I am grateful for the tape, and find the familiarity of the stories an anchor in a sometimes difficult and busy season.

An annual tradition
Christmas just isn't Christmas without any Leo. In book form or his excellent video of the same name, Seven Stories of Christmas Love is Leo doing what he did best: sharing stories of holiday's past and using them to illustrate why love and memories matter throughout the year. We watch the video every Christmas and I've yet to escape dry-eyed through the section where he expresses how important it is to remember the wonder and awe of childhood because our memories and the love we give to others are all that make us immortal. A Favorite Family Tradition
Reading from this book is one of my family's all time favorite Christmas traditions.The stories are short enough that we can read one together as a family each night before bedtime.I have loaned this book to several friends and they have all loved it.Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Holidays - Christmas    3. Religion    4. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy   

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. CD-Miscellaneous Music    3. Seasonal - General    4. CAS - Audio - Autobiography / Biography    5. Christmas    6. Stories    7. Ulster (Northern Ireland and Ireland)   

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Reviews (93)

The Best Book About Christmas
This is a beautiful, while entertaining, story about a family of six unruly children, who are all starring in the church Christmas Pageant.
You Don't Have to Be a Child to Love It
"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world..." So begins one of the funniest...and ultimately the most touching...books ever written about the Christmas season. The story about the five scruffy children from the "wrong side of the tracks" is narrated with humor and finally dawning perception about the true meaning of the Christmas story. Buy yourself a copy and settle down with some cookies and cocoa and prepare to be entertained, whatever your age.

a Classic
Great story to read aloud in preparation for the holiday season.Kids of all ages will love the humor and the mind pictures. I wore out my first copy and have purchased a second one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio: Juvenile    2. Children's Audio - 9-12    3. Children's audiobooks    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Christmas    6. Classics    7. Fiction    8. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    9. Humorous Stories    10. Juvenile Fiction    11. Juvenile sound recordings    12. Juvenile Fiction / Holidays & Festivals / Christmas   

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Subjects:  1. Audio: Juvenile    2. Children's Audio - 4-8    3. Children's Audio - 9-12    4. Classics    5. Holidays & Celebrations - Christmas    6. Holidays & Festivals - Christmas   

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Reviews (2)

A Modern Classic!
What a wonderful story filled with warm memories of a time past. It will remain a favorite on my bookshelf. However, the temptation is to pass it on to others to enjoy. Not only does the author display great sensitivity inhis story telling but he also has the unique ability to take the reader onthe journey with him.I hope this is just the beginning for this author. By the way, the sketches done by his daughter that are peppered throughoutthe book are delightful.

Insightful of father/son relationships
This very touching and insightful account of a boys' youthful memories touched many sensitive cords.Although the boys' relationship was bad with his Dad he had a wonderful relationship with his Grandfather.It remindedme so much of my own Childhood, growing up in Dryden (Gee Hill) area andgoing to school in Marathon, NY.I didn't know any of these people butfeel like I know them now and knew many others just like them from thearea.I thourghly enjoyed this book ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Abridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Authors, American    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Christmas    8. Fathers and sons    9. General    10. Inspirational - Gifts    11. New York (State)    12. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    13. Biography & Autobiography / General   

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Reviews (7)

read with a box of tissues
Just when the holiday season has you at your highest level of anxiety, stop and read a story or two in this book and you'll feel much better.It's a get-back-to-basics book that won't consume your every spare moment.The stories are short and uplifting, and remind you of what Christmas is really about.Heartwarming and simple; I leave it on my coffee table as it is a pretty book, too.

Superior product and Service
The product was beyond what I expected.The price was way lower
Wonderful Program Material
I checked this book out of our local library while searching for short inspirational pieces to use for our church women's Advent tea.I wanted meaningful short stories or pieces that were not too HEAVY.I found so much that I had a hard time limiting my choices to fit the time given over to entertainment.I chose two by Joni Eareckson Tada and Nativity by Philip Gulley.This little book is a gem.While I am online today, I am ordering a copy for myself and one for a friend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Other    2. Holidays - Christmas    3. Inspirational - General    4. Religion    5. Unabridged Audio - Inspirational/Philosophy    6. GENERAL INTEREST / SEASONAL / CHRISTMAS    7. Religion / Inspirational