The Christmas Troll

Every once in a while a picture book comes along that makes you and your child think. The Christmas Troll by Eugene H. Peterson is that kind of book. Peterson is best known as the author of the popular Bible paraphrase, The Message, and in his first children's book, he shows both humor and insight.

Andrew is really angry. He asked to open a gift - just a single gift - on Christmas Eve and his mother refused him. Even when he told her his friend Jonathan was opening the last of his presents by now, she refused him. "Gifts are for giving and receiving," his father says, "not for grabbing and getting. Waiting until morning will be good for you." So Andrew decides to run away and take his little sister with them. They enter the woods near their house, a small lantern lighting their way. Although they've taken many family tromps through these woods, they look different - and kind of scary - in the dark. Andrew remembers what Jonathan told him about the trolls who live there; is his friend right?

When the the siblings stop and sit on a soft, mossy log, suddenly a growly voice says "Who's sitting on my belly?" Jonathan leaps off the "log" and into the ferns, too terrified to run, but his little sister soon calls out, "It's okay. The troll is ugly - but nice." More than nice, actually. Wonderful. And ridiculous, with spiky, carrot-colored hair. The children are soon bouncing on his belly, while they all laugh. Suddenly Andrew realizes the troll is a gift.

"Andrew hadn't expected a gift, he hadn't deserved it, yet he'd gotten it all the same - and it felt great!..And now he wanted to go home as fast as he could, and he wanted to show the troll to Jonathon. He wanted to show everybody a gift, a real gift, a gift you can't wrap with paper and ribbons and put under a tree. He wanted to show Jonathan that he was all wrong about trolls, and all wrong about gifts."

When the children try to get the troll to come home with them, he won't budge. Andrew says:

"Oh, please, Mr. Troll, please...My father says Christmas is our time to remember that God gives us gifts. That's what he does, give gifts - gifts everywhere, gifts here, gifts there, gifts from above, gifts from below, gifts seen, gifts unseen, and lots and lots and lots of gifts that don't look like gifts but tun out to be the best gift of all. But Jonathan thinks that if it's not wrapped up in a package and tied with a ribbon, it's not a gift. Jonathan needs to know about troll gifts."

The troll doesn't follow the children, but when they go home, their father says the best gifts can't be wrapped and put under the tree, "so it's wise to live life expectantly, alert to the surprises of God."

That night, Andrew's sister ponders the afternoon. "Drew," she whispers in bed, "do you think Jesus was ugly but nice?" But Andrew is fast asleep, dreaming about Jesus in a manager, very surprised - but pleased - to find him with a head of spiky, carrot-colored hair.

What I Like: This story makes both my preschooler and me laugh. The troll is wonderful and ridiculous - and there are so many layers to this story, we've had many long conversations about it. Do some people put God in a box? Is God a lot more unexpected and wonderful than we think? Are God's greatest gifts the surprising ones? Can God, like the troll, seem weird? Ugly and beautiful? Wonderful and terrible?

The illustrations by Will Terry are imaginative and captivating. His images of a forest that could be something more draw the reader in, and his troll is both delightful, funny, and awful.

My four year old asks for this book again and again. Aside from the biblical story of Jesus' birth, The Christmas Troll is our new favorite Christmas story.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Nav Press, 2004; ISBN: 978-1576836811; hardback, $11.99

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The Three Gifts of Christmas

The Three Gifts of Christmas, a follow-up to Jennie Bishop's popular The Princess and the Kiss, tells the story of a wealthy princess who learns the true meaning of Christmas. The princess, who has grown ungrateful, is sad when her parents decide to give her only three gifts for Christmas this year. They also ask the townspeople not to bring gifts to the castle, for themselves or for the princess.

When Christmas dawns, the princess slowly goes downstairs, but is pleasantly surprised by the beauty and thoughtfulness of the gifts, (which parallel the gold, frankincense, and myrrh the Wise Men brought to the Baby Jesus). As the princess and her family celebrate the twelve days of Christmas, the princess is given the chance to bless a fatherless girl, a beggar, and a new mother and child with her gifts. She realizes the truth of Acts 20:35, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

The story is warmly illustrated, with different shades of rose, and Christmas greens, by Preston McDaniels. You can almost smell the feast, and feel the warmth of the fire or the cold of the snow.

The book includes an audio CD, which is narrated in a soothing woman's voice, with background music suited to the events on the page. The music is happy and cheerful during the feast, sad and somber when a little girl's father is killed, and peaceful as the princess learns lessons about giving. The narrator does a nice job changing her voice for the different characters in the story.

What I Like: Everything! I like the message of the story, the illustrations, and the CD. My kids also love the book and have been listening to it every night before bed. It seems a particularly fitting message for this year, when many families may be on a tighter budget for Christmas than in the past.

What I Dislike: Nothing

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 6 and up (but my 5-year-old loves it)

Publisher Info: Warner Press Kids, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-59317-378-4; Hardcover, $15.99

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Check out our reviews of Jennie Bishop's other books here.

Before and After Christmas

Before and After Christmas is a treasure trove of educational Christmas fun! Written by Debbie Trafton O'Neal this book offers something for every day of Advent through Epiphany. That's the entire month of December and beyond.

The content is broken into daily sections. With the exception of December 25th, these are not dated, but rather numbered, so that readers may skip around if they choose. Each "day" includes a Bible passage (one to three verses, all quoted in the New International Version), a reading and an activity.

The readings cover a multitude of topics associated with Christmas: legends, traditions, signs and symbols, historical accounts and international customs. The author crosses denominational boundaries by providing stories from Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic tradition.

The activities are always related to the reading. These range from crafts and recipes to songs and service projects. Each activity encourages family interaction. It also prompts readers to internalize the story with personal application.

David LaRochelle provided the illustrations. Simple watercolors embellish stories and offer diagrams for various activities. As a bonus the book includes two punch-out ornaments that readers may hang on their tree or in a window.

What I Like: This is a great book packed with information and ideas! I like that most of the crafts and activities may be done with items already found in most homes. No special shopping trips required. I like the inclusion of Scripture with each "day." The author includes fascinating, lesser-known stories. I like that she makes clear distinctions between traditions, legends and biblical facts. Children can quickly become confused when hearing so many stories. They can learn a lot from these stories, and it's important that they know which are true and which are just stories.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 5-10

Publisher Info: Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 2001; ISBN: 0806641568; Paperback; $12.99

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Special Info: See our reviews of other books by this author.

The Doppleganger Chronicles 2: The Secret of Indigo Moon

Graphic novels are full-length chapter books, which combine text, comic strips, and an eclectic assortment of illustrations. G.P. Taylor's Doppleganger Chronicles are an excellent example of graphic novels at their best. The Secret of Indigo Moon tells the story of Erik Morrissey Ganger, and his friends, twins Sadie and Saskia Dopple. The three friends stumble upon mystery, excitement and danger at Dunstan's School for Wayward Children, in London, where they have all been abandoned by their parents.

Erik is the only boy at the school, and is in charge of guarding the tower children are sent to for punishment. While on watch one night, he follows suspicious strangers into a tunnel under the school. There, he finds a note left by the former headmistress, who has been missing for over a year. In no time at all, Erik, Sadie and Saskia are hot on the trail of a burglar, but their attempts to help crime-solving journalist, Dorcas Potts, seem to backfire. Soon, Saskia is kidnapped in a sarcophagus, and the children have only a short time to escape the tunnels, before sewage drowns them.

Throughout the book, Erik, Sadie and Saskia have to learn who they can trust. They quickly discover Potemkin, an evil magician from the first book, is back and intent on seeking revenge on the children, as well as completing his most profitable burglary yet. Although Potemkin is clearly evil, it is harder to decide whether to trust his sidekick, Straker, Lord Gervez, the school's wealthy neighbor, Ms. Potts, the journalist, and the current and past headmistresses of the school. Saskia relies on wisdom from Madame Raphael, a mysterious being who befriended her in book one. Saskia believes Madame Raphael is an angel, and welcomes her help in finding the Companion (an allegorical Jesus figure). However, Sadie and Erik do not believe in Madame Raphael, and are determined to solve the mystery and escape on their own.

As the book ends, Sadie finally meets Madame Raphael, The Secret of Indigo Moon is unraveled, and the children are given the chance to leave the school.

The graphic novel element means there are rarely two full pages of text together. Rather, we read a regular page, then have one or two comic-book pages, then have a page with large margins and one or two paragraphs, (perhaps with a phrase in extra-large, creepy font) and then a two-page illustration and then more text pages. There is no pattern to the spacing of text, comics, or illustrations, and the pages all have black margins, but some have black print on white background, and some have white print on black background.

What I Like: The graphic novel element is fantastic. A fun change for all readers, it can be a lifesaver for those who have trouble paying attention or reluctant readers. Struggling readers often get overwhelmed by the large number or words on a page and they also can lose track of the story among so many words. In The Secret of Indigo Moon, the pictures and comics provide welcome relief from so many words, and they support the text, to reinforce comprehension.

The story itself is fast-moving, exciting and has a dark, London feel to it. It definitely has a different tone than most Christian novels I have read. Its originality will make it a hit with good readers of all ages, as well readers who have more difficulty.

What I Dislike: The novel doesn't work as well as a stand-alone. I felt like I was missing important information much of the time, and I wished I had read Book One: The First Escape first.

Overall Rating: Very Good

Age Appeal: 9-12--I would say 8-teen, (although maybe not before bed for more sensitive readers).

Publisher Info: Tyndale: SaltRiver, 2009; ISBN: 978-1-4143-1948-3; Hardcover, $19.99

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Special Information: Amazon does have the "click to look inside" feature for this book, if you would like more information on the graphics.

Project: Run Away

Project: Run Away, written by Melody Carson, begins with Emily’s mother urging her daughter Emily and her son Kyle to pack their belongings. They need to leave their home and they need to leave now. She just found out that her husband, whom she left several months ago, has located them and is on his way to their house. Mr. Chambers is a violent man, prone to fits of anger and rage during which he abused his family. His wife took the two children and fled the state, changing their last name to Adams, in hopes of fleeing their past.

Emily doesn’t want to leave her house and her new friends, but she has no choice. Her mom cautions her not to tell anyone they are leaving, but Emily receives special permission to tell her best friend, Morgan. After they’ve packed their bags and loaded up the car, Emily’s family heads south.

When they stop for a break, Emily calls Morgan’s house from a pay phone without her mother knowing it. She tells Morgan where she is and which direction they are headed.

Before they get much farther down the road, Mrs. Adams is pulled over by a police officer. The officer did not pull her over for a violation; rather, the officer wants to speak to her. Based on information from Morgan, the police knew which direction they were headed and were able to track them down.

The officer tells Mrs. Adams her husband has been arrested and is in jail. Shortly after they left the house, he broke into it. He was caught by a neighbor who called the police and had him arrested. Emily’s mother decides to turn around and head back home, somewhat secure in the knowledge her husband is in jail and can’t hurt her.

After they find out what has happened, Mrs. Adams’ friends and neighbors rally around to help and support her. One secures the services of a lawyer who will work on her behalf free of charge. The story ends with Mr. Chambers in jail, awaiting trial.

Throughout the story, Emily must cope with her conflicting emotions about her father. She loves him, but she hates the way he has treated the family. Through much prayer, Emily is able to forgive him, even though that doesn’t mean she wants her parents to get back together.

This Bible verse from II Corinthians 4:18 is given as a reference for the story: “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

What I Like: This is a modern-day story, one I’m sure many teens, unfortunately, can relate to. As such, it tells teens who are going through this type of situation that they’re not alone.

What I Dislike: When I first started reading the story, I was caught up in the writing and the drama of it all. Then, somewhere around the middle, the story lost its, for lack of a better word, spark. The writing was not as strong and the story line wasn’t either.

And, the ending was a bit flat. I was looking for more resolution to the family’s problems.

Overall Rating: Good.

Age Appeal: 9-12.

Publisher Info: Zonderkidz, 2008; ISBN: 9780310713500; Paperback, $6.99.

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Special Info: This book is part of Zonderkidz FaithGirlz! Series. Read our reviews of other books in the series. Read our reviews of other books by Melody Carlson. Visit the author's website.

The Christmas List

Maybe I'm dating myself when I say that getting the Sears' "Wish Book" in the mail was one highlight of my childhood winters. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that fat catalog so I could make my Christmas list. Although the "Wish Book" is no longer printed, kids still love making Christmas lists - but if you want to help direct your child toward thinking beyond his or her desires, The Christmas List by Susan K. Leigh is a nice choice for the family bookshelf.

The book opens with Jacob and Emily's grandma coming over for a visit; soon she's asking the children what's on their Christmas lists. Jacob answers right away, listing everything from a computer game to a skateboard. Emily, though, is thoughtful and quiet. Jacob suggests some possibilities, but Emily seems reluctant. Somehow, she just can't find the right things to write down.

The next morning the children go to Sunday School, where the teacher talks about a toy drive for needy children and the census list that sent Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. "Teacher, does God have a list too?" Emily asks. The teacher replies:

"Yes, God has a list. He created us, so He knows everything about us, what we say and do, what we think and how we feel, even how many hairs we have on our heads. We are His children. But sometimes we don't behave like His children. We sin, That's why God sent His Son, Jesus. Jesus was born at Christmas to bring us forgiveness for our sings. He did that when He died on the cross. Now, everyone who believes Jesus is our Savior is on God's list. This is called His 'Book of Life,' and it has the names of all the people who will be with Him in heaven one day."

Suddenly, Emily knows just what to put on her Christmas list. After an afternoon creating it, her family is surprised. There are no words on it. Just a big heart with a cross on it, and lots of people holding hands. "It stands for love," Emily says. "What I want for Christmas is for all children everywhere to know about Jesus. So I'm going to start telling them by giving my favorite Bible story book for the toy drive...Because...God's list is the best kind of Christmas list ever."

What I Like: This picture book nicely models how even young children can show God's love to others at Christmastime, while simultaneously taking the focus of getting stuff and instead remembering the reason for the Season.

What I Dislike: The illustrations, by Alan Flinn, are not to my liking. They are angular, stiff, and without warmth.

Overall Rating: Because it offers a unique way to encourage children to give to others, I give this book a rating of Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8

Publishing Info: Concordia, 2008; ISBN: 978-0758615091; hardback, $13.49

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A Night with St. Nick

A Night With St. Nick is a book that definitely made me think. The author, Adam K. Nelson, introduces his book by offering parents a new way to look at the controversy of Santa Claus. I must admit that I was skeptical at first, but as I read on, I was touched by the story and the connection that the author made between St. Nick and the love of Christ. The illustrations by Genevieve Stotler are truly warm and inviting.

Mr. Nelson says that he is saddened that some parents feel that the myth of Santa Claus detracts from the true meaning of the season: the birth of Christ. In this story, he wants to show your child how the idea of St. Nick can actually add to our appreciation of the birth of our Savior.

It was Christmas Eve, when Jimmy was seven years old, that he saw Santa for the first time. Santa was carefully placing gifts under the tree, and he turned to Jimmy, winked, and placed a finger to his lips. "Shh," he said.

Jimmy believed what he had seen for a while, but gradually began to consider it foolishness. At the age of ten, Jimmy had become a disrespectful boy who hardly appreciated his family and their Christmas traditions. He was more interested in popularity and his video games.

Christmas Eve changed the way that Jimmy felt about his life and his Savior. Once again, Jimmy saw Santa in his living room, but this time there was a lot more in store for him. St. Nick took Jimmy with him on his mission of love. As Jimmy witnessed selflessness, compassion and generosity firsthand, his young heart was touched by what he saw. He was even able to see the Messiah. He finds that he does have faith, both in the reality of St. Nick, and in Christ as his Savior.

On the subject of those who choose not to believe in him, St. Nick says:

"If you want to know how I feel, I don't think there should ever be a conflict between Jesus Christ and me. If people could only see the truth of the matter, that I am a servant of Jesus, there would be no conflict. Some of these houses I visit, I can feel that I am not welcome there. But Jesus is, so I go anyway. They believe in the true magician, even though there are some parts of the magic that are not welcome there. It's difficult sometimes to do good work for people who believe in Jesus, and somehow be despised for it, like your whole existence is for nothing."

What I Like: This is a truly touching story of a young heart changed by Christ's love. The story is simple in its message, but it is very compelling.

What I Dislike: At one point in the book, Jimmy calls a family who decided not to tell their children about St. Nick, "the unhappiest family I know." He also says that this family said that they hated St. Nick because they loved Jesus. Many families make the decision not to have their children believe in Santa, and I don't think that they are unhappy or filled with hate!

Overall Rating: Very good

Age Appeal: 4-8, but I think even older children might enjoy it since the main character is 10 years of age. Four and five year old children may have a little trouble grasping the true depth of the story.

Publisher Info: Tate Publishing, 2009; ISBN:1606969374 ; Paperback $12.99.

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The Star of Christmas

Everyone wants to be the star of the show, as author Maria T. DiVencenzo shows us in The Star of Christmas.

When a young girl falls asleep in front of the Christmas tree she dreams the ornaments come to life. All of them want to be the “star of Christmas.” China Doll is beautiful, full of sparkle and shine. That should make her the star. Gift Box is nice to look at and has a surprise inside. He thinks that’s enough to make him the star of Christmas. Jolly Old Elf gives Christmas its magic and Silver Bell brings music. All of these, and more, want to be the star of Christmas.

As each makes his/her case, the girl agrees they are special, but she is interrupted each time she tries to explain who the “real” star of Christmas is. Finally, Crystal Angel gets everyone’s attention and instructs the girl to tell them about the “real star” of Christmas. The girl kneels down in front of the manger ornament. She cradles it lovingly in her hands and whispers, “It’s the child.”

The delicate, life-life illustrations, by Elaine S. Verstraete, are full of detail and add much to the text.

What I Like: Everything. The writing is descriptive and poetic and the illustrations are truly delightful. This is a beautiful Christmas book.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: The publisher doesn’t recommend an age group, but I would say 5-9.

Publisher Info: Winterlake Press, 2009: ISBN: 0981600301; Hardcover, $16.99.

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The First Christmas Present

"The first Christmas present was given by a father," Marilyn Sommerer's new Christmas picture book begins. A mother wrapped the first Christmas present. The father entrusted someone to keep that present safe, and when the present was given, the first Christmas carol was sung. What was that present? asks The First Christmas Present.

The author then explains: God was the father who gave the gift - Jesus. Mary wrapped that gift in swaddling cloth. Joseph was entrusted by the Father to care for baby Jesus, and the first Christmas song was sung by angels announcing Christ's birth to the shepherds.

Some wise men traveled a long way to give a present to the Present. "What do you think He would like you to give him?" the author asks. Perhaps a song, or a prayer, or showing love to another person. All those things, the author said, make a wonderful present to Jesus. "Now we can have peace in our hearts because we know Jesus loves us, saves us, and will take us to heaven someday. What a wonderful Christmas present! It will last forever and ever."

Throughout, the illustrations by Johanna van der Sterr are engaging, showing a modern family celebrating Christmas and setting up a nativity scene in their home.

What I Like: This is a simple way to explain why we give gifts at Christmas and why Jesus is the greatest gift ever given. I also appreciate the focus on giving something to Jesus, and the giving of heartfelt (not store bought) gifts.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but many toddlers will enjoy this book, too.

Publishing Info: Concordia, 2009; ISBN: 978-0758616630; hardback, $14.40

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Fear Not, Joseph!

Teaching both the Christmas story and the importance of trusting God without fear, Fear Not, Joseph! by Julie Stiegemeyer is a unique addition to your family's seasonal bookshelf.

Not only does the author tell the biblical story of Jesus' birth through the eyes of Joseph - something I've never seen in a children's book before - but she emphasizes how Joseph had to trust God, despite dubious circumstances.

First, Joseph's young fiancee tells him an angel visited her to say she'll soon give birth to the Messiah. "I looked at Mary, my stomach twisting and my thoughts whirling. I wanted to trust her, but I did not believe her words. An angel visited her? She was already with child? But were weren't even married yet!" Joseph thinks. That night, he can barely sleep, but when an angel appears to him in a dream, saying, "Fear not, Joseph!" he embraces the Lord's plan.

Months pass and Joseph and Mary are on their way to Bethlehem. Fearful Mary will soon give birth, Joseph begs innkeepers for a place to stay. When at last an innkeeper's son suggests they stay in the stable, Joseph worries what the damp place will do to his wife and her child. Then he remembers the angels words: "Fear not, Joseph!" Joseph tells his wife, "God will care for you, Mary...Our Savior is coming."

Mary gives birth with the help of the innkeeper's mother. At last, baby Jesus is born and Joseph thinks: "We had nothing - barely a shelter, no food, no wealth. Yet at that moment, in this tiny bundle, in this small, helpless Child, I found hope. I knew that the angel's words were true."

What I Like: I appreciate the re-telling of the familiar Christmas story from Joseph's point of view, and I like that the author found a way to not only tell the story of Christ's birth and what it meant, but also to encourage us to "fear not" and trust the Lord. Throughout, the art of Cheri Bladholm is realistic and lovely; these are illustrations to capture both your imagination and your child's.

What I Dislike: The book ends a little abruptly. Joseph tells how they stayed on in Bethlehem until an angel came to him in a dream and told him to take his family to Egypt..."Like Abraham, our ancestor, we trusted that God's hand was leading us and His love supporting us, His promises swaddled in the Child I carried in my arms." Some may also object to the addition of non-biblical details, like the help of a midwife.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8.

Publishing Info: Concordia, 2008; ISBN: 978-0758614988; hardback, $13.49

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Special Info: Visit the Stiegemeyer's website for information about author visits and more. Check out our reviews of other books by the author and illustrator.

Merry Creature Christmas!

In Merry Creature Christmas, popular children's book author Dandi Daley Mackall tells a simple rhyming tale of some forest animals celebrating Christ's birth. They set up a nativity scene and are ready to party - and the white mare and her friends caution the colt Star not to wake Big Bear from his hibernation.

Yet when Star discovers mistletoe hanging at the opening of Big Bear's cave, he can't resist teasing a little. He yells for Big Bear to wake up and celebrate, but when the creature grumps awake and accidentally kisses Star on the lips, he doesn't look very happy. He charges for the celebrating animals - then surprises them all by smiling and shouting "Happy Creature Christmas!"

"Little Star, Big Bear, and the proud, white mare,
Join the forest creatures dancing everywhere.
All the bluebirds sing, praising Christ the King,
On the night of the Creature Christmas."

A CD of the author reading the text is included with the boardbook.

What I Like: The illustrations by Gene Barretta are engaging and fun. They express lots of emotions from the various forest creatures. The text itself is super-simple, and the combo of great illustrations and simple text make this book a winner for very young children.

What I Dislike: Nothing.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but I'd say this book will appeal more to toddlers and preschoolers.

Publishing Info: Thomas Nelson, 2006; ISBN: 99781400308231; boardbook, $9.99

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Special Info: See our other reviews of books by Dandi Daley Mackall.

Shaoey and Dot: The Christmas Miracle

It's easy for children to get caught up in gifts, decorations, and other mainstream Christmas traditions, forgetting what Christmas is really all about. This is why Grammy award-winning musician Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth wrote Shaoey and Dot: The Christmas Miracle.

On Christmas Eve, Dot, the ladybug pet of toddler Shaoey, wakes up raring to get her Christmas chores done. She soon discovers Shaoey is running a fever and has to stay in bed all day if she hopes to enjoy Christmas. At first, Dot thinks Christmas will be ruined; there's so much to do. How can she do it all alone? Then, determined to make Christmas "special this year," she girds herself for a day of work.

Since Shaoey can't make Christmas cookies, Dot visits the bakery looking for some. They are all sold out, much to Dot's dismay - although the baker says, "It's the miracle of Christmas that matters." Next, Dot wants to buy Shaoey a special scarf, but when she visits the Miss Isabelle store, she discovers it's already sold. Again frustrated, Dot listens as the shopkeeper tells her, "It's not the right gift that makes Christmas so special./It's the miracle that makes it so."

Finally, when all the chores are done and an exaughsted Dot goes to bed on the Christmas tree, she falls alseep wondering what the miracle is everyone keeps talking about. Then suddenly she's awakened from her sleep to discover...Santa Claus. Dot says,

"'You must be the miracle that Miss Isabelle
And the baker were talking about.'
Then he laughed, 'Ho! Ho! Ho! I'm afraid you're mistaken;
I'm not the miracle, but there is one, no doubt.

The real miracle is the gift of God's love
That He came down from heaven to give us:
A baby named Jesus was born like god promised
To let the world know He is with us.

This is the miracle that makes Christmas special,
And it's why every year in December
We give fits and do special things for each other.
It's all just to help us remember.'"

Next thing Dot knows, it's morning, and she wonders if her Santa siteing was just a dream. She laughs when she see new gifts under the tree, and confirms: "...God sent His Son as a gift for us all/And the miracle of Christmas is Jesus."

Throughout, Jim Chapman's illustrations are cute and sketchy.

What I Like: My four year old asks me to read this book repeatedly - and I don't mind because it has a terrific message. I also like how the authors handled the addition of Santa in this story. For parents who wish to teach Santa isn't real, Dot's siting can be called a dream. For those who wish to pretend Santa is real, the Santa siting can be called a mystery.

What I Dislike: If you're not familiar with the other Shaoey and Dot books, you may wonder who on earth this little ladybug is. This book never explains. Yet even though my daughter isn't familiar with the previous Shaoey and Dot books, she had no trouble accepting Dot as Shaoey's pet.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: I'd say about 4 - 7.

Publishing Info: Thomas Nelson, 2005; ISBN: 978-1400306916; hardback, $16.99

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Special Info: See our other reviews of books by Steven Curtis Chapman.

Away in a Manager

Mike Jaroszko's Away in a Manager puts the familiar Christmas carol in book form with masterful and stunning illustrations.

Each page illustrates some part of the biblical Christmas story, along with the simple words from the old, beloved song. For example, we see the shepherds visiting baby Jesus, Joseph, and Mary; we see a baby wrapped in cloth and laying in a manger; we see cattle looking curiously at the baby and the baby stirred awake.

In the second verse of the song (beginning "Be near me, Lord Jesus"), we see a young boy visiting church with his parents and younger sibling, praying, and giving gifts.

Throughout, the illustrations are realistic, glowing, and just plain lovely. It's easy to tell Jaroszko has worked as an illustrator for the Smithsonian, Reader's Digest, Scholastic, and other notable companies.

What I Like: This book is simple and stunning. My preschooler loves it.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although I think it's kind of funny newborn baby Jesus looks about two or three months old. Also, some parents who wish to avoid illustrations of grown up Jesus will object to the last page of the book, which shows Jesus welcoming the reader into Heaven.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: According to the publisher, 4 - 8, but many toddlers will enjoy this book, too.

Publishing Info: Concordia, 2009; ISBN: 978-0758614971; hardback, $13.49

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