My sister read this book and absolutely adored it, so she picked it up. Every time a creche has a laying down sheep, she puts it in the stable, near tMy sister read this book and absolutely adored it, so she picked it up. Every time a creche has a laying down sheep, she puts it in the stable, near the manger. She cites this book whenever she does so. Now, I finally get why that is!
This story is one of those great children's stories that has two levels. On one level, you've got Joshua, the lamb. He can't run and play the way the other lambs do, because one of his legs doesn't work well. He feels left out and set apart (and not in a good way). When the shepherds take the sheep to a different pasture, he stays in the stable with the old cow, because he can't make the long journey. Something special happens in the stable that night (it's a Christmas story, so I'm sure you can guess what) and Joshua ends up playing a special part in that.
The other level of this story is why it touched me (and, quite probably, my sister) so deeply. It's a nice way to remind children - and, really, anyone who reads the story - that it's all right to be different. Sometimes, you're different because God has a special plan for you. It might be years before you know what that special plan is. Maybe you'll never realize what it is, but that doesn't mean there isn't a purpose behind you going through life feeling different. So... yeah... five stars....more
My sister picked this book up, since she wanted to do an Advent Devotion of some kind. The author goes through each of the names used for Jesus (incluMy sister picked this book up, since she wanted to do an Advent Devotion of some kind. The author goes through each of the names used for Jesus (including Jesus itself) and give a little background on them. It was interesting to learn what those names would have meant to the early Christians. Some of them had a lot more to them than I ever realized.
The book was obviously well researched. We also enjoyed the little activities and mini-services that went along with each week of Advent. We're already looking for more books by this author - perhaps something we can do for Lent....more
This little book is older than I am, but it has such classic Christmas pieces as "A Christmas Carol" and "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and "The Fir TreeThis little book is older than I am, but it has such classic Christmas pieces as "A Christmas Carol" and "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and "The Fir Tree". There are also song lyrics and poems, some that I knew and others that I did not.
I think my favorite was "The Peterkins' Christmas Tree" - which I'd never read before. There were illustrations scattered through the book that had the look and feel of something from some of the historical costume books that I've read through.
This is a book that I think I'm going to try to read each Christmas season from now on. I don't know where we got it, but I'm glad to have found it on my bookshelf....more
Oh, my goodness! Of the little books that I decided to read to try to catch up with my Reading Challenge, this was my favorite. The songs are all old Oh, my goodness! Of the little books that I decided to read to try to catch up with my Reading Challenge, this was my favorite. The songs are all old favorites. I love the little bits of history that are included with each of them. I definitely learned some things that I didn't know before.
There are also little quotes and Bible verses interspersed among the songs. Some of the quotes are lyrics for other songs (which may or not be as familiar as the ones profiled). This is a great book for people who like Christmas songs. The next time I'm going out caroling, I'll bring it with me....more
This was a cute little book that I found on my bookshelf, among other seasonal books. There are scattered Bible verses, as well as quotes and poems abThis was a cute little book that I found on my bookshelf, among other seasonal books. There are scattered Bible verses, as well as quotes and poems about friendship. There are also little spots where the person receiving it can write in little moments about how their friendship with the giver grew.
It would make a nice gift for someone who is near and dear....more
This book was a gift from a past pastor. She had a holiday open house at the parsonage and gave these to everyone who attended. I've had it knocking aThis book was a gift from a past pastor. She had a holiday open house at the parsonage and gave these to everyone who attended. I've had it knocking around in boxes and on bookshelves since then. Every time I looked at it, I thought of her, but I never actually read it.
It's a book of Bible verses and little snatches of poetry. It's a great sort of reference for things you could write inside a Christmas card and I'll have to remember that next year, when that time comes again (I have a few blank-inside Christmas cards and I'm always at a loss as to what to write)....more
This is a board book that came with an adorable polar bear plush a few years ago from Hallmark. It was part of the whole North Pole thing that they weThis is a board book that came with an adorable polar bear plush a few years ago from Hallmark. It was part of the whole North Pole thing that they were doing (movies, toys, ornaments, etc.). My sister picked it up for us because I love polar bears.
The story itself is really adorable. There's no real depth to it. It's just a cute story to read to a small child. It's written in rhyming couplets. A young reader could easily manage most of it on their own....more
Technically, I read , which doesn't seem to exist here. The version I read was a miniaturized version of the book that I'm reviewing. It hTechnically, I read , which doesn't seem to exist here. The version I read was a miniaturized version of the book that I'm reviewing. It has six of the short stories from the full version. It's also a tiny little book intended as a stocking stuffer. I don't even remember where we got it, but I'm really glad that I chose to read it. It definitely put me in the mood for Christmas. It also made me want to read, not only the full-length version of the book, but other books in the series.
Each of the stories are short enough to read in one sitting. In a long sitting, you can even read more of them. I read the whole little book (64 tiny pages) in an hour. The last three were so poignant that I had tears in my eyes as I read them....more
I don't even remember where I got this book, but I've had it on my shelf with my other craft books for a while.
I liked the information about VictorianI don't even remember where I got this book, but I've had it on my shelf with my other craft books for a while.
I liked the information about Victorian Christmas traditions that were contained within, along with the patterns and recipes. There are definitely some things that I'd never ever do, but there are also some things that I want to try out. There are some crochet projects that I'll be trying out for next Christmas. There are also some easy gift ideas that I might try out.
If you want to get an idea about how to decorate a Victorian Christmas tree, this is a great resource! It also has some fun party ideas for kids of several age groups....more
This is a review of this edition of the trilogy, rather that the stories contained within. I'll post those as I finish them.
I really like this book. TThis is a review of this edition of the trilogy, rather that the stories contained within. I'll post those as I finish them.
I really like this book. The cover artwork is really beautiful. The leather is worked so nicely that you could almost put it out on a coffee table just to admire it. The pages are a good quality and have the feel of some of the old books I've seen. The font size is great! I like the little scrollwork-type things that are at the start of each chapter. The little ribbon bookmark that is attached to the binding is handy and feels sturdy - not at all like it might come detached.
This is an edition that would make a great gift for someone (or even for yourself). It was, for me, well worth the value....more
I found this book by pure chance at a street fair this summer. I never knew about these books from American Girl's and now I'm going to be looking forI found this book by pure chance at a street fair this summer. I never knew about these books from American Girl's and now I'm going to be looking for more of them to read.
Elisabet starts off the book as a bit of a brat, but it actually makes a lot of sense. She's grown up the daughter of a wealthy ship's captain - with a fine house and servants and all the things that go with it. Now, she's been ripped away from that life and sent to live with her aunt and uncle in New Orleans. She expects that they live the same way she did in Boston. Upon arriving, she realizes that she is quite wrong in that expectation.
Not only is her uncle dead, but she's not going to a fine home with servants to wait on her. She's going to the home of a shopkeeper and she's going to have to learn how to work hard herself. Eventually, she makes friends with Marie and Raoul and Claude.
There were some things that didn't surprise me at all - the identity of the ghost, the fact that the story has a happy ending (this is a story from American Girl after all). Other things were a little surprising: just what the treasure was and how it's important to the story was a surprise. I also found it really amusing to see this little blond rich girl about Elisabet's age pop up: Caroline. Now, she was nothing like the Caroline that the same company had out a few years ago, but... it was still kind of funny.
Yeah... this book is great for the target audience: 10-13 year old girls. There's enough of a mystery there to get them thinking and the clues are there for them to solve it, along with Elisabet and Marie....more
This is a book that I bought for myself years ago, because one of the photographs inside reminded me of my own cat, who had passed away a few years beThis is a book that I bought for myself years ago, because one of the photographs inside reminded me of my own cat, who had passed away a few years before. I didn't actually read it at the time - I just turned it to that page and admired the cat.
Now, fifteen years later, I read the book and admired the quotes and photographs it holds. I'm really glad I have kept this book. The quotes are sometimes clever, sometimes sweet. Seeing the old photographs is fun too....more
I've been blogging about this book as I worked my way through the patterns. Technically, I still have one square left to make, before I stitch them alI've been blogging about this book as I worked my way through the patterns. Technically, I still have one square left to make, before I stitch them all together and edge my blanket/lapghan. However, I've finished the reading portion of the project, so I feel like I can review the book now.
I really liked the format of the book. There is a short reading, interspersed with Bible verses. This is followed by questions designed to get you thinking. Then, at the end of the chapter, you have a knitted square that relates back to the lesson in some way.
I liked that some of the verses weren't the ones you see all over the place. I also liked some of the lessons - which sometimes dealt with tough subjects, like the Trinity. It worked great to do on my own, but I could also see it being done as a group. All in all, I was able to finish each square within the week expected by the creators of the study. Even things like the honeycomb stitch (which requires a cable needle) is explained in terms that someone like me could follow.
Some critiques: a few of the patterns had errors in them - none were undo-able, even for someone like me (I'm an advanced beginner with knitting). However, it's something to be aware of, if you want to do this Bible study. Sometimes, the reading comes across as... a bit judgmental. A couple times - out of the 12 lessons - I read something that rubbed me the wrong way.
At the same time - in spite of these critiques - I'm really glad that I undertook this challenge. I feel like I learned more about both the Bible and my own faith (which really is the point of any Bible Study)....more
It's really more like 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story and totally recommend it, along with all of the other WellWishers books.
Like the rest of It's really more like 4.5 stars. I really enjoyed this story and totally recommend it, along with all of the other WellWishers books.
Like the rest of the series, this was a really quick read for me (it took me about 20 minutes, before I left for work this morning). It's a great little story that a young reader could manage on their own. A small child would love to have this read to them by a parent or elder sibling, looking at the pictures and, maybe, following along with the words.
It's a cold, blustery winter day and the girls are wishing for something fun to happen. Who should appear but Aunt Miranda with a dog: Mr. E. She's dog-sitting for a friend who is out of the country and the girl volunteer to help her look after the dog. However, soon the dog disappears and it's up to the girls to find Mr. E.
The key to this mystery was something that I, as an older reader, figured out pretty quickly. However, it's just the right speed for the target audience. I loved the reveal at the end, because it did incorporate something that surprised me (always fun with mysteries).
I'm really glad that I own the entire series and I could, honestly, see re-reading them for fun. As with the previous two books, there's a bit of subtle product placement in the story. This is actually a plus for me - since it helps tie the dolls and their accessories firmly with the books. Personally, I'd love a little Mr. E dog for my Wellie Wisher....more
Like all the books in this series, it was a really quick read for me. It's written on a level where younger readers could manage it on their own. SmalLike all the books in this series, it was a really quick read for me. It's written on a level where younger readers could manage it on their own. Smaller kids would enjoy looking at the pictures while a parent or older sibling read it to them - maybe even pointing out the words.
I loved the story and the lesson it taught. The kids make some believable mistakes and then work together to "fix" the problem and apologize. It also gives them an idea to solve the main problem of the book: a birthday gift for Aunt Miranda. Again, there are the tie-ins between things the WellWishers have in the book and items you can buy for your kids' dolls. This is a plus to me, since it's not just this random thing you can buy. It has meaning in the context of the WellWishers universe.
There are pages at the end that are clearly meant for the parents to read. These give some ideas for how your child can help with cleaning and recycling (which ties back to the activities that the girls do in the book). I love seeing this type of thing in these books!...more
My sister - who is not a knitter, but does crochet - read this book and then lent it to me to read. I do both knitting and crochet. There are certain My sister - who is not a knitter, but does crochet - read this book and then lent it to me to read. I do both knitting and crochet. There are certain things in this book that speak directly to any creative person, whether you knit or not. There are a couple of little typos scatter through the book. If you're the sort of person to be bothered/distracted by that, there's your warning.
There were so many times over the last two months where the devotion just worked out perfectly for that particular day. My favorite was from May 30th. The reading related to 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." It was just what I needed to read on that particular day.
There are also so many ideas for how to share your gift of crafting with others. I don't just mean by making presents either. Some of them were ones I'd already heard of - making blankets or winter woolens for people in need, tiny hats for premies, etc. I loved the idea of making little cat blankets, though. That's something I'm going to contact my local shelters about - just to see if there's a need there that I can fulfill.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and would totally recommend it to anyone who does fiber crafts (either knitting or crochet). There are a few knitting patterns at the end (one for a beehive slouchy beanie and three for cabled cup cozies) that I'm really looking forward to trying out. I have the perfect yarn for the beanie!...more
This book and A Little Princess were my two favorite books when I was young. I read The Little Princess when I was in sixth grade. This one was one thThis book and A Little Princess were my two favorite books when I was young. I read The Little Princess when I was in sixth grade. This one was one that I read in seventh or eighth grade the first time. Now, like some of the other books from my childhood, I’m going back to re-read them as an adult.
I love the writing! I love the characters and how the author really captures their voices in the dialogue. However� the narrator at the beginning kind of annoys me. The first four chapters are spent saying out contrary, disagreeable, lacking in affection and sour Mary is. This kid has never really been shown affection, so... yeah, she's not going to know how to show love to anyone else. She's just lost the only home she's ever known and been dropped in with kids she doesn't know. So� yeah, she doesn’t want to play with them � she’s never played with other kids before! She’s had one person in her entire life who actually cared that she was alive and that person just died! Her own parents didn’t really love her and the servants just did whatever she told them to do. Then, when everyone she’s ever known is gone, she’s sent off to an uncle she’s never even heard about, in a country that’s completely foreign to her.
There is nothing “wrong� with Mary. She’s a sad, lonely little girl who has never been shown real affection or interacted with her peers � never had a friend in her life. Finally, in the fourth chapter, she realizes that she’s actually lonely. She has this lovely heart to heart with the grumpy gardener and makes her very first friend: a little robin. At this point, things begin to turn around for her!
I loved Mary's interactions with Dickon and Colin. I loved how awkward Archibald is with her. He knows nothing about little girls, but he really does want for her to be happy at his home. The entire story is just incredibly charming - even when I was slightly annoyed at how the narration - and some of the characters - spoke about Mary....more
This book, like the others in the series, was a really quick read. However, it's an adorable story! I actually really love how the author managed to aThis book, like the others in the series, was a really quick read. However, it's an adorable story! I actually really love how the author managed to add the little items that "go with" Camille, the doll into the story. That's been something that was sort of missing in the previous books.
Camille misses her grandmother and visiting the sea for the summer. (We also learn in this book that Camille has recently moved to the area). Her friends decide to spend their mornings (when Camille is at dance class) making a special underwater garden for her, based on a story she told them she'd made up.
As with many things they try, there is good and bad with the idea. Camille ends up feeling left out of the fun as the girls struggle to keep their surprise a secret from her. Aunt Miranda comes to the rescue, so to speak, but saying something that encourages Camille to made a project of her own: a book of mermaid stories to share with her friends.
I think this would be a great story to read with little girls, particularly if they're missing someone or feel like they're missing out on fun things their friends might be doing. There are idea for fun summer activities at the end of the book as well....more
Where some of the previous books in this series were mostly for fun, this book was far more serious. Rebecca's uncle and cousin work in a factory wherWhere some of the previous books in this series were mostly for fun, this book was far more serious. Rebecca's uncle and cousin work in a factory where they are treated poorly. When the workers strike, Rebecca decides to make a stand for the workers.
This, since it's the last book in the series ties up all the dangling ends. (view spoiler)[Although Josef and Jacob lose their jobs as a result of the strike, the owner of the factory agrees to sit down with the organizers. The other workers will have a better job. Max and Lily announce that they'll be moving to California - and getting married. Rebecca finally tells her father that she doesn't want to be a teacher - she'd like to be an actress. She also tells the family that she's been in a movie already. Uncle Jacob gets a job that fits his skill-set: a carpenter building cabinets in Brooklyn. Ana and her family will be moving out of the tenement. (hide spoiler)] Basically, the book ends with exactly the sort of happy ending that is appropriate for the age group. It teaches girls that they can make a difference and, even if it's scary, they should stand up for what's right.
Overall, I loved the series and the characters....more
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