Category: holiday

Author & Illustrator: Hedley Griffin
Publisher: DangerSpot Books
Genre: Children / Christmas
ISBN: 978-0-954656506-0
Pages: 32
Price: £5.99

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Harey the rabbit is impatient to get things done, so he doesn’t always think about how dangerous his actions might be. Does the fairy have to be put on top of the tree? No problem – Harey will pile up books on top of a chair to place it there. Have the Christmas lights stopped working? Harey will stop in the middle of washing his hands to see how he can fix them.

Harey doesn’t realize he can get hurt, but his friends know better. They remind him – after he’s already made a mistake – that he needs to think first. But poor Harey will end up at the hospital before Christmas is over.

In the excitement of Christmas Day, kids may not realize they also need to be careful. Reading this funny story about Harey’s accidents will keep them more conscious of safety while enjoying their holiday. Who knew Christmas could be so dangerous?

All DangerSpot books include stickers to place on dangerous items as a reminder for kids to stay safe. These books also include practical tips at the end, so parents can be sure no one gets hurt.

Reviewed by: Alice Berger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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