This beautiful treasury is one that you will want to have on your bookshelf for years to come. It is divided into two parts: Soul and Heart, with a bridge story about the history of Christmas. Selections include both new stories as well as classics along with spiritual themes. This book takes a look at what makes Christmas special to so many. Also, this compilation of stories, songs and poems focus on the historical significance of this Christian holiday.

The Bottom Line: This Christmas treasury features a little of everything: songs, poems, and stories old and new. With beautiful, seasonal illustrations, this book is sure to be enjoyed by the young and the young at heart. Highly recommended holiday reading throughout the season.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

Summary:This book has many different songs and stories in it. The whole book revolves around Christmas and the things its means. It is broken down into two things, the first being Soul and under that are A time of Angels, Silent Night, The Friendly Beasts, Maybe in Bethleham, A Carol for the Shepherds, The Blind Ox, We Three Kings of Orient Are, What You Gonna Name That Pretty Little Baby?, What Can I Give Him?, Long,Long Ago, There Was No Snow On Christmas Eve, On a Christmas Night, Joy to The World, and The History of Christmas. The second section is Heart which consist of December, How I know, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, A visit from Saint Nicholas, Dear Santa, Jingle Bells, Christmas Eve at Indian Lake, Once there was a Snowman, Day Before Christmas, Christmas Gift, A Christmas Gift, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Ms. MacAdoo's Christmas Guests, Deck the Halls, Christmas in a Shoe Box, and Miracle at Midnight.

Personal Reaction: I loved this book. I enjoy everything about Christmas and think that children should get to learn and experience everything there is to know about the Christmas season. I think this book can relate to children very easily for all ages. There are so many different stories that all children could relate to at least one of the stories or songs throughout the book.

Classroom Extensions: One thing that could be done would be to have the Children write down their dear Santa letters and let the town paper publish them for all parents to read. Another thing you could do is have the children pick two or three of the songs they want to learn and they can all practice and sing together for their parents at the end of the day. ( )

An illustrated collection of old and new Christmas poems, stories, and songs.