Christmas Book Review: The Forgotten Carols by Michael McLean

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

Today, I'm sharing one of my favorite all-time Christmas books with you!

The Forgotten Carols, by Michael McLean
1991, 158p
My Rating=5 stars
Source: Own a copy

For more than a decade, Michael McLean's "The Forgotten Carols" has entertained sold-out audiences around the country. This endearing story and beloved music have truly become a Christmas classic. The holiday tale of Uncle John and Connie Lou have touched the hearts of millions and taught all of us about the true meaning of Christmas.

In 1991, I had just returned home from a mission for my church to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and I had very little money. I saw an ad for a new Christmas program entitled "The Forgotten Carols." Tickets were super cheap so I bought tickets for my 3 youngest siblings and me. We loved it so I bought the book which also has the music for the songs in the back. I haven't seen the show since that first year and I'm pretty sure it's much more grand these days but I'm grateful for the wonderful memories when I read the story or listen to the music. The songs are about some of the lesser known or talked about aspects of the story of Christ's birth. 

It had actually been a few years since I last read the story and listened to my CD and I fell in love with this all over again! Once again, my children groaned when I told them we were going to read it and they thought it would be way too long, but they became interested in the story and really enjoyed it. We heard the song "Homeless" on the radio while we were driving around one day and they wanted me to turn it up so they could hear it better. I love it when that happens!

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This brings me to another of my favorite children's Christmas books:

The Forgotten Carols: A Christmas Miracle for Isaac and Eliza, by Michael McLean; Illustrated by Brandon Dorman
2010, 32p
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Own a copy

For over a generation, The Forgotten Carols have enchanted faithful listeners during the Christmas season with songs and stories that have brought the Nativity story to life. In this delightful family storybook, songwriter and author Michael McLean continues the Forgotten Carols tradition with an original tale about an extraordinary visitor who brings a miracle to the Christmas season of two young children. Beautiful music, thoughtful narration, and delightful artwork combine in this keepsake edition that will be a favorite for children and parents alike. Includes pop-out Forgotten Carols ornaments for families to hang on the Christmas tree while they read the book. A bonus music CD features several favorite carols from the book. Great gift idea for Christmas. Beautiful full-color illustrations make this book a keepsake.

I came across this book a couple of years ago and picked up a copy for each of my children. Isaac and Eliza's dad was a soldier who had died the year before so this is their first Christmas without him and they're sad. They can't afford a tree this year but their mother brought home a wreath. Their mother is a nurse who needs to work Christmas Eve and a woman who works in the maternity ward of the hospital volunteered to watch them. She shows up with a backpack and, as she and the children decorate their wreath, she shares with them the forgotten carols. 

This is a sweet story which has more meaning once you've read The Forgotten Carols (which is what prompted me to read that book with my children). It's a lot shorter than the first book and there aren't as many carols. The illustrations are beautiful (as usual--I love Brandon Dorman!) and the pages with the songs fold out and include all the words which makes it easy to sing along. 

If you love The Forgotten Carols, you'll also enjoy Isaac and Eliza's story! 

[I notice the description says that there are ornaments to hang on the tree. There weren't any with the books I got so I'm not sure what those look like.]

Michael McLean is incredibly talented. If you aren't familiar with him, you can check out his website here.

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For 25 years Michael McLean has been changing lives with his tender songs and candid messages. He has shared the “hard stories” — those from his own life and those of others — and has sung us all the way to light at the end of the tunnel. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that for every person, twist, or turn along life’s path, Michael McLean has the perfect song.

McLean released his debut album, You’re Not Alone, in 1983 and with every song that followed, his lyrics filled voids, encouraged love, and offered hope. Now, more than 25 albums later, his musical legacy has not only resonated in the hearts of thousands, but continues to be a standard for those seeking meaning and peace.

To celebrate this exciting anniversary, McLean released a boxed set of six albums in 2008. The definitive collection, 25, is filled with his most beloved songs from the last 25 years, many of which were out-of-print, as well as a handful of brand-new songs on each album.

With a background in film, McLean began early in his career making commercials for radio and television, receiving numerous national and international awards for advertising. Such awards included the prestigious Clio Award, National Addy Award, New York Ad Club’s Andy Award, two National Emmy Finalists Awards, and the Bronze Lion at the Cannes Film Festival. He later used his film experience to produce and direct several films including, Together Forever, The Prodigal Son, and Mr. Krueger’s Christmas starring film legend Jimmy Stewart.

Ever the engaging performer and master storyteller, McLean has shared his beloved Christmas musical, The Forgotten Carols, with more than a half-million people across the country since 2001. With humor and heart, “The Carols” has become a beloved tradition for thousands of families who mark the beginning of their holiday season with this magical musical.

Celebrating the Light, another of McLean’s musicals, ran for five seasons at the Promised Valley Playhouse in Salt Lake City and The Garden, an allegorical oratorio written with Merrill Jenson and Bryce Neubert, opened in Jerusalem and has been performed across the country as well as in France, South America, and Russia. His popular sea-faring musical The Ark enjoyed a New York City debut in 2005.

In addition to his music and films, McLean has also authored four books with accompanying CDs – Distant Serenade, Hold on the Light Will Come: And Other Lessons My Songs Have Taught Me, The Forgotten Carols, and most recently, From God’s Arms to My Arms to Yours.

McLean and his wife Lynne have three children and live in California.

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the #1 New York Times bestseller The Wizard. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Idaho, where he studied fine art and illustration. He and his wife, Emily, have three children and live in Washington, where he enjoys working as a freelance illustrator. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including Pingo, The Candy Shop War, and the Fablehaven series. See more of Brandon Dorman’s artwork at BrandonDorman.com

Blog Tour: Christmas From Heaven by Tom Brokaw and Christmas Ornament Set

Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber, by Tom Brokaw, Illustrated by Robert T. Barrett
2013, 32p, Christmas, Inspirational
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Copy provided by publisher for an honest review

Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.

As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would "bomb" Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.

Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as "Uncle Wiggly Wings" or "The Candy Bomber." Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen's small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.

Famed broadcast journalist and author Tom Brokaw brings this remarkable true story to life in a stunning live performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, captured on the accompanying DVD. Also included in the book is a template and directions for creating your own “Candy Bomber” parachutes.

What a neat story! Three years after World War II ended, Stalin blocked transportation into West Berlin so the United States and Britain transported food and other supplies by air so they wouldn't starve. Lt. Gail Halvorsen was one of the pilots and one day, after delivering flour, he spoke with a group of 30 children hanging out near the runway. They asked questions about the planes, how much flour they carried and if the airlift would continue. Children around the world were known to beg for candy but these children seemed more interested in freedom and showed gratitude for the flour they received. Hal wanted to give something to them but only had 2 sticks of gum. He passed what he had through the fence and wanted to give more. That's when the idea of dropping candy from the sky came to him and he told the kids his plan and that he'd wiggle his wings so they would know it was him. As word spread, more and more airmen became involved and new friendships were formed.

My children and I enjoyed reading the book and watching the DVD that came with it. This is a great example of the effect one person can have. Lt. Halvorsen had a simple idea that wound up affecting many lives. The children were excited to get candy and their parents hearts were able to soften because of the kindness shown to them. The end of the DVD is touching as well. I love how the book includes actual photographs and the illustrations match the time period. This is a great book that has helped bring the spirit of Christmas into our home and we will enjoy reading it every year. I highly recommend this book to everyone!

   

Here's a clip from the DVD:

Tom Brokaw is one of the giants of television journalism. Anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News from 1982 to 2004, he also holds the honor of being the only person to host each of NBC News’s major news programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press. He has won several awards, including a Peabody Award and seven Emmys. He is the author of The Greatest Generation and The Greatest Generation Speaks, among other books. He and his wife, Meredith, have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Robert T. Barrett is a professor of illustration at Brigham Young University, received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in painting and completed postgraduate work in Germany. An accomplished painter, muralist, and illustrator, his work has been featured in many national magazines and in art exhibits across the country and in Germany. He and his wife, Vicki, have ten children and one grandchild and reside in Provo, Utah.

Biblical Names of Christ Ornament Set

Create a Christ-focused holiday tradition as you review the sacred names of the Savior. Display these antique pewter-finish ornaments on the tree, as gift tags, or adorning a wreath on the front door. A list of scripture references is included, perfect for a "Twelve Days of Christmas" countdown. 12-piece set. Ornament size: 3¼" x 3¼". *Hooks & twine NOT included.

I was excited for the chance to review this Christmas Ornament Set. The stars are beautiful! I polled my family and we all agree that they add a lot to our tree and we will definitely use them every year. Each of them has a different name for the Savior. Some of them are Bread of Life, Redeemer, Shepherd and Lord of Lords. They are lightweight and will look beautiful on any tree!

Christmas Book Review: A Pirate's Night Before Christmas by Philip Yates

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas, by Philip Yates; Illustrated by Sebastia Serra
2008, 32p, Christmas
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: Own a copy

Young mateys will find plenty of holiday joy in this humorous, colorful, and thoroughly piratical version of the beloved Clement C. Moore classic. On this ship of mischievous brigands—who have visions of treasure chests, not sugarplums, dancing in their heads—you wouldn’t expect a visit from nice St. Nick. Instead, here comes Sir Peggedy, with his peg leg and hook arm, cracking his whip and driving eight giant seahorses: Salty, Scurvy, Sinbad, Mollie, Cutthroat, Cross-Eyes, Roger, and Jolly.
 
Philip Yates’ rollicking rhymes and Sebastià Serra’s sprightly, fun-filled pictures—featuring whimsically multicolored seahorses, stockings hung on the ship’s bowsprit with tar, child-friendly pirates, and a complete treasure map—turn this Christmas perennial into a jubilant celebration!

This book must be read in yer best pirate voice! My daughter read it out loud for the first time this year and she was nervous about talkin' like a pirate but she did just fine, Bucko! It's a cute take on The Night Before Christmas, with the pirates sleepin', snorin' and dreamin' of treasure chests. They're waitin' for Sir Peggedy to come in his sled led by eight giant seahorses. 

The story is light and the illustrations are fun to look at. There's also a Pirate Glossary in the back where we learn that Bucko is what pirates call their friends and "Avast!" is a pirate's way of saying, "Who goes there?" This is a fun, cute Christmas read for the pirate in all of us!

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About the Author

A Pirate's Night Before Christmas is Philip's second picture book. His first, Ten Little Mummies, was nominated for the Black-Eyed Susan Picture Book Award. Ten Little Mummies was hailed by Horn book as "cheerfully offbeat addition to the genre," while Booklist called the book "an excellent read-aloud." Philip is the the co-author, with Matt Rissinger, of several books of humor for children, including Biggest Joke Book in the World, Great Book of Zany Jokes, and World's Silliest Jokes. Two new books of humor will also be out this fall, Galaxy's Greatest Giggles and Nuttiest Knock-Knocks. His poetry has appeared in Lee Bennett Hopkins' anthology, Dino Roars.

Philip's father was the first director of Dick Clark's American Bandstand and his mother was the prime jokester who inspired him with her jokes and witticisms.

Philip lives with his wife, Maria in Austin, Texas with their cat, Johnnie.

Blog Tour: 12 Gifts for Christ by Merrilee Boyack

12 Gifts for Christ, by Merrilee Boyack
2013, 99p, Non-Fiction, Christmas
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review

Christmas is a time for celebrating the birth of Christ and a time for giving. In the middle of this busy season, it is easy to forget the very reason why we celebrate. The first Christmas began with gifts of light and gold. This Christmas ask: What gifts can I give to Him?

In 12 Gifts for Christ, author Merrilee Boyack suggests ways we can give to the Savior, including having gratitude, sharing through service, and loving others. With examples of these gifts shared through personal stories, scriptures, activities, and family home evening lessons, she suggests presenting those gifts to Christ in letters placed in stockings or brightly wrapped boxes. Following the ideas of this book will truly add joy to the spirit in our hearts and homes during Christmas!

I love the ideas in this book! I originally thought this would be a great December activity but after reading it, I personally would feel too rushed trying to get everything done in one month. In the Introduction, she mentions that you may choose to have twelve Family Home Evenings where the entire family focuses on one gift a week or month. I like that idea so it will give more time to focus on each gift. She also states that we are certainly not limited to these twelve ideas but hopes that this will simply be a place to start.

Each chapter starts with her thoughts about each gift, then she gives ideas for Personal Scripture Study, Family Devotional, Family Home Evening and Just for Christmas! I think she provides a good variety of activities which can be adapted for all age ranges. 

The twelve gifts are:

* The Gift of Personal Knowledge
* The Gift of Gratitude
* The Gift of Remembrance
* The Gift of Repentance
* The Gift of Obedience
* The Gift of Emulation
* The Gift of Charity
* The Gift of Forgiveness
* The Gift of Faithfulness
* The Gift of Love
* The Gift of a Healing Balm
* The Gift of Joy

In the Conclusion, she gives ideas for starting new family traditions and states, "The important part of the process is to focus on Him and to help you remember Him." With that goal in mind, this is a great resource which I plan to use all year!

      

About the Author

Merrilee Boyack is a crazed woman who loves eating out and taking naps when she can. She is an estate-planning attorney who conducts her law practice from home. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in business management—finance, and from University of Santa Clara Law School. Merrilee is also a professional lecturer, featured for many years at BYU Education Week, and a published author. Her interests include reading, camping, talking, eating, and helping children in Africa. She’s now a pesco-vegetarian and is having to relearn how to cook!

She is the author of several books and talks, including The Parenting Breakthrough, Strangling Your Husband Is Not an Option; Toss the Guilt and Catch the Joy; and her most recent, In Trying Times, Just Keep Trying. Merrilee and her husband, Steve, reside in Poway, California, and have four sons, one grandson, and a granddaughter on the way!

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Christmas Book Review: A Christmas Dress for Ellen by Thomas S. Monson

I love December! Years ago, when my husband and I were just starting to create our family, I was looking for traditions we could share at Christmas time. My in-laws gave my husband an ornament each year so when we first got married, we had quite a few ornaments to put on our tree. I like the tradition but found something that worked better for me. One day, I was visiting my sister and she brought out her large basket of Christmas books. It was then that I realized that I didn't have any so I decided that my tradition would be to buy each of my children at least one Christmas book each year so when they leave my home, they will each have a nice collection of Christmas books. Some years my budget has been better than others so they've received nice books and other years, it's been a bargain bin kind of book. I have a great store I go to locally, though, that has nice discounted books so we've been able to get some good ones and we enjoy reading them together every December.

I'm going to share some of these books with you this month, and I would love to hear about the picture books you've enjoyed over the years.

A Christmas Dress for Ellen, by Thomas S. Monson
1998, 28p, Christmas
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Given a copy as a gift

On Christmas Eve, 1927, in the prairie town of Hillspring, Alberta, Canada, a young mother, Mary Jeppson, was getting her five small children ready for bed. Her heart was full of sorrow, for there was nothing to fill the stockings, and there would be only a little mush for breakfast. Mary had written to her sisters in Idaho, asking for help with such necessities as wheat, yeast, flour, and cornmeal. She had also asked for clothing and some old, used quilts, for all of hers were thin and full of holes.

At the close of the letter, she had written, "If you could just find a dress that someone has outgrown, I could make it over to fit Ellen. She is far too somber for such a young girl. She worries so about the family and about our needs. She has only one dress that she wears all the time, and it is patched and faded."

Her letter had gone unanswered, it seemed, and their Christmas would be far from merry. But George Schow, their mailman, had a surprise in store. Could he brave the coming storm and bitter cold to deliver a Christmas miracle? And would there be a special present for Ellen? Find out in this classic tale of Christmas sacrifice and service.

About this book: President Thomas S. Monson told the story "A Christmas Dress for Ellen" at the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in 1997, and an adaption of his address was published as a Christmas booklet in 1998. The story was related to President Monson by Marian Jeppson Walker (now deceased), a daughter of Mary Jeppson, the mother in the story. Sister Walker and her husband, William, also exchanged correspondence about the story with President Monson over the years. Additional details were obtained through correspondence with descendants of George Schow, the mailman who delivered the long-looked-for packages to the Jeppson family on Christmas Eve. In addition to other family members, those descendants include Mark Schow (now deceased) and Gayla Woolf Holt. The help and information from all these family members is acknowledged and appreciated.

I received a copy of this book in December 2006. I was teaching piano at the time and one of my families gave it to me as a gift. Mary Jeppson is their great-grandmother and the baby in the story is their grandmother. In their note to me, they said that they hope I enjoy it as much as they do every year. I want to let them know that I do and am grateful to them for giving me such an amazing book. Even knowing the story, it still makes me cry and when my children were young, they would look at me wondering if I was okay. Now they're used to my crying through this story and they understand how touching it is. This is a great Christmas story and I highly recommend it!

Kindle Price is currently $1.95! 
 

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About the Author

President Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. He had previously served for twenty-two years in the First Presidency of the Church, after having been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since October1963. Five years after his call to the Twelve, he was given a special assignment for the work of the Church in Europe, requiring many visits with members behind the Iron Curtain. He was instrumental in the construction of the Freiberg Germany Temple and in advancing the Lord’s work in other eastern European countries that were part of the communist bloc. He also served as chairman of the Scriptures Publication Committee and supervised the process that resulted in the new editions of the scriptures. His ministry has been characterized by his compassion for the needs of individuals and his gift for one-on-one service. President Monson and his wife, Frances, are the parents of three children, grandparents of eight, and great-grandparents of eight.

Blog Tour: Carla Kelly's Christmas Collection by Carla Kelly

Carla Kelly's Christmas Collection, by Carla Kelly
2011, 288p, Clean Romance
My Rating=4.5 Stars
Source: Provided copy by publisher for an honest review

Come explore Regency London with Carla Kelly! This collection features four stories that will warm your heart with Christmas cheer:

The Christmas Ornament: When the father of his now-deceased best friend hints that he should consider his daughter as a potential wife, Lord James Crandall isn’t sure he can get past the fact that he used to tease her mercilessly when she was just a girl. But once he finds out how brilliant her mind is, he’s not sure he can get past the fact that she’s a woman. Add in the fact that her charms have garnered the attentions of other gentlemen, Lord Crandall is in for quite the roller coaster Christmas.

Make a Joyful Noise: Widower Marquis Peter Chard is grateful for his two children, but not so grateful when his mother gives him the chore of recruiting people for the parish Christmas choir competition. When recently widowed and pregnant Rosie Wheatherby turns up with the voice of an angel and the looks to match, Lord Chard isn’t about to let her get away from the choir . . . or his family.

An Object of Charity: Stuck on land while his ship is being repaired, Captain Michael Lynch is approached by his late first mate’s niece and nephew. Learning they are destitute, he decides to take them home with him for the holidays, returning for the first time in 22 years ago. As he spends more time with them and unburdens his heart to the young woman, she replaces his hurt with love in time for a very special Christmas.

The Three Kings: After her brother is shot by the French in Spain, Lady Sarah Comstock is forced to travel across the war-torn countryside with a Spanish Colonel. As Christmas quickly approaches, Sarah learns about the Three Kings giving gifts to the Christ child and finds a gift of her own that she can share—her heart.

Filled with romance and a touch of humor, these stories are sure to find a place in your heart and remind you that Christmas is a time for love.

These are great Regency Christmas stories and I enjoyed them all! My favorite story was Make a Joyful Noise. Peter's mother made the mistake of asking about the Christmas choir and she was drafted into recruiting members. Every year, three parishes had a friendly competition which has now turned into a monster and their choir is lacking. I felt his mother's pain as I have been in the position of recruiting choir members and it's so difficult. She was also fearful that people would run from her (yep). Peter's sister, Bella, suddenly needs their mother's help as her children have the chicken pox, so she asks Peter to take over choir recruitment duties and leaves. He's not thrilled but the opportunity to recruit just might help his social life. I loved Peter's kindness to everyone--his children, his mother and Rosie and her baby. He's accepting of others and willing to help however he can, whether he wants to do it or not. 

This is also the first Carla Kelly novel I've read and I'm wanting to read more! These stories felt so authentic that I took my time reading them so I could enjoy her writing. This is a great addition to my Christmas collection and I look forward to reading it again. I highly recommend it if you enjoy clean Christmas Regency romantic short stories and are ready to get in the Christmas Spirit!

Award-winning author Carla Kelly is a veteran of the New York and international publishing world. The author of more than thirty novels and novellas for Donald I. Fine Co., Signet, and Harlequin, Carla is the recipient of two Rita Awards (think Oscars for romance writing) from Romance Writers of America and two Spur Awards (think Oscars for western fiction) from Western Writers of America. She is also a recipient of a Whitney Award for Borrowed Light and My Loving Vigil Keeping.

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