The Bearer of Gifts

Rating:
Summary: The Meaning Of Christmas
Review: I was absolutely delighted with the warmth and imagination contained in this childrens book. The idea of bringing Santa and Jesus together was wonderful and helps to remind us what Christmas is all about.

The illustrations are well drawn but uncomplicatd so don't detract from the story at all.

This book also contains a wonderful little side story. Can't see it? Just follow the dog in the illustrations. It is very amusing and compliments the joy brought through to us in the main story.

As a childrens yuletide book I have not found better. It is a pitty I have run out of kids to send it to.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful tale about the true meaning of Christmas
Review: This book beautifully balances Santa Claus and the Nativity in a story that is both inspiring and engaging. The colors and folk art drawings are a delightful departure from the typical seasonal fare. The most fantastic picture has to be the one depicting the subtle change in Santa's appearance when he gives the baby his humble gift.

If you are looking for a story that doesn't diminish the lore of St. Nick and his generosity but doesn't overshadow the Nativity, look no more. You've found it!

Rating:
Summary: rekindle the wonder of Christmas
Review: What does Christmas mean to you? As a child, I was one who couldn't get enough of its wonder. Santa was a huge part of this feeling.

Yet time passes, wonder fades. Knowledge drives out belief. The world grows hard and dull.

The greatness of The Bearer of Gifts is that it tells two tales wrapped together in one story. The wondrous truth of Christmas and its meaning are expressed in a fun remaking and retelling of Santa's story. Fused together, this creates an honest little book that haunts the memory even as it delights the soul.

The retelling of the story of Santa Claus is brilliant. Wrapped in the icy mists of its Lapland setting, it is an invigorating blast of cold that gives the tale of Santa a new freshness. Any staleness brought about by the constant retelling of the Santa story is blown away by Steven Kenneth's stark vision.

This Santa story is masterfully woven into the true meaning of Christmas--the Free Gift of God to all people in His Son. Santa leaves his home in Lapland to follow a star across the winter sky. His journeys take him far from home--the foot of a stable.

The Bearer of Gifts is a book that is both simple and profound. Its loving illustrations and spare language make it something truly special. This book peels back layers of obscurity and heartless commercialization that have dulled the meaning of Christmas in the heart of many.

Christmas is a time of wonder. If its wonder has grown cold in your heart, I can think of no greater way to rekindle it than to curl up with this book on a winter's night. I give The Bearer of Gifts a strong recommendation.