Miriam Van Scott

Call this one a survey of Hell, of many of the world's faiths, past and present and those who populate it as well as those who visit for whatever reason. From holy books to literature to film, TV and music, this book touches on it all. Such a vast topic, I hesitate to call it comprehensive, but it is certainly thorough. If you can think of it and it has something to do with the dark side of the afterlife, odds are you can find a reference in this book.

If you are interested in the subject, you should pick it up. I also have the author's book on Heaven.… (més)

Eddy wants to help his church decorate for Christmas. But he can’t find a job that he’s big enough for and that’s big enough for him. Until his Pastor puts him in charge of the manger scene. But in addition to the traditional figures from the Biblical story in Bethlehem, he uses figures and symbols suggested by other children and his own imagination, even candy canes.

This slim book for mid-level readers or to read aloud to younger kids, introduces Christmas traditions and symbols from a variety of cultures. So, a white kangaroo (to pull Santa’s sleigh down under), a Native American elder (a wise man of his people), paper cranes (for a long and happy life in Japan), a piñata (for Christmas treats in Mexico), and others join the Christ child, Mary, and Joseph in the stable. Eddy also adds his own non-traditional elements and even explains to the Pastor why they all belong. Simple attractive color illustrations enhance the straight-forward storytelling.

This book is written from the white, middle-American, Protestant tradition. For similar Christian families who want to share Christmas traditions beyond their own cultural heritage, it offers a nice introduction. For families from other Christian traditions and for non-Christians, this book’s very narrow viewpoint may be uncomfortably limited.… (més)

Candy Canes in Bethlehem is a fully illustrated color storybook highlighting Christmas traditions from around the world. As Eddie helps set up the manger at his church, he learns about how the holiday is celebrated in Kenya, Australia, Japan, Native America, Lebanon, Mexico, Ireland, Germany and other places. It's a tale of unity as well as diversity for everyone who loves Christmas

I found this book to be a good read for the young reader and enjoyed it quite well myself. This fictional story teaches that there is more than one-way to celebrate Christmas and that no particular way is the "right way." It also shows the reader that we have to think outside of the box sometimes to find true meaning of things.… (més)