Old Story that Passes the Test of Time

When we are small, different family members send us things that stick with us in different ways. For me, a lot of the things I have are books.

When I was very little my Great Grandmother gave me a book, and over the years it fell apart and I don't know what happened to the original book(or what was left of it). So imagine my surprise when I picked up a copy at the bookstore.

It seems that story she wanted to share with me, is one that other people felt the same about.

The Littlest Angel
by Charles Tazewell

First of all, this is a childrens picture book. And the art in the copy I have here now is very different than the art in my long ago book. The artist who did the art in this verssion is Paul Micich, and he gives things a slightly more realistic look.

Originally published in 1946, this story has lasted the test of time for a few reasons. One reason is that it adds a new element to the Classic Christian Christmas Story. It doesn't attempt to change it in any way, but it does give a new element to the story that children can appreciate.

It offers a child (other than the Baby) a place in the christmas story. It also expresses the idea that things of value, are not always the most expensive ones. They are the ones that come from the heart.

I also know that Hallmark at one point did The Littlest Angel as a musical, and I will admit to driving my brothers nuts with the record when I was home(love the numbers "What Do You Do When You Say You're Doing Nothing" and "I have got..." though those may not be the proper titles for the songs). Done in 1969, the movie hasn't stood up to time the way the story has. There are a lot of green screen issues, that to the modern viewer can be annoying. I don't mind them, but I would love to see it redone as well.

But if you're looking for a book to share with a child this winter, take a look at this story. I apologize it offends anyone, but I do love this story So I simply had to share it with you as a recommendation this winter.

Happy Birthday Philabelle McCarthy

Today is my cousins Birthday, and I can't really think of a way to acknowledge it better than sharing it with the rest of y'all!

No she's not an author, but she's aspiring to write her life story down someday. When she does, you know I'll be writing about it here.

She's kinda like a sister to me, if you know how it can be with Family. So it isn't really odd to think that I have no idea what to get her for her birthday. There's not much I can think of that I can get right now that would be an effective gift, so having her here will hopefully do. She's gone through a lot in life so far, and she's come out of it, stronger and still the strong person we know and love.

Since today is also the first of December I needed to pick out something appropriate to share her birthday with her. Do you have any idea how hard it is to pick out just one piece with that kind of pressure?

I wasn't sure if I could decide on just one, so I've decided to select 2 books that hint at things we've done in the past.
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Interview with a Vampire
by Anne Rice
352 pages

This is a book that I'm sure a lot of you have read already. The hints of intrigue, the marvelous descriptions of New Orleans and Paris. The unique fascinating characters that simple step from the pages into your imaginations. It is a very good read, and well worth the praise that it has received since it's first publication, in my honest opinion.

What else can I say about this book? It's a strong lead in to the rest of the Vampire Chronicle books. As well as a nice first look into the worlds that Anne Rice creates between the pages of her books. (I'm not shy to say I haven't read a good number of her books, maybe I'll write about another one at some point hehe)

The Movie is also highly recommended. The costumes are lovely, and the acting isn't half bad either.
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Best Enemies
by Kathleen Leverich
80 pages

This is a children's book that while we didn't exactly have a relationship like the one in the book, it's one that shows how kids interact. It shows how you can have a friend who is really an enemy, and the kinds of chaos that can cause for a child.

One reason I am offering this book up on her birthday is because the main character is a strong one, and she figures out a way to take care of her problem without relying on someone else to do her dirty work. My cousin has a strong character, and wouldn't let anyone do anything to her like Felicity was doing to Priscilla either. Hrmmm... they both have P names, how cute is that?
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Hopefully this is just one of many more birthdays for her. Oh! Happy Birthday to all of you who share this day with her. You're all very special unique people.

Also, YAY winter holiday time! If you see any neat light displays let me know ^_^.