I've tried to figure out this book, because after I read it, I didn't have the same reactions as some others. While its true that Yaconelli focuses on "child-like" faith, it's not true that this book will "free" anyone so that they can get away from all the trappings. And the statement that "you're dead if this book doesn't do anything for you" is patently false. I'm very much alive, spiritually. He's just expressing a point of view.

Those who like the watered down, enjoy life to the fullest, feel good about yourself theology, well...they'll like this. It's a romp in the romper room and nothing more.

It is not secret that Max Lucado is a story teller, and this book designed for children (and adults as well), he tells a few of the stories of Christ through the eyes of his character "Elijah" and his mother "Miriam." Cheri Bladholm, who did the artwork, is just phenomenal, and every pages is filled with her exquisite artwork. There are so many favorites, but one of mine is the scene where the woman is pouring oil on Christ's feet.

Get this book and read it over and over again to your children, and to yourself.

Having heard Ted Tripp's two day seminar, which focused primarily on this book, my wife and I had the "interactive" version of this teaching. He has been a pastor for many years, loves children, and his own children are shining examples of the teaching he garners from the Bible.

This is not easy reading. This is "straight to the heart," and if you want your child to become conformed to the image of Christ, be prepared to look in the mirror yourself to see where you stand.

It is challenging and edifying as well as encouraging, and I highly recommend it!! Not for those who are weak in heart.

Forget Jim Carrey when you come to this animated tale, and forget that it was put out years earlier. The animation by Chuck Jones is classic, as the narration by Boris Karloff, and the Grinch who steals your heart in this film, not to mention his little dog, too, is one of the kindest, and this transformation of character is one which can be sat down with your children, without fear of the double-entendres which Carrey brought to his portrayal.

Forget Carrey's Grinch, and go to the source of where it all began. This is story-telling, and the music is marvelous. You'll be singing "You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch" for days and days. Superbly recommended!!!

While some of the subject matter may be a little high-minded for the little tykes, this movie is a near gut-splitter for those who like clean humor, albeit a little on the dry side, and possibly even with some sarcasm. Peter Billingsley is good as the kid who wants a "shooter" for Christmas, but is afraid that what he wants will be dismissed because it might shoot his eyes out. It's a laugh, this one is.

As for Santa, well...the New York Supreme Court ruled, along with the Federal Post Office that Santa Claus is real, or so the ending of this film boasted. Watching it from beginning to end will warm your heart and give you encouragement. We're not all as horrible as we may seem. Edmund Gwen's performance is classic, as well as Maureen O'Hara's and John Payne's, not to mention little Natalie Wood. Who would've figured where her star would've led to. A GREAT film!!

What do you say about Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney appearing in a heart-warming movie, with a soundtrack by Irving Berlin? Stupendous? Marvelous? Exciting? More? Yes, all that and more. It's a lovely film to watch any time of the year. Watching Crosby and Kaye dance and sing, and especially the "Sisters" number was really fun. Then there's the scenes where Kaye and Vera Ellen dance, and watching her, in particular, is well worth the price of the film. Then there's the legendary Rosemary Clooney. Seeing her sing with Crosby, and the wonderful "Count Your Blessings" is a treasure, and much can be gleaned to teach the holiday season's best.

Get this film for your permanent library and watch it year round. It's great!!!

Danny Kaye is Hans Christian Andersen. There's no doubt about it after you see this film. His portrayal of this writer is winsome and magical, and the songs he weaves coming from the stories he writes and reads cause the children everywhere to want to get out of their classrooms and go the town square or valley to hear him tell them.

The one spot I had difficulty with was with the scenes where Hans falls in love with the ballerina, and while it may have some historicity, I found it a little distracting. But this is a small thing, and overall, this is a marvelous film and highly recommended.

Danny Kaye is superb in this movie about a bumble who is mistaken for an Inspector General, and how he pulls it off is worth the price of the film. The music is marvelous, and Kaye's machinations as he sings and dances to it are classic. Many lessons of life are involved in this movie. Friendship, loyalty, and especially "honesty" come to play, and the ending is so genuine, that it almost brought tears to my eyes. Highly recommended!!

From the very first scenes to the last, this film speaks to the legend of Zorro in a meaningful way. At first, the presence of Anthony Hopkins was confusing, and it appeared that he might be the villain, but when it is learned that he is the legend, and that Antonio Banderas has to spring him from jail because of the corrupt political system, this movie begins to jump.

It is a wonderful action-packed saga, and the scenes where the original Zorro (Hopkins) is training the new one (Banderas) are precious and revealing. Then of course there is the love interest, but I can't reveal much more.

Get this film and revel in it. If you liked the old Disney Zorro, you won't be disappointed here. There is no profanity, nudity, or sex, and you can see this with the family. A little violence with the sword play, but it is breathtaking. Recommended!!