In addition to the book reviews that appear in each issue of KIWI Magazine, we have many books to recommend. For each book, we use the publisher’s book description (with some of our commentary added) and then provide a complete review.

Parents and caregivers should note that we do list what we’re calling ‘cautionary content’ so that you can judge if the reading matter is appropriate for the reader. Themes or events in the book such as the loss of a parent, teenage crushes (esp if they include make-out sessions) and other themes or events are just mentioned so you know they’re included in the book. We also note anything scary or sensitive so there are no surprises.

Books for kids range in age from 0-teen, so bookmark this site and visit often.

There are also great books on parenting, cooking, crafting (crafts), general advice and just terrific reads.

And, we’re giving away oodles of books, DVDs, music and products, so visit often to participate in our comment contests and polls to try your luck!

Please let us know if there is a book you would like us to review or if you need a recommendation. We’d love to hear about genres you’re interested in (graphic novels, for example) or subjects (pregnancy, raw foods, etc…)

Authors, publicists and others who want to share their book with us should contact me and I will provide a mailing address.

Illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher
Schwartz and Wade, 2008
Recommended readers – all ages
Cautions: All clear

Description from publisher
In this beautiful, deeply moving poem, Maya Angelou inspires us to embrace the peace and promise of Christmas, so that hope and love can once again light up our holidays and the world. “Angels and Mortals, Believers and Nonbelievers, look heavenward,” she writes, “and speak the word aloud. Peace.”Read by the poet at the lighting of the National Christmas Tree at the White House on December 1, 2005, Maya Angelou’s celebration of the “Glad Season” is a radiant affirmation of the goodness of life and a beautiful holiday gift for people of all faiths.

KIWI Magazine Review
If you heard this poem that Maya Angelou read at the White House in 2005, you will read it anew in this deeply moving book. The illustrations are richly textured oil and acrylic paintings on canvas and add a dimension to this poem that makes it a permanent resident of any library, big or small. Our copy came with a CD with the author reading her poem which makes this a perfect gift for anyone on your list.