Blog Tour: Christmas from Heaven & Ornament Set

Christmas from Heaven: The True Story of the Berlin CandybomberChristmas from Heaven:
The True Story of the Berlin Candy Bomber
by Tom Brokaw, Robert T Barrett (Illustrations)
October 15th 2013 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

Christmas from Heaven is the story of the humble beginnings of what became a beacon of hope to a war-torn land, the story of Gail Halvorsen, a young pilot in the US Army Air Corps who was assigned as a cargo pilot to the Berlin Airlift, in which US forces flew much-needed supplies into a Soviet-blockaded Berlin.

As he performed his duties, Lt. Halvorsen began to notice the German children gathered by the fences of Tempelhof Air Base. Knowing that they had very little, he one day offered them some chewing gum. From that small act, an idea sprang: He would "bomb" Berlin with candy. Fashioning small parachutes, he and his crew sent them floating down as they approached the Berlin airport, wiggling the wings of their C-54 as a signal to the children that their anticipated cargo would soon arrive.

Lt. Halvorsen became known by hundreds, if not thousands, of children in Berlin as "Uncle Wiggly Wings" or "The Candy Bomber." Word soon spread, and donations of candy and other supplies poured in from sympathetic Americans. Lt. Halvorsen's small idea became a great symbol of hope not only to German children in a bombed-out city but to all those who yearned for freedom.

Famed broadcast journalist and author Tom Brokaw brings this remarkable true story to life in a stunning live performance with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, captured on the accompanying DVD. Also included in the book is a template and directions for creating your own “Candy Bomber” parachutes.

   


About the Author & Illustrator

Tom Brokaw is one of the giants of television journalism. Anchor and managing editor of NBCNightly News from 1982 to 2004, he also holds the honor of being the only person to host each ofNBC News’s major news programs: The Today Show, NBC Nightly News, and Meet the Press. He has won several awards, including a Peabody Award and seven Emmys. He is the author of The Greatest Generation and The Greatest Generation Speaks, among other books. He and his wife, Meredith, have three daughters and five grandchildren.

Robert T. Barrett is a professor of illustration at Brigham Young University, received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degrees in painting and completed postgraduate work in Germany. An accomplished painter, muralist, and illustrator, his work has been featured in many national magazines and in art exhibits across the country and in Germany. He and his wife, Vicki, have ten children and one grandchild and reside in Provo, Utah.


Biblical Names of Christ Ornament Set

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Description

Create a Christ-focused holiday tradition as you review the sacred names of the Savior. Display these antique pewter-finish ornaments on the tree, as gift tags, or adorning a wreath on the front door. A scripture reference accompanies each ornament, perfect for a "Twelve Days of Christmas" countdown. 12-piece set.

List Price $19.95


My Reviews

I'm always looking for opportunities to teach my children and to share special moments with them. Reading Christmas from Heaven gave me that opportunity and provided that type of moment for our family.

My kids don't really know much, if anything at all, about WWII. They're not really at the age when we would read books about it and they haven't faced anything like the people did during that time in their lives. I feel like we aren't nearly as grateful as we should be for the things we have. I also think we could do so much better in reaching out to those around us, sharing and serving them. This book and the accompanying video allowed an opening to discuss the war and the state of the people with my children. It was also a great reminder as the Christmas season starts that Christmas is so much more than just receiving gifts. I'm hoping they have a little better of an appreciate for what they have now and that they also think about giving to others as they can.

I have to share that my children especially loved the parachute instructions that show how to make a candy bomb! This was also one of their favorite parts of the video - seeing the audience get bombed with candy parachutes.

I definitely recommend the book, especially at this time of year. I'm planning on giving some as gifts myself.

I also received the above ornaments, Biblical Names of Christ Ornament Set, to review. I was worried a little when I read that they were pewter ornaments as I was afraid they would be super heavy. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they are actually quite light. I really love the look and that each one has a different name for Christ. It definitely would be a great gift to use for doing the twelve days of Christmas for someone - where you could give an ornament each day.

Overall, I loved both the book and the ornaments and highly recommend them!

Source: Publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.

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