People everywhere love Christmas - but we don't all celebrate it the same way. Mama Lisa's Christmas Around The World is a celebration of the diversity and love with which many different cultures mark this joyful time of year.

You'll read about:

-How in Italy it's not Santa Claus who gives gifts to all the children. It's La Befana, a friendly witch

-How Scandinavians mark the end of the season by "plundering" the Christmas Tree on St. Knut's Day. That's a fun way to get children to help with the post-holiday clean-up

-How in Colombia, in the Southern Hemisphere, it's usually warm in December. So Christmas is celebrated like a giant outdoor block party

The first part of the book covers some of the traditions that take place on days other than Christmas itself, like St. Nick's Day and Epiphany. The history and meaning of these holidays is discussed, often with examples of traditional songs.

The second part presents beloved traditions and songs from many different nations. The songs are given in the original languages and with English translations.

What makes the book really special is the many comments from Mama Lisa's correspondents who have shared stories and memories from their own lives. The memories of childhood touch us forever

Many of the songs featured also include links to the Mama Lisa website, where you can find recordings, videos and sheet music.

Merry Christmas

Ireland Emerald green isle... land of shamrocks, fairies and leprechauns. Home of St. Patrick, Yeats and James Joyce... Rolling green hills and, of course, potatoes

In this book we've gathered over 60 Irish children's songs and rhymes. Many have commentary sent to us by our correspondents who are immersed in the traditions and culture of Ireland.

There's not always a sharp distinction between songs sung by children and by adults. So we've included a sampling of some of the most popular Irish traditional songs. We?ve also included examples of Ireland's heritage of very moving ballads and lullabies.

Many of these songs and rhymes are in English, but we're proud to also include several that are Gaelic. In those cases we provide English translations.

We hope this book will help foster a love of Irish songs and culture all over the world

This book includes:
-Irish songs, rhymes, lullabies, and carols
-In English, and some in Gaelic with English translations
-Commentary from ordinary people about what the songs have meant to their lives
-Web links to recordings and sheet music
-Illustrations

You'll find over 60 Irish favorites, including:
-Sally Go Round The Moon
-Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral
-Michael Finnigan
-May the Road Rise Up to Meet You
-One, Two, Three O'Leary
-It's a Long Way to Tipperary
-How Many Miles to Dublin
-Danny Boy

"May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night."

France Home of Paris and Provence. Land of amazing food and the Eiffel Tower. Host to much of the world's best art. Endowed with a rich tradition of children's songs and rhymes.

In this book we've gathered over 50 of France's best-loved traditional children's songs, presented in their original French language and with translations into English. Many have commentary sent to us by our correspondents who are immersed in the traditions and culture of France.

You'll find well-known songs like Frere Jacques, Alouette and Au clair de la lune, alongside many you may never have heard of.

These songs are still sung today, but many hark back to France's rich history. A time when church bells were still used to tell the time, as in Frere Jacques. A romantic time when knights roamed the land looking for love, as in Compagnons de la Marjolaine.

If you're not a native you'll have a chance to learn the songs that every French child knows and loves.

At the end of each item in this book, there's a web address to an online version of the song or rhyme. There we are often able to include sheet music, recordings and videos of performances.

We hope this book will help foster a love of French songs and culture all over the world

This book includes:

-French songs, rhymes, and carols
-Each in the original language and with translations into English
-Commentary from ordinary people about what the songs have meant to their lives
-Web links to recordings and sheet music
-Illustrations

Mexico A vibrant land of color and beautiful music. Moving literature and delicious food. Breathtaking natural scenery and awe-inspiring ancient cultures.

In this book we've gathered over 80 children's songs and rhymes that are popular in Mexico, presented in their original Spanish language and with translations into English. Many have commentary sent to us by our correspondents who are immersed in the traditions and culture of Mexico.

You'll find nursery rhymes like Tortillitas (Little Tortillas), circle games like A la rueda de San Miguel (The Circle of St. Miguel), and lullabies like Arrorro mi nino (Hush-a-bye My Baby). We've also included songs for special occasions like Las mananitas (Little Morning) - a birthday and Mother's Day Song. And, of course, Cantos para romper la pinata (Songs for Breaking the Pinata), a collection of verses sung during one of our favorite Mexican traditions

There's not always a sharp distinction between songs sung by children and by adults. So we've included a sampling of popular traditional songs like De Colores (All the Colors). De colores is originally from Spain, as are many songs that are sung in both Mexico and many countries in South America.

Mexico has had interesting influences from the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. So you'll find several songs here from those cultures, including Xtoles... which has one of the oldest musical melodies still known.

At the end of each item, there's a web address to an online version of the song or rhyme. There we are often able to include sheet music, recordings and videos of performances.

We hope this book will help foster a love of Mexican songs and culture all over the world

This book includes:
-Mexican songs, rhymes, lullabies, and carols
-Each in the original language and with translations into English
-Commentary from ordinary people about what the songs have meant to their lives
-Web links to recordings and sheet music
-Illustrations