Status
Available
Collection
Description
A young woman's true love sends her extravagant gifts on each of the twelve days of Christmas.
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
In this beautiful presentation of the beloved Christmas carol, Jan Brett - a prolific picture-book author and artist who has produced many holiday titles, from The Night Before Christmas, to this year's Home for Christmas - delivers a visually striking interpretation of the lyrics, complete with
Although not the equal of the recent Laural Long The Twelve Days of Christmas, in my estimation - and really, what could be, given how phenomenally beautiful Long's book was? - I found this illustrated version of the carol to be very appealing. The artwork was lovely, and although I did feel, as I often do, that Brett's animal figures were stronger than her human ones, the overall effect was delightful! I appreciated the greetings in various languages, each accompanied by a pair of animals - I particularly loved the hedgehogs ("Joyeux Noël") and the kittens ("Fröhliche Weihnachten")! - and enjoyed following the "story" of the two lovers. I was also interested (and pleased) to see that Brett used an alternative form of the carol, in which the last four verses were in a different order from the way I learned them (this is not, as another reviewer claims, an error - just an indication that there are many variants of this beloved song).
All in all, a wonderful book, one I would recommend to any reader who was looking for beautifully illustrated presentations of this carol. Of course, I'd also recommend taking a look at the new Laurel Long version...
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all the lovely little details her fans have come to expect. Decorative borders (as is often the case, with Brett) abound, framing each two-page spread, and following the story of the two true lovers referenced in the song. The main panel, in each painting, is devoted to the gift being given in that verse, while Christmas greetings in multiple languages are presented at the bottom of each side-panel.Although not the equal of the recent Laural Long The Twelve Days of Christmas, in my estimation - and really, what could be, given how phenomenally beautiful Long's book was? - I found this illustrated version of the carol to be very appealing. The artwork was lovely, and although I did feel, as I often do, that Brett's animal figures were stronger than her human ones, the overall effect was delightful! I appreciated the greetings in various languages, each accompanied by a pair of animals - I particularly loved the hedgehogs ("Joyeux Noël") and the kittens ("Fröhliche Weihnachten")! - and enjoyed following the "story" of the two lovers. I was also interested (and pleased) to see that Brett used an alternative form of the carol, in which the last four verses were in a different order from the way I learned them (this is not, as another reviewer claims, an error - just an indication that there are many variants of this beloved song).
All in all, a wonderful book, one I would recommend to any reader who was looking for beautifully illustrated presentations of this carol. Of course, I'd also recommend taking a look at the new Laurel Long version...
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LibraryThing member pamelapaige
great sing along and read that all ages enjoy. folklore. fun christmas song/book
LibraryThing member AmaliaGavea
‘’And a partridge in a pear tree.’’
Because, obviously.
When I start humming the tune of this most classic of songs, I know that I have finally entered the ‘’Christmas mood’’ phase and all the hullabaloo of decorations, festivities and whatnot is about to be unleashed. When I was
This book is a visual homage to the song dedicated to the Twelve Days of Christmas, from December 25th to January 6th, the famous Twelfth Night, beautifully illustrated by Jan Brett. There is a melancholic aura of nostalgia for the good old Christmas days when everything was simple and true and kind. Less commercial, less frenetic, less artificial. The beauty of the love shared between two people, the gathering of the family, the cozyness and warmth are perfectly depicted in this little treasure.
Now, I can’t wait to hear my youngest students practically screaming (bless them…) and a paaartridge in a pear treeeee.’’
Because, this is what Christmas is all about. The joy, the laughter, the love. Even if there are certain ‘’beings’’ who would rejoice if Christmas were...abolished. But that’s another story, for another time…
Many thanks to G. B. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Because, obviously.
When I start humming the tune of this most classic of songs, I know that I have finally entered the ‘’Christmas mood’’ phase and all the hullabaloo of decorations, festivities and whatnot is about to be unleashed. When I was
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about 7 years old, this song was a part of our Christmas performance in English school. I fell in love with its strange lyrics (as I perceived them to be back in the day…) and its unusual melody. This book is a visual homage to the song dedicated to the Twelve Days of Christmas, from December 25th to January 6th, the famous Twelfth Night, beautifully illustrated by Jan Brett. There is a melancholic aura of nostalgia for the good old Christmas days when everything was simple and true and kind. Less commercial, less frenetic, less artificial. The beauty of the love shared between two people, the gathering of the family, the cozyness and warmth are perfectly depicted in this little treasure.
Now, I can’t wait to hear my youngest students practically screaming (bless them…) and a paaartridge in a pear treeeee.’’
Because, this is what Christmas is all about. The joy, the laughter, the love. Even if there are certain ‘’beings’’ who would rejoice if Christmas were...abolished. But that’s another story, for another time…
Many thanks to G. B. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member GlenRH
Very beautiful illustrations. Actually uses colly birds, and not calling birds in the text.
LibraryThing member Huba.Library
A great graphically designed book which begins with the music, reminding the reader it's a old, traditional Christmas song.
Original publication date
1986
Genres
Publication
New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1989, c1986.
Language
Physical description
26 cm
ISBN
0399220372 / 9780399220371
Local notes