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Home > Categories > Books > Non-Fiction > A Christmas Carol review
A beloved holiday favourite brought to life by one of the finest illustrators of our time.
In this luminous picture book adaptation of Charles Dickens' immortal classic, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge leaps off the page to warm the soul of one and all. Be swept away in an unforgettable Christmas Eve, from Scrooge's first "BAH, HUMBUG!" to the arrival of the Ghosts of Christmas Past; from the courage of Tiny Tim to the glory of Christmas morning.
Brett Helquist's art bursts with spirit, humor, and an irresistible attention to detail. Here is a treasure for the whole family to share, year after year.
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Review by: anistasya (Beaulah)
Dated: 8th of March, 2010
Most people probably know this story - it has been adapted enough times, from the Muppets to Jim Carrey and Mickey Mouse. I think the Disney / Mickey Mouse version was the first one I ever saw and it really freaked me out.
This book is definitely worthy of the legacy, if not outshining it, at least on a visual scale. You may recognize the style from 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' by Lemony Snicket - this artist, Brett Helquist, did both. He is certainly skilled, with images that are bold, full of emotion and humor. Children can read this story with images alone if they wish, it would still make sense without the words. In fact, I think the words are the only thing that let this excellent picture book down.
The story is a bit over-condensed and almost loses the plot. Tiny Tim, for example, is almost completely irrelevant and there is no reason for readers to care what happens to him - you definitely don't buy that Scrooge cares. The only thing that has any influence on him is the image of his own grave. The ending, too, comes too suddenly and ties all the pieces together with very loose threads. Even as a young child, the resonant heart of the Christmas Carol lay with Tiny Tim, so I fear this version of the tale may lose a little in translation...
Still, incredibly beautiful, so potentially worth it just for the pictures.
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Joan Didion (1934 - ), 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem'
