A Christmas Carol
by Charles Dickens (Author) Brett Helquist (Illustrator)
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The beloved Christmas classic is skillfully adapted for this simplified introduction to the tale, amplified by large-format art from the illustrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Helquist’s artistic style is an excellent match for the Dickensian world of mysterious spirits and spooky graveyards, and the illustrations are full of authentic Victorian details in costumes and settings. The extra-large trim size gives him plenty of room to depict the complex scenes of Scrooge’s travels through time and space, and the artist succeeds in making him a believable character who transitions from a grouchy, gray grump to a jovial fellow ready to enjoy life. This abridgement makes the original story accessible to a wide age range and would be a fine preparation for families preparing to attend a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol. (Picture book. 7-12)
Copyright 2009 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission
School Library Journal
Gr 3 Up-Dickens' cautionary tale of an embittered, stingy old man learning to be a happier, more giving person thanks to the intervention of four ghosts has long been fodder for holiday collections. From its stark opening spread (MARLEY WAS DEAD) to the final one with its much more cheerful winter scene, this years version, illustrated in Helquist's darkly comic style, is one of the best. Some of that credit must go to Greenhut, who provided the abridgment. Sacrificing none of Dickenss rich language, this retelling reads beautifully. The artist uses watercolor, pencil, and pastel to create cinematic artwork that contains amusing details; additionally, there are a number of pen-and-ink vignettes that help set the scenes. A winning combination of sparkling prose and exciting art. - Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Publishers Weekly
Helquist's vision of the classic story depicts a hawkish Scrooge (who's a cadaverous shade of green) against a backdrop of bustling Victorian streets, with pleasing touches of detail, humor and a few frightful strokes. When the clock strikes one, announcing the arrival of the first ghost, the moon hangs in an unholy green sky, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come stands in a tattered cloak, surrounded by eddying mists (but also draped with strings of Christmas lights). The eye-catching art makes a strong pairing to the accessible abridgement of Dickens' text. Ages 5 up. (Oct.)
Copyright 2009 Publishers Weekly, Used with permission.
Although Dickens went on to receive a middle-class education at Wellington House Academy, he continued to work at the factory. These experiences of the different elements of society influenced many of the novels he would write later in life. Dickens first published his novels as weekly or monthly serials, a common practice at the time. It helped fuel his popularity with fans who eagerly anticipated each new installment of his stories. The plight of the poor became one of the major themes in Charles Dickens's novels - a reflection of the bitterness he felt about the way working-class people lived and were treated. Charles Dickens died on 9th June 1870.
19th century
Great Britain
Ghosts
Christmas
