A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan ThomasMore 'getting in the spirit' reading with this classic story. What an adorable book, so well written, and it is just like your own remembrances of Christmas' past, with different years blending into one, different stories, making you think - When did that happen? But it doesn't really matter, because it is the blending of all those events that combine to give you the warm fuzzies about Christmas, and that cause me to wonder how my own children's memories of Christmas will combine.
My edition was beautiful, with illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman that contributed to the over all feel of the book, although there was something about them which reminded me of The Great Brain books, but that didn't detract too much. Thomas describes the presents, both useful and useless; the music, and carolling; and the aunts and uncles. But he is a poet, so it isn't even what he says as how it says it. And this might just become a Christmas tradition for me.
Thomas recorded a version of this book, so it's worth seeking it out to hear him read it himself. Truly magical.
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This is one I've been meaning to read as well. I've heard about the audio, too, so I might try that.
ReplyDeleteI read 1/2 of the Maeve Binchy Christmas book this morning. I really liked it!
Oh...I heart Dylan Thomas!! I really need to read this! Sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeletesprite - thanks for the heads up, I'll look for that
ReplyDelete3m - I'm glad you are enjoying Binchy, she's one of my favorites.
stephanie - I havne
t read much of Thomas at all, I just recognize the miles to go before I sleep, if that's actually Thomas!
I'd not remembered that this was Dylan Thomas. Hmmm. I'm not typically a fan, but I have to read this- such a classic, recognizable title afterall.
ReplyDeleteAnd the "miles to go before I sleep" is from Robert Frost's "Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening."
john - d'oh. Do not go gentle into that good night must be the famous Thomas line
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