The First Noel

by Jody Wheeler (Illustrator)

Luminous watercolor paintings bring to life the verses of the timeless Christmas carol 'The First Noel.' Certain poor shepherds, this carol confides, were the first to hear news of the world-changing birth in a lowly stable. The beloved story of the birth of Christ is told reverently in 'The First Noel.' The narrative -- from the announcement to the shepherds, to the appearance of the star and the wise men's worship -- is brought to life, verse by verse, by Jody Wheeler's vibrant watercolor paintings. Unlikely to be read without singing aloud, the book also features the sheet music, as well as a brief history of the carol. You will feel as though you are there in the stable, peering at the newborn Christ Child. Ages 4-8.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books

20 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The traditional English Christmas carol, The First Noel - sometimes also known as The First Nowell - is paired with beautiful watercolor artwork from Jody Wheeler in this lovely holiday picture-book. Each two-page spread features one verse of the song on the right-hand page, and a full-page illustration on the left. A brief forward gives some history of the carol, while the full text, with musical notation, is given at the rear...

After feeling decidedly lukewarm about Janina Domanska's picture-book presentation of this carol - I didn't care for her artwork, and was disappointed that she used the five-verse version of the song, rather than the full six-verse one - I picked up this version done by Jody Wheeler with interest. I was pleased to see that although the refrain wasn't used in the text of the book (I tend to sing Christmas carol picture-books to myself, as I read them, so I simplied supplied the refrain), the full six-verse version is used here. I was also pleased with the artwork, which, although not what I would describe as extraordinary, I found more appealing than that done by the better-known Domanska. They're done in very different styles, so perhaps the comparison is unfair, but there you have it. Of the two, this is definitely the one I would recommend, to those readers seeking picture-book presentations of The First Noel.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated book with several verses of the song. Fun to sing to the girls.