Wenceslas

by Geraldine McCaughrean, Christian Birmingham (Illustrator)

Good King Wenceslas looked out
On the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and crisp and even . . .
 
Beautifully illustrated by Christian Birmingham, this lavishly produced book tells of the age-old carol of Good King Wenceslas and his page, who set out on a bitter winter night to deliver the spirit of Christmas. The majestic images in rich, soft oil pastels are a perfect compliment to this much-loved story.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 3, 2005

About the author

Geraldine McCaughrean is a British children's novelist. She has written more than 170 books, including Peter Pan in Scarlet (2004), the official sequel to Peter Pan commissioned by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the holder of Peter Pan's copyright. Her work has been translated into 44 languages worldwide. She has received the Carnegie Medal twice and the Michael L. Printz Award among others.

Reviews

[Debbie W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed singing/listening to the carol "Good King Wenceslas" written by J. M. Neale during the Christmas season, so when I saw this book on Goodreads, I had to read it! The gorgeous illustrations (by Christian Birmingham) that accompany this whimsical story/carol (by Geraldine McCaughrean) about Peter, the page who sets out with Duke Wenceslas of Bohemia on a bitterly cold night to deliver Christmas cheer to a peasant and his family, is a must-read for children/adults during the holiday season! The illustration chosen for the cover makes me tingle with warmth and tranquility. Students from Grades 1 to 4 loved this book as a read-aloud!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The legend of King Wenceslas is retold in this lovely Christmas picture-book, with the lyrics to the traditional carol included at the rear. In this expanded version of the story, the page who accompanies the Bohemian king on his trek through a blizzard, in order to deliver some Christmas cheer to a peasant woodcutter, is named Peter. Although clearly not enthusiastic about the task at hand, Peter is determined not to let his master down. When it seems he cannot go a step further through the snow and cold, Wenceslas encourages him to step where he himself has stepped. And so Peter "followed in his master's footsteps…"

A clear metaphor for the Christian's relationship to God, the relationship between Peter and Wenceslas is given depth and emotional power in McCaughrean's retelling of the story. Although not historically accurate - there was a St. Wenceslas, involved in the conversion of Bohemia to Christianity, but the story contained in the carol was invented by John Mason Neale in 1853, when he penned the words to Good King Wenceslas - this still makes for an admiral and moving Christmas tale, one which emphasizes the importance of compassion and generosity, and of following in Christ's footsteps. I found the story moving, and appreciated the wintry landscapes captured in Christian Birmingham's artwork. The illustrations sometimes has a blurred, indistinct quality to them - they were almost impressionistic at times - but somehow that felt appropriate, as if we the readers were watching everything unfold through falling snow. Recommended to anyone looking for good Christmas picture-books and/or carol retellings.

[Saffron Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rating is for the edition adapted by Geraldine McCaughrean and illustrated by Christian Birmingham.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Christmas reads

[Denise Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely retelling of the Christmas carol, when Peter and the king set off on a mission to bring food and comfort to a poor family in the kingdom. I loved the way Peter describes stepping into the footprints mad by the king to make the way easier. It has echoes of following in Jesus’ footsteps and the rescue mission is reminiscent of the parable if the lost sheep. Beautiful illustrations add atmosphere to the story.

Would have been 5 stars but the story has a slightly disappointing weaker ending.

[Amy S (bookish.contentment) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What gorgeous illustrations! This book has everything a Christmas story needs for a great read with my class - food, singing, snow and great message. The language is rich and full of great vocabulary for them to use.

[Kirsty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely picture book, I didn’t realise the story of Wencelas so was interesting to read the background.

[JustOneMoreBook.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richly retold with storytelling flair and depicted by enveloping impressionist artwork, the traditional carol gains depth and suspense in this inspiring demonstration of benevolence and backbone.


Listen to our chat about Wenceslas -- The Eternal Christmas Story on our JustOneMoreBook.com Children's Book Podcast:
http://www.justonemorebook.com/2007/1...

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is brimming with Yuletide warmth...the pictures were really, really lovely. And it was really neat to read this children's adaptation of the story of King Wenceslas....
We didn't LOVE it enough to want to purchase it ourselves... but we will certainly look for it at our library again next Christmas....

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful art.

[Oli Turner]

Beautifully illustrated and charming retelling of one of my favourite carols

[Jaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always, Christian Birmingham’s illustrations are luminescent and delicate as lace. The story was good, too; my favorite rendition of this carol is by Loreena McKennitt:)