A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice

by Hilary Knight

When Hilary Knight discovered mice in his studio, he set about designing them a special outdoor home. The mice had unique talents of their own. Maude, an expert needle-mouse, complemented Max's way with a hammer. Both shared a keen eye for found objects. Mr. Knight's watercolor journal of this charming couple's enterprise, accompanied by Maude's daily notations, has become a joyous celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Animals, Classics, Poetry

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1963

About the author

Hilary Knight writes, "I attribute any abilities I possess to the fact that both my parents are artists and writers. My father, Clayton Knight, is well-known for his aviation paintings and books. My mother, Katharine Sturges, has done fashion drawings, fabric designs as well as many children's books" (The Horn Book, 1968).

Born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, in 1926. Childhood spent on Long Island and in New York City. Attended Art Students League, New York, where he studied under Reginald Marsh.

The Navy interrupted his studies from 1944 to 1946, but Mr. Knight went on painting -- ships. His own career began when several of his humorous drawings were published in "House and Garden" and "Mademoiselle." His famous illustrations for Eloise by Kay Thompson came out in 1955 followed by several sequels. He has illustrated more than fifty books for children, six of which he wrote himself.

Reviews

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, this tale explores what gifts a husband mouse would give his wife mouse.

Funny and cute!

Ages: 2 - 8

Cleanliness: nothing to note.

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[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable little bit of Christmas whimsy, where the twelve days of Christmas are reimagined in a whole new way by two little mice in their mouse house, with each gift being something from their surroundings ("...three thistle dusters, two silver pins, and a firefly in a fir tree.") My favorite was the "seven spiders spinning," creating the word "Joy" in their web in a window with the dark blue night sky showing behind the glistening web. Very sweet text and creative illustrations by Hilary Knight.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice, updated 2004 edition.

That classic Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, is given the murine treatment in this sweet holiday picture book from author/illustrator Hilary Knight. A little mouse brings twelve gifts to his beloved for Christmas, from the eponymous firefly in a fir tree through twelve bees-a-buzzing. The rhythm of the text fits with the traditional tune, making this a book that can be sung, as well as read aloud...

Originally published in 1963 as part of Knight's Christmas Nutshell Library , a box set containing four miniature volumes, A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice was republished with new and updated artwork in 2004. It is this latter edition I read, although having discovered the box set from 1963, I would like to track that down as well. The text here reads well, and would (as mentioned) work as a sing-aloud, while the artwork is quite cute, depicting the two little mice playing with the various gifts in the song. Recommended to Hilary Knight fans, and to picture book readers looking for unconventional presentations of this beloved carol.

[Min · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Hilary Knight book. I am always delighted to find a new author that charms me so fully. I love Christmas so there was little doubt I would enjoy this one. This is one of my favorite songs- one of the first that I ever learned for Christmas- and I would absolutely use this version for my annual holiday celebration. The illustrations are so very heart-warming to be irresistibly joyful simply flipping through the book. This will be one I visit year after year.

[Faith Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute book to read for Christmas time to the students. I actually picked this book up not knowing it was Christmas themed lol. This book is a spin off basically of the twelve days of Christmas song. I love the illustrations of this book but the only downside I have is that it doesn’t teach a lesson of anything it’s just cute.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 12 Days of Christmas song takes a turn when Hilary Knight creates a carol for mice. It's a cute song that highlights gifts that could be given between two adorable mice.

2020 storytime theme: Merry & Bright Read Aloud Extravaganza

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the creativity in this book to a old classic. It would be a great jumping off book to have each of the family create their own twelve days of Christmas list of gifts that they would love if money were no object.

[Erynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute. Perfect for young kids.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

9/22/22 Read with Julia

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A child might enjoy the illustrations, but this book lacks enduring charm.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids liked the illustrations

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

When we checked this out at the library, the librarian praised the book, saying she liked it for how it highlights making joy out of what you already have. I do love this author/illustrator, and this book does just that: shows a pair of mice who make gifts out of tiny treasures, finding ways to make cheer out of the ordinary accoutrements of life. An adorable Christmas tale.

[DB in Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely gem of a book with verse and artwork perfect for young ones - they enjoy singing the "days" while we sing the gifts part. The artwork draws children in and you can ask them to count the items.

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a cute story with mice and the 12 days of Christmas in their world. Loved the illustrations.

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many details in each page. Great illustrations.

[Meadow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The kid does not care about seasons when choosing books to read.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Winnie and I just finished this one. Super cute illustrations ... I wonder if I would have liked the original as much as these new ones.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

The 12 Days of Christmas for mice.

[Celia Juliano · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son and I read--and sang--this together. It's a cute and fun book--lovely, colorful, and detailed illustrations--a novel twist on "The Twelve Days of Christmas."

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol based on the Twelve Days of Christmas, featuring mice explaining the gifts being presented.

[kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute Book