Stephen's Feast

by Jean Richardson, Alice Englander (Illustrator)

Stephen, the youngest page at the court of King Wenceslas, is asked to accompany his monarch on a mission of good will to a poor peasant.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1991

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The youngest and smallest of King Wenceslas' pages, Stephen is used to teasing from his peers and criticism from the Chamberlain. When the king calls for him at the Feast of St. Stephen, he's sure it can't be anything good, and is puzzled and even resentful when he is told he will accompany Wenceslas on an errand through the wintry night, to deliver food and fuel to a poor peasant. The journey is a difficult one, and Stephen loses heart until encouragement from the king, and treading in his footsteps helps to lead him on. It is only at the peasant's hut, witnessing the joy that they have brought, that he begins to see what their errand is all about. As they depart, Stephen leaves a gift of his own for the peasant's son, demonstrating he has learnt the lesson his master intended...

Using John Mason Neale's classic nineteenth-century Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas , as a starting point, English children's author and critic Jean Richardson spins the story of the famous king and saint's page who, in the song, accompanies his master on a night-time visit to a peasant's hut. Stephen's story is considerably fleshed out here, as Richardson imaginatively expands upon the few details we are given about him in the original source. What would the page in the carol have thought of the errand on which he was embarked? How would he have felt, being asked to forego his own celebration, to head out into a blizzard? These and other questions are addressed in the engaging story, which is paired with lovely artwork from illustrator Alice Englander, who has worked with Richardson on other titles as well. Unsurprisingly, given my love for wintry scenes, my favorite spreads here were the ones devoted to the wintry landscape through which Wenceslas and Stephen move. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books that expand upon the original carol (which is reprinted in its entirety on the decorative endpapers), and for children's stories about the true meaning of Christmas.

[Allison Tebo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of sacrifice and generosity that is gorgeously illustrated. I could almost hear the wind swirling in my ears and feel the snowflakes brushing my face. A lovely read that seems to hold winter between its pages.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never known where the carol of King Wenceslas came from until reading this book and digging into it further on the web. Very interesting...krb 12/5/17

[Nelleke Plouffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on "Good King Wenceslas". This is one of my very favourite read-alouds every year leading up to Christmas. Highly recommended!

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on "Good King Wenceslas" (I'd never really listened to the full carol before until we played it after reading this book!).

[Eva-Marie Nevarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 - didn't like the beginning of the book and ultimately thought it wasn't even needed for the story but the rest of the book sailed along nicely. The moral of the book is something big in our lives anyway so this was right up our alley. I've urged Julia many times to think of others before herself, to go out of her way for someone else, to give up what she has for someone who doesn't have much. She's beginning to do small things on her own, which at 5 years old is awesome, but we can all use help with that sort of thing if you ask me.
So I was pleased with the meaning in this Stephen's Feast. After the short beginning that I didn't care for (Julia seemed to be okay with it), Stephen goes to talk to the King after being summoned. The King points out a man walking in the courtyard to Stephen, asks who he is and after Stephen tells him it's a poor man the King tells him to get ready, that they're going to give him a surprise.
Stephen grumbles the whole time he's getting ready, this isn't how he planned on spending the day, why can't someone else go, etc. He grabs his most prized possession, his hunting knife, on the way out.
Stephen and the King, by themselves trudge through knee high snow, in a storm, the King carrying a giant bag and Stephen pulling a sled. The King has to give Stephen some nudging along the way when he starts to get overwhelmed and they press on.
When they arrive at the poor mans house everything is very laidback and relaxed. The family doesn't recognize the King as he isn't acting very Kingly (or is he?) and they all sit down to a meal together. In the midst of all of this Stephen catches the oldest boy looking at his hunting knife.
After they've eaten all they wanted, chatted and relaxed the King and Stephen take their leave but... before Stephen gets too far into the woods he sneaks back to the little cottage and lays his prized hunting knife next to the sleeping boy.
Any adult could have seen what was coming a mile away of course but I doubt many kids would. There really isn't mention of Christmas in the story from what I can remember, if there was it was very, very small. This was in the Christmas collection at my library but it doesn't have to be a holiday read. I think it's a great book for anyone wanting to show their child(ren) a little about giving. Reading about a drives it home a lot more than Mom or Dad saying "do this" or "do that".
I'm very happy Julia found this at the library. I'd recommend to anyone with little ones. It's probably a bit too much and too long for children under about 5 or so.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

love in action.