A Christmas Carol

Usborne Little Board Books

by Lesley Sims (Retold by), Charles Dickens (Original author), Duygu Özcan (Translator)

Step back in time to a Victorian Christmas, in this delightful retelling of Charles Dickens' much-loved classic.

Bibliographical note: Although below this has at one time been put in the 'Usborne Little Board Books' series, this edition is not a board book but as was noted in the format a 'Paperback'.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Classics, Picture Books

24 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Lesley dreamed of being a writer, but studied law as her mother insisted she had "something to fall back on". Since joining Usborne Publishing, she has written and edited hundreds of books, from funny rhyming stories to an award-winning history book. Nowadays, she is often found recording books, too, in Usborne's very own recording studio.

Reviews

[Kristi C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advent calendar, day 25
Classic Dickens tale 🎄

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 6 year old's rating.

We just read this together and he really enjoyed it. I thought it was a great abridged version and still conveyed the message wonderfully and made us very excited for Christmas!!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice enough and alright Christmas vibes but nothing I would be raving about.

[moonyphase · Rating 3 out of 5]

premis cerita christmas carol pada umumnya tapi dengan ilustrasi yang punya tone cukup dark untuk ukuran childlit

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always like to read at least one version of Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' each Christmas and this retelling by Lesley Sims fits the bill for this year. The author has done a splendid job of relating the story in a series of short, pithy sentences, interspersed by excellent illustrations by Alan Marks, that captures the essence of the tale as well as successfully portraying the miserly Scrooge, the three spirits and the overall experience of a Victorian Christmas.

The story is just as Dickens wrote it: Scrooge is 'a greedy, grasping, gruesome old man ... so cold inside, his face looked frozen'; Bob Cratchit sits freezing in the outer office and asks Scrooge, 'May we light a fire, sir?' to which Scrooge replies in his curmudgeonly manner 'Certainly not!'; the collectors for the poor are rebuffed by Scrooge who when he gets home comes across Marley's ghost who tells Scrooge 'Change your ways or pay the consequences'.

The three spirits visit the miser and try to show him the error of his ways by taking him to see old haunts and finally showing him what might be in the future and when he was shown his grave with nobody mourning his passing he begged of the spirit, 'Don't let me die. I can change.'

And, of course, he does, sending a boy to purchase the biggest turkey he could find, presenting it to the Cratchit family before carrying Tiny Tim on his shoulders declaring on Christmas Day, 'A lovely day, indeed!' Scrooge was, thereafter, a changed man.

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas Carol is one of my favourite books and this picture book version is retold by Lesley Sims and illustrated by Alan Marks. I think the majorty of us will be very familiar with the story of skinflint Scrooge who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve warning him of his lonely death if he doesn't change his ways. This much simplified version is perfect for introducing small children to the story and the illustrations give you much to look at and really draw you in. I particularly like the picture of the ghost of Christmas present, such a jolly being he looks! Not too scary for little ones and a quick read aloud that shouldn't give anyone nightmares..

[Ocean · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an edition with music buttons to be pressed as you turn the pages which 22 y/o me still finds fun. I really like the watercolour style illustration and the foil on the cover.

A great version for small children who wouldn't have the patience to be read/read the original yet.

[Elise Quinn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kinda liked the book because it was weird and there was a mean man in it with ghosts and the mean man almost died.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for young children. My 2yo has wanted to read it over and over. I sort of linked the ghosts with the Kindness Elves in order to prevent any fear developing hopefully!

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story worth being read over and over.

[Ahmet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harika benzetmelerle dolu müthiş anlatımlı kısa hikaye.

[Jenna Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great version - easy for little ones to follow

[Ashlea · Rating 4 out of 5]

(I think this book THE CHRISTMAS CAROL is about peace love and kindness. For kids and adults.)

[Nato · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the lesson that he learned on his journey.

[Aida]

Această carte este foarte frumoasa și importantă pentru că îți dă spiritul Crăciunului.

[JOSH KNOLL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome revisitation of some of the values the holiday season oft misses. I love all the movies too ... this one was easy to put to film.

[Mooni Baronets · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable rendition of The Christmas Carol! The art is beautiful, and this version of the story is fantastic! A must read for the kiddos for Christmas!

[Sarah Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great children’s retelling of this classic. My 5 year old son enjoyed the pictures and was quickly captivated.

[Fatima Seraj Alam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having to read the Charles Dickens classic during high school, this brought back memories. I like that this was retold and kept simple for little ones.