The Friendly Beasts: An Old English Christmas Carol

By Tomie dePaola

Book Overview

The simple strains of this old Christmas melody are superbly reflected in the graceful, delicate, yet strong images that dePaola brings to the page....A Christmas remembrance to be long treasured. -- Booklist (starred review)Beautiful. -- The Horn BookMeticulous attention has been paid to every detail of design, color, and layout. -- School Library Journal

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0698116615
• ISBN13: 9780698116610
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: Puffin Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 9.8" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Beautifully illustrated Christmas classic

This is a gorgeously done telling of the 12th Century carol. The drawings make some of the language more understandable to modern readers. Sweet book for teaching the song to younger children.

Awesome pictures, great hymn

I loved the pictures. My son (7 y.o.) read the book in school and asked for it for a Christmas present. I am very pleased Great for all ages.

A Gift of Love

I have loved this Christmas carol since my children learned it in their Episcopalian school. It captures the essence of the season...giving of yourself is the most precious gift of all. Each "beast" in the stable honors the Christ child by giving of itself. What a powerful message illustrated by one of the finest authors/illustrators, Tomie dePaola. I have urged every parent I know to purchase a copy.

Sweet Story -- Sweet Carol

I believe this is a 12th Century French Carol -- and not an old English Carol,as stated. Well, regardless of which side of the Channel it comes from, it's charming. If ever you have the chance to hear this sung by little ones, don't miss it -- it was meant for their sweet voices.

Gentle Christmas Lullaby

I have an old copy of this book and read it to my toddler this Christmas season. It is beautifully illustrated, with a copy of the music at the back. Highly recommended.