A Child's Christmas in Wales - by Dylan Thomas (Hardcover)

About the Book

Thomas' holiday classic, lavishly illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Hyman, is now available in a gift edition for a new generation of readers. This nostalgic recollection of Christmas past captures a child's-eye view and an adult's fond memories of a magical time and evokes the beauty of the season at every turn. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

The enduring holiday classic, lavishly illustrated by multiple Caldecott Medalist Trina Schart Hyman, is now available in a gift edition for a new generation of readers.

This nostalgic recollection of Christmas past by celebrated Welsh poet Dylan Thomas evokes the beauty and tradition of the season at every turn: the warmth of a family gathering; the loveliness of a mistletoe-decked home; the predictability of cats by the fire; the mischief and fun of children left to their own devices; and the sheer delight of gifts--be they Useful or Useless.

Readers will cherish this beautiful hardcover edition of the classic A Child's Christmas in Wales complete with gold-foil stars, a debossed, glossy front picture, and sparkling snowflakes. Once inside, readers are rewarded with stunning, midnight-blue endpapers sprinkled with a flurry of more snowflakes. This book is a must-have gift for the season.

Brilliantly illustrated by Caldecott medalist Trina Schart Hyman with a combination of more than 40 full-color and sepia-toned images, this beautiful edition of Thomas's beloved classic will enchant readers of all ages, year after year.

An ALA Notable Book.

Review Quotes

★ "A worthy match of art and story, sure to become a favorite edition each holiday season." --Booklist, Starred Review; Editor's Choice selection

★ "This Christmas treasure of both Hyman's illustrations and Thomas' eloquent prose will draw children into the world of Wales. A book to delight both children and parents." --School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Illustrations by award-winning artist Trina Schart Hyman bring new life to this charming story in which Thomas reminisces about his childhood Christmas memories. This book is best shared with the entire family." --The Washington Post

"Simple, lyrical, poignant, uplifting--this is a true holiday rarity, one that shouldn't be missed." --Common Sense Media

"This lovely little memoir is also a terrific way to introduce readers to Dylan Thomas's work... [T]he reason to choose this edition rather than any others...is the charming artwork. The illustrations by Trina Schart Hyman...will enchant readers with their old-fashioned look and charming details. This is a perfect holiday gift." --Manhattan Book Review

"Hyman's illustrations make this book one with general audience appeal at Christmas--or any time." --The Horn Book

"The poet's voice is heard again in the paen to the long-ago holiday in his Welsh neighborhood. It is impressively real in the paintings and ink drawings that illustrate Thomas' well-loved memoir and surpass Hyman's previous award winners." --Publishers Weekly

"Children will love to cuddle close and view the detailed illustrations which expand this classic, giving it added continuity and depth." --Los Angeles Times Book Review

About the Author

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953) is considered to be one of the greatest 20th-century poets. He is especially remembered for "Do not go gentle into that good night" and "And death shall have no dominion." He was also a popular radio broadcaster in England, and A Child's Christmas in Wales was written for radio.

One of the most distinguished and celebrated illustrators of her generation, Trina Schart Hyman (1939-2004) was awarded the Caldecott Medal for St. George and the Dragon, retold by Margaret Hodges, and Caldecott Honors for A Child's Calendar, by John Updike, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, and Little Red Riding Hood. Born in Philadelphia, she lived most of her life in New Hampshire.