Illustration from the Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter.
.......................
The Tailor of Gloucester -- A Christmas Tale
Talking animals and their involvement in the lives of people have always been part of the great tradition of wonder stories. The Tailor of Gloucester, Beatrix Potter's classic Christmas tale, revolves around many mice; Shimpkin, the cat; and a sick and impoverished tailor who is kind to trapped mice.
The tailor faces disaster in the early pages of the book. He is ill and will not be able to meet a deadline and finish a splendid coat for the mayor.
But then, on Christmas Eve, a turning point comes -- in the form of compassionate mice.
Here is an excerpt from the book:
............
"But it is in the old story that all the beasts can talk in the night between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in the morning (though there are very few folk that can hear them, or know what it is that they say). . .
From all the roofs and gables and old wooden houses in Gloucester came a thousand merry voices singing the old Christmas rhymes—all the old songs that ever I heard of, and some that I don't know, like Whittington's bells. . .
From the tailor's shop in Westgate came a glow of light; and when Simpkin crept up to peep in at the window it was full of candles. There was a snippeting of scissors, and snappeting of thread; and little mouse voices sang loudly and gaily."
...............
Thanks to the wonderful work of the mice, the tailor's life changes on Christmas Day, his reputation flourishes, he prospers, and the reader finds a happy ending.
The first draft of the book was in the form of a handmade, illustrated, book given as a Christmas present to a sick, young girl, Freda Moore. " And the queerest thing about it,' Beatrix wrote to the ten year old girl, who was fond of fairy tales,' is that I heard it in Gloucester, and that it is true! at least about the waistcoat . . .
Despite the resemblance to older tales such as the Grimm's version of the Elves and the Cobbler, this story was completely new to Potter. Linda Lear, in her excellent biography, Beatrix Potter, A Life in Nature, presents a full story of Potter's life at the time and how this book evolved from a story, then prevalent in Gloucester, that Beatrix heard, "probably in 1897."
Here is a link to read the Tailor of Gloucester
All the illustrations from The Tailor of Gloucester are by Beatrix Potter.
Holiday Carols from the Wind in the Willows
Once again, the mice bring holiday joy to the world. This time by singing to the residents of the great meadow.
"I think it must be the field-mice," replied the Mole, with a touch of pride in his manner. "They go round carol-singing regularly at this time of the year. They're quite an institution in these parts. And they never pass me over—they come to Mole End last of all; and I used to give them hot drinks, and supper too sometimes, when I could afford it. It will be like old times to hear them again."
"Let's have a look at them!" cried the Rat, jumping up and running to the door.
It was a pretty sight, and a seasonable one, that met their eyes when they flung the door open. In the fore-court, lit by the dim rays of a horn lantern, some eight or ten little field-mice stood in a semicircle, red worsted comforters round their throats, their fore-paws thrust deep into their pockets, their feet jigging for warmth . . . As the door opened, one of the elder ones that carried the lantern was just saying, "Now then, one, two, three!" and forthwith their shrill little voices uprose on the air, singing one of the old-time carols . . . "
Here is a link to read The Wind In The Willows
The illustration is by Inga Moore.
....................................
Christmas in America in the Golden Age
Mr Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn, written by Albert Bigelow Paine, is a wonderful Christmas book and a rescued treasure. Originally published in 1898, it was a favorite in the family of Betsy Cordes for three generations. In her family, the book was a tradition, and read aloud, every Christmas eve, to young and old alike. Over the years, the book became lost to most of the world.
Under the guidance of Ms Cordes, and with the wonderful illustrations by Adam McCauley , Mr Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn has been given a new life. It has the makings of a holiday classic. I believe that this book will become a favorite with children -- and with any family that reads it aloud on Christmas Eve.
"Well, the Hollow Tree people had never heard of Santa Claus. They knew about Christmas, of course, because everybody, even the cow and sheep, knows about that; but they had never heard of Santa Claus. . ."
Here is a link to the Picture Book Review for an in-depth visit with Mr Dog and his friends.
Here's a link to learn more or to order this delightful Christmas book: Mr Dog's Christmas at the Hollow Tree Inn.
......................
A Christmas Carol. . . The Story that Changed Christmas
A Christmas Carol (1843) was written with the passion born of Charles Dickens' painful childhood as an impoverished 12 year old boy from a broken family. With his father in debtor's prison, Dickens was forced to leave school and work ten-hour days for six shillings a week under harsh conditions in England's new industrial economy.
"In the mid 1800s, Christmas was a dying holiday, much as it is today. Many of its traditions were being neglected, and even the idea of "Peace on earth, good will to men" was considered passe. Then something extraordinary happened: Charles Dickens published "A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost Story of Christmas." It was an instant success, and launched one of the biggest comebacks in history: not of Dickens, but of Christmas."
The above quote is from a tribute to Dicken's Christmas Carol by Waitsel Smith
Here is a link to the Project Gutenberg's free ebook of the original Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
The illustration is by Carol Granger.
...........
Free Books for Mothers of Infants That Open the Doors to More Books
Mommy and Me and Talk to Me are two delightful complimentary books available to new mothers. Over 60,000 have been donated thus far. If you know of a clinic, hospital, library or other organization that would help distribute the books, or to obtain copies for review, please contact Doug Yeager at [email protected]
Here is a comment from a social worker at an OB/GYN clinic in Denver: “I recently came across your book and loved it. It would be wonderful to include it in our baggie of information and resources we give out to new patients coming to our clinic.”
For more information regarding these very special books visit the Yeager Foundation Website.
....................
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
Clement Clarke Moore
.....................
Memories from Born Without a Tail
Born Without a Tail is a real life memoir by C. A.Wulff, author of dog books, blogger, and life-long rescuer of animals -- especially dogs. Here is an excerpt that I find particularly telling in the Christmas season.
"Whenever I think back over the years...my thoughts return to the time when Gypsy, Dillon, Pluto and Troll were the cornerstones of our pack.These four dogs completed us...my favorite part of each day was when we would all settle down together to sleep...
In winter months, the wind would howl outside and I would feel warm and safe, denned with my pack. These were times of total contentment. Times when a deep abiding sense of belonging warmed me to my soul."
The photo is by C.A. Wulff
......................
“Life is a winking light in the darkness.”
........................
Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale
"What a truly wonderful and unique Christmas story for the whole family.
Snow Valley Heroes by Robert J. McCarty and illustrated by Stella Mustanoja McCarty is the third offering in the series; "Planet of the Dogs." What an imagination this team has! . . .While I grant you that this story is pure fantasy, it is logical fantasy and uses the story of Santa, his elves, real people, and of course the dogs of Planet of the Dogs . . . an ideal book to snuggle up with the little ones on a cold winter night and simply enjoy."
Don Blankenship, editor/reviewer, Good Books For Kids, Top 50 Amazon Reviewer
.......................
Christmas Lights Move in the Hills of Scotland
Amazing Video...moving light patterns on darkened Scottish hills as border collies move sheep through amazing patterns...LED lights create a lovely surreal world that would stop a traveler in their tracks. Here is a link: Doglights
-----------------------
SAVE THE CHILDREN
In this season of hope for all of us who are fortunate to have access to wonders like the world of children's literature, I think of the ceaseless work being done by Save The Children to bring hope to millions.
"Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm.
We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
In 2016, we reached over 56 million children directly through our and our partners' work."
Here is a link to read more: Save the Children
..........................
Santa in America's Golden Age
Two years after his great success with the Wizard of OZ (1900), L. Frank Baum wrote The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. Like the Oz book, there are a multitude of characters, struggles with good and evil, and many magical beings and events. Here is an excerpt describing the first time Santa goes off in his sleigh pulled by flying reindeer to deliver toys to children.
"All ready!" he shouted; "away we go!"
The deer leaned forward, lifted their slender limbs, and the next moment away flew the sledge over the frozen snow. The swiftness of the motion surprised Claus, for in a few strides they were across the Valley and gliding over the broad plain beyond.
The day had melted into evening by the time they started; for, swiftly as Claus had worked, many hours had been consumed in making his preparations. But the moon shone brightly to light their way, and Claus soon decided it was just as pleasant to travel by night as by day.
The deer liked it better; for, although they wished to see something of the world, they were timid about meeting men, and now all the dwellers in the towns and farmhouses were sound asleep and could not see them.
Away and away they sped, on and on over the hills and through the valleys and across the plains until they reached a village where Claus had never been before.
Here he called on them to stop, and they immediately obeyed. But a new difficulty now presented itself, for the people had locked their doors when they went to bed, and Claus found he could not enter the houses to leave his toys."
Here is a link to L.Frank Baum's The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus .
The book and cover were illustrated by Mary Cowles Clark.
..........................
Movies
I haven't seen The Man Who Invented Christmas, however this excerpt from the review of Ben Kenigsberg in the New York Times reflects the general response I found on Rotten Tomatoes (105 reviews):
"Brightly lit and anchored by Mr. Stevens's infectious, live-wire performance, the film ... proceeds like a television holiday special, designed to distract children while winking at their parents."
Here is the trailer for The Man Who Invented Christmas.
---------------
Kwanzaa
Unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa was not born out of religion. Instead it is a largely social and communal holiday that grew out of the civil rights movement. Established by professor and activist Maulana Karenga in 1966, Kwanzaa was meant as a way to bring the African-American community together once a year for a celebration of its culture and heritage. Over the years, the exclusive nature of Kwanzaa was stripped away by Karenga, and it is now looked at as a chance for people of all races and backgrounds to celebrate African culture the same way we celebrate Irish and Mexican culture on St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo."
Here is a link to read more about Kwanzaa
....................
Therapy Dogs United
The healing ability of dogs is exemplified by the growing awareness of the many ways therapy dogs are able to help people of all ages. Therapy Dogs United (TDU) is an example of a grass roots volunteer organization that has grown continuously since being founded in 2008 by Pat VanZandt Christianson. TDU has made life better for thousands of people living in North Western PA and Western NY. Here is an excerpt from their site:
"Our dedicated teams of certified volunteers work hand-in-hand with medical, educational, and social service professionals or one-on-one with patients to provide therapeutic and physical therapy. TDU makes daily visits to schools and learning institutions, book stores, homeless shelters, senior and nursing communities, hospice facilities, family service organizations, reading clubs, rehabilitation centers, and beyond."
Here is a link to read more about this wonderful organization: Therapy Dogs United
.....................
Flashmob Event of Joy
People and musicians gather one by one, and then more and more people, in a wonderful video that celebrates the Joy of the season with music. This is also a timeless testament to humanity and hope. It builds, non-stop, to 6 wonderful minutes.
Here is the link to Joy...: Ode To Joy
...................
Holiday Nostalgia
Darcy and Caboose are here once more to send us Holiday Greetings...
Richard Bradley (www.arockinmyshoe) has taken many photos of his beloved dogs, and every year he shares them with us. They have been with us here for many years. They have passed on, but remind me of how dogs, given a chance, bring us joy.
.....................
Why Am I ?...A Yelodoggie Illustrated Story Book
With the arrival of the Christmas season we continue our search for a publisher who will love Why Am I ?, recognize its potential, and launch it into the world.
Why Am I ? is a joyous book that helps children to understand and appreciate differences and to embrace that which is unique in each of us.
Why Am I ? teaches tolerance. We believe that Why Am I ?, C.A. Wulff's wonderful new book, should have wide distribution. Kids 4-8 love it and we see it as the beginning of a series.
-------------------------------
We have free reader copies of all the books in the Planet Of The Dogs series for therapy dog organizations, individual therapy dog owners, librarians, teachers and independent bookstores... email us at planeto[email protected] and we will send you the books.
To read sample chapters of any book in the series, visit PlanetOfTheDogs
The Planet Of The Dogs series (including Castle In The Mist and Snow Valley Heroes, A Christmas Tale) is available from many Internet sources and through independent book stores of all sizes.
The photo of Kite and Rose, the therapy dog, is by Susan Purser.
...............
" You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." -- Robert Louis Stevenson
.......
Recent Comments