Joe Sutphin’s illustrations to this classic Christmas story provide an anthropomorphistic  slant to the tale while remaining true to the story’s core.  The illustrations support and enhance the reading experience without being distracting.  Notice, there is a little moth that shows up periodically in some of the illustrations even though he is not mentioned in the novella; it’s as though Joe Sutphin included the moth as a background character that stays with Scrooge in his home and ties the Scrooge’s learning experiences together.  I took some time after reading the book, to go back through the pages and soak in the illustrations again on their own.  It was then that I noticed the moth’s consistent presence.   Readers of all ages appreciate this publication with its rich portrayal of “ A Christmas Carol”.  Without a doubt the heartfelt and powerful truth proclaimed by tiny Tim rings true,  “God bless us, everyone!”

A Christmas Carol: An Engaging Journey by Charles Dickens

illustrated by: Jill De Haan

Beautiful illustrations consisting of book quotes painted in script, paintings, and drawings take the reader on a visually appealing Victorian England journey while reading this classic novella. Filled with imagery, unique characters, a rich plot, and depth of meaning full of thoughtful truths, the reader is engagingly immersed in an unforgettable story that has stood the test of time and been adapted numerous times for the theatrical stage, film, and animation. I highly recommend this publication. In addition, biographical information about the author, Charles Dickens, reader discussion questions with some christian perspective included, as well as four classic short stories, by various authors including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are included, and a variety of Victorian Christmas carols are included to bring the book to a delightful end.