Hilary Knight

A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice, updated 2004 edition.

That classic Christmas carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, is given the murine treatment in this sweet holiday picture book from author/illustrator Hilary Knight. A little mouse brings twelve gifts to his beloved for Christmas, from the eponymous firefly in a fir tree through twelve bees-a-buzzing. The rhythm of the text fits with the traditional tune, making this a book that can be sung, as well as read aloud...

Originally show more published in 1963 as part of Knight's Christmas Nutshell Library, a box set containing four miniature volumes, A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice was republished with new and updated artwork in 2004. It is this latter edition I read, although having discovered the box set from 1963, I would like to track that down as well. The text here reads well, and would (as mentioned) work as a sing-aloud, while the artwork is quite cute, depicting the two little mice playing with the various gifts in the song. Recommended to Hilary Knight fans, and to picture book readers looking for unconventional presentations of this beloved carol. show less

The classic carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas, is given the Hilary Knight "treatment" in this charming holiday picture-book, in which Benjamin Bear brings his love Bedelia a series of (twelve) fantastic gifts. From the traditional "partridge in a pear tree," to the somewhat less common "eight maids-a-milking" - represented here as kitties! - each gift sees Benjamin closer to Bedelia's doorstep. Finally, the two are together, and Bedelia is able to unveil her innovative solution to the show more question of what to do with all these gifts...

Hilary Knight's The Twelve Days of Christmas is a holiday title that will hold great appeal for younger children, particularly those who enjoy this artist's illustrative style. I have to confess that it was just a little bit too sweet for my taste, at times, but the overall experience was saved by some of the humorous details. I especially liked the felonious raccoon who keep trying to steal Bedelia's garbage. Definitely one that Hilary Knight fans will want to check out! show less

If you did a double-take when you saw this title, don't worry - you're not alone! My immediate thought was of Martin Handford's immensely popular Where's Waldo series (Where's Wally? in the original British edition), which features intensely detailed illustrations that the reader must peruse, in order to find the eponymous hero. Of course, Waldo/Wally began publication in 1987, whereas Hilary Knight's delightful picture-book came out in 1964, leading me to wonder whether this earlier work show more was an influence on Handford. At the very least, I now have a pretty good idea why the named was changed, here in America!

The story of Wallace, a friendly orangutan who, as he learns more about the world outside his safe home at the Central Park Zoo, begins to escape from his cage more and more often, in order to go exploring, Where's Wallace? alternates between the narrative, accompanied by two-tone illustrations, and full-color two-page spreads in which the reader must search for Wallace in crowded scenes. All the illustrations - two-tone and full-color - are simply delightful, and the story is engaging. I particularly liked the way that Mr. Frumbee, Wallace's nominal keeper, facilitates his charge's frequent breakouts, giving him the opportunity to learn and grow, before bringing him back to the safety of the zoo. Highly recommended to all Hilary Knight fans, as well as to those children who like "search-and-hunt" style books! show less

Hilary Knight's illustrations perfectly fit Edward Lear's poem, as well as providing a splendid framing device for the fanciful story! The reader is drawn into a world that changes with a child's imagination, and so those of any age will find themselves participating in the experiences of the characters! A book children and adults will keep going back to, seeing more and more each time.

Highly recommended for children, as well as those for whom childhood is only a pleasant dream away!