Christmas in the Barn

Reviewed by: Ann Marie Townsend - South Berwick Public Library, South Berwick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2016

Review

Originally published in 1952 with illustrations by Barbara Cooney, reissued with new illustrations in 2004 by Diane Goods,and now reissued with illustrations by Anna Dewdney, this classic Christmas story is updated for a new generation. The illustrations are done with oil paint, pastel, pencil, and marker to be bright and colorful and very appealing with many details for a child to enjoy while listening to the tale. The setting and clothing are changed to be more original time and place. The text is still simple leaving the details for parents to explain according to their beliefs. This colorful new edition is well done, a nice addition to the holiday collection.

Overall Book Score: very good