Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury: The Book
Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury is a large and beautiful book. It measures just under 12" by 12" and is 256 pages long. As can be expected in a book by Brett, the illustrations are captivating. For the most part, they consist of large single or double page paintings, with wide frames. The frames themselves frequently include small scenes showing characters in activities that extend the story. The frames also serve to give the illusion of windows that allows readers a peak into another world. The unique artwork enables the artist to succeed in her goal of making readers believe "that the imaginary place I'm drawing really exists."Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury: The Stories
Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury contains seven of her most popular stories, each of which was originally published as an individual picture book. All of the stories take place in winter. Four are Christmas stories. These include beautifully illustrated versions of "The Twelve Days of Christmas" and "The Night Before Christmas." While none of the stories touch on Christmas as a religious holiday, they do emphasize the Christmas spirit of generosity and sharing. Two of the stories both written and illustrated by Brett, "Trouble with Trolls" and "Christmas Trolls" feature Treva, a clever and kind little girl, who solves problems caused by the impish trolls who live in the woods. In "The Hat," Hedgie the hedgehog, who gets a woolen stocking caught on his head when it blows off of the clothesline, convinces all of the other animals that it's a hat and they need one, too. Other stories include "The Mitten," which is based on a Ukranian folktale, and "The Wild Christmas Reindeer."The Artistry of Jan Brett
As a child, Jan Brett knew she wanted to be an illustrator. While a student at the Museum School in Boston, she had free passes to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where she spent hours enjoying the exhibitions. Her artwork reflect these experiences, as well as her trips around the world.According to Brett, "The traditions in each country I visit amaze and delight me. I love to use them as a starting point, and the details become an intricate part of the background as the story unfolds." In many of her books, Jan Brett uses beautifully designed borders to expand the story.
My Recommendation
This is a very special book. While its size makes it hard for a small child to handle easily, I can see Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury becoming part of a treasured family tradition: the annual holiday read-aloud with family and friends. Jan Brett's Christmas Treasury was published by Putnam in 2001. (ISBN: 9780399237416)