I have a very small Christmas book on the shelf . I found it several years ago when I collected many children's Christmas books for EGS and EGD when they were 3. I wrapped them up and they had enough for opening one each day through advent.
This one isn't really a book for children aged 3, which is why I kept it. It has illustrations by Edward Ardizzone who was a writer and illustrator for so many children's books back in the 50's and 60's
Dylan Thomas published this in 1952 and it was recorded for radio. It started as a shorter piece for radio 'Memories of Christmas' in 1945. It looks back to the Christmas of his youth in Wales. He died in 1953 aged just 39.
This was an adaptation for TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDEqeydrEgo
I had a very quiet Sunday, it was quite chilly in the morning when I went for a speedy short walk up and down the lane to the trees in the header photo. Then I dived into the Val McDermid - Karen Pirie library book and stayed in the warm. I'm wishing I'd started reading these before they were on TV and in the right order - but I've jumped in at the end. There are no plans yet for season 3 on TV yet so two more books have been reserved.
I love Richard Burton's recording of this piece.
ReplyDeleteI was going to link to that but then came across the TV thing which I'd never seen before
DeleteThere's something very special about snow globes.
ReplyDeleteMy 2 are out on the bookcase.
DeleteI agree with Angela, Richard Burton's recording is superb. Such a lovely book.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is doing the Advent Christmas books too and we've gathered them cheaply from charity shops to add to the ones we already had.
Thank goodness for books to get us through the short days.
Penny
I was surprised how easy it was to find all those Christmas books from charity shops years ago.
DeleteChristmas is coming so quickly. My middle son and his family (5 in all) will arrive this Saturday and stay for a whole week in my home. It will be a busy, happy, crazy time which I always enjoy but then I am glad when it is quiet again after they've gone. ;)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely time with family
DeleteI also found the 'Silent Bones' on Audible and it is a good listen, Spied it on your blog the other day.
ReplyDeleteJust finished it - a really good read
DeleteI've always loved Dylan Thomas' writing since my school days. I think I fell in love with Under Milk Wood read by Richard Burton and my love of poetry began. I re-read 'A Child's Christmas in Wales' every year in December, although I have a different copy to yours.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Dylan Thomas got a mention when I was at school - sadly.
DeleteWe love the book and film and have been watching it every Christmas Eve since they made it. When I read the book, I hear the actors' voices,
ReplyDelete'It's lovely, Grandad.' The whole family quotes from it all year. ~ skye
I'd never come across the TV adaptation until finding it - I've been missing out all these years!
DeleteOne of my favourite books and poets!
ReplyDeleteThis has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing the link. I'll watch it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I have never seen that before.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
A lovely presentation of a nostalgic Christmas filled with many traditions and memories. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEdward Ardizzone illustrated a couple of Matthew's favourite books from his childhood - Tim to the Lighthouse and another Tim story. One of them I think Iv'e still got. Many of those stories are too dated for today's children - there are too many changes in general lifestyle and technology so the story looses its flavour.
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect afternoon to have a nice read!
ReplyDelete