A Christmas Carol - by Adam McKeown (Hardcover)

About the Book

A miser learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his past and foretell his future.

Book Synopsis

Even the youngest readers can enjoy Charles Dickens's classic Christmas tale in this beautifully illustrated picture-book version of the holiday favorite, simple to read but with all the magic of Dickens's voice preserved.

Follow miserly Scrooge as he is whisked through the night by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come in order to face his selfish treatment of Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Families will enjoy reading this shortened version of Dickens's story together, with its warm illustrations that capture every twist and turn.

Review Quotes

"All the key elements of Dickens's seasonal ghost story remain intact in this skillful adaptation. McKeown streamlines the story while remaining true to the language and eerie aspects of the original."--Publishers Weekly

"Would make a fine read-aloud for an elementary-age group or a useful introduction before attending the play. . . . The lessons Scrooge learned are still valuable and worthy of passing along to younger readers, who can meet these famous characters and learn the origin of the oft-quoted 'Humbug!'"--Kirkus

"The full pages of engaging watercolor and digital media illustrations effectively take readers into the scenes of regret, past merriment, and, finally, redemption. . . . An appropriate choice for a family read-aloud or for newly independent readers."--School Library Journal

About the Author

ADAM McKEOWN has taught literature and writing at Tulane, Princeton, Adelphi, and New York University. He is the author of several adaptations of classics for young readers, including a picture book retelling of A Christmas Carol, and has taught Shakespeare in both Africa and the Middle East. He is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and he was deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

GERALD KELLEY received his BFA from Texas Tech University and is the illustrator of My Name Is Bob by James Bowen and Garry Jenkins (the picture-book version of the New York Times bestseller A Street Cat Named Bob). Charles Dickens is one of his favorite writers, but Gerald doesn't much care for gruel. He lives in Denver, Colorado.