Deck the Hall: A Traditional Carol

by Sylvia Long

Bestselling artist Sylvia Long brings the holidays to life in this beautifully illustrated edition of a beloved Christmas carol. Readers will delight in singing along with the familiar lyrics celebrating the joys of the season—decorating the mantel, singing carols and sharing quiet moments with family. A wonderful gift, this lively carol and the rich details of Sylvia Long's illustrations combine perfectly to evoke the magic and warmth of this favorite time of year.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Music, Holiday

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

Sylvia Long is the illustrator of several books for children including the best sellers Ten Little Rabbits and Alejandro's Gift.
Ms. Long's detailed paintings are inspired by her love of animals and the outdoors. She lives in Arizona.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

The immensely talented Sylvia Long, whose gorgeous artwork can be seen in fairy-tale titles like Sylvia Long's Thumbelina and Sylvia Long's Mother Goose , as well as Dianna Hutts Aston's gorgeous natural-history picture-books ( An Egg Is Quiet , A Seed Is Sleepy , etc.), turns her attention to the well known Christmas carol in this cute holiday book. Using the lyrics of Deck the Halls as her text, Long depicts a family of bunnies, as they prepare for and celebrate the holiday, donning their gay apparel, and trolling their yuletide carols.

As with many of the other Christmas carol picture-books I have been reading, this season, I listened to a recording of the song, done by the Deller Consort, while reading, and that greatly enhanced my experience! These aren't really stories, after all, but songs, so having the music to hand is a great bonus. The artwork here is cute - bunny-lovers will be in seventh heaven - despite not being a personal favorite, when it comes to my appreciation of Long's work. All in all, this is a solidly engaging presentation of this beloved Christmas carol, one I would recommend to those readers looking for such titles, or to fans of the artist.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess if you like pictures of bunnies in clothes, this might have appeal. Too many of the illustrations have them in an odd head-upturned-singing pose.

The book's dedication seems to imply the illustrator has only one son, but for me, the unlikely depiction of these rabbit parents having an only child seemed bizarre.

[E & E’s Mama · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliot and I enjoy Sylvia Long's books, particularly her other two picture books based on songs, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Hush Little Baby. He has been requesting this one all week. I sing it to him and sometimes grab some bells to accompany my voice. A bunny family (I think the same one from Hush Little Baby) celebrates Christmas with decorating their home, going ice skating together, singing carols at church, baking cookies, and other sweet activities together.
Recommended read-aloud age: any age since babies love being sung to and older kids can sing along.

[Jarno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi everybody I am back with another update. This book
That i read is Deck The Hall by Sylvia Long.
In the beginning one bunny was putting the ribbon by
Their stairs. The momma bunny was decorating around
The stairs.
In the middle they gathered around the fire place. They
We’re looking at the fire.
In the end they were playing in the snow. They were
Making angels.
I hope everybody is having a good weekend. I will be
Back with the next update I’m not sure when.
Bye.

[Ophelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved to hear auntie em and meredith sing this to me!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun, you can either sing the words in the book or speak them. My kids had a lot of fun going through the book and singing the words as I read them. The illustrations are fun and colorful. We love how old fashion the illustrations look and yet perfect to go with a traditional carol we all love.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of Sylvia Long's beautifully illustrated picture books; readers will recognize the rabbit family from Long's Hush Little Baby, and the rabbit "child" is even wearing the same pair of star pajamas from the other book. Love the little bits of whimsy and celebration, such as the iced gingerbread rabbit cookies and the carrot ornaments that go on the Christmas tree. A treasure to read with a young one during the holiday.