Take Joy! The Tasha Tudor Christmas Book

by Tasha Tudor (Illustrator)

Lovely oblong hardcover graced by the watercolor illustrations of Tasha Tudor, containing class Christmas stories, songs, & poetry selected & edited by the artist. In 157 pages with illustrations throughout. Orig. published in 1966 by World Publishing, this is a later reprint (with ISBN, so at least the 1970s), but no later date provided. Hardcover book has deep ruby red cloth-covered decorative boards with gilt lettering to spine. Cream-colored DJ with illustration on front.

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

157 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Tasha Tudor was an American illustrator and author of children's books.

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take Joy! has enough material to keep you busy all through the Christmas season. Tudor collects familiar and unfamiliar sources together--poems, stories, songs, recipes, traditions--and cohesively illustrates them to fill the days of Christmas. As you might expect from Tudor, the focus is European and folk-historical. One to keep on the shelf for Christmas storytelling needs.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely collection of Christmas stories, songs, and traditions with Tasha Tudor's wonderful illustrations. A great companion for the Christmas and advent season.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every year I try to find one book and one CD of music to add to our Christmas collection. I try to find something we will want to read over and over again, or listen to every year. Unlike "The Christmas Memory" by Truman Capote (bleah!), which I found recommended in a children's catalog (see my review http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/... ), this book is actually worth reading and getting. I recommend it very highly.

This book is a LOVELY collection of Christmas stories, poems, carols, and legends. It even includes Tasha Tudor's family Christmas traditions including the Christmas traditions they have for their birds, their animals, and their dolls! At about 160 pages, there are many warm and rich stories all accompanied by beautiful illustrations painted as only Tasha Tudor can paint them. Adults as well as children can linger long over the illustrations. There are birds and corgis and squirrels all busy doing things yet adorning the borders of pages. Stop, spend time looking at all the things going on in the illustrations.

The title of the book comes from Father Giovanni, 1513AD, who wrote,
"I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy. Take Joy.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away."

What a beautiful book, what lovely thoughts at this time of year, and at this time in our world. Take Joy!

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tudor is an enchanting illustrator and the stories she compiled for this book are warm, from of old and around the globe. A fun read! Included are many rare Christmas songs (sheet music included!), recipes, and many stories of how the traditions we appreciate happened to get started and passed down to us.

Ages: 4+

Cleanliness: Some stories mention Santa Claus, elves and fairies, and one mentions mythical demons and trolls. Wine, beer, and tobacco are mentioned. The word "breast" is used in reference to a bird and someone's chest. The "Blessed Virgin" is mentioned.

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[Jennifer Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't Tasha Tudor wonderful? I love her illustrations and her quotable expressions of her simple and deliberately natural way of life. This book is how she and her family enjoy Christmas. Lovely. Simply lovely.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and sweet compilation of Christmas stories, traditional carols, family activities, and Tasha Tudor's unmistakabke illustrations. A bit old-fashioned but for those with a nostalgic bent a real treat.

[Emmy's Grammy (Susan) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of this woman, I am now the proud mama of two corgis. Her lifestyle, so different; was such an intriguing way to live.

[Suzi · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Forgotten Books reprint is Dreadful. period.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I pull out and read every year, as I have done for many years now. Always gives a wonderful Christmas feeling.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of carols, poems, and stories.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Christmas book as it has everything. Stories, recipes, and beautiful illustrations.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork, heartwarming Christmas stories. This book was a delight!

[Matt Kelland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to have this as a kid, and decided to reread it now that I live in New England. Still as charming as ever.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always fun to find a new author and I enjoyed our book on Christmas. I would like to see what else she has written

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly sheet music. Stories are very common Christmas tales for the most part. Personal tales lack warmth and intimacy by and large.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

great quotes:

Fra Giovanni AD 1513: I salute you! There is nothing I can give you which you have not; but there is much, that, while I cannot give, you can take.
No heaven can come to us unless our hearts find rest in it today. Take Heaven.
No peace lies in the future which is not hidden in this present instant. Take Peace.
The gloom of the world is but a shadow; behind it, yet, within our reach, is joy. Take Joy.
And so, at this Christmas time, I greet you, with the prayer that for you, now and forever, the day breaks and the shadows flee away.

G K Chesterton poem... A Christmas Carol

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tasha Tudor's illustrated Christmas book Take Joy was first published when my children were young. The tunes, stories & poems and traditions through the eyes and art of Tasha Tudor were a magical introduction to the beauty of Christmas. May you be so fortunate as to find a copy for your own Christmas book collection.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perennial holiday favorite, this book is filled with classic and beautiful illustrations, story segments, and sheet music for many carol songs. Tasha Tudor and family share traditions and stories, recipes (receipts) for delicious treats. Most of Take Joy’s content is distinctly Christian in tone, but I enjoy most the nods to Old World customs, cozy homemade fun, and folktales.

[Groovy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo good. This book was introduced to me by my mother. She would put it out each Christmas - we could not wait.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome collection of traditions, songs, verse, beautiful illustrations...a childhood favorite of mine

[Augusta Jane]

my favorite chirstmas carols

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nostalgic collection of Christmas stories, traditions, and carols.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tasha Tudor. This is part of my Christmas collection

[Lily Bliss]

CWs,:mentions a witch in shakespeare quote


Started December 23rd 2024, after the christmas tree story I believe... I don't have time to finish it so I'll pick it up again next year!