On Christmas Day in the Morning: A Traditional Carol

by John Langstaff (Foreword), Melissa Sweet (Illustrator)

A vividly illustrated version of a traditional English carol offers a celebration of nature and the cycle of seasons, depicting the renewal of the Earth and the world as a component of the Nativity.

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1959

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Taking the words of the traditional English folk-song and Christmas carol, There Was a Pig Went Out To Dig as her text, illustrator Melissa Sweet delivers an engaging holiday picture-book, one that will have plenty of appeal for young animal lovers. Included by Lucy Broadwood in her 1893 collection, English County Songs , this carol follows a series of animals as they undertake all the traditional farming activities, pairing animal and task based on rhyme - a pig digs, a cow plows, a sparrow harrows, a crow sows, a sheep reaps, a drake rakes, and a minnow winnows - with everything occurring on Christmas day, in the morning.

With an informative foreword by John Langstaff, about the origins of the song, and the rural folk customs from which it most likely sprang, and colorful artwork, done in watercolor, gouache and collage by Melissa Sweet, On Christmas Day in the Morning is an appealing holiday title. I wasn't familiar with this song, before picking it up - I immediately thought of another Christmas carol, I Saw Three Ships, when I saw the title - and was pleased to expand my knowledge. I also appreciated the illustrator's note, about the meaning behind the motifs she used, in her decorative borders. There's not much of a story here, but for readers looking for picture-book presentations of Christmas carols and songs, it will still be a winner.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute book about singing to your crops to make them grow big and strong. It's very sweet and I loved the illustrations. But all I kept thinking about was all the work that was happening on Christmas Day in the morning.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another John Langstaff offering. I had no idea that these were the actual words to this Christmas carol but if I am ever with younger children again during Christmas time we are going to be singing this one with actions!

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this slim volume of carols, John Langstaff includes a short introduction about Christmas carols. The book is lavishly illustrated by Antony Groves-Raines with full color and detailed drawings. The best part of this book is that it actually contains printed music, easy enough for beginners to play. The combination of these three elements makes this a delightful book of carols for the entire family to enjoy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just okay. It might have helped if we had been familiar with the Christmas Carol. My son was more interested in the details about the symbols used in the illustrations than in the book itself. Melissa Sweet's work is always a treat to look at and explore.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zander, my six year old, who I don't know has ever heard this song, was singing it with me from the 2nd verse. It is such a easy and memorable song. I especially loved the explanation of different Christmas symbols at the end of the book.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t my favorite, but I could see how it could be a good book to read with a particularly active child.

[Becker Children · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids liked this book: I sang it to the tune of “I saw three ships”, because I thought this book was going to be an illustration of that Christmas carol, so I was thrown off from the start.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book you can sing. Fantastic holiday selection. My son was fascinated by the walking minnow and the location of his farm by a body of water. It was also neat to show the kids what winnowing is.

[Jennifer Rummel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I met Melissa Sweet and now I need to read her books. I really liked the explanation in the back of the books on the symbols of the season -a fun book.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy and I read this book together on Christmas Eve. We were both unfamiliar with the carol so we both learned something!

[Danette · Rating 2 out of 5]

That was different.
Listened to Gramie read it to Julia.