A Blue Dog Christmas

by George Rodrigue

For the Blue Dog Man, Christmas is a holiday steeped in sentiment, a season that evokes the artist's earliest recollections of drawing, painting - and forming the first tentative thoughts about the canine who, decades later, would become his signature creation. In A Blue Dog Christmas, the painter takes readers back in time, to New Iberia, Louisiana, in the 1950s. On a quiet street in this sleepy bayou town, the twelve-year-old George Rodrigue found his calling, and discovered that the true meaning of Christmas is not to give, but to create. With original holiday-themed prints, George Rodrigue adds a new dimension to the now- legendary Blue Dog tale. Through his art, he illustrates how his childhood pets, Lady and Trixie (both terrier/spaniels like Tiffany, the inspiration for Blue Dog), played a central role in the family's Christmas festivities. The joyous images in this volume are based on his heartwarming memories of the dogs' holiday antics. This enlightening Christmas tale combines the appeal of almost twenty new Blue Dog images with an invigorating design that even includes an irresistible Blue Dog tree ornament. A Blue Dog Christmas will charm new readers and be cherished by longtime fans for many yuletides to come.

Genres: Christmas, Art, Holiday

48 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2000

Reviews

[Karen]

I love Blue Dog and the story of how he came to be was enchanting. Mr. Rodrigue’s love of his dogs Lady, Trixie and Tiffany led to the creation. I became familiar with Blue Dog in New Orleans in 2001 where a gallery showcased large paintings of GR’s work. Just so darn cute, Blue Dog has been a part of each of my Christmas’ since - a tree ornament came with the book and hangs faithfully on our tree every year.

[Mariëlle]

2,5 star! It's the personal story of the artist about Christmas time in his childhood and how Blue Dog came about. Especially if you like dogs and/or the Blue Dog art this can be an interesting story.

[Joseph]

I LOVE Blue Dog, this was a nice insight to the artist's personal history and connection to his muse as well as his childhood holiday memories.

[Abigail (Abbe)]

The artwork is whimsical and beautiful. I think my grandmother would have loved it. This book even comes with a Christmas ornament. How sweet. I enjoyed this book and how this man found rebirth in himself and in his work through the magic of dogs.

[Phyllis]

Starts out a little boring, but all dog lovers will connect with his "dogs are the center of a dog lover's life" art and prose.

[Wendy]

A sweet and nostalgic look at how we view Christmas as we age. And at the return to simple joys.

[Theresa Lange]

Really neat!