(4) K-3 Retold by Adam McKeown. Illustrated by Gerald Kelley. The picture book adaptation of Dickens's classic Christmas tale will satisfy those who want to introduce young children to the plot, but it leaves out the clever language and biting social satire that Dickens is famous for. McKeown's storytelling is satisfactory and Kelley's full-bleed paintings are appropriately spooky, but the whole is a pale shadow of the original.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) 4-6 Classics Illustrated series. Adapted by Rodolphe Meyrand. Illustrated by Estelle Meyrand. Condensed graphic-novel versions of Stevenson's novel and two of Dickens's works (including the less well-known Mugby Junction) give reluctant readers an entryway into classic literature. The retellings are only adequate, but the illustrations and pacing of the graphic novels serve the material well. While not a substitute for the originals, these books retain some of the tone and flavor. Review covers these Classic Illustrated titles: Scrooge and Kidnapped.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(4) YA Classic Graphic Novel Collection series. Adapted by Brigit Viney. These graphic novel retellings of classic tales present dialogue in modern-day English; there's some awkwardness in the conversions. The books are accessible, though, and could serve as introductions to the original texts. Jane Eyre is illustrated in staid period style, and the other volumes' pictures may appeal to readers accustomed to glossy motion-picture animation. Glos. Review covers these Classic Graphic Novel Collection titles: Jane Eyre, Great Expectations, Henry V, Macbeth, and Frankenstein.

Reviewer: Shoshana Flax

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Brett Helquist. This simplified version of Dickens's classic Christmas story is accessible for a picture book audience. The text loses much of its richness in the abbreviation, but children may find it a useful (if pallid) introduction to the story's events. Illustrator Helquist (A Series of Unfortunate Events) uses sharp angles and saturated colors to create a spooky Victorian ambiance.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Robert Ingpen. Ingpen's fans will be the obvious audience for this edition of Dickens's classic Christmas story. The large book, printed on heavy cream-colored paper, also includes Dickens's lesser-known short story "A Christmas Tree." Ingpen's ghostly illustrations highlight the scarier parts of the tales. Reading list.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by P. J. Lynch. This volume includes the complete text of Dickens's classic "ghostly little book." The familiar story is here illustrated by Lynch, who spares no detail in his work. His luminous watercolor and gouache pictures capture the many moods of the story, at times melancholy, spooky, and jubilant. The thoughtful design appropriately mimics that of a nineteenth-century tome.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Dean Morrissey. This attractive gift book features a smooth abridgment accompanied by detailed paintings. Although the illustrations are rich and lush, there is a lack of emotion in the characters, particularly Scrooge. Occasional discrepancies between art and text are sure to be noticed by sharp-eyed readers.

Reviewer: Susan Halperin

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger. The complete text of the classic story has been embellished with Zwerger's distinctive and cannily interpretive illustrations. The book has been reissued in a smaller format than the original oversize edition.

Reviewer: The Horn Book, Inc. | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1988

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Harvey Chan. Dickens's parable concerns a traveler who comes across a child and plays with him for a while, then loses sight of the child but immediately comes upon a boy with whom he learns, and so on through the stages of life. The sentimental conceit seems dated, but adults may enjoy the handsome presentation and Chan's muted oil-pastel illustrations.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 1-3 Illustrated by Robert Florczak. Dickens is perfectly tongue-in-cheek describing seven-year-old "Princess" Alicia, who courageously slaves away caring for her eighteen brothers and sisters while the family endures all manner of disaster. A magic wish-bone, properly employed, leads to the early arrival of payday, good fortune, and soon, Alicia's wedding to Prince Certainpersonio. The illustrations often give surreal results out of step with Dickens's spot-on tone.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) YA Whole Story series. Illustrated by William Geldart. Historical notes, small color photographs, and illustrations in the margins, along with a few double-page spreads offering more information, supplement the text of Dickens's classic holiday tale about generosity. The additional notes add to the crowded format and are by no means comprehensive, but provide some interesting facts. The watercolor sketches are of average quality.

Reviewer: Anne St. John