(2) K-3 Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman. Hyman's illustrations for Thomas's Christmas classic seem to have grown organically from the text, so fitting and evocative are they. Jewel tones in most interior scenes create a warm, cozy, intimate atmosphere; whites and grays for most exterior scenes transport readers of this small volume--here reissued with a bit more glitz, but not excessively so--to the Welsh seaside town of Thomas's childhood.

Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 1985; November, 2017

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Chris Raschka. Raschka's loose gestural style seems to have been destined to illustrate Thomas's evocative free-associating memoir. Handmade paper adds a textural fizz to the gouache and ink art, full of bright colors, flowing calligraphic lines, and white paint daubs for snow. The elegant and restrained design includes generous leading and meticulously planned page breaks. An exquisite blend of fine bookmaking and compatible sensibility.

Reviewer: Lolly Robinson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2004