Pairing a text shortened enough to be read in a single session with gasp-inducing illustrations, this rendition of the classic tale is well suited for reading aloud to younger audiences. Opening with an attention-getting "MARLEY WAS DEAD" in block letters, the narrative moves forward without long-winded descriptive passages and inessential details but with the original's sonorous tone intact: "The Spirit answered not, but pointed onward with its hand." The illustrations follow suit with full-page or full-spread scenes of a pared-down human cast in carefully drawn Victorian settings, led by a silver-haired Scrooge whose scowl and sharply chiseled nose perfectly capture his ill humor. The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and To Come are particularly notable presences (the last could double as a Dementor), appearing suddenly and towering over the terrified miser as they guide him through what was, is, and very well could be unless he mends his ways. Which he does, of course, and is last seen happily squiring the newly nimble Tiny Tim and an unnamed Cratchit daughter home.

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.

The beloved Christmas classic is skillfully adapted for this simplified introduction to the tale, amplified by large-format art from the illustrator of A Series of Unfortunate Events. Helquist's artistic style is an excellent match for the Dickensian world of mysterious spirits and spooky graveyards, and the illustrations are full of authentic Victorian details in costumes and settings. The extra-large trim size gives him plenty of room to depict the complex scenes of Scrooge's travels through time and space, and the artist succeeds in making him a believable character who transitions from a grouchy, gray grump to a jovial fellow ready to enjoy life. This abridgement makes the original story accessible to a wide age range and would be a fine preparation for families preparing to attend a theatrical production of A Christmas Carol . (Picture book. 7-12)

Helquist's vision of the classic story depicts a hawkish Scrooge (who's a cadaverous shade of green) against a backdrop of bustling Victorian streets, with pleasing touches of detail, humor and a few frightful strokes. When the clock strikes one, announcing the arrival of the first ghost, the moon hangs in an unholy green sky, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come stands in a tattered cloak, surrounded by eddying mists (but also draped with strings of Christmas lights). The eye-catching art makes a strong pairing to the accessible abridgment of Dickens's text. Ages 5–up. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Oct.)

Gr 5 Up-Over the years, Dickens's holiday classic has been embellished by some of the finest artists around. Michael Foreman, Trina Schart Hyman, Greg Hildebrandt, and Lisbeth Zwerger are just a few of the luminaries who have taken on the challenge originally set by Arthur Rackham in 1915. Joining the list is Lynch, whose watercolor-and-gouache illustrations lavishly enhance this handsome edition, which includes the complete text. Ranging from spot art to full spreads, with something to savor on almost every page, they offer a real flavor of Victorian England and make the most of the inherent drama of the story. The gold-embossed spine and thick, textured paper contribute to the appeal of the package.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.