The Huron Carol [Hardcover]

Ian Wallace (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

One of the loveliest of all carols, the Huron Carol was written by Father Jean de Brébeuf, a French Catholic priest who settled among the Huron people in the early 1600s. Despite his missionary zeal, Brébeuf was sensitive to the Hurons's beliefs. He wrote the carol in Huron and incorporated the Huron landscape and flora and fauna into the telling of the Christmas story. Ian Wallace brings his gorgeous landscapes and cultural sensitivity to this beautiful and unusual Christmas song, which makes a thoughtful gift for both children and adults.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–This carol was originally written in Huron and French around 1640 by a Jesuit missionary, and sung to the melody of a traditional French carol. The English-language version, written in 1926 by Jesse Middleton, sets the traditional Nativity story in a Huron lodge. Although the earth-toned watercolor illustrations are pleasant, depicting Canadian wildlife, spiritual scenes, and the Huron people, this book will probably only have regional appeal. The music and verses in English, French, and Huron are appended, as is a history of the song.–Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
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From Booklist

Ian Wallace, whose credits stretch from Jan Andrews' The Very Last First Time (1986) to his own picture book Mavis and Merna (2005), illustrates the Canadian Christmas song known as "The Huron Carol." Written around 1641 by a French Jesuit missionary, the song sets the birth of Jesus within the context of Huron culture, celebrating the child, who was wrapped in a rabbit skin, lying in a lodge, serenaded by angel choirs, honored by "hunter braves," and visited by chiefs bearing gifts of fox and beaver pelts. Music and English, French, and Huron verses are appended. Drawing on a long, rich tradition in Canadian art, Wallace finds inspiration in nature. His angels appear not only to human hunters but also to wolves, bears, moose, foxes, and birds, which are all inspired to make their way to the nativity. In the well-composed watercolor paintings, the many night scenes gradually give way to a radiant day. A beautiful, moving interpretation. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Groundwood Books; Tra edition (August 2, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0888997116
• ISBN-13: 978-0888997111
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 10.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,347,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)