jiastar's Full Review: Kate Douglas Wiggin - The Bird's Christmas Carol
As stated in my last review, I recently came upon a box of books that I had kept from my childhood. I, of course, had to reread them ... not only to decide which were appropriate for the bookshelf, but to say hello to some old friends.
The Bird's Christmas Carol by Kate Douglas Wiggin was originally published in 1891. The book I possess is a Scholastic version, titled Carol Bird's Christmas from 1972. Upon reading the original online I can say that the main difference is that the language was simplified so as to make it an easier read for youngsters.
The story
Born on Christmas day, and named for the lilting strains of the Church Choir that drifted into the bedroom where mother and baby both lay resting, Carol Bird was truly a child filled with Christmas Spirit. Even in her toddler years she was so kind and generous that even her older brothers had to comment upon it.
Always somewhat a delicate child, it was at the time she was 5 that it started to become obvious something was wrong. First it was no more than a limp .... and a complaint of weariness which caused her to "rather not go out to play" today. All the love in the world could do nothing to stem her decline, nor could money. For, the Bird's certainly had plenty and would have been willing to lose it all if it could've returned Carol to health.
Instead Mr. Bird had to appease his heart, by using the money he had to make Carol's nursery - the place she grew unable to leave - as beautiful a place to abide as possible.
Her room was extended to have a little sunroom of her own which gave her a number of views. But, none thrilled her as much as that of the family that lived in the alley, and the nine various aged and sized Ruggles children.
And so the story continues with Carol deciding to make this upcoming Christmas about these children. She has grown to know them from her balcony window and knows that there is never quite enough of anything for them to have "as much as they want". And so the plot is hatched to have all 9 children over for a Christmas feast ... which "gleamed with glass and silver.. blushed with flowers.. groaned with good things to eat" ... and, of course, presents. ALl of which are met with bright shining faces filled with delight.
The ending
Yes, I am giving away the ending here. When I first read this book I remember crying and crying because I had not idea of what would come.
Now, I'm sure you have all guessed that this is the tale of Carol Bird's last Christmas. And while the story is sweet and touching, and yes uplifting in spite of its sadness I am reluctant to place it on the bookshelf just yet.
My daughter is 7, and has already lost 2 people dear to her heart. I'm not sure I need her to understand, just yet, that children too can die. I'm not sure I need her to read a story which includes such palpable grief.
Yes it's about Christmas but is it a Christian tale?
Emphatically yes. Now, depending on your own faith this may act as either a reason to buy it or a reason to leave it on the shelf.
There are several references to the religious significance of the day. To both Christ and the Virgin Mary. But, and take this from a non-Christian, it is not preachy.
It is simply a sweet tale about a family, deeply Christian, who lose the greatest gift they ever received.
Final Thoughts
This is a well-written children's book. Some of the language in the original may be unfamiliar as it was originally written at the later part of the 19th century.
Due to the difficult language and the theme I would recommend it for those, not younger than 4th grade. I have seen online education sites, placing it on 5th grade reading lists.
So, bottom line, if you are looking for a holiday gift for an older child this could be very appropriate.
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