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A Firefly in a Fir Tree: A Carol for Mice
When Hilary Knight discovered mice in his studio, he set about designing them a special outdoor home. The mice had unique talents of their own. Maude, an expert needle-mouse, complemented Max's way with a hammer. Both shared a keen eye for found objects. Mr. Knight's watercolor journal of this charming couple's enterprise, accompanied by Maude's daily notations, has become a joyous celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1963
1 person is currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Hilary Knight
140Ìýbooks46ÌýfollowersHilary Knight writes, "I attribute any abilities I possess to the fact that both my parents are artists and writers. My father, Clayton Knight, is well-known for his aviation paintings and books. My mother, Katharine Sturges, has done fashion drawings, fabric designs as well as many children's books" (The Horn Book, 1968).
Born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, in 1926. Childhood spent on Long Island and in New York City. Attended Art Students League, New York, where he studied under Reginald Marsh.
The Navy interrupted his studies from 1944 to 1946, but Mr. Knight went on painting -- ships. His own career began when several of his humorous drawings were published in "House and Garden" and "Mademoiselle." His famous illustrations for Eloise by Kay Thompson came out in 1955 followed by several sequels. He has illustrated more than fifty books for children, six of which he wrote himself.
Born in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, in 1926. Childhood spent on Long Island and in New York City. Attended Art Students League, New York, where he studied under Reginald Marsh.
The Navy interrupted his studies from 1944 to 1946, but Mr. Knight went on painting -- ships. His own career began when several of his humorous drawings were published in "House and Garden" and "Mademoiselle." His famous illustrations for Eloise by Kay Thompson came out in 1955 followed by several sequels. He has illustrated more than fifty books for children, six of which he wrote himself.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 15, 2022
Based on the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, this tale explores what gifts a husband mouse would give his wife mouse.
Funny and cute!
Ages: 2 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Funny and cute!
Ages: 2 - 8
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell !
December 8, 2021
An adorable little bit of Christmas whimsy, where the twelve days of Christmas are reimagined in a whole new way by two little mice in their mouse house, with each gift being something from their surroundings ("...three thistle dusters, two silver pins, and a firefly in a fir tree.") My favorite was the "seven spiders spinning," creating the word "Joy" in their web in a window with the dark blue night sky showing behind the glistening web. Very sweet text and creative illustrations by Hilary Knight.
December 29, 2021
This is my first Hilary Knight book. I am always delighted to find a new author that charms me so fully. I love Christmas so there was little doubt I would enjoy this one. This is one of my favorite songs- one of the first that I ever learned for Christmas- and I would absolutely use this version for my annual holiday celebration. The illustrations are so very heart-warming to be irresistibly joyful simply flipping through the book. This will be one I visit year after year.
April 11, 2025
A very cute book to read for Christmas time to the students. I actually picked this book up not knowing it was Christmas themed lol. This book is a spin off basically of the twelve days of Christmas song. I love the illustrations of this book but the only downside I have is that it doesn’t teach a lesson of anything it’s just cute.
December 20, 2020
The 12 Days of Christmas song takes a turn when Hilary Knight creates a carol for mice. It's a cute song that highlights gifts that could be given between two adorable mice.
2020 storytime theme: Merry & Bright Read Aloud Extravaganza
Reviewed from a library copy.
2020 storytime theme: Merry & Bright Read Aloud Extravaganza
Reviewed from a library copy.
December 17, 2021
I love the creativity in this book to a old classic. It would be a great jumping off book to have each of the family create their own twelve days of Christmas list of gifts that they would love if money were no object.
December 14, 2021
Very cute. Perfect for young kids.
September 22, 2022
9/22/22 Read with Julia
December 7, 2022
A child might enjoy the illustrations, but this book lacks enduring charm.
January 3, 2025
When we checked this out at the library, the librarian praised the book, saying she liked it for how it highlights making joy out of what you already have. I do love this author/illustrator, and this book does just that: shows a pair of mice who make gifts out of tiny treasures, finding ways to make cheer out of the ordinary accoutrements of life. An adorable Christmas tale.
December 19, 2019
Lovely gem of a book with verse and artwork perfect for young ones - they enjoy singing the "days" while we sing the gifts part. The artwork draws children in and you can ask them to count the items.
March 7, 2017
Such a cute story with mice and the 12 days of Christmas in their world. Loved the illustrations.
December 15, 2009
So many details in each page. Great illustrations.
April 5, 2010
The kid does not care about seasons when choosing books to read.
December 22, 2011
Winnie and I just finished this one. Super cute illustrations ... I wonder if I would have liked the original as much as these new ones.
October 2, 2012
The 12 Days of Christmas for mice.
December 6, 2013
My son and I read--and sang--this together. It's a cute and fun book--lovely, colorful, and detailed illustrations--a novel twist on "The Twelve Days of Christmas."
December 19, 2024
A Christmas Carol based on the Twelve Days of Christmas, featuring mice explaining the gifts being presented.
September 18, 2012
Cute Book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
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