Noah visits his cousin Darcy in Indiana for the twelve days before Christmas. Each of those days, Darcy gives Noah a special Hoosier themed gift. My favorite gifts are the 12 cars a-racing, 6 Amish buggies, 4 mooing cows and a cardinal in a tulip tree. Each evening Noah writes home about the fun he’s had celebrating the holidays and learning about Indiana specialities. Each spread in the book includes a chatty and informative letter on the left side and the words to the classic “Twelve Days of Christmas” carol to highlight the Hoosier gifts on the right.
The illustrations are fantastic. They are fun, bright, colorful and non-fussy. They highlight both the letters through imaginative borders and color and the Hoosier themed words to the traditional carol. My favorite is the bulletin board on the last spread which features much that is special about Indiana such as Kurt Vonnegut, our flag, the Peru Circus and Covered Bridge Festival of Parke County. The illustrations and lyrics make the book appropriate to read to even the youngest among us. Maybe one could even sing the carol to children while enjoying the illustrations. The letters and variety of the illustrations make the book informative for readers of all ages. Author Donna Griffin and Illustrator Troy Cummings are to be commended for “The Twelve Days of Christmas in Indiana.”
Donna Griffin will be at Bookmamas (9 South Johnson Avenue) to sign copies purchased at Bookmamas from 3-5 on Saturday, December 13. Also Bookmamas and Signature of Irvington will be offering a special Twelve Days of Christmas (Tea) In Indiana from 2:00-3:30 on the same date. Tickets for the tea are $12.00 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $8.00 plus tax and gratuity for children. Call Bookmamas at 375-3715 for reservations.
