The Twelve Days of Christmas

I own a series of YA novels written by Shannon Hale that have breathtakingly beautiful cover art in a rather unique style. While I was perusing Amazon for Christmas themed children's books for my son, I came across this one, which when I gave it a closer look seem to share the same characteristics as the cover art on my "Books of Bayern." I realized they must be by the same illustrator. I checked my novels and so it was! Alison Jay's illustrations are stunning. This picture book is gorgeous. Honestly I bought it more for myself than for my child. I saw a reviewer mentioned that some of the days were out of order, but it's not something that I mind. There are different versions of carols, after all. My child, not yet two, seemed to like this book, but I suspect that next Christmas, at nearly 3 years old, is when we'll truly get to enjoy the counting aspect of this carol/book. Honestly, it's so beautiful that even if my child never liked it I would keep it forever for my own enjoyment. I can't recommend it enough if you're a parent/person who likes beautiful children's books, as I am.

Bought this so that my toddler would have pictures to follow along with while we sing the song. The illustrations are lovely indeed but I realized the order of the gifts for the 9th, 10th and 12th days do not follow that of the traditional song (the version that's found most when you look it up or when you hear it sung).It appears others had mentioned this in their reviews too but it seems I missed those. I returned it and bought a different one instead.To note, what I consider to be the traditional version of the song is the one with 9 ladies dancing, 10 lords a leaping, 11 pipers piping and 12 drummers drumming. If that is the version you are looking for, then this book does NOT have it.

This book is incredibly beautiful. I buy and collect children’s illustrated picture books for Christmas. It is large, heavy, and incredibly gorgeous inside. Not the most fascinating plot or story since it’s really just the lyrics to the song, but it is worth it for the art. Amazing crackled glazed whimsical art style. Love it.

This is a beautiful book. I buy my children Christmas books to give them each 12/1 and read throughout the month of December. We loved this book and the gorgeous illustrations.

My 4 years old granddaughter loves it. Lovely art

My three year old and I love this book so much! Jay’s illustrations are sumptuous (as expected) and we loved finding a hidden Santa on each page! Our favorite Christmas book this year.

My grandson loves his books! This was a childhood favorite of mine and then our daughter. Beautiful illustrations.

Beautiful story how they told it.

Really like this book ... no idea about whether or not the 'days' are in the wrong order as I have heard so many variations over the years that I have no idea which is the 'correct' version - I just enjoy this book for what it is: a beautifully illustrated Christmas book that gets me in the festive mood!

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and they correspond nicely with the rhyme. Bought for 6 year old and 5 year old love and have learnt it almost by heart since Christmas.

Really great book, with beautiful illustrations. A joy to read and share with the younger generation.

great book

There's no doubt this is a beautifully illustrated book but it only gets one star because the ninth, tenth and twelfth days feature the wrong gifts given on the wrong days due to the lyrics being jumbled up. This is a real howler by the publisher, who should be should be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart...However, for the ultimate illustrated book of The Twelve Days of Christmas, with lyrics all present and correct, look no further than the superlative version by Jane Ray.