The words of Mel Tormé and Robert Wells' holiday classic, The Christmas Song, also commonly known as Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire, are paired in this sweet picture book with the artwork of Canadian illustrator Doris Barrette. As the lyrics speak of people bundled up for the winter cold, of children keeping an eye out for Santa and his sleigh, the illustrations colorfully depict all of the traditional wintertime Christmas activities mentioned in the text...

Although I have fond memories of listening to this classic song as a child—my parents had the Nat King Cole version—I don't know that I would ever have picked up this picture book presentation, were it not on a list of Christmas carol picture books that I started a while back. Of course, it's not so much a Christmas carol as a Christmas song, but still, I was curious to see what Barrette would do with the task. I'm so glad I gave it a chance, as I found The Christmas Song: Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire delightful! The artwork is somewhat flat, but in a very appealing, stylized way. I'm not sure I can correctly describe the medium, and the colophon here doesn't give any helpful information, but I thought these visuals were simply lovely. I recommend this one to fans of the song, and to picture book readers looking for fun Christmas fare. It pairs very nicely with a recording of the song being sung. ( )

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose . . .

Presents the popular Christmas song, with illustrations focusing on family togetherness.

Nicely illustrated version of the classic Christmas song. ( )