About the Author

Ilse Plume is a collector and illustrator of traditional songs and folktales from around the world. She is also the illustrator The Farmer in the Dell (also by Godine

Reviews

Plume has drawn on her studies of old manuscripts, books of hours, miniatures, and bestiaries, plus her knowledge of Italy to produce a rich tribute to the Italian Renaissance. Paintings, as if executed on old vellum or parchment, depict a young woman in fancy dress and her true love resplendent in garden and household settings enjoying each day's gifts. The text, variously framed, is surrounded by flower embellishments, birds, vines, and other natural bits. Jan Brett's illustrations (Putnam, 1986) have more storytelling appeal; and Irene Trivas' energetic prose version, Emma's Christmas: An Old Song (Orchard, 1988), is more fun. Plume's near-trademark use of purple, gilt, and a full palette of colors makes this an elegant , if somewhat stiff, presentation of the song. Words and music with piano accompaniment and guitar chords in the key of F are included.

With the publication of this volume, the illustrator of The Hedgehog Boy and The Bremen-Town Musicians , a Caldecott Honor Book, adds another outstanding accomplishment to her credit. Reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages, Plume's lyrical paintings incorporate exquisitely rendered flowers, fruits and animals into elaborate Italian Renaissance settings, in which a golden-haired maiden is given the familiar series of Christmas gifts by her generous ``true love.'' Plume's extensive research of this intriguing era and its art has produced a labor of love. The handsome volume features parchment-colored pages whose edges have been darkened and ``cracked'' to enhance the antiquarian illusion. The song's musical arrangement is also included in the book, which deserves a spot under every Christmas tree. All ages. (Sept.)