Celebrated actress Jane Seymour joins the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and illustrator Omar Rayyan to explore the story behind the beloved Christmas carol, Good King Wenceslas, in this lovely holiday picture-book and DVD. The text of the book - and the performance upon which it is based - is split between Seymour's narrative based upon and fleshing out the story in the carol, while the verses of the carol also appear, at relevant moments. In the actual performance, Seymour herself narrates the story elements, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing the verses of the carol. Every couple of pages there are also little inset panels, giving historical background about such topics as: St. Stephen's Day (during which the story occurs), Page Boys in Medieval Times, Medieval Castles, and Christmas Celebrations in the Middles Ages. The artwork by Omar Rayyan, who has illustrated many beautiful fairy and folk-tale retellings, depicts the pageantry and revelry of the human scenes, and the wintry beauty of the natural ones...

It has taken me some time to track down this presentation of Good King Wenceslas, which seems to have been my carol of choice this past holiday season (2018), to judge by the number of versions I have read. Many of the picture-books that I have picked up, in this vein, use the text of the carol alone for a narrative, or, if they explore the story behind the carol, include the text of the carol at the beginning or end of the book. Here, the two are intermingled, which makes sense, once you have watched the accompanying DVD, and seen how the performance itself is structured. I found Seymour's narrative (and narration) engaging, and appreciated the inclusion of the little historical asides, although, given that there is some non-fiction content here, I would have loved it if she has included a list of sources for young readers interested in learning more about Medieval Europe. The illustrations by Omar Rayyan are, as I expected, given my appreciation of his work elsewhere, just beautiful. Recommended to anyone who loves the carol, Good King Wenceslas, and is looking for an engaging, and beautifully-produced presentation of it, in picture-book form. ( )

Good King Wenceslas by Jane Seymour's
4 STARS

I was just given the review on the ebook I recieved,it only had story not the DVD or big enough pictures to see the details.
I bet all of the things included in the hard back book would recieve 5 stars.

I have heard the song, I have even song it. But I never paid attention to the story before.
What a good example the King was to go out and help those poor in need and teach that to other generations to help those who have less. To share by choice because you see a need. Which is a important lesson for all to learn.

I think this would be a good book to have and read each Christmas season. I know that it is one that I plan to seek out and have for future Christmas to share.

I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review by Netgalley.

11/14/2012 PUB Shadow Mountain Publishing 32 pages ISBN-10: 1609071433

Description below taken off of Netgalley.com

One snowy evening, when the rest of the kingdom is reveling in a celebratory feast, a king and his faithful page venture out to deliver food, wood, and comfort to a poor peasant family. "Good King Wenceslas" is the beloved Christmas carol that relates this tender story, and it is brought to life in this book and DVD by actress Jane Seymour and artist Omar Rayyan. The sumptuous illustrations reflect the medieval setting of this tale, capturing the lavish Feast of St. Stephen at the castle and the arduous trek through heavy snow to a humble cottage deep within the forest. The original lyrics to the song, set to music more than 150 years ago, are interwoven throughout the story. The actions of the kind, humble Bohemian king reflect the invitation of another King to follow in His footsteps, bringing the blessings of Christmas to all of His kingdom.

The book includes a DVD featuring Jane Seymour's narration of this classic story, performed with the world-acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Also included ( )