Thomas Kinkade - or more accurately, Thomas Kinkade Studios - provide the artwork for this picture-book presentation of the beloved Christmas carol, Away in a Manger. The illustrations, which look to be done in oil paint, alternate between what looks like a (highly idealized) Victorian English country village, and the ancient Holy Land, where the Nativity Story occurs...

After perusing and enjoying the picture-book presentation of this carol done by Mike Jaroszko in 2008, I picked up the Kinkade version, done in 2005, with some interest. I was familiar with Kinkade previously - he apparently trademarked the moniker "The Painter of Light" - but mostly associated his work with greeting cards, and with the paintings sold at his stores in various shopping malls here in the states. I was not aware that he (or his studio) did picture-books, until searching for versions of this carol. I'm glad I tracked it down - Christmas carol picture-books are a pet project of mine - but unfortunately, I didn't find the book itself very appealing. The artwork sometimes looked garish, with the over-use of whites and yellows to create the impression of light. The Victorian (I think?) scenes felt somehow fake, and I didn't care for the blurriness of the paintings, which prevents the reader from appreciating any little detail. I know Kinkade has his fans, but I infinitely preferred the version done by Jaroszko, and recommend it, rather than this, to those seeking picture-book presentations of Away in a Manger. ( )

this one is beautifully illustrated by Thomas Kincade. I love it. ( )

This is the song with wonderful illustration by Kinkade.