Book:
The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter
1987, F. Warne Publishing
Christmastide again! I have no excuse for the long hiatus I’ve had from here. I’m just sorry that I’ve yet again let everything else get in the way!
But I’ve still got a massive amount of books in mind to discuss. I thought that this year we could do something a little different, and have a series of mini posts for the 12 Days of Christmas.
Today’s book is The Tailor of Gloucester by Beatrix Potter. It’s the story of a poor tailor who is commissioned to make a coat and waistcoat for the Mayor of Gloucester, who is getting married on Christmas Day in the morning. While suitable for all ages, there is a lot of vocabulary which children may not know. However, I think it really does not matter, as most of it is there to create atmosphere.
But the reason I would recommend this book for Christmas Day (or perhaps even more appropriately, Christmas Eve) is for the peculiar section near the end where the tailor’s cat Simpkin goes walking in the snow at night on Christmas Eve. He goes through a series of little vignettes which act as a sort of morality play, or perhaps his own personal Christmas Carol experience.
It is all full of the particular atmosphere, mystery and melancholy which are so suited to a cold Winter night. The illustrations, which are more detailed and emotional than usual for Potter, reinforce the impression.
If that is the kind of mood you are looking for, then this is a great book to curl up with on a bleak Winter night. Tea is optional, but recommended
The Rereader's Kitchen 
Our family loves this book! (Actually, all of her books) And I agree that children of all ages can enjoy more sophisticated vocabulary – my youngest is two and sits rapt to hear the story.
Yes! It’s great for kids to be immersed in language, it really helps them have more facility with it later on.
I have never read this book but you made it sound like something I would want to read. A la recherche!
It’s definitely worth a read!