The traditional English carol, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," has been sung and enjoyed throughout the holiday season for centuries. In keeping with its courtly tone, most illustrated treatments of the song use a formal art style. Now, a new version is geared specifically to young readers, using playful images of animals romping and cavorting to the song's lyrics. Imagine beret-wearing French hens, four "calling" birds chatting on the phone, or frolicking frogs as the lords-a-leaping. Colorful, lighthearted scenes by acclaimed illustrator Dan Andreasen bring a whole new interpretation to the holiday carol. From the first day to the twelfth, readers of all ages will enjoy this rendition of counting down the days of Christmas.

Illustrator: Dan Andreasen
Dan Andreasen's career began as a sculptor for American Greetings Corp., designing figurines, Christmas ornaments, and gift products. He has illustrated more than 25 picture books and is the illustrator of the American Girl characters, Felicity and Samantha. Dan is also the illustrator of the new Little House series of books, "The Rose Years", "The Caroline Years", and "The Charlotte Years". He lives in Medina, Ohio.