So, we've seen the illustrations by C.A. Murphy from Wonder Books' 1957 adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," but what about the story? How does it stack up?
I think Arthur Beckhard does a good job with the text. It's aimed squarely at 'tweens - the back cover says ages 6-12, but it doesn't really talk down to kids. It's just simplified and Americanized for the younger audience.
In fact, the time and place of the story are never mentioned. It's obviously some time in the past, but a kid would never know it took place in London unless someone told them!
Arthur Beckhard had a knack for such kid things, as he also penned some biographies for the younger set:
He also was a writer on a couple of Shirley Temple movies:
That some serious kiddie cred!
As for his adaptation, it gets in just about every major event from the original book, although some of them only briefly. I think the only scene from the book that doesn't get at least a nod is the future sequence with Caroline and her husband feeling relief at Scrooge's death.
Also, Ignorance and Want are not personified as children here, but the Ghost of Christmas Present does mention them along with Greed as problems in the world.
Other than that, there's not much in the way of social commentary, but that's how it is with most adaptations anyway, especially those aimed at kids.
There is one interesting wrinkle thrown in, however. At Fred's party, Scrooge mentions to him that Peter Cratchit needs a job. So apparently Fred stopped by the Cratchit home the next morning to offer Peter a job, as this is the reason Bob said he got to work late!
Also, Peter (mentioned as being 13 years old) would be making more than Bob, a situation rectified by Scrooge doubling Bob's salary.
In all, we get a good adaptation with fun art. I think kids of today could still enjoy it!
Oh, and on the subject pf Wonder Books, I totally want this one:
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