In creating stories for others, we sometimes end up revealing truths to ourselves. Such was the experience of the beloved Charles Dickens, master storyteller and honorary champion of Christmas. But Dickens was not always the purveyor of yuletide wisdom we know today—he too had to discover for himself the true spirit of Christmas and how best to keep it all the year through.

It was 1843, and winter was fast approaching. Times were tough for Charles Dickens and his family. He needed to publish something that would earn enough money to meet his many obligations. Pondering his predicament, Dickens set out to write a quick Christmas story that would be sure to sell. Little did he know that his writing—and the genial ghost he would bring to life—would take him on an incredible journey of the heart.

This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story behind the writing of Dickens's most famous work and reveals how he discovered the spirit of Christmas for himself—with a little help from his own literary characters. Originally presented by acclaimed British actor Joh Rhys-Davies at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2013 Christmas concert, the book also includes a DVD with footage from the event.

All of us have heard of The Christmas Carol, but very few of us may have heard the true story behind the author. What motivated Charles Dickens to write about Scrooge and Tiny Tim, how did his story impact his own life?

With beautiful illustrations, God Bless Us, Every One is the picture book script of the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas program brought to life, read and written by John Rhys- Davies. It is the tale of a well-known writer who found himself in dire straits financially one year and wandered the streets of London depressed of spirit. He saw the penniless, the orphans, who became his characters. And, assisted by a ghost, he sees things from a whole new perspective.

We watched the enclosed DVD as a companion to the book and my children loved the flying! This is one way to get your family ready for the season of giving in a multi- media way. Reading, seeing, experiencing Brandon Dorman’s wonderful pictures. We truly enjoyed having the choir and book come to life.

About the Author and Illustrator

John Rhys-Davies is one of modern cinema’s most recognizable character actors, best known for his role as the ax-wielding dwarf Gimli in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He has gained widespread fame on British television and received an Emmy Award nomination for his work in the television miniseries Shogun.

Brandon Dorman is the illustrator of the New York Times bestseller The Wizard. His work has appeared in children’s books and on numerous covers, including the Fablehaven series and The Candy Shop War.

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