The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas
by Clement Moore

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About Book

Amazon.com
Clement C. Moore's beloved poem about Santa's arrival on Christmas Eve has been illustrated by hundreds of artists since its first publication in 1823. Two collectors of antique children's books have selected a variety of these charming pictures from Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox Smith, Thomas Nast, and other renowned children's illustrators of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most of the images are from versions of the poem; a few are from antique postcards or magazines. Source notes for all the illustrations are included. Santa is dressed differently by each artist, but he is always "chubby and plump--a right jolly old elf" who brings joy to all good little girls and boys. This attractive edition of The Night Before Christmas will be enjoyed most by collectors of children's books or lovers of things Victorian. Youngsters who are already familiar with the poem will delight in comparing the different old-fashioned Santas and the children of long ago "nestled all snug in their beds." A charming holiday gift to leave under the tree on Christmas Eve for anyone who believes in the magic of Santa Claus. (Ages 5 to adult) --Marcie Bovetz

From Publishers Weekly
Folk artist and preacher Finster infuses his interpretation of the traditional holiday poem with his characteristic evangelical verve. Patterned with what look to be brush doodlings, his surreal compositions create a psychedelic party mood that contrasts sharply with the rather staid verse. Each spread is framed by a running word-border of such Finster preachings as "I am trying to get people back to God before the end of the earths [sic] planet." An eccentric dose of holiday cheer. All ages.
- planet." An eccentric dose of holiday cheer. All ages.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-Whatley gives the Christmas classic a traditional New England setting and lively characterizations of St. Nick, his trusty team, and the man of the house (who here interacts with and receives a present from the Christmas Eve visitor). The bold, realistically rendered watercolors are done on vibrant full-page spreads and have sweeping details that add another dimension to the beloved poem. With dynamic verve, this version captures the rush of the reindeer, the caring and giving nature of St. Nick, and the surprised delight of the father.-A.C.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Rabbit Ears pairs this story with a celebrated actors and adds a visually appealing picture books to accompany it. While everyone will be familiar with Clement Moore's poem, Meryl Streep, gives a personal touch. The Night Before Christmas is nicely personalized by her enthusiasm. The music composed for the program adds additional dimension though it lacks the distinction of some of the music in this others storytelling series. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

From Booklist
Artist Whatley creates a surprisingly fresh interpretation of the beloved Christmas poem "The Night before Christmas." Although most versions focus on St. Nick, Whatley remembers that the father of the house narrates the poem, and he captures all of the feelings of surprise and wonder on the very ordinary-looking man's face. He also makes extensive use of dramatic shifts in perspective, as when he puts the viewer at ground level, looking up at the man staring out his bedroom window as skittish reindeer look down from the roof. Whatley's particular triumph is his depiction of those endearing but realistic reindeer, with their flared nostrils, widened eyes, and open mouths. They look energetic and strong enough to pull the sleigh and add greatly to the poem's slightly comical tone. After leaving the dad with his own special gift, Santa takes off once again. The overall effect isn't subtle or dainty, but it is meticulously executed, with tiny pencil strokes creating variations in coloration and texture throughout the book. Whatley gets every detail of the poem right in this book that simply shouts holiday cheer. Susan Dove Lempke

Kirkus Reviews
Fans will adore sharing this oversized, traditional treatment of the beloved Christmas poem. A delectable holiday treat.

Kirkus Reviews
"Fans will adore sharing this oversized, traditional treatment of the beloved Christmas poem. A delectable holiday treat."

Booklist
"Ages 3-6. The classic Christmas poem about that jolly old St. Nicholas has been illustrated countless times. There is no 'real' edition, with most adults accepting the version they read in childhood as the proper one. This new edition combines the original poem with illustrations from a number of different books, which range in date from 1890 to 1928. The quality of the reproductions is generally very good, and the illustrators include the famous-Arthur Rackham, Jessie Willcox Smith, and Thomas Nast-as well as the venerable Unknown. A list at the back of the book provides names and dates for each picture. Young children may find it baffling or even disturbing to see Santa's image change from page to page, but slightly older ones as well as adults will delight in the varying depictions of the events of Christmas Eve."

Book Description
In this fresh approach to America's favorite Christmas poem, Tasha Tudor invites readers of all ages to look at the tale through the prism of a detailed Vermont setting that reflects her own everyday life. This personal touch, which includes an elfish interpretation of Saint Nick, gives the story the inviting warmth that is a Tudor hallmark.

Card catalog description
On the night before Christmas, when not a creature is stirring in the house, a chubby visitor dressed in red bounds down the chimney leaving gifts for everyone.

Inside Flap Copy
Illustrated in full color. 'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse... This elegant edition of the classic Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore, with exquisitely rendered paintings by Scott Gustafson, is one that children and adults will look forward to sharing year after year.

From the Back Cover
"Children will enjoy the humorous details. A popular choice."--Booklist.

About the Author
Clement C. Moore (1779–1863), an American scholar and poet, first wrote The Night Before Christmas in 1822 to entertain his children. A friend submitted it to a local newspaper, The Troy Sentinel, where it was published on December 23, 1823. Moore's delightful description of St. Nicholas and his eight flying reindeer has since become the definitive portrait of Santa Claus.

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