The Night Before Christmas: The Anniversary Edition [Hardcover]

"'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there."

Generations of children have thrilled to these words as their favorite holiday grows near. Clement C. Moore wrote this account of a man's encounter with St. Nicholas in 1822 to entertain his children. Since then, his charming descriptions have become the definitive portrait of Santa Claus, from his twinkling eyes to his droll little mouth to the belly that shakes like a "bowlful of jelly." In this edition, award-winning illustrator Bruce Whatley brings Moore's well-loved Christmas classic to life with his vivid pictures and unusual perspectives. Readers can practically look up Dasher and Dancer's noses at one point, in a near-3-D close-up image of Santa's flock of reindeer.

Bright colors and clever details (one remaining leaf hangs from a tree outside the window, mice curl tightly together in a nest on a high shelf, reindeer peek mischievously over the rooftop at the unsuspecting narrator...) make this a holiday book the whole family will return to year after year. (Ages 3 to 10) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Like Whatley (see above), Tudor also whisks readers to New England, this time to a quiet spot in early-19th-century Vermont. Her cozy, nostalgic watercolor scenes, often lit by candle or roaring fire, are viewed as if through a large oval peephole. Loose ink lines and slightly hazy figures succeed in creating an aura of holiday fantasy. A spunky, elfin Saint Nicholas, a menagerie of perky pets (including the corgis, of course) and a very busy family of mice partying beneath the floorboards add a sense of fun. All ages. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

PreSchool-Grade 2-A cozy version of the poem in which the creatures that are stirring become the focus of the Christmas Eve activities. Tudor paints interior and exterior scenes of a Vermont farm brimming with wild and domestic life. When a tiny, elflike St. Nick appears, the family's cat and dogs join a couple of barn owls in a celebration with music, presents, and dancing. The man of the house's presence is minimal. This animal romp is pictured in glowing detailed watercolors that are placed on each page like miniatures set against starlit night backgrounds. This version will have particular appeal for one-on-one sharing in homes where pets have a special place.-A.C.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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 --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

"Santore has illustrated many classic stories, including Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, and The Little Mermaid, and he now brings to life Moore’s 'A Visit from St. Nicholas' in characteristically elegant and detail-rich paintings. His is a very traditional vision, as he brings readers inside a stately colonial home, tastefully appointed with wreaths, garlands, and stockings. In a particularly nice bit of design, when the narrator 'Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,' readers can do the same, opening a double-page gatefold that reveals a quiet village blanketed by snow—and a sleigh silhouetted against the moon. It’s a gorgeous interpretation of a beloved holiday classic. All ages. (Oct.)"

--Publisher's Weekly, starred review --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Christian Birmingham —often called "Christmas" Birmingham —is famous for his holiday titles, including 'A Christmas Carol' and 'A Christmas Treasury'. He has illustrated many other well-received books for young readers and has been short-listed several times for national awards for distinguished illustration.