The Night Before Christmas

Moore, Clement C

ISBN 10: 0060757426 ISBN 13: 9780060757427

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2006

Synopsis

'Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.

These familiar words have never before been illustrated with such style. Magnificent paintings by American artist Richard Jesse Watson infuse traditional images with pizzazz and flair. From cozy interiors to snowy landscapes, each scene is packed with the details of Christmas. Watch for the remarkable cast of elves who populate these pages. Best of all, see Santa Claus himself as you've never seen him before, complete with an exclusive interview.

Spilling over with all the joy and generosity of the season, here is an edition of Clement C. Moore's classic Christmas poem that is perfect for families of today. Ho! Ho! Ho!

About this title

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.

From School Library Journal:

PreS Up–Watson presents a modern, hip, and playful version of the classic poem with Santa cruising in a rocket-ship-style sleigh into an ordinary American '50s town, dressed like a biplane aviator. Multicultural elves, including one with dreadlocks and carrying a boom box and another in an Asian jacket carrying an origami paper crane, decorate the text side of each spread. Watson's imaginative style, dynamic composition, and use of perspective are stunning and exciting, and call to mind Chris Van Allsburg's work. His use of blue hues in the realistic tempera-and-watercolor paintings makes one feel the chill of the night, while bright, warm patterns convey the coziness of three children snuggled in bed under their traditional American quilt. An additional bonus is the appended tongue-in-cheek interview between St. Nick and Watson where readers learn about how Santa got his reindeer and his customized Polaris sleigh. This imaginative version will be great for booktalks, storytime, and bedtime.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library
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About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0060757426
• ISBN 13: 9780060757427
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Watson Richard Jesse