The Night Before Christmas

The poem "The Night Before Christmas" has become so much a part of Christmas that it's hard to imagine the holiday without it. Originally published as an "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas," it appeared in 1823 in the newspaper, the Troy Sentinel. It has since been reprinted hundreds of times, acted out on stage, and read over the radio and on film and CD. The author, Clement Clark Moore, is said to have written the poem for his children on Christmas Eve, 1822. Our modern image of Santa Claus as a bearded, plump, jolly figure can be traced back to Moore's famous description of St. Nick:

"He had a broad face, and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly."

Gennady Spirin's classic illustrations convey the magic and rapture of St. Nick's visit, from the shadows cast by his sleigh and eight reindeer on a snowy, moonlit roof to the twinkling eyes, merry dimples, and rosy cheeks of his friendly face. This book will warm the heart, nurture the spirit, and bring joy to all those who read it at Christmastime.

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Two Lions
Published: 10/01/2006
ISBN: 9780761452980
Pages: 32
Weight: 0.82lbs
Size: 10.31h x 8.30w x 0.42d

Review Citations: Publishers Weekly 09/25/2006 pg. 69
Booklist 09/15/2006 pg. 65
School Library Journal 10/01/2006 pg. 99
Kirkus Review - Children 11/01/2006 pg. 1133
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2007 pg. 168 - Below Average, With Minor Flaw

Accelerated Reader Quiz #/Name: 45419 / Night Before Christmas/'Twas the Night Before Christmas
Reading Level: 4.3 / Interest Level: Lower Grade / Point Value: 0.5