The following unabridged reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers. Reviews may be used for educational purposes consistent with the fair use doctrine in your jurisdiction, and may not be reproduced or repurposed without permission from the rights holders.

Note: This section may include reviews for related titles (e.g., same author, series, or related edition).

From Kirkus

July 15, 2024
Christmas Eve, replete with adorable animals: What could be more festive? Papa Bear narrates this delightful, all-animal version of Moore's perennially favorite holiday classic. He and Mama Bear have just settled down with their family for the night on Christmas Eve when a "clatter" outside awakens him. Lo and behold, he sees a "miniature sleigh and eight tiny dog-deer, / With a polar bear driver," who, in this telling, subs for jolly, red-suited and red-capped St. Nick. In this very cheery adaptation, dogs of different breeds retain the names of the reindeer fleet in the original, so kids familiar with that poem may very well call out their monikers as the book is read aloud. The verse remains the same as in the 19th-century version, except where animal-themed word changes--as noted above--are required to suit these most adorable, child-appealing acrylic illustrations. The artwork depicts not only the pajama-clad bear family and furry pooches adorned with striped antler headbands, but also winsome mice, owls, cats, foxes, raccoons, a hedgehog, and a squirrel or two. The bears have decorated their home for the holiday colorfully, and the cubs have bedded down cozily with their stuffed toys. This is a sweet, endearing way to introduce young children to Moore's Christmas poem. A Christmas charmer worth making room for. (the origins of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas")(Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 13, 2021
Readers familiar with Brooklyn, N.Y.—based design and stationery store Mr. Boddington's Studio will appreciate its recognizable aesthetic in this illustrated volume of Moore's vintage verses. Bright pink and spearmint—washed spreads, complete with myriad patterns and humorous speech bubbles, pair with scrawled, fine-lined art, opening with a brown-skinned family as Moore's poem begins. Elves of varying skin tones riding on the backs of the reindeer accompany pale-skinned Santa as he grips a list featuring destinations such as Bangkok, Dubai, Shanghai, and Tokyo (though his Nice List includes solely Western names). Busy spreads offer additional fun for eagle-eyed readers, including a sword repair shop and a magazine labeled Vanity Elf; several details seem aimed at those acquainted with luxe interests, such as a Rolex Tudor and a key labeled "Ski Chalet" tucked into a stocking. A stylized update for the contemporary Christmas free spirit. Ages 3—5.

From Kirkus

September 1, 2021
Following in a hoary tradition, another artist sets his work to Moore's classic Christmas poem. A modern home is the setting for this rendition. A dog sleeps curled up in the hallway beside boots, children's drawings, and a shovel, all backlit by the lights of a Christmas tree. A Christmas elf sits on the mantle above the stockings along with a portrait of a hooded woman holding a glowing star. The White family lies sleeping until the male narrator is awoken by the clatter from outdoors. He and the dog rush to the window and share the magical moment of spotting Santa driving his reindeer. They watch as Santa lands in the fireplace, distributes toys, and sits with his pipe and enjoys cookies before shooting back up the chimney and flying off into the night. The illustrations use saturated color, sharp lines, and bright highlights for an animation-style sheen. Close-ups of Santa depict a round, pink-faced, blue-eyed man who will appear jolly to some readers, unsettling to others. With an opening scene that's familiar (to White, middle-class readers) and pets and mice sprinkled throughout, this visual tale will delight those who like to pair classic texts with more modern settings. Those contemporary trappings aside, this book's sensibilities are in tune with the original text's times. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Cozy fun for the right audience. (Picture book. 4-8)

COPYRIGHT(2021) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Horn Book

November 1, 2020
First published in 1984, Lobel's interpretation of Moore's classic poem is soothing and peaceful. Dramatically moonlit views of a snow-covered city streetscape give way to richly colored, cozy interior scenes of a turn-of-the-twentieth-century brownstone. We get glimpses of family members sleeping snug in their quilt-covered beds; we see family portraits (one of which bears a strong resemblance to Arnold Lobel) on the walls; a fireplace hung with stockings; a Christmas tree adorned with candles. The only face shown is Santa's, as that traditionally portrayed gent goes about his toy-delivering business. A gorgeous aerial view of the Brooklyn Bridge completes the book. Martha V. Parravano

(Copyright 2020 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 21, 2020
In detailed art rendered in acrylic paint and colored pencil, Long adds an intriguing dimension to Clement C. Moore's poem, visiting four families in different locales: a snow-covered farmhouse, a mobile home, a city apartment, and a tile-roofed house framed by palm trees. The artist's introductory note explains that he took "visual clues directly from the famous text" and renders "a little old driver" and other components on a diminutive scale, to winsome effect (in one scene, Santa's not much bigger than a group of household kitties). Readers see a diverse quartet of families asleep in their beds on Christmas Eve and view Santa soaring through the sky to deliver presents to each abode. The eclectic architecture, décor, holiday decorations, family configurations, and pet menageries shape a welcoming and inclusive portrait of Christmas Eve peace, wonder, and anticipation. Ages 4â€"8.

From School Library Journal

October 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-Moore's beloved Christmas poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" receives new treatment from illustrator Caparo. The house is quiet and everyone sound asleep when the father of the family wakes to a commotion and runs to investigate. Lo and behold, St. Nick and his retinue of reindeer are on the roof. Santa pops down the chimney, stuffs stockings as he puffs on a pipe, and exits via chimney as quickly as he arrived, exclaiming, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" Caparo's digital paintings capture the nighttime stillness of the house in plums and yellows; the winter landscape is rendered in icy blues and swirling snow. The action is driven by the father, agape with wonder, his bright-eyed Jack Russell terrier, and Santa, of course. St. Nick's arrival with Blitzen et al. is the dramatic highlight, and Santa's footwear gets an update with jaunty red high-tops. This is a solid, though not particularly inventive take, on a Christmas classic that has been reinterpreted ad infinitum. Young readers will appreciate the lush illustrations and Santa's cheeky jollity. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries in need of fresh holiday content.-Shanna Kim, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 4, 2017
Caparo follows Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Rudolph Shines Again with a handsome interpretation of Moore's classic holiday poem that brings it into the present day. In an urban neighborhood of townhouses, it's a scruffy-haired young dad in a cardigan who leaps out of bed and, after putting on dark-framed eyeglasses, spots Santa soaring overhead. The text of the poem is unchanged, which means that Caparo supplies this Santa with a pipe to smoke (he also gives him a pair of red, Converse-style high tops in lieu of boots). Along with the contemporary details Caparo brings to this retelling, the antics of the family's pets (and a pair of mice) add to the fun. The modern family that features in Caparo's sumptuous, lifelike images may help some readers connect to the sometimes-remote language of the originalâ€"he successfully gives this poem a fresh and stylish spin while reaffirming its timelessness. Ages 4â€"7.

From Kirkus

September 1, 2017
The classic poem about Santa's appearance on Christmas Eve is presented in a large format with a contemporary setting and a jolly Santa sporting red, high-top sneakers. The title of this attractive interpretation is spelled out in raised silver letters on the cover; beneath it, Santa is poised to swoop down the chimney of a comfortably middle-class white family. He is gazing out directly at readers with a wave and a grin, seeming to invite them to follow him down the chimney and into the story. He is white and wearing the familiar red, fur-trimmed suit, but this Santa has jazzy, striped gloves, those stylish, red high-tops, and an unusual patchwork sack for the toys. The atmosphere of the illustrations is dark and a little spooky, with muted lighting and mysterious, curling wisps of mist that indicate the magical nature of Santa's journey. In the outdoor scenes, the text is set in white type, standing out against the midnight-blue evening sky. Several double-page spreads of the reindeer and sleigh in action use unusual perspectives to heighten the dramatic effect, creating a sense of speed and motion. The large trim size and dramatic pacing make this a fine choice for reading aloud to a group. Illustrated versions of the famous poem abound, but this rendition stands out for its large size, thoughtful design, and dramatic, atmospheric illustrations. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2017) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Horn Book

November 1, 2015
In this laugh-out-loud version of Moore's famous poem, the 1823 text is unchanged, but Ercolini's deadpan acrylic illustrations scream modern-day America. Here, the house in which not a creature was stirring is the most over-decorated one in the neighborhoodor possibly the world. A huge neon WELCOME SANTA sign points to the blazing-with-lights house; an enormous inflatable Santa adorns the roof. Inside, every possible inch of space is devoted to Christmas (while Dad peruses Home Decor magazine for yet more ideas). Santa himself is jolly, gluttonous, and fond of playing with remote-control toys. Myriad details invite repeated readings, and the subplot involving the resident dog, cat, and (yes) mouse adds even more humor and goofy charm. martha v. parravano

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Booklist

October 15, 2015
Preschool-G Moore's classic Christmas poem gets a zany, modern interpretation in this wry picture book from the illustrator of Not Inside This House! (2011). Most of the houses on this snowy block are nondescript, but one stands outit's bedecked from chimney to fence post in Christmas decorations. An inside view reveals an interior festooned in tinsel, blinking lights, and garlands, not to mention a bevy of Santa-themed tchotchkes. Ercolini's angular, cartoonish illustrations, in bright colors, depict the wild enthusiasm of the home owners and the wacky attire of Santa and his helpers (dig that reindeer in pink leg warmers and bangles). A larger-than-usual spread of sweetsnot your typical milk-and-cookies scenariopleases old Saint Nick so much that he gets extra cozy in the family's living room, but when the appointed moment arrives in Moore's verses, he departs with a wink and a Good night! Little ones will have fun looking through the over-the-top illustrations for hilarious details, and they'll likely appreciate the humorous contrast between the wacky visuals and the familiar lines. A wild take on a holiday favorite.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)

From School Library Journal

October 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-This over-the-top illustrated version of the holiday classic will be fun to share over and over again. Ercolini has St. Nicholas dropping in on a house that has taken the extreme Christmas decorating challenge seriously. Literally every surface is covered with decorations, and Santa is dwarfed by the huge Santa display on the roof. Sugar plums dance, Dad is reading a decorating magazine while Mom dozes over her knitting, and the cookies for Santa have been replaced by a dessert buffet. VERDICT The cartoon illustrations, full of humor and charm, add a wink and a twinkle that parents and children will enjoy.-Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 14, 2015
Little does Santa know that, in Ercolini's zippy spin on this holiday poem, he'll be disembarking at the home of a family of Christmas superfans. Not a creature is stirring, but the house is utterly crammed with decorations. Colored lights adorn the house and the trees in the yard, while ornaments hang from every surface imaginable indoors: the tree, sure, but also the bannister, beds, and walls. And when Santa lands on the roof, he's dwarfed by a massive inflatable version of himselfâ€"naturally he uses the opportunity to take a photo with his reindeer, who are dressed in outrageously dorky costumes as a cowboy, daredevil, and more. The text sticks to the traditional, but readers will be hooting over the hilarious details in Ercolini's borderline manic cartoons. Ages 3â€"5. Agent: Brenda Bowen, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates.

From Kirkus

September 1, 2015
The old-fashioned phrases of the classic Christmas poem are juxtaposed with edgy, contemporary illustrations. An unusual double-page spread serving as the title page defines the scene and the artistic style with a night view of a suburban street. All the houses are dark and undecorated save for a few plain wreaths on front doors. But one house is decidedly different, decorated lavishly with lights, ornaments, inflatable figures, and a "Welcome Santa" sign atop the highest tree. Inside this house, over-the-top decorations also prevail, surrounding the family and the dog, cat, and mouse that appear throughout. The father wears old-fashioned, striped pajamas and a nightcap, and when Santa arrives, he is dressed in a traditional red suit. But the reindeer are dressed in odd costumes that don't relate to anything else. The illustrations, presumably digitally composed, are unusual in style, with all the characters seemingly frozen in their tracks or even in midair. No motion is indicated at all, even for the reindeer in flight or for Santa sprawled on the hearth after his descent. This flat, static effect is emphasized by a cool palette of greens and blues that further subdues the tone. The overall effect makes characters seem like posed robots with no life to them at all. The warm Christmas glow traditionally associated with this classic poem is completely missing in this unusual but ultimately unsuccessful interpretation. (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2015) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Horn Book

January 1, 2015
This is a wholly pleasing version of the classic poem illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Duvoisin. The book's tall, narrow shape makes it ideal for vertical-chimney, steep-rooftop, and reindeer-flight scenes. Full-color spreads alternate with one-color (red plus black and white) spreads, providing additional pacing and rhythm (and the red accents add welcome warmth). It's all jolly, homey, unpretentious, and full of good cheer.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Horn Book

November 1, 2014
First published in 1954, this is a wholly pleasing version of the classic Christmas poem, with all of Caldecott Medalist Duvoisin's gifts for color and composition in evidence. The book's tall, narrow shape makes it ideal for vertical-chimney, steep-rooftop, and reindeer-flight scenes. Full-color spreads alternate with one-color (red plus black and white) spreads, giving the book additional pacing and rhythm (and the red -- for the chimney, the curtains, Santa's suit and cheeks -- adds an appropriate and welcome warmth). Everything here is exactly as it should be: jolly, homey, unpretentious, and full of good cheer. martha v. parravano

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Booklist

October 15, 2014
Preschool-G In this distinctive picture-book version of Moore's A Visit from St. Nicholas, the poem may be traditional, but the interpretation is lively and amusing. The story begins visually on the title page, where several boisterous little mice frolic with outsize stockings before hanging them above the fireplace. As the pages are turned, the charming setting is revealed: the mouse family's inventively furnished home, which is snow-covered outside but warm and cozy indoors. An accomplished artist in Plasticine modeling clay, Reid creates a series of playful illustrations that are richly colored and nicely composed. Observant children will enjoy finding the many intriguing details within the pictures. First published in Canada, this is an imaginative, childlike interpretation of a holiday favorite.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)

From School Library Journal

October 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 1-In this take on the classic poem, mice are not only stirring, they make up all the characters-from the narrator, a patriarch of a large, rambunctious family, to St. Nicholas himself. With her signature Plasticine illustrations that give off a textured claymation effect, Reid also deviates from the quiet Christmas Eve approach of past versions. As expected from a litter of eight plus two infant mice, there is a underlying sense of activity and energy. For example, the visions of sugarplums dancing over the children's heads are actual fruit being tossed from one top bunk to another, and no one really sleeps until St. Nicholas has done his job. Children will relate to this sense of holiday excitement and anticipation.-Joanna K. Fabicon, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 15, 2014
First published in 1954, this interpretation of Moore's holiday poem by the late Caldecott Medalist Duvoisin returns to print in a handsome edition sure to charm new generations of readers. The picture book's tall, skinny trim size is as eye-catching as the vivid primary color scheme of Duvoisin's art, as he follows a stout and abundantly bearded Santa down the brick chimney of the narrator's home. The illustrator's fans may notice that the stuffed yellow lion among Santa's gifts bears a notable resemblance to Louise Fatio's The Happy Lion, which Duvoisin illustrated the same year. All ages.

From Kirkus

September 1, 2014
Reid turns her Plasticine talents to an interpretation of the classic poem. Taking her cue from "not even a mouse," she focuses her visual narrative on a mouse family that inhabits a cozy, snow-covered log. Though the busyness of its inhabitants betrays that many creatures are actually stirring, readers are likely to forgive this artistic license. They will be too busy poring over the detail-filled spreads to carp. A harassed mouse parent has a swaddled babe under one arm and vainly tries to keep another from playing with the Christmas stockings with the other. Far from being "nestled / all snug in their beds," these mouselings are raising a rumpus, climbing about on their bunk beds and tossing sugarplums at one another. Santa's approach is spectacular, pairs of Plasticine reindeer increasing in size to accentuate perspective as they pull a tiny mouse Santa aloft while a fox looks up from below. The jovial Santa is appropriately round, though he has just a faint hint of white chin whiskers. Apparently oblivious to the onlooking mouse family, he stuffs the stockings before departing-as the mouse children scamper back into bed to avoid being caught out by mama and papa. The lively mischief will carry children past the narrative inconsistencies in this fun-filled romp. (Picture book. 3-5)

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Horn Book

January 1, 2014
In Hobbie's treatment of the Christmas poem, a toddler and a father in striped pajamas look on as Saint Nick pays a visit to the family's comfortable home in the country. The watercolor, pen-and-ink, and gouache illustrations capture light wonderfully--the cool dimness of the snow-covered landscape, the stark moonlight, the warm glow of the Christmas tree.

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Horn Book

November 1, 2013
In Hobbie's treatment of the beloved Christmas poem, a toddler and a father in striped pajamas look on as Saint Nick pays a visit to the family's comfortable rural home and goes about his work. The watercolor, pen-and-ink, and gouache illustrations successfully tell the story visually, and they capture light wonderfullythe cool dimness of the snow-covered landscape, the stark moonlight, the warm glow of the Christmas tree. Notes on Moore and the origin of the poem as well as on Hobbie's artistic interpretation add depth. katrina hedeen

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

October 1, 2013

PreS-Gr 3-An elegant, almost Art Deco sensibility and a multitude of viewpoints make this version of the holiday classic stand out. Hobbie uses transparent watercolor, pen and ink, and gouache on watercolor paper to good effect, with plenty of white space. Readers see the story from the perspective of a fox, Papa (sans nightcap), an enterprising toddler, and the pet cat, and a view from overhead. The illustrations will carry with a fairly large audience, but up-close inspection offers even more enjoyment, such as the matching astonishment on the faces of father and child, Santa's grandfatherly twinkle, even what looks like amusement on the faces of the reindeer. A brief biography of Moore and an artist's note are appended. A fine edition to freshen up holiday collections.-Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 16, 2013
Hobbie re-envisions this much-loved holiday poem through the eyes of a curious toddler and the family cat, along with the traditional patriarch narrator, in a radiant, gorgeously illustrated rendition. A snowy, magically moonlit sky and cozily appointed countryside home set the hushed, anticipatory scene for St. Nick's wondrous visit. Wide-eyed astonishment on the faces of both father and child peeking at the action instantly convey the excitement of the season while watercolor and pen and ink spots, panels, and spreads present gentle, homey details-the toddler's drop-seat pajamas, rustic garlands and stockings, a well-used fireplace. An artist's note and information about Moore close out this volume. Ages 3—6.

From Kirkus

Starred review from September 1, 2013
Hobbie's fresh interpretation of the beloved Christmas classic offers a new way to see the arrival of St. Nick, from the perspective of one of the children of the household, rather than just the father. An intriguing cover illustration sets the scene, with the four children of the family snuggled up in a huge bed. The three older children are sound asleep, but look closely at the youngest boy, a towheaded toddler in a footed sleeper-suit. He's wide awake, and he and the family's cat head downstairs together. The little boy hides in a striped armchair and secretly watches as Santa arrives for his delivery. The father of the family is also awake and watching, connecting effectively with the narrator's voice in the poem. There is a hushed, magical feeling in Hobbie's masterful illustrations, done in watercolor, gouache, and pen and ink. She effectively captures the subdued lighting of the quiet house at night and the dark, mysterious atmosphere of the outdoor scenes with deep-gray skies, snowy vistas and a single fox standing by. Every element of the book's thoughtful design is skillfully chosen, including surprising perspectives, effective use of white space and an elegant type that echoes the muted palette of the illustrations. This is a quiet Night Before Christmas, one to savor and read over and over, year after year. (artist's note) (Picture book. 3-7)

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Horn Book

January 1, 2013
Told by a jovial red lobster, this retelling takes place in the deep ocean where Santa is a walrus in a conch shell sleigh pulled by eight tiny seahorses. Andreasen's oil-paint and digital art is cheery but cutesy. The undersea setting is a tad gratuitous, though some children may find the aquatic re-imagining entertaining.

(Copyright 2013 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

October 1, 2012

PreS-K-An 18th-century Papa narrates how he and the family pets assist Santa setting out Christmas presents for the family. Disney-like, full-color digital artwork lavishly depicts Moore's Christmas scenario from the kids snuggled in their beds to clever details such as Santa's reflection on each Christmas bulb. The book is subtle in its environmental and health-oriented treatment of the classic poem, except for Santa's note on the back flap saying that he has stopped smoking to be healthier and has always worn fake fur to protect animals including the Arctic polar bears. Purposeful, but not overdone.-Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 10, 2012
In this undersea interpretation of Clement Clarke Moore's Christmas staple, a googly-eyed lobster narrates, as a pipe-smoking walrus Santa descends to deliver presents in a conch shell sleigh pulled by seahorses. Kelleher's (illustrator of Stuck on the Presidents) narrative sometimes pushes the undersea theme a bit too far, as when the lobster awakens aboard a wrecked ship: "Up to the porthole I swam like a shark;/ I tore back the seaweed then peered through the dark./ The moon shells they glimmered like pearls from the glow/ Of luminescent jellyfish gliding below." A mix of digital and oil painting, Andreasen's (The Hand-Me-Down Doll) cartoons are unfailingly cheerful, creating a friendly underwater environment. Ages 4—8.

From Kirkus

September 1, 2012
News flash: Santa quits smoking! This version of the famous Christmas poem has one unique feature: The references to Santa's pipe and the smoke that "encircled his head like a wreath" have been edited out of the text. Purists may decry mucking about with a beloved classic, but plenty of parents might not want to introduce old St. Nick as a smoker. An author attribution on the cover reads, "Edited by Santa Claus for the benefit of children of the 21st century," and a commitment to nonsmoking is a legitimate goal in materials intended for children. A clever note to readers from Santa on the back cover flap explains the excision of the smoking text and also affirms in a humorous way that Santa's costume uses only fake fur out of respect for "my dear friends the artic polar bears." The illustrations are greeting-card pretty, with an old-fashioned home and the father in a nightcap and holding a candle. (The lighted candles on the Christmas tree are something else 21st-century children don't need.) The toys in Santa's pack look like they come from the 1950s, and the illustrators' style is clearly influenced by animated Disney movies of that era. Well-meant, but not memorable aside from the smoke-free environment. (Picture book. 3-6)

COPYRIGHT(2012) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 26, 2011
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.

From Horn Book

January 1, 2011
Set in 1840s New Hampshire, dePaola's watercolor and ink illustrations, framed with quilt pattern designs, exude rustic spirit and wholesome charm. This board book edition uses a bolder font that has an Old World feel. While omitting two illustrations from the original picture book means the text is longer on two pages, this version is still an overall success.

(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from October 18, 2010
Puybaret (Puff, the Magic Dragon) infuses Moore's classic poem with whimsical details: the family's warm house is filled with folk artâ€"style decorations and twinkling fairies, as a gnomelike Santa unloads his gifts, then prepares to rise up the chimney. The full-bleed artwork, layered shapes, and vibrant palette (Santa's coat shines against a glacier blue sky and green sleigh) make the paintings appear almost three-dimensional. An accompanying CD includes recordings by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Ages 5â€"8.

From Publisher's Weekly

October 26, 2009
Employing her trademark aesthetic, Isadora sets Moore's classic poem in Africa—her Santa Claus wears bright leopard-print pants and has gray dreadlocks. Mama's “kerchief” is a pink floral do-rag and the narrator is dressed in African attire, as he springs from bed to see the silhouette of Santa's sleigh (the reindeer are adorned with decorative beads) race across the sparse, snowy terrain. The gifts Santa pulls from his bag include a sock monkey, a zebra and three colorful dolls. The dynamic visuals offer a refreshing and original vision of this familiar verse. Ages 4–8.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from October 22, 2007
Intricate and elegant cut-paper designs enliven Moore's poem with black silhouetted figures, peek-through pages and one glorious pop-up at the end. Readers will be captivated by the striking contrasts: dark human and animal figures and a few dramatic splashes of red, gold and green playing against creamy backgrounds of freshly fallen snow and bright December moonlight. Finely rendered and fun-to-spot details—e.g., mice playing in the attic—will also keep readers poring over this book's sturdy pages. Ages 4-up.

From Horn Book

January 1, 2007
Like his great-grandmother before him, Moses illustrates Moore's Christmas classic with charming folk-art oil paintings. Double-page spreads alternate with smaller vignettes; cozy candlelit interiors are balanced by expansive, illuminated outdoor vistas. Engaging details will keep lapsitters interested in this pleasingly homespun interpretation of the poem.

(Copyright 2007 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From School Library Journal

October 1, 2006
PreS Up-Moses continues in the tradition of folk painter Grandma Moses with his rendition of the poem. In the preface, he shares childhood memories about his familys personal copy of the poem that she illustrated. Cozy and quaint oil paintings reflect the quiet beauty of 1800 rural New England. Playful details such as finding the same mouse throughout the book will be fun for children to explore and share. Full spreads interspersed between the verses give striking panoramic views of the sleeping town and the old-fashioned home. The artists style, echoing the primitive style of his famous great-grandmother, lends itself well to this very traditional version of the Christmas classic. Intended as a gift book, it includes a three-dimensional cardboard cut-out tree ornament of Santa in his sleigh."Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 25, 2006
Spirin's (The Tale of the Firebird
) luxurious watercolor-and-colored pencil compositions whisk readers to what looks like a snowy New England village in the 1800s for his graceful reimagining of Moore's poem. He renders every chimney, windowpane and bare tree branch with crisp style and care; Saint Nick is effortlessly jolly, donning blue boots with his traditional red fur garb. Each passage opens with a tiny spot illustration, accompanied by a vertical border piece on the side, shaped like a grandfather clock or a bookmark and depicting some village scenery. Youngsters will be pleased that the artist breaks with tradition, casting the narrator as a boy (instead of the father). An edition sure to be cherished, especially by Spirin fans and art lovers. All ages.

From Booklist

September 15, 2006
In his introduction, Moses recalls the much-beloved version of the poem illustrated by his grandmother, Grandma Moses. He presents his own folk-art interpretation in nostalgic oil paintings: homes are lit by candles; an old-fashioned locomotive chugs past. Spreads alternate between small insets and double-page panoramas and include cutaways of the snug houses, as well as aerial, Santa's-eye views of the quaint, rural town. Particularly charming are small details, such as a mouse's snuggly, sardine-can bed. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)

From Horn Book

January 1, 2006
First published in 1912, Moore's classic Christmas poem is illustrated with charm by one of America's premier early-twentieth-century female artists. Rather than depicting today's familiar rotund, scarlet-clad St. Nick, Smith's spare illustrations show a St. Nick much closer to the poem's "right jolly old elf." Small and rectangular in size, this book has nostalgic appeal.

(Copyright 2006 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

From Publisher's Weekly

October 1, 2003
A 1937 edition of The Night Before Christmas with illustrations by Reginald Birch is now available in a miniature, stocking-stuffer edition. Booksellers take note: the publisher has sold more than 1,000 of its 10-copy miniature red-sleigh countertop displays.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 22, 2003
According to Rogers's (Tiptoe into Kindergarten) visual interpretation, goblins celebrate Christmas much like humans do. In this inventive outing, Moore's much-loved poem serves as tame backdrop for the action in Rogers's vividly imagined acrylic paintings. Saint Nicholas arrives at a friendly goblin family's underground home and receives a hearty welcome from the large, boisterous brood. After some playful roughhousing, Santa fills the clan's array of three-toed stockings and politely declines a plate of bug-chip cookies before heading back into the night. Kids, especially those already familiar with Moore's verse, will have a blast poring over the dank, mossy—but somehow cozy—environs of Rogers's fuzzy-pated, bulbous-eyed creations. Ages 4-8.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 1, 2003
Black-and-white transforms to color once again in the Magic Window title The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, illus. by Anne Yvonne Gilbert.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 23, 2002
Those wishing to give the holiday some gleeful pop need look no further than Sabuda's (The 12 Days of Christmas; The Christmas Alphabet)
latest marvel of intricate paper engineering. In a slight twist, a tiny mouse family, tucked in and dreaming of shimmering sweets, wakens to sleigh-and-reindeer clatter. In Sabuda's signature style, a rainbow of solid-colored panels comprises the backgrounds, giving contrast to the white (save for St. Nick's suit) three-dimensional constructions. The pop-up of Santa's reindeer dramatically leaping toward readers is a stunner. All ages.

From Publisher's Weekly

Starred review from September 24, 2001

Moore's chestnut is given fresh-roasted flavor via Jaramillo's (Peter Pan) inventive framework. In a note to the reader, Jaramillo claims to have discovered a collection of photos from 1901. That "antique" family album—shown here in grainy, glowingly lit sepia—just happens to depict the same series of events found in Moore's famous verse and even captures St. Nick in the flesh. Jaramillo's happy "hoax"—an intriguing blend of photography and computer effects— may well create some new believers in Christmas magic. All ages.

From Publisher's Weekly

October 4, 1999
Firelight, moonglow and shadow flicker throughout Whatley's (Whatley's Quest) interpretation of this holiday chestnut. The protagonist here is adult, residing in a New England hamlet; his home is filled with details seemingly from earlier this century. The book exudes a gee-whiz excitement, but the manic expressions of Santa and his reindeer take the idea of wide-eyed wonder a tad too far, breaking an otherwise magical mood. And the significance of the gift Santa winkingly hands the narrator (a cowboy toy that apparently evokes his boyhood) may befuddle younger readers. All ages.

From Publisher's Weekly

August 30, 1999
Spiffy acrylic paintings of a wintry urban landscape dotted with tangy candy-colored buildings give the classic poem some modern zip. The artist's whimsy shines in an "Identification Chart: How to Recognize Santa!" and the exploits of the household's black cat (and its white mouse pal). By book's end, even the lone straggler on the holiday tree lot has been touched by Christmas magic. Among the few good contemporary treatments of this poem, Grover's is a winner. All ages.

From Publisher's Weekly

October 2, 1996
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 planet." An eccentric dose of holiday cheer. All ages.

From Publisher's Weekly

September 29, 1986
The pictures, of course, turn Moore's "A Visit from St. Nicholas'' into Marshall's manic visions of the blithe Victorian fantasy. In addition to the boldly colored illustrations, there are additional lines uttered by Papa in his cap and the household petsa bulldog, cat and chickenas they gaze out the window at Santa and his reindeer: ``Holy smoke!'' ``Never in all my born days!'' Another chicken, three more bulldogs and extra cats share sleeping quarters with countless children in bunk beds and with Mama whose night gear includes not only a 'kerchief but a helmet, goggles and an umbrella. In short, the familiar verses are here a production of the humorist's satiric eye and children will love it.

From Publisher's Weekly

January 1, 1986
Moore's beloved Christmas Eve poem has been glowingly illustrated by Spowart, who portrays a bear family in the key roles of the nestled children, "Mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap.'' Each scene is luminescent, as if lit by a crackling fire, or in the case of the wintry landscapes, by a silvery moon. The shy father bear peers over a stuffed chair while Santa works his magic; cozy stuffed animals spill across the page and angelbears hang from the tree. Bear fans and others will find this an enchanting ``new'' classic. (All ages

From Publisher's Weekly

October 1, 1985
There are almost endless editions of Moore's poem, each as envisioned by a particular illustrator. The number and variety must make it difficult for people to choose the one just right to be part of their Chrismas celebrations. But Gustafson's full-color paintings, soaked in nostalgia, make his book a shoo-in favorite for lovers of tradition. In the best, old-fashioned mode, the narrator's house is garlanded with greenery and berries; the plump, tall tree glitters with candlelight; "Mama in her kerchief and I in my cap'' evoke the last century and Santa Claus is fat, gorgeously dressed in scarlet velvet and ermine, ``a right jolly old elf'' with a delicious grin trained on the astonished observer.

From AudioFile Magazine

Holidays fill a human need for celebration, for remembrance, and for tradition. A part of that tradition is captured in the stories we hear, over and over, as we celebrate the days that give shape to our year. Perhaps the most well know Christmas story, THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is given a fresh reading by Anthony Edwards. Opening with magical music and a hushed air of expectancy, the narration builds as St. Nick's voice resounds in the sky overhead. A swell of music and the gentle tapping of hooves on the roof precede the jolly old elf's arrival. Awe and humor, in equal measure, underlie the narration, which ends in a musical crescendo with jingle bell accompaniment. T.B. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine