Jan Brett's The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Jan Brett (Illustrator)

From the Publisher

As St. Nick and eight tiny reindeer descend through a brilliant night sky, the famous Christmas poem begins. The father narrates the words just as Clement Moore wrote them, and artist Jan Brett captures the spirit of the story in glorious illustrations. Visually she extends it for children who will delight in watching two mischievous stowaways from the North Pole enthusiastically exploring the sacks of gifts on the roof. St. Nick, inside the house, is unaware, until the toys spill down onto the lawn -- then he turns with a jerk, and sees them. Antique toys and exquisite ornaments frame the borders, in which the father, St.Nick, or the family cat and dog can be found watching the action. A unique and beautiful edition, which all the family will cherish for years to come.

Children's Literature

It is signature Jan Brett, a story told in the text with another story told in the bright, detailed pictures that frame the larger images. The poem by Moore is familiar and Brett breathes new life into it with her interpretation. Set in the not too distant past, Father in his stocking cap watches St. Nick go about his business. Two young elves have stowed away in St. Nick's sleigh and do cause some slight mischief, but nothing St. Nick can't handle. Kids and adult readers will enjoy looking at all of the minutiae in the large illustrations that spread across two pages and the amusing details highlighted within the border insets. A book destined to become a holiday favorite.

Kirkus Reviews

Brett (The Hat, 1997, etc.) glorifies an old-fashioned Christmas in her lavish and detailed edition of the classic poem. Elves under animal furs nestle in the back of Santa's sleigh while the reindeer labor under their own finery. The family they visit lives in an ornate Victorian mansion. Snow perches picturesquely on tree branches, and elaborate borders throughout the book highlight beloved tree ornaments as well as secondary actions: the reaction of the house's dog and cat; the alerting of the parents to the clatter of reindeer on the roof the rousing of the children and their approach to the loot Santa has left behind. This eye- filling volume offer a wealth of detail, perfect for sharing in the days counting down to Christmas. (Picture book. 3-8)

Product Details

• Read an Excerpt

Read an Excerpt

'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.