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The Night Before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Board Books, 32 pages
Published
October 1st 2004
by HarperFestival
(first published December 23rd 1823)
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'Twas the Night before Christmas' is a beautiful holiday poem that was written by Dr. Clement C. Moore for his children as a Christmas present. It was reprinted many times over and wasn't what Moore thought would make him famous... but it did. It's been translated in many languages and continues to be recited to children all over the world.
Much to my chagrin, this is the first time I've read/heard this poem in its entirety, but I'll be sure to read it every holiday season moving fo...more
Much to my chagrin, this is the first time I've read/heard this poem in its entirety, but I'll be sure to read it every holiday season moving fo...more
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Kathie Meyer
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
All ages
Shelves:
winter-reading
This is a very biased review since I know the illustrator personally and was a model for one of the elves that appear in the book. My very special kitty, Larry, is pictured in the Christmas stocking at the end too. In fact, Watson used all real people to model for Santa, the elves and the family in the story, and he set the book in Port Townsend, Wash. where he lives. The clocktower is our actual courthouse in town.
Having said all of that...I think this is one of the most wonderfully...more
Having said all of that...I think this is one of the most wonderfully...more
This was a good book that brought back memories as a child. I read this book to my nephew Cade. I chose this story because the holidays around the corner and I wanted to get him excited about Christmas. The night before christmas stories are all the same, but this one was cool because every time you turn a page holiday music plays. Cade loved that part about the book, but I honestly found it annoying. Luckily there is a stop button in the bottom right corner of the book. The part of this s...more
Descriptions of human sacrifice and the power of blood magic are commonplace throughout history, but one — Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS — takes place on the eve of a holiday that most consider a time of joy, happiness and generosity. This makes a poem that would be unsettling in any circumstances an intense, dark and enduring tale of supernatural horror.
Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperate...more
Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperate...more
At what age did you stop believing in Santa Claus? Last Christmas, I still had to buy something for my daughter and wrote “From: Santa Claus” on the gift tag because she still believed in him. She was 16.
This morning while I was about to drop her at the gate of her school, she again borrowed the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror of my car. The rosary was a gift from my friend who attended the World Youth’s Day in Brazil this year so I am proud of it and taking care of it. The bea...more
This morning while I was about to drop her at the gate of her school, she again borrowed the rosary hanging on the rearview mirror of my car. The rosary was a gift from my friend who attended the World Youth’s Day in Brazil this year so I am proud of it and taking care of it. The bea...more
My addition doesn't seem to be the same as this book seems to be listed. However, goodreads.com says it is and won't let me add an addition. Oh well. I have had my copy of this famous poem since I was very young. For me, this book brings back several memories and I still imagine Santa as looking like the illustration from this book.
As a child, all I saw was the illustration and since it is great, it was easy to remember. As an adult, I can appreciate the two page addition, written by ...more
As a child, all I saw was the illustration and since it is great, it was easy to remember. As an adult, I can appreciate the two page addition, written by ...more
I collect TNBC books (I have 101 so far!) but this version by Jan Brett is my new favorite. Brilliantly colored pictures sweep you immediately back to childhood... just one look at the Christmas tree page and even if it's July, you'll feel the holiday spirit, I promise!
Although she is a little "commercial" I still absolutely love Becky Kelly's art and she did not disappoint with these charming illustrations. Adorable to the max, especially with all the little creatures (mice!) and sweet toys that seem to come to life.
Definitely a good version of this! It was also a really good move using the actual Red Lion Inn in the Berkshires as a prototype for the house. Her conceptions of reindeer, toys, Christmas ornamentation, hats, children, snow, sky and fuzzy furries galore are tremendous.
If I have a criticism, it would be that she doesn't show Santa smoking his pipe and letting the father know he had nothing to dread, but instead she pans out to the roof to see the reindeer getting in trouble. This i...more
If I have a criticism, it would be that she doesn't show Santa smoking his pipe and letting the father know he had nothing to dread, but instead she pans out to the roof to see the reindeer getting in trouble. This i...more
Twas the night before Christmas
Moore's classic poem is brought to life by the illustrations. In fact that is what drew my attention to this particular version. Moore is able to paint a picture in your head as he describes Santa Clause and his actions by using similes such as “belly full of jelly”. Also the metaphors that are used to describe the scene for example “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”. The illustrations cover the pages and the text is placed through out. The illus...more
Moore's classic poem is brought to life by the illustrations. In fact that is what drew my attention to this particular version. Moore is able to paint a picture in your head as he describes Santa Clause and his actions by using similes such as “belly full of jelly”. Also the metaphors that are used to describe the scene for example “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse”. The illustrations cover the pages and the text is placed through out. The illus...more
Engineered Books
This classic version of the story of the night before Christmas is turned into a pop-up book. I read this with my children each year on Christmas Eve and they love working the different pop-up elements. This book tells the story of the family going to bed and hearing St. Nicholas landing in the yard and coming into the house to deliver the presents.
This book could be read to your students on the last day of school before Christmas break. You just have to ...more
This classic version of the story of the night before Christmas is turned into a pop-up book. I read this with my children each year on Christmas Eve and they love working the different pop-up elements. This book tells the story of the family going to bed and hearing St. Nicholas landing in the yard and coming into the house to deliver the presents.
This book could be read to your students on the last day of school before Christmas break. You just have to ...more
In honor of St. Nicks day! Originally titled "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"
Growing up my father would read this book to my sister and me every Christmas Eve. It’s the same copy my Grandfather would read my Dad and Aunt every Christmas.
It's a very old and cherished copy with the original "Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight" Both my sister and I always search for copies of this book with the proper last line, which is often times very diffic...more
Growing up my father would read this book to my sister and me every Christmas Eve. It’s the same copy my Grandfather would read my Dad and Aunt every Christmas.
It's a very old and cherished copy with the original "Happy Christmas to all and to all a goodnight" Both my sister and I always search for copies of this book with the proper last line, which is often times very diffic...more
I try to read this every year as it never fails to return me to my 5-year-old self, filled with excitement over the great and powerful Santa's impending visit. The catchy rhythm and rhyme of this delightful poem is contagious. I used to repeat it often as a child until the first lines were branded into my brain:
It always leaves me with a warm and satisfied glow as I read...more
''Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.'
It always leaves me with a warm and satisfied glow as I read...more
Slayermel
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Parents of young children and Preschool Teachers
Most people are familiar with “The Night before Christmas” it’s one of the Classics. This is a child’s picture book to go along with the poem. The illustrations are wonderful, and some of them are quite clever. I particularly enjoyed the picture of the console in Santa’s supped up slay. There are buttons for de-icing, going fast, faster and zoom, a hot chocolate machine and a map of the world. The children in my class where quite fascinated with the pictures in this book, they particularly e...more
I'm sure we all remember this Christmas time classic,the story of Santa and his reindeers arriving at the home of a family and
the father sneaks a look .
I was given this book as a child and regardless every year it comes out and I sit down and let the inner child rejoice,how can you rate a classic,the illustrations are just so perfect ,it doesn't matter how many times you sit and look at them you can still find something new and magical on each page,
I will i am sure still be sitti...more
the father sneaks a look .
I was given this book as a child and regardless every year it comes out and I sit down and let the inner child rejoice,how can you rate a classic,the illustrations are just so perfect ,it doesn't matter how many times you sit and look at them you can still find something new and magical on each page,
I will i am sure still be sitti...more
I've extolled the virtues of Eric Puybaret's illustrations before, and this one is no exception. Felix got this for Christmas this year, from my parents, who first introduced me to Puybaret's work in Puff, the Magic Dragon.
This one has a few extra gems on the CD, including one of Mary Travers's last recordings, which brought a tear to my eye.
This poem may be a ubiquitous part of the American Christmas, but again, the illustrations bring it to life in a whole new way.
This one has a few extra gems on the CD, including one of Mary Travers's last recordings, which brought a tear to my eye.
This poem may be a ubiquitous part of the American Christmas, but again, the illustrations bring it to life in a whole new way.
Classic, oft repeated story but Jan Brett's illustrations put this version a cut above.
This book is absolutely stunningly illustrated (by Douglas Gorsline), with so much to look at and take in, so much attention to detail. Combined with the classic poem, there is something about it that never fails to give me tingles as I turn to the last page and read “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night”. There is just something about those quiet, snowy scenes with the stars and moon shining onto the houses below. It’s the peace before the hullaballoo of Christmas Day. There is just ...more
I scoffed when I first heard that pop-up book artist Robert Sabuda calls himself a "paper engineer" — until I opened this book. Sabuda takes pop-up art to a whole new level. The breathtaking detail, intricacy and creativity, as well as the excellent use of contrast and space (the pop-ups are mostly white with a few well-chosen accents of color), make the art fly off the page! That, combined with Moore's classic story, make this book a work of art.
Seriously, this book should...more
Seriously, this book should...more
The Night Before Christmas is a great classic that has been passed down for years. Children will absolutely love the excitement that the anticipation of Christmas brings. The rhyming text is beautifully done by Clement C. Moore. The text allows for great visualization of what the illustrations are showing. Children should be able to produce their own illustrations for this book just by hearing the text. The illustrator, Bruce Whatley, does an amazing job with creating shadow and light on th...more
Descriptions of human sacrifice and the power of blood magic are commonplace throughout history, but one — Clement Clarke Moore’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS — takes place on the eve of a holiday that most consider a time of joy, happiness and generosity. This makes a poem that would be unsettling in any circumstances an intense, dark and enduring tale of supernatural horror.
Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperate...more
Set on the eve of the eponymous Christian feast day, the book begins innocently enough, with a desperate...more
Goodness, there are SO many different editions of this book that I wasn't at all sure which one to add, so I'm hoping that this is a legitimate choice.
It's difficult not to be influenced by the illustrations, but I tried to focus mostly on the words of the author (since I suspect that the drawings utilized in the edition I read were not originally coupled with the text). "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" just might be the most renowned classic of all in the sub-genre of Chris...more
It's difficult not to be influenced by the illustrations, but I tried to focus mostly on the words of the author (since I suspect that the drawings utilized in the edition I read were not originally coupled with the text). "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" just might be the most renowned classic of all in the sub-genre of Chris...more
Darn it, I don't know how to post for different editions as this keeps coming up the same despite different illustrators. Here, then, are the three versions I've enjoyed this season with links so you can see them on Amazon.
ILLUSTRATED BY GYO FUJIKAWA
Fujikawa's illustrations are so adorable and delightful and child-like, in a way. I thoroughly enjoyed his vision into this holiday classic, though I would have liked more page breaks and more frequent illustrations to help ...more
ILLUSTRATED BY GYO FUJIKAWA
Fujikawa's illustrations are so adorable and delightful and child-like, in a way. I thoroughly enjoyed his vision into this holiday classic, though I would have liked more page breaks and more frequent illustrations to help ...more
Clement Moore’s classic poem is illustrated by two pop-ups on each page. The large pop-up is the central focus and hidden underneath a flap is a smaller, but very detailed pop-up. The images of Santa are delightful and the village scene on the final page even has a wheel for you to turn. Read Jan Brett’s Night Before Christmas for a very different interpretation of the same poem. Her detailed illustrations are wonderful! You’ll want to spend some time exploring the borders of each page.
I think it most unlikely that Clement Clarke Moore wrote the original poem, although I do understand why he continues to be credited. And I understand why the title used is incorrect, but common. But there's some editing of the text, and that really annoys me. I do think that Brett's pictures are lovely and amusing, and that's why I read the book every year, and then put it away with the other holiday books.
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I just love this story/poem. This particular book has beautiful illustrations. They are classic in style with a hint of Norman Rockwell. They are full page spreads with no borders so you eye is drawn across the page. The story remains the same; the beautiful flow, imagery, and reminders of childhood Christmases. To tell the truth, I didn't even realize this was a poem and not just a story. In other words it wasn't painful and I could understand it without any effort. hee hee I forgot to ...more
This is a much beloved poem and every English speaking home should have a copy of it. But not all versions are created equal.
First, make sure you get the full, unedited version. Some modern day versions have taken out parts of the poem (most notably the bit about Santa's pipe) and it drive me nuts!
Next, the illustrations can really enhance or detract from the enjoyment of this poem. The version I am talking about is illustrated by Douglas Gorsline (ISBN 0394830199). ...more
First, make sure you get the full, unedited version. Some modern day versions have taken out parts of the poem (most notably the bit about Santa's pipe) and it drive me nuts!
Next, the illustrations can really enhance or detract from the enjoyment of this poem. The version I am talking about is illustrated by Douglas Gorsline (ISBN 0394830199). ...more
This is a star book, or a carousel book. It was a kind of pop-up that has sort of disappeared. When you open the book, each page is a diorama, and opening the book fully makes a star from the top view (5 dioramas in a circle). I also got _The Christmas Story_ which is the same deal.
I am making a Tardis (Doctor Who) pop-up based on a similar idea.
Note that many of the other reviews on this book don't match the image or the ISBN, and neither does the description.
I am making a Tardis (Doctor Who) pop-up based on a similar idea.
Note that many of the other reviews on this book don't match the image or the ISBN, and neither does the description.
This book is so fun! It is one with all the little letters and notes tucked into envelopes that you can pull out and even a couple beautifully cut paper snowflakes hidden in here! I love going through and finding all the little surprises while rereading a classic story :D
It includes brief histories on things such as Santa Claus's, stockings, cards, etc. origins as well as ideas for traditions, crafts, and recipes! So fun!
It includes brief histories on things such as Santa Claus's, stockings, cards, etc. origins as well as ideas for traditions, crafts, and recipes! So fun!
Well, I can't tell if this links to the right Amazon one or not, because the reviews (customer and professional) talk about a zillion different illustrators. My copy is illustrated by James Marshall, and it cracks me up. There are random bulldogs, mice, cats, and chickens sitting about the house, and Santa raids the refrigerator, among other things. I'd say it's my favorite of our versions of this poem.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers' Book Club: Vocabulary and Word Choice | 1 | 4 | Dec 15, 2011 04:07pm |
Clement Clarke Moore, (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863), is best known as the credited author of A Visit From St. Nicholas (more commonly known today as Twas the Night Before Christmas).
Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume...more
More about Clement Clarke Moore...
Clement C. Moore was more famous in his own day as a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and at General Theological Seminary, who compiled a two volume...more
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