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Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton’s The: 20th Anniversary Edition (Disney Storybook
Jack Skellington is an important figure in Halloweenland because each year he devises Halloween's most macabre tricks and frights. But Jack has grown bored with the usual pranks. One night Jack stumbles upon a door that leads to a cheerful, colourful place called Christmas Town.
56 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
56 people are currently reading
3561 people want to read
About the author
Tim Burton
103 books2,020 followersTimothy "Tim" William Burton is a prolific American film director/writer, best known for the dark imagery and quirky nature of his popular films. He is also the author and illustrator of the poetry collection "The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy & Other Stories."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 627 reviews
December 26, 2015
I got this for Christmas today from my sister and decided not to waste any time. I've embarrassingly never seen The Nightmare before Christmas film (I know guys! I'm behind on the times.), but I still found myself really enjoying this story! I have no idea if it's the same story as the film, but it was still great. You can never go wrong when Tim Burton's involved. ;)
November 1, 2018
Every year my husband and I have the same argument about when to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas. He claims it to be a Halloween movie due to the heavy presence of monsters, and I think it's appropriate any time between November 1st and December 25th. After all . . . the movie starts the day after Halloween.
This book, released to coincide with the movie's premiere in 1993, was based on an original poem by Tim Burton that was written in 1982. Here, is basically just the main premise of the movie - Jack Skellington becomes intrigued with all the glittery magic that is Christmas, and attempts to usurp the holiday in his own inimitable way. It's a bare bones story, with no Sally or Dr. Finkelstein, no Oogie Boogie, and my favorites - Lock, Shock, and Barrel - are shown only in silhouette.
Still, it's fun reading this mostly familiar tale in a new way, and Burton's artwork is wonderful.
You know, if this movie directing thing doesn't work out for him, he could probably make big bucks (sarcasm intended) as a children's book illustrator.
This book, released to coincide with the movie's premiere in 1993, was based on an original poem by Tim Burton that was written in 1982. Here, is basically just the main premise of the movie - Jack Skellington becomes intrigued with all the glittery magic that is Christmas, and attempts to usurp the holiday in his own inimitable way. It's a bare bones story, with no Sally or Dr. Finkelstein, no Oogie Boogie, and my favorites - Lock, Shock, and Barrel - are shown only in silhouette.
Still, it's fun reading this mostly familiar tale in a new way, and Burton's artwork is wonderful.
You know, if this movie directing thing doesn't work out for him, he could probably make big bucks (sarcasm intended) as a children's book illustrator.
November 29, 2016
This book was great and the artwork was beautiful! None of my students had ever heard of this story before, so it was really fun to read it to them. They really got into it!
December 12, 2021
A new take on a standard story.
Imaginative illustrations in the Burton manner.
Did not amuse the young children.
Imaginative illustrations in the Burton manner.
Did not amuse the young children.
December 25, 2016
Un imprescindible para todo seguidor de Tim Burton y fan de la película. Ilustraciones bellas, góticas y poesía ligera. Lástima que se perdiera la rima en algunas estrofas.
October 2, 2016
It was late one fall in Halloweenland,
And the air had quite a chill.
Against the moon a skeleton sat,
Alone upon a hill.
He was tall and thin with a bat bow tie;
Jack Skellington was his name.
He was tired and bored in Halloweenland-
Everything was always the same...
Fun book about a Halloween skeleton called Jack who decides to kidnap Santa and take his place. The presents he brings to the children are however a bit creepy.... so it's not a success... that's the essence of the story. Drawings are brilliant. The book is a beautifully designed picture book, you keep finding details.... 3.5. My first preparations for the Christmas season.
And.. .although creepy, the story is rather sweet too: Back home, Jack was sad, but then, like a dream, Santa brought Christmas to the Land of Halloween... And the drawing with it is fabulous.
If you have a Christmas favorite, please let me know, I'll be looking to read some before 25 December. Last year it was Scrooge....
And the air had quite a chill.
Against the moon a skeleton sat,
Alone upon a hill.
He was tall and thin with a bat bow tie;
Jack Skellington was his name.
He was tired and bored in Halloweenland-
Everything was always the same...
Fun book about a Halloween skeleton called Jack who decides to kidnap Santa and take his place. The presents he brings to the children are however a bit creepy.... so it's not a success... that's the essence of the story. Drawings are brilliant. The book is a beautifully designed picture book, you keep finding details.... 3.5. My first preparations for the Christmas season.
And.. .although creepy, the story is rather sweet too: Back home, Jack was sad, but then, like a dream, Santa brought Christmas to the Land of Halloween... And the drawing with it is fabulous.
If you have a Christmas favorite, please let me know, I'll be looking to read some before 25 December. Last year it was Scrooge....
December 1, 2017
This is the same premise as the movie and it's also very different than the movie. Sadly for me, Sally is not in this book. She is the best. Oogie Boogie is also not in this book. It is still fantastic and is great for small kids who the movie will scare.
Tim Burton did the story and illustrations so it's a work on its own merit. He takes Twas the Night before Christmas and he use that to tell some of the story. It works really well. I love the art work in this book. I want to own this book! It's beautiful. I would proudly put this next to my book of Polar Express.
What a fantastic story this is. My nephew loves Jack Skeleton. My niece tried to watch the movie and loved Sally, but got scared. She missed Sally in the book too and she also enjoyed the book and being able to finish it.
Tim Burton did the story and illustrations so it's a work on its own merit. He takes Twas the Night before Christmas and he use that to tell some of the story. It works really well. I love the art work in this book. I want to own this book! It's beautiful. I would proudly put this next to my book of Polar Express.
What a fantastic story this is. My nephew loves Jack Skeleton. My niece tried to watch the movie and loved Sally, but got scared. She missed Sally in the book too and she also enjoyed the book and being able to finish it.
November 23, 2023
I have loved The Nightmare Before Christmas since I watched it the first time. This book is the anniversary edition and Tim Burton has added some new illustrations. It’s a sweet and fun story that we have enjoyed over the years.
April 9, 2020
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!
November 19, 2019
Burton can rhyme!
beautiful illustrations that did justice to his own work
have to watch this again.
Gorgeous little book.
Ok off-topic, looking forward to the Song of the Sea book.
update: the Song of the Sea Artwork is now available, Yah!
June 20, 2017
"Nightmare Before Christmas" es, sin lugar a duda, una de las películas que encabeza mis favoritos para disfrutar durante mis dos fechas predilectas: el Halloween y la Navidad. Cualquiera que haya visto la película seguramente habrá notado que la historia combina ambas celebraciones de una forma muy particular, de una manera muy Tim Burtonesca, con esos aires góticos y personajes lóbregos pero de gran carisma. Y si bien ya había leído el poema anteriormente, no había tenido la oportunidad de hacerlo con la compañía de las hermosas ilustraciones que trae esta edición. Sí lamento que faltaran algunos personajes tales como Sally o su creador, pero aún así me parece que el poema es perfecto tal como está, y la edición del libro es sencillamente preciosa, un deleite para cualquier fan de Burton.
September 14, 2020
I read this to my 9 year old son at bedtime and we loved it.
We are big fans of the film and with the film being so legendary we didn’t get our hopes up for the book to top it. We shouldn’t have doubted it (the book is always better right?!)
It’s just brilliant.
As wonderful as the film, if not better.
Perfect for Autumn bedtime snuggle reads, we will definitely be reading it again soon.
🖤
We are big fans of the film and with the film being so legendary we didn’t get our hopes up for the book to top it. We shouldn’t have doubted it (the book is always better right?!)
It’s just brilliant.
As wonderful as the film, if not better.
Perfect for Autumn bedtime snuggle reads, we will definitely be reading it again soon.
🖤
September 10, 2022
Anyone who knows me knows The Nightmare Before Christmas is my FAVORITE movie. And the children's book is no different. One of my favorite children's books. Especially around spooky season or Christmas time. Very creative, spooky twist on 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.' Love, love, love it! :)
December 24, 2022
I don’t know if I like this or the movie more.
December 3, 2022
انا مش عارف هل فيه حد سبق تيم بورتون للأسلوب القصصي ده ولا لا أعتقد أقرب حد له بس علي مستوي أدبي أعلي و مستوي إمتاعي أقل هو إتش بي لافكرافت
بس اللي عمله تيم بورتون شهير و موثق هو خلي النوع ده من القصص بتاعه هو و بتاعه هو بس
من الأفلام الكثيرة اللي قدم فيها نفس الأسلوب القصصي لقصصه العديدة اللي كلها بنفس الأسلوب
و بطريقة كئيبة و شبحية و عاطفية جدًا بتلاقي نفسك حابب القصص دي
فاكرين لما ساراماجو كتب إنقطاعات الموت و وضح جانب الكثير مش شايفينه من الموت، فخلانا نقدر وجود الموت في حياتنا
تيم بورتون عمل حاجة شبيهه بس في عالم الكائنات القبرية الموحشة، مقدمهمش علي انهم كائنات مخيفة عايزين يأكلوا عقلك أو يستحوذوا علي روحك أو يقتلوك و خلاص، خلاهم كائنات عندها مشاعر بتشعر بالحزن و بيبقي عندها رغبة في تغيير واقعها الكئيب، آه صحيح الأمور مش بتمشي زي ما بيتخيلوا، بس زي ما شفنا في القصة دي هما بالفعل غيروا واقعهم و بعد ما كان سانتا مش بيزور عالم الهالوين بتاعهم خالص بدء يزوره
بس انا هغلط عمو سانتا المفروض كنت تزورهم من زمان و تنشر بعض السعادة بينهم حتي لو ليوم واحد في السنة
الحقيقة أكون مهتم جدًا أقرا في يوم من الأيام حاجة تخليني أفهم تيم بورتون بيفكر ازاي، و ازاي وصل للتركيبه المميزة دي، و ايه اللي بيحاول يوصلوهلنا مش استنتاجاتي انا شخصيًا عن تجربته العظيمة كمخرج و كاتب
القصة مترجمة في مجموعة المترجم 2 لهشام فهمي
بس اللي عمله تيم بورتون شهير و موثق هو خلي النوع ده من القصص بتاعه هو و بتاعه هو بس
من الأفلام الكثيرة اللي قدم فيها نفس الأسلوب القصصي لقصصه العديدة اللي كلها بنفس الأسلوب
و بطريقة كئيبة و شبحية و عاطفية جدًا بتلاقي نفسك حابب القصص دي
فاكرين لما ساراماجو كتب إنقطاعات الموت و وضح جانب الكثير مش شايفينه من الموت، فخلانا نقدر وجود الموت في حياتنا
تيم بورتون عمل حاجة شبيهه بس في عالم الكائنات القبرية الموحشة، مقدمهمش علي انهم كائنات مخيفة عايزين يأكلوا عقلك أو يستحوذوا علي روحك أو يقتلوك و خلاص، خلاهم كائنات عندها مشاعر بتشعر بالحزن و بيبقي عندها رغبة في تغيير واقعها الكئيب، آه صحيح الأمور مش بتمشي زي ما بيتخيلوا، بس زي ما شفنا في القصة دي هما بالفعل غيروا واقعهم و بعد ما كان سانتا مش بيزور عالم الهالوين بتاعهم خالص بدء يزوره
بس انا هغلط عمو سانتا المفروض كنت تزورهم من زمان و تنشر بعض السعادة بينهم حتي لو ليوم واحد في السنة
الحقيقة أكون مهتم جدًا أقرا في يوم من الأيام حاجة تخليني أفهم تيم بورتون بيفكر ازاي، و ازاي وصل للتركيبه المميزة دي، و ايه اللي بيحاول يوصلوهلنا مش استنتاجاتي انا شخصيًا عن تجربته العظيمة كمخرج و كاتب
القصة مترجمة في مجموعة المترجم 2 لهشام فهمي
September 29, 2020
It was late one fall in Halloweenland,
And the air had quite a chill.
Against the moon a skeleton sat,
Alone upon a hill.
He was tall and thin with a bat bow tie;
Jack Skellington was his name.
He was tired and bored in Halloweenland -
Everything was always the same.
My mommy bought me this. And I obviously love it, it's one of my favourite movies. And I love her.
Love. Love. Love. Love.
Ps.: Where is Sally though 😭
And the air had quite a chill.
Against the moon a skeleton sat,
Alone upon a hill.
He was tall and thin with a bat bow tie;
Jack Skellington was his name.
He was tired and bored in Halloweenland -
Everything was always the same.
My mommy bought me this. And I obviously love it, it's one of my favourite movies. And I love her.
Love. Love. Love. Love.
Ps.: Where is Sally though 😭
December 3, 2015
It is definitely a simplified version of the movie, which is fine for what this is for. There's no mention of Oogie Boogie, no romance with Sally. There are no main characters besides Jack Skellington, Zero, and Santa. But since it is a short picture book it's cute, and of course it's always a good thing when you get to see Tim Burton's original drawings; the man is a freaking morbid genius.
Want to read
October 16, 2017Yes, I want to read this. No, I don't seem to be growing up.
December 19, 2016
Me ha encantado, nos cuenta la hidtoria de Pesadilla antes de navidad escrita en forma de poema. Y los dibujos preciosos. Perfecto para leerlo todos los años por este tiempo.
November 12, 2021
Un libro cuyas ilustraciones son mejores que la propia historia. Al parecer, el poema que encontramos aquí es el que dio origen a la película homónima, la cual no he visto a pesar de lo archiconocida que es.
Al no llegar ni a las 50 páginas, os podéis acabar esta lectura de un tirón. Es más, si no fuera por las ilustraciones y porque el texto del poema se dosifica lo máximo posible, el libro no hubiera tenido ni 5 páginas.
La historia no pinta mal, la cuestión es que su brevedad no ayuda. Como protagonista tenemos a Jack, un simpático esqueleto que está harto de vivir en Halloween y que se embarca en la misión de intentar protagonizar la Navidad usurpando a Papá Noel. A medida que pasamos las páginas, vamos viendo si logra su objetivo y lo que todo supone para él, pero el problema es que el poema en sí no transmite gran cosa. Además, tampoco es que tenga una rima que sea especial. No sé si es por culpa de la traducción o qué, pero le vi un estilo encorsetado o robótico. Me faltó notar la emoción o ternura que debería tener un texto que presuntamente está dirigido principalmente a un público infantil.
Las ilustraciones son el gran punto fuerte. Son variadas y se ajustan bien a lo que va contando el poema. A esto hay que sumarle que saben ser entrañables a pesar del toque ligeramente oscuro de la historia. Cuidan los detalles y creo que cada una de ellas transmite más que el poema entero.
En todo caso, no está mal si se buscáis una lectura que os distraiga unos minutos, pero creo que no tiene nada de memorable.
Al no llegar ni a las 50 páginas, os podéis acabar esta lectura de un tirón. Es más, si no fuera por las ilustraciones y porque el texto del poema se dosifica lo máximo posible, el libro no hubiera tenido ni 5 páginas.
La historia no pinta mal, la cuestión es que su brevedad no ayuda. Como protagonista tenemos a Jack, un simpático esqueleto que está harto de vivir en Halloween y que se embarca en la misión de intentar protagonizar la Navidad usurpando a Papá Noel. A medida que pasamos las páginas, vamos viendo si logra su objetivo y lo que todo supone para él, pero el problema es que el poema en sí no transmite gran cosa. Además, tampoco es que tenga una rima que sea especial. No sé si es por culpa de la traducción o qué, pero le vi un estilo encorsetado o robótico. Me faltó notar la emoción o ternura que debería tener un texto que presuntamente está dirigido principalmente a un público infantil.
Las ilustraciones son el gran punto fuerte. Son variadas y se ajustan bien a lo que va contando el poema. A esto hay que sumarle que saben ser entrañables a pesar del toque ligeramente oscuro de la historia. Cuidan los detalles y creo que cada una de ellas transmite más que el poema entero.
En todo caso, no está mal si se buscáis una lectura que os distraiga unos minutos, pero creo que no tiene nada de memorable.
April 23, 2021
To bolo milé.
Navštívil světničku
Zuzky a Josky,
a dal jim plyšáčky
s vyhřezlými mozky.
K Janičce Nováků
zaskočil nahonem,
a dal ji panenku
posedlou démonem.
Navštívil světničku
Zuzky a Josky,
a dal jim plyšáčky
s vyhřezlými mozky.
K Janičce Nováků
zaskočil nahonem,
a dal ji panenku
posedlou démonem.
January 30, 2020
Lo releo cada año por estas fechas (Justo antes de que llegue la Navidad) 🎄 y me sigue encantando cada vez. Esta edición ilustrada, hace que la lectura sea aún mejor.
Read
November 8, 2021story that inspired the movie that i love. it was a guaranteed 5 stars since page one lmao
January 24, 2024
The Nightmare Before Christmas by Tim Burton
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
I know I‘m late to the Christmas-Game but since it is still January and I suddenly felt like reading this illustrated fantasy novel, I thought why not! 😉
We were in a famous bookstore called „Shakespeare and Company“ last year on holiday in Vienna and we got this book and yeah… I finally read it after watching the movie many times… 🙂
„Jack Skellington is the most important figure in Halloween Town and for years he has delighted in organising macabre tricks and frights for Halloween. But this year he doesn't feel right - there must be more to life than scaring people? Then Jack stumbles upon a cheerful, colourful place called Christmas Town and he knows what he must do - he will bring Christmas to Halloween!“
It was written and illustrated by Tim Burton and it was fascinating to try to get a glimpse of how his mind works. I liked the whole book, it was beautifully made and the story is scary but in a sweet way. I can really recommend this one, bit maybe for next year around or before the holidays… 😁👍🏻
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
I know I‘m late to the Christmas-Game but since it is still January and I suddenly felt like reading this illustrated fantasy novel, I thought why not! 😉
We were in a famous bookstore called „Shakespeare and Company“ last year on holiday in Vienna and we got this book and yeah… I finally read it after watching the movie many times… 🙂
„Jack Skellington is the most important figure in Halloween Town and for years he has delighted in organising macabre tricks and frights for Halloween. But this year he doesn't feel right - there must be more to life than scaring people? Then Jack stumbles upon a cheerful, colourful place called Christmas Town and he knows what he must do - he will bring Christmas to Halloween!“
It was written and illustrated by Tim Burton and it was fascinating to try to get a glimpse of how his mind works. I liked the whole book, it was beautifully made and the story is scary but in a sweet way. I can really recommend this one, bit maybe for next year around or before the holidays… 😁👍🏻
January 23, 2023
4.5 en realidad.
«Estoy harto del miedo, del terror y del llanto.
Cansado de ser algo que, de noche, da espanto.
Me aburro de mis propias miradas asesinas.
Mover el esqueleto los pies me deja en ruinas.
No me gustan las tumbas, necesito algo más.
No quiero ir dando sustos para siempre jamás».
Jack Skeleton.
🎃❄️🎄👻☠️🦇💀👻🎄🎅🏻🎃
Me ha encantado. Cortito, pero me ha encantado. Además aún no he visto la peli y tengo pensado verla mañana después de leerme la versión manga. Y otro punto a favor que tiene y tendrá siempre, es que me recordará a una persona, un amigo, porque gracias a él lo leí antes de que le tocase seguramente. Y es maravilloso, de verdad. Ya espero con ansia a mañana para leer el manga y ver la peli, aunque ni estemos en Navidad ni en Halloween 😅🤷🏻♀️🥰
«Estoy harto del miedo, del terror y del llanto.
Cansado de ser algo que, de noche, da espanto.
Me aburro de mis propias miradas asesinas.
Mover el esqueleto los pies me deja en ruinas.
No me gustan las tumbas, necesito algo más.
No quiero ir dando sustos para siempre jamás».
Jack Skeleton.
🎃❄️🎄👻☠️🦇💀👻🎄🎅🏻🎃
Me ha encantado. Cortito, pero me ha encantado. Además aún no he visto la peli y tengo pensado verla mañana después de leerme la versión manga. Y otro punto a favor que tiene y tendrá siempre, es que me recordará a una persona, un amigo, porque gracias a él lo leí antes de que le tocase seguramente. Y es maravilloso, de verdad. Ya espero con ansia a mañana para leer el manga y ver la peli, aunque ni estemos en Navidad ni en Halloween 😅🤷🏻♀️🥰
November 29, 2018
Tenhle příběh jsem neznala, i když filmová adaptace je hodně populární... Jsem nadšená! Krásně ilustrovaná jednohubka, kterou přečtete za 15 minut v knihkupectví. Zatím nekupuju, protože nevím, zda to nebude dárek k Vánocům😇 Rozhodně však tenhle titul ve své knihovně potřebuju☺️😻 Hurá na film!
November 29, 2019
Lieliski! Grāmatiņa der gan Helovīnam,gan Ziemassvetkiem, kas nu kuram tuvāks.
May 8, 2012
Toda a gente que visite com alguma frequência este blog, sabe que sou doida pelo meu querido Jack. Quando este ano passei na feira do livro de Lisboa e vi este pequeno tesouro a um preço mais acessível, não hesitei em comprar.
A história aqui contida é a de um esqueleto que é o mais famoso da sua terra, Halloween, mas que está cansado de andar sempre a assustar e a fazer traquinices e sente a necessidade de algo novo. Numa das suas deambulações encontra um conjunto de árvores que são passagens para outros mundos. A porta mais colorida é a que o fascina mais e ele mergulha num mundo cheio de alegria e cores, a terra do Natal.
As ilustrações estão magníficas e a qualidade da publicação também está muito, muito boa! Sem dúvida que para quem gosta de Tim Burton e já conhece a história do Jack, este livrinho é uma aquisição mais que obrigatória. Vão-se deliciar ao folheá-la! Adorei.
A história aqui contida é a de um esqueleto que é o mais famoso da sua terra, Halloween, mas que está cansado de andar sempre a assustar e a fazer traquinices e sente a necessidade de algo novo. Numa das suas deambulações encontra um conjunto de árvores que são passagens para outros mundos. A porta mais colorida é a que o fascina mais e ele mergulha num mundo cheio de alegria e cores, a terra do Natal.
As ilustrações estão magníficas e a qualidade da publicação também está muito, muito boa! Sem dúvida que para quem gosta de Tim Burton e já conhece a história do Jack, este livrinho é uma aquisição mais que obrigatória. Vão-se deliciar ao folheá-la! Adorei.
March 7, 2021
Love, love, loved the book.
The world famous Nightmare Before Christmas in a children's book. A short story with lots of graphics, I just enjoyed it so much.
It is really nice for an afternoon read.
The world famous Nightmare Before Christmas in a children's book. A short story with lots of graphics, I just enjoyed it so much.
It is really nice for an afternoon read.
August 17, 2022
a perfect picture book (and poem) that inspired a perfect movie, created by the iconic tim burton, and directed by the genius henry selick! tim burton is amazing at everything he does in the world of entertainment, by far one of my all-time favorite creators, quite possibly the> favorite. i love where his mind goes, and i love that he can take me along with him. and where would this story be, had it not been for its production team.
you could not ask for a better production team: tim burton (beetlejuice, edward scisscorhands, corpse bride, sweeny todd, batman, batman returns) as story creator, henry selick (james and the giant peach, coraline) as director, michael mcdowell as adapter (beetlejuice), caroline thompson (edward scissorhands, corpse bride) and freaking danny elfman (beetlejuice, batman, batman returns, edward scisscorhand, spider-man, corpse bride, milk) as film composer.
you do not know me, but know this. some of my favorite films of all time include: beetlejuice (tied with the goonies), the nightmare before christmas, edward scissorhands, batman, batman returns, coraline, corpse bride, james and the giant peach, among others of course. i owe a debt of gratitude to these creators for creating my safe space, my comfort zone.
tim burton’s imagination is my comfort zone.
you could not ask for a better production team: tim burton (beetlejuice, edward scisscorhands, corpse bride, sweeny todd, batman, batman returns) as story creator, henry selick (james and the giant peach, coraline) as director, michael mcdowell as adapter (beetlejuice), caroline thompson (edward scissorhands, corpse bride) and freaking danny elfman (beetlejuice, batman, batman returns, edward scisscorhand, spider-man, corpse bride, milk) as film composer.
you do not know me, but know this. some of my favorite films of all time include: beetlejuice (tied with the goonies), the nightmare before christmas, edward scissorhands, batman, batman returns, coraline, corpse bride, james and the giant peach, among others of course. i owe a debt of gratitude to these creators for creating my safe space, my comfort zone.
tim burton’s imagination is my comfort zone.
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