'Twas the Night B'Fore Christmas: An African-American Version

by Melodye Benson Rosales

"'Twas the night b'fore Christmas, when all 'round the house, not a critter was stirrin', not even a mouse." So begins this charming adaptation of Clement C. Moore's timeless poem, richly illustrated in full color, with images of a black family at the turn of the century.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

Reviews

[Amy Layton]

I always gotta sprinkle some multiculturalism in my mom's classroom when I get to read stories...so clearly, I went with this--something her kindergarteners would likely recognize, but with a twist.  It was a hit.  They all recognized it, and didn't question why Santa was black (my mom's class is all white lmao) hopefully because that good ol' socialization hasn't fully kicked in yet.  

I had fun reading this one out loud--the poem itself had a bit of a twist as well, akin to AAVE.  And the illustrations were just absolutely gorgeous and detailed.  This is definitely a new Christmas favorite for me.

Review cross-listed here!

[Marilyn]

Meloye Rosales has beautifully retold and illustrated her African American/Gullah version of this classic tale. This version is out of print but well worth the trouble to find and buy. It features African American characters including St. Nick. It also contains dialect and many African American or Gullah expressions all written in rhyme. It's a delightful read-aloud version with illustrations to keep everyone's attention.

[Marcyjo Chachakis]

I loved the illustrations. Not so many changes from the original story

[Toni]

A classic Christmas story !

[Blair]

My daughter loved this book and asked to read it twice! Beautiful illustrations!

[Allie]

I've been reviewing different versions of the night before Christmas, and this is the first true adaptation I've found. The book features Melodye Rosales' incredible illustrations (you might recognize her work, as I did, from the Addie American Girl books) and a text translated out of the stilted (white) language and into an African-American vernacular. It's more than just a vernacular translation though, because she adapts the rhymes, mixes up the imagery, and makes it more accessible to young readers. This is also another one (like the Holly Hobbie version that features not only the father (who is the narrator) but also a little toddler who tags along in the Christmas joy. That's a little touch I find super endearing.

[Jil Ross]

This version of the classic story certainly puts an African American spin on the tale, and I love it. It reminds me of a version my great, grandfather would have told... (or a very cool uncle). I found this book on line from a library sell, it was a rare find and I'm happy I found it.

[Shone]

Every time I read or hear this story I get goosebumps. This year it was the Book of the Day as always loved it.

[Marcie]

#99

[Ami]

Referenced in Nurture Shock as part of a study on children's thinking about race.