The Mice Before Christmas: A Mouse House Tale of the Night Before Christmas

by Anne L. Watson, Wendy Edelson (Illustrator)

Everyone knows what happened on The Night Before Christmas, as described in Clement Clarke Moore's beloved poem — but what ELSE happened on that wondrous night. Here at last is a companion poem to reveal all: The holiday hustle and bustle in the mouse house since early that morning. The evening party for all the mouse friends and relations, with presents, feasting, and dancing. And to top it all off, a visit from Santa Mouse himself! Never before told, this mice-eye story, presented in lively verse and luscious watercolors, is sure to find a place in your heart beside the original classic.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens, Picture Books, Animals, Fiction, Poetry

38 pages, Hardcover

Published October 1, 2021

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, I'm in love with this book!💖🐭🎄

I went through the book three times so far and I received it today. First-round to see all the wonderful art. The second time, I read this cute "The Night Before Christmas" poem from the mice's perspective, and finally, I expand to see all the fine details and the gorgeous coloring. Just wonderful. I hope there will be calendars or cards with this theme, loved it!

Thank you Skyhook Press and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***REPOSTING BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AND MY GRANDCHILDREN LOVED it***


I’m in love with this book!!!!!! This time of year I’m always looking for new books for my youngest grandchildren, ages 5 and 8.

This book is a treasure. It follows the original Night Before Christmas but is told from the perspective of the mice!!

The words to the poem are big hearted, fun and I know will make them giggle. We follow all of the mice in the family the day before Christmas as they are decorating the house and getting ready for a big party.

We are able to see, through the amazingly detailed illustrations, all of the decorations in the house, the present wrapping and fun!!

The children are allowed up during the party until their bedtime. Then the adult mice get ready for dancing!!! They have an orchestra and dance away even out through the door.

“And as they were dancing, what sight caught their eyes?
A colorful, fast-moving blur in the skies!
Then clearly they saw it”: a brilliant red sleigh.
And lo and behold, it was headed their way!

I have read this at least 4 times and am so impressed with the story and the incredible details. I have immediately ordered 3 copies of the book which is available now!!

This will put you in the holiday mood very quickly, I can’t wait to read this to my grandchildren! I know this book will be one that they pour over, checking out all of the little mice and their sweet house, finding new things that catch their eye each time.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

It was my pleasure to read and review this delightful book.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful twist on the traditional 'Twas The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore but from the viewpoint of the mice in the manor. The illustrations are beautiful with the mice dressed in elaborate Regency dress and elaborate detail. It is a fun, festive party time for the mice as they get ready for the Christmas celebration including lots of family members, friends and neighbors. I am always looking for new books for our grandchildren and this just might go on the list. I read it using the NetGalley Shelf App and was able to see the beautiful colors and detail.
I received a complimentary ARC from Skyhook Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

The Mice Before Christmas is a truly wonderful read!
This adaption is based on Twas the night before Christmas. The illustrations are beautiful and traditional and the rhyming is superbly done!
I've always loved Twas the night before Christmas and this book has installed its way into my heart. I hope to get a physical copy one day for my daughter to treasure.
This would make a perfect book on the run up to Christmas to share with your little one and after a few reads I'm sure they will be able to finish some of the rhyming sentences.
I highly recommend this fir Christmas to every child- its a truly magical book!

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mice Before Christmas: A Mouse House Tale of the Night Before Christmas by Anne L. Watson is a whimsical retelling of the classic children's tale.

This book packs a real punch with incredible illustrations, and truly fun story, and lots of nostalgia for adults and children alike. This is a great retelling of the classic tale that will bring nostalgia to many, and laughs to more. I highly recommend this for your Christmas holiday traditions.

Four out of five stars!

I received this book for free from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 5 ⭐️

I happened upon The Mice Before Christmas completely by chance. Whilst browsing through NetGalley titles, my inner child saw the beautiful cover and nagged at me to read it, how on earth could I say no?

Firstly, I have to mention the wonderful detailed illustrations by Wendy Edelson, they’re exquisite, reminiscent of illustrations in books I loved as a child (a long time ago). Children or adults of any age will delight in looking at them. They alone tell the story without any real need for words.

The Mice Before Christmas is a twist on the the famous and much loved poem by Clement Clarke Moore ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ (A Visit From St. Nicholas), and I particularly liked the way the two are linked at the end.

Beautifully written in rhyme, the book is pure Christmas joy. A book to be read on Christmas Eve, year after year and enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Maria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new take on The Night Before Christmas this enchanting book is a must have to be enjoyed by adults and children alike. Written in the same poetic style as the original, the story focused on the mice in the tale. Beautiful and detailed illustrations. I received an advanced eBook copy from Net Galley and Sky Hook Press but will be adding the hard copy version to my Christmas shopping list. A delightful book, highly recommend :)

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

*thank you to Netgalley, Skyhook Press and Anne L. Watson for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*


5 stars


Now I'm not one who gives out 5 stars easily, but I have to say, this little picture book deserves every single one of them! The illustrations are so detailed, colourful and amazing to look at and absorb. The story, told in rhythm, was fun to read with a lot of heart felt love.

I felt this story gave more of a 'story' than the classic 'Night before Christmas' version and for that I was greatful. It's adorable and all mice lovers will like this. Even though it's March currently, it made me wish it was Christmas time again.

I can see this being a classic children's Christmas picture book for years to come. I'm definitely going to be buying a copy to give to my neice. She loves animals and Christmas and I'm sure she will love this. No matter your age, you are never too old for such gems. Highly recommend.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An instant new Christmas classic! Not only will children just looove this story, adults will enjoy it too as they read along. The poem story is written so well... it's perfect! The illustrations are beyond perfect; I can't believe all the amazing details added.

I cracked up laughing when I saw what was pulling Santa Mouse's sleigh... (No spoilers here! I won't tell you, as you'll have to read the book for yourself. But I was very pleased by the choice.)

If you giving gifts to children this year, BUY THIS BOOK for them! It's definitely worth it. This book is just as good as the original "The Night Before Christmas", for sure. Absolutely charming!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Angeline Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet book!

I read it with my 9 year old son and we both enjoyed the story. The illustrations are so beautiful unlike most children's books these days. This story is sure to be a favorite.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tonja Drecker · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hustle and bustle of Christmas takes on wonderful, mice charm in a nod toward the well-known poem, Twas the Night Before Christmas.

The book starts with a few quick words from the author, explaining how this tale is inspired from the traditional poem, but with a very distinct flair and direction. Then, it dives right in...and what a gorgeously illustrated book it is!

A bit heavier on the text than some picture books, this makes a nice read aloud to cuddle up with on or before Christmas Day. It's written in rhyme and flows usually very well. The entire thing takes on the same style as the Night Before Christmas, sliding in some vocabulary, which might need explaining. This also builds the word knowledge without bogging down and ruining the read. It does get a little long for restless listeners, but great slightly older ones in the intended audience range.

My favorite part of this book is the illustrations. They are extremely well done, hold tons and tons of details to make revisiting fun, and carry the some traditional style as the writing. It's a treat to gaze at these as the lively mice get ready for the holidays. I received a digital copy through Edelweiss and found this one to snuggle up with and enjoy.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn't love Clement C. Moore's classic poem "Twas The Night Before Christmas." Well, this book takes that poem and rewrites if from the POV of the mice. It describes their day, all the activities and action that totally exhausts them and explains why not even a mouse is stirring. We meet a family of mice decorating, baking, wrapping gifts, playing in the snow and then having a party where it seems every mouse they know is invited. It even includes a visit from Santa Mouse, so they are fast asleep from exhaustion when St. Nic appears at the house for the human children. It was a fun story, but the younger two grandchildren were more interested in the illustrations than the words. The oldest (8) listened and enjoyed the poem. The illustrations were absolutely amazing. They were full of detail that we poured over, laughed at and talked about. The illustrations tell the story as well as the words. This is a book that could be read by all ages and would be a wonderful companion on the bookshelf with the original poem. I definitely recommend this one for families, libraries and even schools.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

In search of a quick read to put you in the Christmas spirit? Check out the “The Mice Before Christmas”. Anne L. Watson and Wendy Edelson created a magical book! The book is beautifully written and the illustrations are enchanting!

“‘Twas the day before Christmas, all through their house, the mice were preparing.”

With only a few days left until Christmas, I needed something to get me into the holiday spirit. This book did that for me. It is an absolutely delightful read!

Not only are the illustrations enchanting, but I felt a sense nostalgia while reading “The Mice Before Christmas”. As I read the book to the tune of “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”, I was overwhelmed with beautiful memories and feelings of family traditions shared on Christmas Eve.

I recommend this book to both the young and the young at heart.

“Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”

I received “The Mice Before Christmas” from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!

[Jane Shambler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hey, remember 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'? I do it was my favourite christmas book as a kid. It still is. Yep, I admitted it.
Well this is an off shoot from that book. But instead of people its about the mice.

It's colourful and fun. It even rhymes.
The art work is wonderful and the story is fun.

I really don't think there is an age group who won't love this. Even my grumpy old neighbour smiled. That's one for the history books he never smiles.
It's fun and makes christmas better.

Enjoy!

[Echo · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw this book, I thought it would be a great little Christmas book to share over the holidays with my two young children, but there was something else about it I couldn’t quite explain after I read it. The Mice Before Christmas reminds me of a Christmas book I loved when I was a little girl, about a bunch of little rodent families who lives in a huge pine tree and all had to work together to decorate the tree with items each family had, in order to complete the tree before Christmas and Santa came. The Mice Before Christmas is about a holiday party the mice have and it follows along with the classic children’s Christmas book T’was the Night Before Christmas. Very cute for young children.

[Su Thor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Christmas and I loved this book.

The author has cleverly shown us in verse what mice do at Christmas. It is fun and witty.

The story is well told and is certain to appeal to young and old. A great story for Parents and Grandparents to read to their children/grandchildren and then later for the children/grandchildren to read to their Parents/Grandparents.

A wonderful tale.

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE MICE BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Anne L Watson, illustrated by Wendy Edelson is a retelling of Clement Moore’s ‘The Night Before Christmas’ aka A Visit from St. Nicholas.

Told in AABB rhyming scheme, THE MICE BEFORE CHRISTMAS reverses the children/parents with mice, as they celebrate the Christmas Holiday, preparing for the arrival of Santa ‘Mouse’. The illustrations are beautiful, colorful and Victorian-esque stylization, and would easily make for perfect Christmas greeting cards.

THE MICE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is an enjoyable, holiday story line that is sure to please the child in everyone.

copy supplied by Netgalley

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic, amazing, Christmas storybook all about a big family of mice who decorate their house, cook lots of food and wrap lots of presents, so that they can have a huge family Christmas together. The illustrations are superb, high quality and highly detailed. They remind me of scraps that I used to collect, which were based on the olden days. I loved the really cute mice, the beautiful illustrations and the heartwarming story, which made me feel so happy. I read all of the book, and my daughter dipped in and out of it, looking at all the illustrations. We both had a lot of fun with the book and we loved it! Highly recommended!

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book. As a new children's picture book, who doesn't appreciate a Christmas story.? I loved the mice, and their preparation for the big day. The artwork is fantastic! I spent quite a bit of time examining the pictures. I can imagine how much a little one would love this! Thanks Netgalley.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cute Christmas story as an adaption based on Twas the night before Christmas. I love the drawings, especially the reindeer hamsters. This book is a lovely read for families with young kids.

[Cat Strawberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun picture book and a perfect accompaniment or alternative to the original tale “‘Twas the night Before Christmas” by Clement C Moore. In the night before Christmas all the mice living in the house prepare for Christmas and have a party all before Santa Mouse arrives. I can’t comment on what this book would look like to hold as I’ve only read a digital version, but the illustrations inside are amazing and just look so beautiful and detailed and perfect.

In the same rhyming fashion as the original tale, this mouse version follows what happens to all the mice as they prepare for Christmas. There is much to do including putting the tree up and getting ready for a Christmas party where so many friends and family are invited. The rhymes in this book are brilliant and I just love how this book is just like ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with the same rhyming pattern but about what’s happening with the mice instead, which looks like a more interesting tale!

I really love all the festivities that the mice have, including a wonderful feast and dance later. And then eventually Santa Mouse arrives and I just love what happens when he does and the creatures that are pulling his sleigh! The illustrations really add to this book and I just love how detailed and beautiful each picture looks. There’s something reminiscent of Brambly Hedge in these pictures and I just love how detailed each image is of the house and the mice and how they all look dressed in Victorian style dress is just so lovely. There’s so much detail to look in some of the images including seeing all of the things that happen in each room of the house to some of the other creatures playing instruments during the dance, and I just love how each illustration is both colourful and so detailed that you can spend ages just looking at one picture. The illustrations really make reading this book all the more special.

Overall this is the perfect book to read in the run up to or even during Christmas (or after if you just love to read festive books like I do!). While taking inspiration from the original poem by Clement C Moore, this is very much its own story too and I just love how wonderful and fun the whole tale is. While there’s one instance of imperfect rhyming, the rest of the book just works so well, with such gorgeous illustrations and I even love the final twist in illustrations at the end showing the other ‘creatures’ in the house too.
-Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy for review.

[BlueFalkon95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mice before Christmas is similar to the bookThe Night Before Christmas, as described in Clement Clarke Moore's beloved poem. This book about an extended family and friends of a family of Mice as they go about preparing for Christmas Eve and Santa Mouse. Such a beautiful story that can also interpret to the everyday human family as they prepare for Christmas. Not only does the words tell us the story so does the beautiful and magnificent magical scenery of the pictures which brings the mice alive. These pictures encourages readers to look at them closely and opens the communication between the young and older readers to find a certain mouse or items after reading through the book. I would indeed encourage parents, carers, grandparents, aunts etc to purchase for a young child as an early Christmas Eve present.

#TheMiceBeforeChristmas #NetGalley

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[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Mice Before Christmas" by Anne L. Watson, with delightful illustrations by Wendy Edelson, offers a whimsical and enchanting perspective on the beloved holiday tale we all know and love.

As the famous line goes, "'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." But what if there was more to the story? This delightful book unveils the bustling activities of the mice family on that magical day, revealing why they were so exhausted by the time Santa arrived.

I was captivated by the clever narrative that explores the mouse family's preparations and celebrations leading up to Santa's visit. Watson's lively verse brings the mice's world to life, filled with excitement, joy, and the spirit of the holiday season. It's a delightful twist on a timeless classic that will charm readers of all ages.

The illustrations by Wendy Edelson are simply enchanting, capturing the warmth and coziness of the mouse house during the festive season. Each page is bursting with detail, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the charming world of the mice family. From the adorable Santa Mouse to the hamster reindeer, every illustration adds to the magic of the story.

What I particularly enjoyed about this book is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering a fresh and imaginative take on a familiar tale. The themes of friendship, family, and holiday cheer are beautifully woven throughout the story, making it a perfect read-aloud for cozy evenings by the fire.

"The Mice Before Christmas" is a delightful holiday read that will warm your heart and spark your imagination. It's a must-have addition to any festive bookshelf and a wonderful gift for children and adults alike.

[Gitanjali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable companion to 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, The Mice Before Christmas tells the story of why exactly the mice were not stirring on the night before Christmas. (Mice, after all, are most active at night!)

Watson imagines and tells the sweetest story about these tiny creatures, and in the process gets us into the spirit of Christmas. The cheer and joy of the season, the seemingly endless preparations, the excitement and anticipation of children, the coming together of the entire family, old and young - she captures the essence of what makes Christmas so special through this poem,

It is thus not only a poem that complements Clement Clarke Moore's classic, but is also able to stand its own ground and has all the makings of becoming a classic in its own right.

Wendy Edelson's artwork throughout the book is reminiscent of a traditional Christmas from a bygone era - enchanting, cozy and just very, very sweet, with little mice featuring everywhere. Her attention to detail is simply marvellous! Just going through the pictures is an entirely different way to enjoy the book, and would also make for a delightful Christmas experience to share with a child.

For those of you who have a tradition of reading Christmas books every year, this one's likely to find a spot on your list.

(Read and reviewed via Netgalley)

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house/ Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse..." Well, of course the mice were stirring, they were simply exhausted from all the holiday hustle and bustle of the day and evening before Christmas. The mice are having a party and that means lots of cooking and baking, house and tree decorating, present wrapping, and lots of stockings to hang as the excitement grows until the guests arrival. Then there are holiday greetings and wishes, carol singing, presents to open, food to eat and enjoy, after which the youngsters are sent off to bed to await Santa Mouse, while everyone else dances as a seven piece orchestra plays. The evening's festivities end with a visit from Santa Mouse before all visitors leave and the rest of the mice family fall into bed exhausted. This is a sweet alternative to the original Night Before Christmas by Clement Moore. It's told in the same rhyme scheme which never falters, and the illustrations are detailed and very traditional. I read this with my young readers right before we read the traditional Night Before Christmas and they loved how the stories kind of connected to each other, although they did wonder what the human occupants of the house were doing all day, too.

[Jane Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a delightful retelling of the classic The Night Before Christmas that for many years was read every Christmas eve in my home. For years and years I had been told and in turn told my own daughters that on the night before Christmas there were no mice in the house. Well , Anne Watson has now stepped up to tell the us the truth. There were indeed mice, a whole family of them actually, in the house on Christmas eve. Through colorful illustrations and playful rhymes Ms Watson tells us what the mice family did on Christmas eve. They were quite busy during the day. They decorated the house inside and out, they made cookies, they sang carols and they gathered with friends. There was much dancing late into the night that was accompanied by a seven piece orchestra. When the dancing spilled out into the night they were fortunate enough to see a tiny red sleigh pulled by hamsters.
Ms Watson has a way with words that will expand the vocabulary of those lucky enough to have the story read to them. In some cases the context will make the vocabulary clear and in others children will need to ask what a word means. .
This is an educational and highly entertaining book.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unauthorised prequels are never supposed to turn out this well. In looking at the fact that "it was the night before Christmas, and all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" this gorgeous and quite joyous book shows why the mice weren't stirring. We find it's because they had a humdinger of a party, with copious cheese, a seven-person band for a dance, and so much excitement amongst the young that nobody was fit for even a twitch at the time the poem we know of old was set.

Perhaps because it's such a delightful seasonal event for the mice there is not that much in the way of drama here, and we have to wait for Santa Mouse to be the bearer of bad news before a plot as such is allowed to (briefly) kick in. But the look of the piece, the details in the visuals, and the quality of the verse, make this a book to crack open with much pleasure for many a Yuletide to come. Some books come out that you just know will gain a deluxe, family heirloom-quality binding some years down the line, and this has many of the hallmarks of needing that – and deserving it. Four and a half stars.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Christmas Delight

This absolutely enchanting and vibrantly colored Christmas picture book tells the story of the mice in the Christmas poem “The Night Before Christmas”... why they are not “stirring” (i.e., awake) at the start of the poem, as the original states. Essentially, the mice have been preparing and partying all day, even getting a visit from Santa Mouse before they tuck it in for Christmas Eve. I review a lot of children's books, and this book has the most vividly colorful and highly detailed illustrations I've seen. The illustrations on every page harken back to Victorian times. The gentleman mice wear cravats and waistcoats; the lady mice have long skirts and shawls. Every mouse dresses up even more for the actual party, which includes family and neighbors. Truly, this is a very festive and fun book, especially if you are familiar with the original The Night Before Christmas. It would actually be perfect to read along with that original. Funnily enough—and ever so perfect—this book ends with the precise line the original poem book starts with. Such Christmas fun!

I received a free copy of this picture book, but that did not affect my review.

[Aislinn O'Loughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a perfect bedtime Christmas story! A sweet and clever "unofficial prequel" to The Night Before Christmas, beautifully illustrated and told in gorgeous rhyme. I read this with my 4, 6 & 8 year olds and they were enthralled by the funny twists on the original (Santa Mouse was a huge hit). The hustle and bustle of prepping for Christmas is so relatable and, in Covid times, my kids got to enjoy a bit of vicarious socializing through the little mice.

This book would definitely stand up to multiple readings - text aside, there so much going on in the pictures you're sure to find something new every time. My kids had great fun choosing which mouse they'd be on every page as they re-read the book themselves. It's also worth mentioning, while this story is a play on the original Clement Clarke Moore's poem, readers don't *need* to know that poem to appreciate The Mice Before Christmas (although that does add to the fun). A proper "instant classic", and definitely one we'll be reading again for many Christmases to come!

[Sam Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This children’s picture book is absolutely exquisite! I loved everything about it.

The story was sweet and the rhyming was perfect. Hamsters for the Santa Mouse sleigh-adorable. I can see reading it to the youngsters on Christmas Eve. It is magical and cozy.

The illustrations were so beautiful and precisely detailed. The house looked like a barbie doll house and made me dream back to my childhood. The clothes on each mouse were elaborate and unique to each animal. Each object was intricately sketched to make a full and perfect picture on each page.

I could go on and on. I read through the book several times just feeling like I should put my Christmas Tree up and make hot cocoa.

I will be searching for other works from both the author and illustrator.

I received this advanced review copy for free from Book Sirens and the author, however, this is a voluntary review. All comments and opinions are entirely my own.