The Night Before Christmas

There isn't really a lot you can say about the poem as it's such a classic, except that many people will only know the first few lines maybe and therefore might not have enjoyed the (good old-fashioned sentimental) detail found through the rest of the verses.

Of this particular version I will say that it is appropriately and beautifully illustrated, and although an earlier reviewer may have found the pictures too dark to enjoy properly, I felt I had to write and say that we have had no problems. The kids and I read this regularly at bedtime in the run-up to Christmas (low lighting therefore) and can make out all of the details, and the Christmas Eve reading is usually snuggled up by the fire with only a few candles to read by, and again, we can see the pictures clearly enough to point out everybody's favourite details.

Every review is based on personal experience, but from my own I would heartily recommend this version, it's truly beautiful and something that will stay with us for a long time. In addition, at the kind of price you can pick it up for from Amazon, it's well worth a look, even if you decide later that the illustrations aren't good for you either. The one thing you can be sure about is that you'll have the experience of a truly heart-warming Christmas experience.


Timeless Classic   December 19, 2005
 11 out of 14 found this review helpful

This is a beautiful edition of a timeless classic. I realised this year that I had never read it all the way through and so chose this edition to read to my daughter (nearly four) at bedtime throughout December. There is no need to comment on the poem/story itself, being a well-known classic. It is as charming as I had anticipated and my daughter has been captivated by it, now joining in with gusto.

My main criticism (and reason for only three stars) is regarding the illustrations. Now I am aware that the story is set at night and therefore the pictures should reflect that, but they are so dark that you can barely make out any details. I am reading about St Nicholas descending from the sky drawn by reindeer, but I can hardly make them out in the picture. Whilst some of the pictures are brighter than others, my daughter shows no interest in the majority of them which makes me wish I had gone for one of the more brightly illustrated editions. Even as an adult, there are only a few illustrations that I consider worth viewing, not because they aren't beautiful (because they are) but because you just cannot see them very well.

As an extension of this point, if you want to share this book with your child by lamplight at bedtime (as I have every night so far this December) then forget it. Anything less than full daylight or a main room light then you cannot see a thing in the pictures.

So, definately buy a copy of The Night Before Christmas, but if it is to share with a child to discuss the various aspects of the Father Christmas tradition then go for a differently, more brightly illustrated edition.


Wonderful story and illustrations   December 16, 2005
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

A lovely book. It's beautifully illustrated in colour in a style a bit like Norman Rockwell, with a ruddy-faced Santa who arrives in the night on a flying sleigh pulled by eight named reindeer to squeeze down the chimney and leave gifts for the children of the house. The father sees him have a drink and some food then winks and heads back up the chimney which is a rather tight fit. A very well-produced presentation of a familiar traditional Christmas scene which would make a lovely gift or bedtime story for young children.


DELIGHTFUL PRESENTATION OF A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS STORY!   November 14, 2005
 23 out of 23 found this review helpful

This timeless story that entertained me and my brothers and sisters when we were children––and later our own kids and grandkids––has never been more delightful. The story is just as moving as when Clement C. Moore wrote it, and the illustrations by Christian Birmingham breathe new life into its magic.

An enchanting, lyrical story, befitting of the wondrous Christmas season.

It will undoubtedly be stuffed in many Christmas stockings ths year ... and probably for years to come.

Merry Christmas, kids! Enjoy! - Betty Dravis, 2005