The Mouse Before Christmas [Hardcover]

Michael Garland (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | Age Level: 3 and up

Mouse has only one wish this Christmas Eve to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus. But when "From out of the fireplace--bang,crash,and tumble,/Popped merry old Nick in a heap and a jumble,"can Mouse be content just to peek? Soon, with "a swoosh and a swish"he is bundled deep into the darkness of Santa's bag. When he finally frees himself, Mouse is awed to find he is "high above Earth in the winter night sky,/Streaking past stars in a sleigh that could fly."Thus begins a wondrous journey that Mouse will never forget--and that will satisfy every child's Christmas Eve wish. This charming fantasy, written in pleasing verse by award-winning author-illustrator Michael Garland and illuminated by his lustrous, nighttime art, evokes the magic of being carried aloft in the wintry night sky, circling the Earth in the thrilling embrace of Santa's swift sleigh. Racing over bridges and castles, traversing cities and countries, flying above lakes and rivers, readers are carried along with Mouse on a whirlwind tour of the world's monuments and sights as Santa delivers gifts to children everywhere. And of course, by the end, there's a gift for Mouse as well a teeny tiny hat, just like you-know-who's.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2. A young mouse who is swept up in the excitement of Santa's visit ends up in the jolly old man's sack, enjoying a breathtaking ride around the world before being discovered and returned home safely. The story is told in the meter of the original poem. The artwork, described as "painted digitally," is bold in detail, color, and composition. The little mouse is shown struggling to carry a plate of cookies too heavy for him and, in a flurry of flying ashes and decorations, Santa tumbles from the fireplace. Sweeping exterior views of the sky and of a smattering of famous sights create a sense of wonder. However, the quiet scene of Santa peering down into his huge sack and discovering the little mouse tells this tale as effectively as anything else. A glossy package for the gift-buying public that most libraries can live without.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 3 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; 1st edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525455787
• ISBN-13: 978-0525455783
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 10 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,232,880 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award winning author and illustrator Michael Garland has been out on the New York Times Best Seller list four times.

Some recent Michael Garland books from are; Oh, What A Christmas! Scholastic, Miss Smith Under the Ocean, Dutton Publishers, and Grandpa's Tractor, Boyds Mills

Michael Garland's greatest success has been for writing and illustrating children's picture books. Garland's Miss Smith's Incredible Storybook recently won the California and Delaware State Reading Awards. He is currently working on his thirtieth book as author and illustrator.

Michael Garland has illustrated for celebrity authors like James Patterson and Gloria Estefan. His illustrations for Patterson's SantaKid were the inspiration for Sak's Fifth's Avenue's Christmas holiday window display in New York City. Garland's Christmas Magic has become a season classic and is currently being developed for a for a TV special.

His work has won many honors and is frequently included in the Society of Illustrators and the Original Art of Children's book show as well annuals from Print, Graphis and Communications Arts magazines. Recently, Michael Garland was included on the list of the top one hundred Irish Americans by Irish American Magazine.
Michael Garland is frequently asked to speak at schools, literary conferences and festivals across the country.

http://www.garlandpicturebooks.com

http://childrensbooksheal.com/2011/11/30/oh-what-a-christmas-by-michael-garland/

http://www.valcomnews.com/wp-content/PDFs/CalKids/CK1112.pdf

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=383&id=100000791525187&l=fb121ddf7a

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=24741&id=100000791525187&l=59df58a9f5


Michael Garland

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL, January 2, 1998

By 

"micheler" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mouse Before Christmas (Hardcover)

This will become a timeless story! The artwork is breathtaking, and the story definently got the attention of my 5 year old! Anxious to see what Michael Garland does next!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A New Christmas "Must Have", December 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mouse Before Christmas (Mass Market Paperback)

This is an excellent story for kids and parents! As wonderful as the story is, the illustrations are even better. My 2 1/2 year old wants me to read "the Santa book" every night before bed. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages. It will soon be a classic right along with The Night Before Christmas.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You've Got To Buy This, December 12, 2001

By 

Shelly Anthony (Oklahoma) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mouse Before Christmas (Hardcover)

My mother got this book for my daughter, who is now 5. She absolutely loves this book, and quite frankly, I do too. I am going to buy another one for keepsake, because we are wearing the first one out.