Customer Reviews

The Night Before Christmas

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is simply a beautiful thing. The illustrations bring Clement Moore's poetic story to brilliant life. Santa, the elves, the reindeer all seem so real one begins to feel like one is flying through the night sky with twinkling stars right with them. I never realized before what a perfect poem is Mr. Moore's. Not one word ill-chosen, not one phrase that doesn't belong, it glides along to the finale of the story. One only wishes one could return to the North Pole with this entourage, and that the book would keep on going.

The illustrations are truly breathtaking. We again have the Jan Brett trademark of the framing of her illustrations, done so naturally that the framework seems to be part of the story and pictures as well. I especially love her depiction of the marvelous reindeer - all so spirited and intent on their purpose.

Though they say nary a word, there are two stowaway elves on this nighttime sky journey. They assist in the packing and the distributing of various and sundry colorful gifts (into stockings, of course, waiting by the chimney to be filled). Oh what happy children there will be in the morning. Santa and his helpers, the elves, did their work well.

I can't think of a more perfect gift for any child age four to eight at Christmastime, or any other time for that matter, than this lovely, lovely book.

I have been a Jan Brett fan all my life. Granted I'm only 12, but still. Having visited Stockbridge, where the book takes place, made this even more interesting. The best part by far was the fact that when flipping through the pages, I noticed, on page 18, my name attached to a pair of cowboy boots. Having written Ms. Brett a letter a few years ago, I was excited to relize that my sister's name is also included. Putting 2+2 together, I relized that smattered throughout the book were hundreds of names of children, most likely fans who wrote Ms. Brett. Bravo Jan Brett, for acknowledging your fans!

I ordered this book for my husband to read to our daughter on Christmas Eve - a tradition passed down through his family. When we received it, we read through it, and although the pictures are beautiful (classic Jan Brett illustrations) the illustrator decided to add her own "twist" on the classic poem by depicting trouble-making elves wreaking havoc in Santa's sleigh. The main pictures don't match the story, and the illustrations that do go with the words are shown in the small side panes. I suppose it might be a nice copy for an older kid, but for young children this seems like it would be confusing. We will be returning this book and continuing our search for a beautifully illustrated, classic version of the poem.

The elegantly detailed illustrations and beautiful format of Jan Brett's version of this Christmas classic led me to select this book for my grandchild.

I bought this for my grandchildren last Christmas. The wording is traditional, and the illustrations are wonderful! This has become a part of the Christmas Eve tradition at my daughter's house.

I selected this book over all other options b/c it was recommended to me for the picture quality. I agree, the pictures are great and my daughter (almost 2) already pulls it off the shelf to look at the pictures. :)

This book is lush with gorgeous pictures as only Jan Brett can do. Not only can you read and look at the old standard Christmas poem but also be entertained by the wonderful pictures in the border which tell another story all together! A great way to start your own "Jan Brett" collection.

This book arrived was excellent in neat as new. We love this story for perfect christmas season every yearly!

This is a beautifully illustrated book which should be on your coffee table while your Christmas tree is up. A joy for children and adults alike.

Jack Ward, Ph.D.

I think this is a very nice book, however I thought the illistrations could have been a bit better. I have seen others I preferred. This was priced nicely and the child who received it was very happy with it. The print was a reasonable size, it just didn't "grab" me with the illistrations as I had hoped. Still I highly recommend it as there was nothing at all wrong with it. I just thought it could have been more.