Teachers' Night Before Christmas (The Night Before Christmas Series) [Hardcover]

Steven Layne (Author), James Rice (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: The Night Before Christmas Series

What do excited students, craft projects, room mothers, nursing home visits, harried shopping, and near-disastrous pageants have in common?

They are all a part of a teacher's pre-Christmas experience. In this energetic romp through a school's last days before the Christmas break, the students are full of energy and are up to all manner of mischief. But the teachers are pulling out their hair trying to keep the students busy, while they despair over their own Christmas preparations.

Who should come to the rescue? Santa himself, of course! And he arrives at the helm of a flying school bus, with presents for all the teachers and a promise to take care of their shopping for them. The fantastic illustrations work with the text to make this a fast-paced, high-energy comedic interpretation of Clement C. Moore's classic poem. The book is sure to be a read-aloud favorite at Christmas parties in schools everywhere.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In another nod to Moore, The Teacher's Night Before Christmas by Steven L. Layne, illus. by James Rice, St. Nick drives a school bus through the skies, with his elves and workshop in tow, extolling the virtues of instructors everywhere. (Sept.) ~

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Inside Flap

A 2002 INTERNATIONAL READING ASSOCIATION/CHILDREN'S BOOK COUNCIL CHILDREN'S CHOICE SELECTION "Rice is especially good with facial expressions, whether they are on a Texas jackrabbit, a longhorn steer, a dusty cowboy, or the green and long-nosed alligator named Gaston ." -Library Journal Pop quiz: How does Santa deliver his presents to good educators on Christmas Eve? Keep your eyes on your own book and find the answer! Nothing compares to the excitement of children as Christmas approaches. Imagine the havoc in classrooms across the country on the last days of school before the holiday! This pedagogical twist on the Christmas classic will delight teachers (and even students) everywhere. The traditional trappings of Christmas at school-the Christmas pageant, a visit to a local nursing home, crafts, and the room mothers' party-all end in chaos, while the teachers struggle to maintain order, and, after school, get their own shopping done. In a whimsical touch, Santa Claus arrives in his flying school bus to save the day. Teachers are sure to see themselves in this humorous parody based on the true stories of their peers.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Pelican Publishing; 1 edition (September 30, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565548337
• ISBN-13: 978-1565548336
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,779 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Award-winning author and educator Steven L. Layne is the director of the Master of Education in Literacy program at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, where he is also a professor of literacy education. He is a respected literacy consultant, motivational keynote speaker, and featured author at conferences and literary events worldwide. He lives with his wife and children in Saint Charles, Illinois.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Christmas Gift for Elementary School Teachers Ever!, January 26, 2002

By 

Carolyn Jones (Oklahoma City, OK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teachers' Night Before Christmas (The Night Before Christmas Series) (Hardcover)

I was so delighted to find this Christmas "gem" this past year. Having taught 1st grade for several years before becoming a principal, I know that the series of events described and depicted in this book are in fact reality. I laughed out loud, and then ordered a copy for every one of my teachers for Christmas. Best of all, as they read their new books aloud to their children, the halls of our school were filled with laughter! Mr. Layne and Mr. Rice brought a lot of joy our way this season. Thanks so much!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book School Children and Adults Alike Will Love, February 17, 2002

By 

aleia (Lebanon, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teachers' Night Before Christmas (The Night Before Christmas Series) (Hardcover)

Clever illustrations and a humorous storyline make this a must- read Christmas picture book for both children and adults. I am a first-grade teacher, and this book is the story of my life. I read this book to my students, and they could not wait to see what funny incident happened next. They have also asked me to read it to them over and over again. I highly recommend this title.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a find!, February 22, 2002

By 

Sally Fiedler (Lancaster, Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Teachers' Night Before Christmas (The Night Before Christmas Series) (Hardcover)

I had the pleasure of receiving this book as a gift from not one but two different students ... I read it aloud and fell in love with it. The author is a teacher (no surprise), and I ... met him at a conference! He couldn't have been nicer. I have every intention of giving this book as a gift to my own children's teachers ... If you work in an elementary school or know someone who does, this book is a find. Best of all, the kids think it's hysterical!