'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas (Hardcover)

~ Anonymus (Author), (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

What Tavares's (Zachary's Ball) monochrome art for this famous poem may lack in seasonal palette, it more than makes up for in authenticity. The artist pays homage to the original text, incorporating the spellings and phrasings of 1823, the year in which the verse first appeared in a Troy, N.Y., newspaper. Stark yet lushly textured pencil drawings, recalling the work of Chris Van Allsburg, capture the mystery, surprise and anticipation of what many children consider the most magical night of the year. The finely wrought portraits and shadowy, snow-covered Victorian setting will enchant. Ages 5-up.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. A search on Amazon for "Night before Christmas" turns up a total of 216 hits, with versions from Rugrats to Cajun to a series that goes state by state. This handsome new edition with evocative pencil illustrations will satisfy those looking for a low-key, very traditional treatment of the old Christmas rhyme. Tavares says in an introduction that he used the exact version of the poem as it was first published, and in keeping with the work's original place and time, the house is filled with Dickensian-era detail. The paper's texture comes through to give the illustrations a tactile feeling, and the use of light shining from clear directions and the unusual perspectives are reminiscent of Chris Van Allsburg's pencil work. Although not a must-buy, this is a fine choice for libraries needing another version of the classic story. Susan Dove Lempke
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0763615854
• ISBN-13: 978-0763615857
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #357,964 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars magical, October 16, 2006

By	C. Brooks - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: 'Twas the Night Before Christmas: Or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas (Hardcover)

My mother used to read me this poem every christmas eve which became a magical tradition. The book was misplaced in a move and my mother and i have not read it since I was young. So I ordered this version for her christmas this year and when it arrived I was more than pleased. The book is stunning in more ways than one, and the artwork really shows how magical and heartwarming the story is. I shall give it to my mother on christmas eve and I know she will treasure it.. as will my kids and there kids after them. This book without a doubt will become an heirloom. Wether you are looking for a new copy or buying twas the night before christmas for the first time, I highly recommend this version. Enjoy.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beautiful artwork makes the story come to life, October 27, 2005

By	Joe'sMom (Ayer, MA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

In our house, while we read the story of "The Night Before Christmas" several times over the holiday season, we have a special tradition to read it with my son on Christmas Eve just before bed. We own several versions of this story, from picture books, to pop-ups, to sesame street characters, but this version is the one we read on Christmas Eve.

The pencil drawings are beautifully detailed, and the combination of the artwork applied to the original text of the poem, really give the story back some of it's old world charm. Even the size and texture of the book (Oversized hardcover with fabric-like binding) give it the feel of tradition.

Definitely worth adding this version of a classic story to your holiday library.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic tale with Amazingly beautiful artwork, January 2, 2003

By A Customer

My son constantly wants me to read this book to him. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is a classic. I'm sure this book will become a family heirloom.