THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The classic poem about Santa’s appearance on Christmas Eve is presented in a large format with a contemporary setting and a jolly Santa sporting red, high-top sneakers.

The title of this attractive interpretation is spelled out in raised silver letters on the cover; beneath it, Santa is poised to swoop down the chimney of a comfortably middle-class white family. He is gazing out directly at readers with a wave and a grin, seeming to invite them to follow him down the chimney and into the story. He is white and wearing the familiar red, fur-trimmed suit, but this Santa has jazzy, striped gloves, those stylish, red high-tops, and an unusual patchwork sack for the toys. The atmosphere of the illustrations is dark and a little spooky, with muted lighting and mysterious, curling wisps of mist that indicate the magical nature of Santa’s journey. In the outdoor scenes, the text is set in white type, standing out against the midnight-blue evening sky. Several double-page spreads of the reindeer and sleigh in action use unusual perspectives to heighten the dramatic effect, creating a sense of speed and motion. The large trim size and dramatic pacing make this a fine choice for reading aloud to a group.

Illustrated versions of the famous poem abound, but this rendition stands out for its large size, thoughtful design, and dramatic, atmospheric illustrations.