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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Clement C. Moore

THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

by Clement C. Moore & illustrated by Ted Rand

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 1995
ISBN: 1-55858-465-X
Publisher: NorthSouth

Moore's familiar 1822 poem in a handsome large format. Rand (Gloria Rand's Prince William, 1992, etc.) illustrates the text in period style, from the father's Victorian sideburns and nightcap to the round-bellied, red-suited St. Nick. But he has also added nice original touches, like the gold stars sprinkled over Santa's sleigh, and the colorful Lapp embroidery on the reindeers' harnesses. The realistic illustrations, all full-bleed spreads, are done in watercolor with an overlay of ground chalk. It's particularly effective for the snowy outdoor scenes, which glow with moonlight. Helping to bring Moore's poem to life is the careful attention paid to every detail: the children's patchwork bed quilts, the blue-and-white china on the mantel, and fancy gingerbread trimming the porch. A traditional but beautifully executed treatment of an old favorite. (Picture book. 4-7)