It’s the festive season and to get us in the mood our Book Buddy Blog book from Parragon Books this month is a copy of the wonderful classic ‘The Night Before Christmas’ written by Clement C. Moore.
First published in America in 1823, this seasonal rhyme hasn’t lost any of its Christmassy charm. Tradition at its best and the poem that is largely responsible for a lot of todays conceptions of Santa Claus, dressed in fur and snow-white beard! This edition published by Parragon is wonderfully illustrated by award-winning designer Henry Fisher. It’s bold, colorful and jolly – not to mention super sparkly!
What is it?
”Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring
not even a mouse.’
You must know how the story goes! It’s Christmas eve and everyone is tucked up snug in bed sound asleep, when a clatter wakes up the man of the house. From the window he spots Santa flying past on his sleigh pulled by those ever so famous reindeer. He hears a thud as they land on the roof of his house and then spies on St Nick as he appears at the bottom of the chimney and goes about his tasks of filling the stockings left out for him.
What did the kids think?
It’s a story Bean (5) recognises as it’s become a little Christmas tradition in our house. The last few Christmas Eve’s we’ve read it together to get in the mood! I think he preferred this edition to our original one as the illustrations are so soft and sleepy and perfect for snuggling up to. Excited by it being ‘Christmas Story’ week at school, he eagerly took it along to show and tell to share with his school friends.
‘I really like it. It makes me think about Christmas. The night before Christmas mummy reads it when we have our milk and stories. It means Christmas is nearly here!’ Bean, age 5.
What did mummy think?
What’s not to love?! For something that was written 190 (!!) years ago it remains both relevant and captivating. It certainly doesn’t sound dated or old fashioned. The language is engaging and still makes sense to our youngsters. I am the first to admit that I’m not one to fully embrace Christmas time, yes I can be rather bah humbug, but I do have a soft spot for this story and it really adds to the excitement and anticipation of what is a magical time for my babies.
Overall 10/10
Such an enjoyable and beautiful story to share with the little ones during the countdown to Christmas.
‘Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!’
We were sent these for the purporse of review, and this post contains an affiliate link. All opinions are our own.
