The Night Before Christmas

Written by Clement C. Moore, illustrated by Barbara Reid. Scholastic Canada

’Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.

But what if the mice WERE waiting for St. Nicholas?

Barbara Reid reimagines everyone’s favourite Christmas poem in her own extraordinary style, featuring a lively cast of young creatures anticipating the most exciting night of the year!

The classic poem is brought to life by her signature Plasticine illustrations, full of humour and astonishing detail, making this a Christmas treasure to read year after year.

Available in French

The Night Before Christmas

Awards

Reid’s captivating Plasticine illustrations…depict a mother and father mouse faced with the very busy task of putting ten children to bed on Christmas Eve. One never tires of examining this home’s charming interior – created from found items – as well as the unique expressions and dispositions of each character. The results are festive and simply charming.

— Canadian Children’s Book News

Never mind that shelves are jammed with versions of this classic: make room for Reid’s (Picture a Tree) innovative interpretation, distinguished by her trademark Plasticine artwork and a generous supply of humor.

— Publishers Weekly

With her inimitable style, Barbara Reid has created a Christmas treat to be savoured and shared over and over.

— The National Reading Campaign

…clever bas-relief scenes in Plasticine of a mouse family in their cozy dwelling getting a surprise visit from jolly St. Nick.

— Wall Street Journal

…an imaginative, childlike interpretation of a holiday favorite.

— Booklist

Children will relate to this sense of holiday excitement and anticipation.

— School Library Journal

****/4 …a must-buy, and it will become a core component of libraries’ Christmas collections.

— Canadian Materials

Book illustration, "The Night Before Christmas", client: Scholastic Canada. © Barbara Reid Book illustration, "The Night Before Christmas", client: Scholastic Canada. © Barbara Reid Book illustration, "The Night Before Christmas", client: Scholastic Canada. © Barbara Reid

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