The night before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

Ill. by Helene Magisson. New Frontier, 2016. ISBN 9781925059700
(Age: 3+) Christmas. Classic story. Clement Clarke Moore's classic poem Twas the night before Christmas has not lost any of its charm. Written in 1822, the beautiful rhyming story will still appeal to people of all ages as St Nicholas arrives with his eight tiny reindeer to deliver presents. The well-known refrain below will have children chanting along and the story rhymes so beautifully that it will remain in the minds of all who listen to it. Many are sure to want it read again and again and it will become a Christmas favourite:
Now dasher! Now dancer! now Prancer and Vixen!
O, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the Wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!
Helene Magisson's soft illustrations will appeal to young children, who will enjoy the Christmas colours and the little cat that appears on many of the pages. The illustrations of the toy mouse that St Nicholas brings for the cat will bring a smile to the face of readers who spend time perusing the drawings.
There will also an opportunity for readers to discuss an old fashioned Christmas with stockings hung on the mantelpiece, the differences between Christmas in a hot climate and one where it snows, and also the joy of giving.
Pat Pledger