The Night Before Christmas

September 15, 2014
First published in 1954, this interpretation of Moore’s holiday poem by the late Caldecott Medalist Duvoisin returns to print in a handsome edition sure to charm new generations of readers. The picture book’s tall, skinny trim size is as eye-catching as the vivid primary color scheme of Duvoisin’s art, as he follows a stout and abundantly bearded Santa down the brick chimney of the narrator’s home. The illustrator’s fans may notice that the stuffed yellow lion among Santa’s gifts bears a notable resemblance to Louise Fatio’s The Happy Lion, which Duvoisin illustrated the same year. All ages.

November 1, 2014
First published in 1954, this is a wholly pleasing version of the classic Christmas poem, with all of Caldecott Medalist Duvoisin's gifts for color and composition in evidence. The book's tall, narrow shape makes it ideal for vertical-chimney, steep-rooftop, and reindeer-flight scenes. Full-color spreads alternate with one-color (red plus black and white) spreads, giving the book additional pacing and rhythm (and the red -- for the chimney, the curtains, Santa's suit and cheeks -- adds an appropriate and welcome warmth). Everything here is exactly as it should be: jolly, homey, unpretentious, and full of good cheer. martha v. parravano

(Copyright 2014 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2015
This is a wholly pleasing version of the classic poem illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Duvoisin. The book's tall, narrow shape makes it ideal for vertical-chimney, steep-rooftop, and reindeer-flight scenes. Full-color spreads alternate with one-color (red plus black and white) spreads, providing additional pacing and rhythm (and the red accents add welcome warmth). It's all jolly, homey, unpretentious, and full of good cheer.

(Copyright 2015 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)