cover image The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

Clement C. Moore, illus. by Eric Puybaret, Charlesbridge/Imagine!/Yarrow, $19.95 (26p) ISBN 978-1-936140-06-0

Puybaret (Puff, the Magic Dragon) infuses Moore's classic poem with whimsical details: the family's warm house is filled with folk art–style decorations and twinkling fairies, as a gnomelike Santa unloads his gifts, then prepares to rise up the chimney. The full-bleed artwork, layered shapes, and vibrant palette (Santa's coat shines against a glacier blue sky and green sleigh) make the paintings appear almost three-dimensional. An accompanying CD includes recordings by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)