The Night Before Christmas, written by Clement C. Moore and illustrated by Loren Long. Harper, 2020. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 

"With a little old driver so lively and quick, 
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. 
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, 
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:" 

The poem is familiar and beloved. It is read in homes on Christmas Eve - a family tradition for many. Loren Long's elegant artwork is what makes this new edition worthy of purchase for this holiday season. Don't throw away your older, familiar version. Add this one to your library as a special gift this year. 

St. Nick is at the reins, and his reindeer lead into the book from its front cover. Cleverly observant readers will note that the bottom edge of the cover provides a clue for of the places Santa is set to visit: an urban landscape, a rural farm, a trailer park, and a palm-treed neighborhood. Christmas happens everywhere! Endpapers present four different families as they make preparations for Santa's visit. The children are as diverse as the places they live. The title page repeats the four residences that are promised a visit from St. Nick on this particular Christmas Eve. Snow is falling on three, and not of the fourth. 

As the poem opens, readers step inside the tidy, well-furnished farmhouse. The family dog sleeps on the sofa, the room is ready for early morning exploration. A page turn shows two children asleep on a bunkbed. Their father sleeps on the sofa, next to a child-drawn paper fireplace that covers the window. A lighted creche and a small string of lights provide illumination in the room where he is sleeping. Next is an urban apartment where two boys sleep, a small Christmas tree on the table between them. The fourth shows a mother bounding out of bed to throw open the French doors, in response to a noise outside. 

There follow scenes of St. Nick's visits to each home where he is welcomed with food, by pets, and even the quiet glances of the childrens' parents. Each of these stops along the way are filled with details that are specific to the children met at the beginning of the book. As St. Nick and his reindeer finally fly away, his wish for a good night echoes across the page. The endpapers at the back of the book show the excitement of Christmas day, and the gifts given to each of the children. 

What wonder there is to be found in this new and modern take on a much-loved story! Bravo, Mr. Long.