'Twas the Night Before Christmas, written by Clement C. Moore and illustrated by P.J. Lynch. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2021. $22.99 ages 4 and up

"As leaves that before 
the wild hurricane fly, 
When they meet with an obstacle,
mount to the sky;

So up to the housetop
the coursers they flew
With a sleigh full of toys,
and St. Nicholas, too - "

Words are not the draw here. I am sure you have heard these many, many times before now. This poem has been regularly read on Christmas Eve in homes around the world. It has been reinterpreted year after year by many wonderful artists. Last year, I shared Loren Long's wondrous work about four different families and how they spend their time awaiting Santa's visit.   

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/7130079189010543417/1217955271112323991

This year the timeless tale is complemented by P. J. Lynch's wondrous watercolor and gouache artwork. It is not the first time I have been amazed at this man's talents. The title page shows a sleepy village scene, lightposts providing soft light as snow falls gently. Does that bare tree in the foreground resemble a set of reindeer antlers? 

The first scene depicts a dark corner filled with a straw bed for a mouse family, all cuddled up and sound asleep ... and not stirring. The next spread glitters with the muted light of the dying embers of a fireplace where stockings are hung, and the hearth offers cupcakes and a mug. The family is tucked up under cozy quilts in adjacent bedrooms; they, too, sleep soundly. 

Hearing an unfamiliar noise, the father rushes to the window just in time to see unexpected visitors. So the story goes, with listeners often able to recite the familiar words without pause. Each spread is filled with the wonder and magic of the season, with tiny details tucked in to draw attention. A warm glow surrounds Santa as he gets to his work, then leaves as he arrived. The final image of a smiling, generous youngster offering a gift-wrapped packet of cheese to the mouse family is a precious reminder of the joy to be found in this celebration of the season. 

Classic, and most enjoyable. Add this to your collection of other artful interpretations previously published. It is always fun to compare one with the other.