(2) K-3 Illustrated by Julianna Swaney. Presented by American Ballet Theatre. A Clement C. Moore–inspired text and lively illustrations offer a tantalizing look at the before, during, and after of "tomorrow's opening night" for four young dancers. From auditions to learning the steps, from "rehearsals...with the pros" to backstage jitters, before finally: "Tchaikovsky's music sets a mood of jolly jubilation." The seven ensuing double-page spreads provide front-row seats to the performance, including a glimpse behind the scenes during intermission. A story synopsis and original costume illustrations from the ABT's 2010 world premiere of the ballet end this engaging look at the seasonal staple.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Joseph Cowman. On The Nutcracker's opening night, chaos spreads backstage in a litany of costume, set, and prop problems. It looks as though the show will be canceled--but then St. Nicholas and the (actual) Sugar-Plum Fairy come to the rescue. This ballet-centric parody capably follows the cadence and rhyme scheme of "The Night Before Christmas." Humor and holiday wonder infuse the text and dynamic illustrations.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Manders. On Christmas Eve, a lone sailor at watch witnesses the arrival of Master Chief Claus and his squadron of helpers as they deliver presents to the slumbering fleet at sea. The loose illustrations are caricaturish, but the rhymes are fairly precise. This treatment of Moore's classic poem may be best appreciated by military families.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Sara Palacios. Peppered with Spanish words, this reimagining of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" relates the Christmas Eve celebrations of a Latino family. Thong's humorous verse follows Moore's strong rhythm without faltering--despite the metrical challenges of working in two languages at once. Palacios's warm, earth-toned illustrations invite readers into the festivities, whether these tradiciones are familiar or new to them. Glos.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2014

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Shroades. Clement C. Moore's poem is the inspiration for this dino-themed adaptation: "'Twas the night before Christmas in dinosaur land. / Tyrannoclaus hurried, his helpers at hand." Somewhat garish cartoon-style illustrations show Tyrannoclaus and his assistants busily preparing for Christmas in a sleeping volcano called the North Pole. Dinosaur fans will be pleased with the text's rhymes: "On Raptor! On Rexy! On Mimus and Saurus!"

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Delana Bettoli. Seabrooke hypothesizes that a Christmas Eve day errand gave Moore inspiration for "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Delicately lined paintings in pastel but Christmassy shades are pretty, especially those of Clement's twilight journey through the almost pastoral Manhattan streets; a wintry map is the book's highlight. There are no source notes (a problem, as the poem's authorship is still disputed).

Reviewer: Roger Sutton | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2008