(4) K-3 Illustrated by Christopher Wormell. Wormell's signature prints illustrate Moore's poem. Each individual piece is dramatic and beautiful; some, such as Papa peering out of the window with shadows of reindeer seen on the clapboard house, use dynamic perspectives. As a whole, however, the book feels somewhat static and repetitive, especially when Santa comes on the scene.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Gennady Spirin. Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem is illustrated with Spirin's formal, elegant paintings. The art is small, detailed, and heavy (e.g., the reindeer are ornately adorned). Children may not warm up to this Saint Nicholas; the book is more likely to appeal to nostalgic adults or Spirin's fans.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Robert Sabuda. Paper-engineering whiz Robert Sabuda (The Christmas Alphabet) offers readers an eye-bugging holiday treat in this pop-up version of Moore's classic poem. Background colors accentuate the mainly white pop-ups; side panels unfold to reveal more movable parts. In the most dramatic spread, eight reindeer spring toward the reader. Sabuda's work is as clever, meticulous, and original as ever.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Raquel Jaramillo. Employing both conventional and computer-enhanced photography, Jaramillo puts a new face on the classic poem. In her "snapshots," allegedly taken during St. Nick's visit to the Gordon family in 1901, a few of the people look a little self-conscious. However, the sepia-toned photos, with their ragged edges and cracked surfaces, have a mysterious, old-fashioned air that complements the text.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Tasha Tudor. Tudor's old-fashioned style is well suited to the classic Christmas poem. On each page, a picture filled with tiny, rustic details faces the text; both are framed by oval borders that give the artwork the appearance of tree ornaments. Most of the pictures feature animals, including the artist's familiar corgis. A welcome addition to holiday collections.

Reviewer: Anne St. John

(4) K-3 Photographs by Monica Stevenson. Teddy bear fans will be especially appreciative of this cutesy but colorful interpretation of the classic Christmas poem. In the photographs, costumed bears are posed with props against painted backdrops. The book's large format will make it appealing for group sharing.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute