The Horn Book Guide

LITERATURE

Tavares, Matt, Illustrator

'Twas the Night before Christmas: Or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas

32 pp. | Candlewick | October, 2002 | Trade ISBN 0-7636-1585-4 $$16.00

(3) K-3 This Christmas classic, illustrated with elegant black-and-white drawings, is presented as it was first anonymously published in 1823 with its original spelling and punctuation (including "Dunder and Blixem"). The textured illustrations effectively use light and shadow for tension and atmosphere. The bookmaking has an old-fashioned feel that matches the poem. An artist's note explains Clement Moore's authorship claim.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth