Up Close and Personal With Jolly Old St. Nick

As a child, whenever I heard Clement C. Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" I recall wishing I could actually spring from my bed into the poem to join the narrator and watch the children, the sugarplums, St. Nick, and the reindeer as he described them!

Well, if that was you too, today I'd like to recommend a dreamy picture book version of this lovely old poem (written by Moore in 1822), that will take your child face to face with that "Right Jolly Old Elf".

Robert Ingpen's illustrations have a wonderfully inviting quality and a "you're there too" perspective, starting with the Mouse (who though he's not stirring, is looking right at you!)

I love the soft, warm style of Ingpen's illustrations. If you want to see more pictures from this cozy book, curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and watch this Youtube video, courtesy of Palazzo Editions, Ltd (2011)...



Robert Ingpen has illustrated other classic titles which include: Treasure Island, The Wind in the Willows, The Jungle Book, Peter Pan & Wendy, A Christmas Carol, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Secret Garden (all published by Walker Books - go here for more information).