THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Those who seek a large-format, traditional interpretation of this Christmas classic will enjoy this pleasant though not exceptional effort. Browning’s realistic paintings offer an old-fashioned setting and a handsome, jolly Santa in a resplendent costume with lots of fur trim and a huge belt. This version focuses directly on Santa on most pages, following him closely as he arrives, leaves his gifts and then departs with his sleigh and reindeer into the night sky. Text blocks are set off with decorative borders and smaller illustrations of Santa at home in his workshop. An introductory author’s note provides the traditional view of Moore as the author of the poem without mentioning the considerable controversy over the poem’s true attribution. This note concludes with the questionable statement that “almost all the children in the world have read this poem.” (Picture book. 3-6)