Synopses & Reviews
Once upon a time, children imagined St. Nicholas as a stern, skinny bishop who was as likely to dole out discipline as Christmas presents. But thanks to the anonymous publication of the poem "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas" in the TROY SENTINAL in 1823, a plumper, merrier St. Nick was born, transformed into the sleigh-riding, chimney-diving, jolly old elf we now call Santa Claus. Complemented by gorgeous monochrome illustrations that are meticulously true to pre-Victorian times, this definitive volume of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, honoring the poem's original language, is now available in a compact gift edition.
Review
"Lushly textured pencil drawings capture the mystery, surprise, and anticipation of...the most magical night of the year." Publishers Weekly
About the Author
Matt Tavares is the author/illustrator of Zachary's Ball and Oliver's Game, as well as Jack and the Beanstalk by E. Nesbit. Of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas he says, "As a child, I would lie in bed, unable to sleep, listening carefully for any sign that Santa Claus and his reindeer might be on the roof. There were times when I was sure I heard sleigh bells. But I never saw him come down the chimney. Maybe someday..." Matt lives in Maine, USA.