The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated)

A Polar Bear Family Edition; A Rhyming Picture Book About Love and Family

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Pub Date Nov 24 2024 | Archive Date Jan 01 2025

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Description

Looking for a beautiful picture book for your family to enjoy? Discover a magical twist on a beloved classic!

This special edition of the holiday classic The Night Before Christmas takes you into a fantasy world where a polar bear family joyfully welcomes Santa Bear in their cozy, snow-covered cabin. The magic of Christmas builds with every moment, filling the night with wonder and excitement. Santa Bear is on his way to make their dreams come true.

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…

This reimagined classic, inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit from Saint Nicholas, bursts to life with beautiful watercolor illustrations that will enchant readers of all ages. Filled with heartwarming scenes and a fresh take on the beloved holiday poem, this polar bear tale captures the season's magic, creating a keepsake to cherish for years to come.

What makes this edition special?

* Christmas with Santa Bear through the eyes of a loving polar bear family capturing the values of love and togetherness

* Beautiful hand-painted watercolor illustrations

* Clement C. Moore's Biography

* The original poem as published in The Troy Sentinel in 1823

* Educational elements - meanings of the reindeer names, a carefully curated glossary, list of metaphors, similes, and contractions to deepen your reading experience and explore as children get older

* Perfect for family and classroom read-aloud

Sure to be treasured by animal fans of all ages, this is the perfect gift, destined to become an enchanting new holiday tradition. Cuddle up together on Christmas Eve and enjoy this holiday classic time after time.

Looking for a beautiful picture book for your family to enjoy? Discover a magical twist on a beloved classic!

This special edition of the holiday classic The Night Before Christmas takes you into a...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781069146335
PRICE $2.99 (USD)

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Average rating from 40 members


Featured Reviews

This was such a great read! It was very entertaining and the storyline was great. Thank you for the advanced copy!

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This was a wonderful surprise of a children's book. It had the author's backstory as well as the poem's history. It also had a glossary and definitions of similes. I liked that the poem had a border around it and that the next page was a full picture. I would recommend this book to children 2-4 and older. It was an interesting and insightful read.

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I absolutely adored this book!

This is a Classic story that is often read at Christmas time, it is no surprise that there are a lot of different versions of the poem out there but I will honestly say that this has been my favourite - I loved it!

The illustrations in the book are so beautiful, they are warm and the colours are perfect. I loved each one in the book, they are outstanding and really bring so much to this book. I loved the family in the book being Polar Bears - my daughter thought that they were excellent.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved the whole thing from cover to cover, it was a beautiful book - the illustrations were just wonderful - very highly recommended!

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Thank you so much to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my copy of The Night Before Christmas A Polar Bear Family Edition; A Rhyming Picture Book About Love and Family by Clement Clarke Moore in exchange for an honest review. It published November 24, 2024.
Always a lovely classic at Christmastime, and the illustrations in this iteration are beautiful. I loved that a biography was included, a glossary, and similes and metaphors. Definitely made me, (a homeschool teacher), happy to see!
This would make a wonderful gift for any kid in your life!

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No matter how old my children are, their Christmas doesn't feel complete until they've gathered around to read this classic poem. So, I'm always curious to see the different presentations and accompanying artwork. There is a lot to appreciate about this iteration.

The artwork features a polar bear family and Santa. The bright crisp illustrations add the right amount of warmth to the overall atmosphere. While different, it still feels Christmasy and has appeal. There are some interesting extras added in, and some may like these, and some may just flip through them, but the option to check them out is there and I can appreciate that. My hands down favorite addition is a list of the reindeer's names and their meanings. There's also a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to younger readers. The entire original poem that was published in 1823 is included along with a little history on Moore. The usage of similes and metaphors is discussed with examples of each pulled from the poem.

It was hard to overlook the illustration of the cubs emptying their stocking is placed prior to the one of Santa filling them.

For polar bear fans and those who are looking for something that goes beyond the original poem this could be a good fit.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing the Advance Reading Copy

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Advent calendars have appeared and the Christmas tree is up, full of lights and decorations.

It is time to break open my special library of Christmas tales and magical adventures over this special season.

A annual favourite is “T’was the night before Christmas.” How wonderful to find a new version of this famous poem from the early 19th century, tweaked to be more readable and attentive to the modern ear. This enjoyable reworking of the classic, takes nothing away from the original.

It images a polar bear family being visited in the story by Santa Claus and his eight reindeer. The pages are boldly and colourfully illustrated and the text broken down into easy to manage blocks.

The original poem is reprinted separately in full and you read it afterwards appreciating the subtlety and craft of Lucy Bozzi.

As a grandparent there is no greater joy than sharing with a new young generation of children, books and stories from my own youth and those read to my daughters.

To have such a book as this is a real blessing. It places the author and his poem into context. Gives it a modern and vibrant twist while celebrating its historical worth. I loved the additional details about poetic form and methods. The language and to keep it relevant there is a glossary of terms to enhance my grandchildren’s understand.

A perfect addition and a worthwhile early Christmas gift.

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Such a cute book!! A twist on a classic, having the pictures of polar bears. The illustrations were beautiful, and I liked the extra information included!!

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This is the classic tale of The Night Before Christmas. The story is the same that you know and love, but this one uses the original text. Some of the words were not familiar to us, but there’s a helpful glossary at the end! I loved the beautiful illustrations which feature a polar bear family getting ready for Christmas. This would make a wonderful addition for any family’s bookshelf.

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A fun and educational take on the beloved classic. A family of Polar Bears make this book just that more special. The illustrations are beautiful and fun. My child adored the polar bears and learning the history behind the original story and artist. I also so happy to see an author throw in the ability for the story to be educational. Will definitely be purchasing this book!

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The classic holiday book that I read to my children every Christmas Eve has now been updated to feature a family of polar bears, a perfect book to read to my grandson on Christmas Eve. The illustrations are wonderful.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As someone who cherishes holiday traditions, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition by Clement Clarke Moore, narrated by Lucy Bozzi and beautifully illustrated by Ilya Tolochka. This enchanting picture book is a delightful twist on the classic Christmas poem we all know and love.

The story transports readers into a whimsical winter wonderland, where a cozy polar bear family anticipates the arrival of Santa Bear in their charming snow-covered cabin. It’s the perfect setting for capturing the joy and magic of Christmas. With every turn of the page, the excitement builds as Santa Bear prepares to make their dreams come true, echoing the timeless sentiment of the original poem.

One of my favorite aspects of this edition is how it stays true to the iconic verses penned back in 1823. The nostalgia of A Visit from Saint Nicholas is palpable, and I appreciate how the authors have honored that legacy while adding a fresh, heartwarming narrative that appeals to both children and adults alike.

The illustrations are simply adorable! Ilya Tolochka’s watercolor art is bright, festive, and perfectly encapsulates the coziness of the holiday season. Each image is a feast for the eyes, making it a joy to share this book with loved ones. It truly brings the story to life in a way that will engage readers of all ages.

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the educational elements included at the end of the book. There’s a thoughtful glossary that explains the meanings behind the reindeer names, as well as a list of metaphors, similes, and contractions. These features enrich the reading experience and provide fantastic opportunities for learning as children grow older—what a clever way to blend fun with education!

Moreover, I adore the personalized "This Book Belongs To" page—it's such a beautiful touch that makes this book an ideal keepsake gift for boys and girls of all ages. Whether you’re reading it aloud to your family or using it in a classroom setting, this edition is perfect for creating cherished memories during the holiday season.

In conclusion, The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition is not just a book; it's a celebration of love, family, and the magic of Christmas. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful picture book to share with their loved ones during this special time of year!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

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The illustrations in this edition of The Night Before Christmas are sweet and the bears are a unique take on the book. This would be a great December read for any family.

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While The Night Before Christmas story is not new, the extra features of this book are. The glossary is helpful for all those words we no longer regulary use and information on metaphors, similes, and contractions help explain the phrases. The watercolor illustrations are super cute!

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

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Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a very cool version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. My daughter liked the illustrations and I really enjoyed the history about Clement Clarke Moore. It was short and sweet and drew you in to want to know more about his life. And I love that they used the original poem published in 1823! Definitely has some different wording you’ll notice if you’re familiar with the poem.

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This is perfect for the holiday season up ahead with the beautiful artwork and the twist on this classic story. But what makes this book unique is that it not only features a beautiful story but also has educational add-ons included. It includes a glossary, explains similes and metaphors, contractions, an explanation about the names of the reindeer and even a background of the author: Clement Clark Moore! There also is this sweet addition called "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas." I feel like this is the perfect Christmas book as a keepsake, educational tool or a countdown to christmas tradition with themed holiday books.

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This is an amazing Christmas book with a classic Christmas story. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and beautifully enhance the story. The additional content included makes this book both fun and educational and allows the reader to explore this classic story with more depth and understanding. I appreciate the thoughtful and thorough information included in this picture book.

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Although this poem is over 200 years old it is still a delight for young and old. This version is colourful with engaging pictures. I like that there is an explanation of the history of the poem and it supports readers to understand the English curriculum.

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Beautiful book of the treasured poem by Clement Clarke Moore with stunning creative watercolors. I am in my 60's and wanted to read this once again to get into the spirit of Christmas. It definitely warmed my heart and helped me remember the pleasant memories of Christmas as a child.

Thanks to NetGalley, Nuclear Family Publishing and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this precious book.

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I read this with my 6 year old nephew and It was such a breeze. We loved the poem, the illustrations, and I especially appreciate that the book includes a glossary and explanations of how contractions, similes, and metaphors work at the end. It’s a great book for children!

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An interesting take on a classic Christmas poem. While the text says true to the original format the illustrations are modern and of a polar bear family. I could see little animal lovers particularly loving this edition.

As a parent I really appreciated the history and supplemental information. Before the book begins there is a section explaining the origins of the poem and author biography. After the poem and illustrations are complete there is a glossary, metaphor and similie explanation, and a contractions explanation.

The additional information and history alone set this edition apart and add so much value and knowledge.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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A straight retelling of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, with the visuals proving that this was all happening to a family of polar bears. It's very nicely presented, with a full-page visual opposite a verse or two of the poem that is on a page adorned by a further little watercolour cameo. But it does take more than you might think to accept the image of Santa as a chap wearing specs. Perhaps they also double as a mask for when in flight. The book also wants us to have more, More, MORE – perhaps that's just the Christmas spirit, but we get freebies such as a glossary, and a grammar lesson about the similes, metaphors and contractions used in the poem. Is the glossary perfect? No, as it gives repeated lines from the poem to help us understand the poem, and defines "ashes" as "a solid residue", which is even less helpful a word than "ashes" was in the first place.

That aside, there are notices about the reindeer names, and how they've slightly changed over the 201 years since this was first written. You also get copious adverts and QR codes for online stuff. Which does kind of reduce the heritage feel any of this might have had, to say the least. I think this is perfectly fine, if you haven't got a copy of the poem from someone else on your Christmas shelves. If you have, the extras are probably not quality or essential enough to demand this further purchase, and I myself would stick to other, slightly more prestigious publications of the poem. I'm torn between three and a half stars and four, but the latter does suggest the cuteness and work put into the visuals here.

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An absolutely adorable retelling of the original featuring a family of polar bears. This book is beautifully illustrated! I thank Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this Christmas book.

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A beautifully illustrated version of the infamous, well-known rhyming tale of The Night Before Christmas. This version is with Polar bears. This delightful story and the masterfully designed pages will bring smiles to the entire family this Holiday season! Well Done!

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Beautiful illustrations!! A lovely book retelling the story of the night before Christmas. It’s great for any age but does include a list of the similes/metaphors, and even a glossary at the end which is great for older students and for in the classroom!

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A festive read for the holiday season, filled with adorable polar bears, the beloved Twas the Night Before Christmas poem and its history, as well as educational information. Readers of all ages will enjoy this heartwarming rendition of a Christmas classic!

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Thank you so much to Booksgosocial & Nuclear Family Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

A classic Christmas poem, that many know about in one format or another. This take had a polar bear family which were adorably illustrated throughout. It’s a beautiful poem that captures the magic of Santa Clause as he stops by on Christmas night, delivering his gifts and bringing joy.

I really enjoyed this particular version it was really sweet and easy to read it, the book also comes with so many extra features from fact-files, the original poem, glossaries and even an about the original author included. It’s jam packed with so much to read and extra facts to learn along the way.

A wonderful festive read and will be a great book to read on the lead up to Christmas as an exciting, beautiful bedtime story.

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This beautifully illustrated book presents the classic poem The Night Before Christmas alongside gorgeous watercolour illustrations of a polar bear family. It also provides a short biography of the poet himself along with history of the poem, providing context for older children.

I read this with my four-year-old and my ten-year-old, who both loved it!

A recommended read for fans of beautifully illustrated classic children's stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Charming twist on ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with an enchanting family of bears. I simply adore the delightful, hand painted watercolor illustrations. My children love many versions of this story at this time of year, although I love how this book adds so many extra elements for additional learning and discussion. Of note, we appreciated the details about the metaphors and similes in the poem; new information about the names of each reindeer; glossary of various terms; Clement Clarke Moore short bio; contractions used in the original poem (published 1823).

Such an enchanting book to share with the family at Christmas!

Many thanks to the publisher for the digital review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

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The classic story of the night before Christmas with beautiful illustrations. The polar bear family portrayed in the illustrations are so adorable and my children loved them. The colors are vivid and attractive and the details are not distracting but enhance the story.

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Super adorable version with bears instead of a human family. I loved the illustrations. I liked the history of the poem itself as well

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