The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore

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The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore

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Category: For Sharing
Rating: 4/5
Reviewer: Keith Dudhnath
Reviewed by Keith Dudhnath
Summary: Clement Clarke Moore's famous Christmas poem is retold in an African setting, both keeping the warm familiarity and adding a fresh layer of interest to proceedings. Recommended.
Buy? Yes Borrow? Yes
Pages: 32 Date: November 2009
Publisher: Putnam
ISBN: 978-0399254086

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Everyone knows and loves Clement Clarke Moore's poem A Visit From St Nicholas. Even if you don't go the whole hog, gathering the family round by the log fire, and reading it together, its opening line of 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... fills you with a warm glow. You can practically smell the mulled wine and hear the snores of Auntie Gertrude during the Queen's Speech. It's an absolute classic.

So what marks this new version out from the others? Rachel Isadora has kept the original text, but she's changed the setting to Africa. Whilst Daily Mail readers choke on their mince pies, it's worth remembering that Santa is for all the little boys and girls worldwide. There's a precedent too: almost all renditions of Jesus have transformed him from an olive-skinned Middle Easterner, to a blond haired and blue eyed chap who'd be more than welcome at the golf club. Actually, leaving right-on grooviness to one side, the new setting of this classic tale isn't forced or clunky, nor does it feel hammered home. It just is what it is, and it works really well.

Rachel Isadora's paper collages are gorgeous. The bold patterns sing of the brightness of Christmas. The stars in the sky and snow on the ground are straight from a dream. The African landscape and homes are utterly beautiful. Santa is the same usual cuddly, loving, rosy person he always is, but he just happens to have slightly darker skin than usual and a few dreadlocks. It's surprising how well the familiar text marries so well with the fresh new setting. It still feels just like an old favourite, but it now has an extra layer of interest that enhances treasured memories.

It's a poem that is and will always be a major part of Christmas. It's a poem that you might possibly have lurking around in a book somewhere, but you couldn't necessarily put your hands on it. Do yourself a favour and enjoy this stunning and fresh new version. Feel the warmth in your heart and let a happy smile cross your lips. Recommended.

My thanks to the publishers for sending it to Bookbag.

For other gorgeous Christmas books, check out The First Christmas by Jan Pienkowski and Nut Cracker by David Walser and Jan Pienkowski. If you want other picture books set in Africa, Cross Crocodile by Mwenye Hadithi and Adrienne Kennaway is great, as is Marvin's Funny Dance by Sarah McConnell.

Booklists.jpg The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore is in the Top Ten Books With A Christmas Theme.

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Buy The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore at Amazon You can read more book reviews or buy The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
Buy The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore at Amazon You can read more book reviews or buy The Night Before Christmas by Rachel Isadora and Clement Clarke Moore at Amazon.com.

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