TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS and Ornament - Day 28

'Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house

not a creature was stirring,

not even a mouse;

These cute Hallmark bears are reading a copy of my favorite Christmas book, "The Night Before Christmas."  In December of 1823, a newspaper in upstate New York called Troy Sentinel printed an anonymous poem entitled "Account of a Visit from St Nicholas."  This was the first time many children in America had ever heard of St. Nicholas. In 1844 a man named Clement C. Moore claimed authorship. Since then, many scholars have contested that claim and have even named other possible authors, so we may never know the identify of the anonymous writer. Four hand-written copies of the poem are known to exist, and three are in museums. The fourth copy, written out and signed by Clement Clarke Moore, was a gift to a friend in 1860.

I have 13 different copies of this wonderful book. I think it is amazing the beautiful art work and portrayal of Santa by each illustrator. Below each illustration I have listed the illustrator.

This book began the collection. I read it to my children on Christmas Eve. It is called the Classic Edition. 

Such dreamy illustrations by Christian Birmingham.

Illustrator Matt Tavares - copyright 2002

This is one of my favorites. I have always loved  pin and ink drawings.

Illustrator Kathy Wilburn - copyright 1985

A Little Golden Book

I think every little child would love this sweet Santa.

Illustrator Mary Engelbreit - copyright 2002

I love her illustrations, they are so folk artsy.

Illustrator A.E.K - copyright 1918

This book is neat, each page is done by a different illustrator.

Illustrator Gyo Fujikawa - copyright 2007

Illustrator Jan Brett - copyright 1998

Jan Brett is one of my favorite children's book illustrators. Notice on the left side of the page, there is secondary story throughout the book.

Illustrator Douglas Gorsline - copyright 1975

Illustrator Niroot Puttapipat - copyright 2007

This book is very different, a lot of silhouettes and paper cut pages.

Illustrator Leonard Weisgard - copyright 1949

Illustrator Will Moses - copyright 2006

 Illustrator Tom Newsom - copyright 2004
This book is filled with wonderful illustrations of Santa. I had a hard time deciding which one I would show you.

Published by Gallery Graphics, Inc. - 2001

Illustrator Niroot Puttapipat - copyright 2007

A beautiful pop-up page.

And I heard him exclaim

As he drove out of sight

Merry Christmas to all,

And to all a good night!

Clement C. Moore

Merry Christmas to you!