A Creature Was Stirring: One Boy's Night Before Christmas

What a wonderful take on the classic Clement C. Moore poem. On the left pages the traditional poem is rendered, but on the right we hear from a little boy -- a creature who was stirring! Although he knows it is naughty, he can't help but take a peek (and maybe a little joy ride!) on Santa's sleigh. With brightly colored, page-filling, eye-catching illustrations, this book is a great way to introduce new readers to the classic poem or freshen up an old classic. As a read-aloud, the left side/right side layout can be a little confusing, but should be pretty clear if you give the classic poem and the sections told from the little boy's point of view different voices and emphasis. The big, bright illustrations are also great for groups. But this would be a great little lap-read too.

A small boy knows he is supposed to be asleep on Christmas eve but he risks the "naughty" list in order to get a peek out the window when Santa's sleigh arrives. Moore's well known poem chronicles Santa's visit on the left page while the boy's adventure with Santa's precariously parked sleigh develops on the opposing page. One alert kindergarten lad pointed out that the boy's words were printed in white while Moore's poem is printed in gold. I was so pleased he had noticed and it makes the last page of the story even more fun. Lovely golden end papers open the book. Goodrich's illustrations are humorous and the kids followed the story easily. It was a fun read.

This is a great take on the great old classic I love. I purchased this book as a Christmas present for my six year old great nephew, so I have not given it to him yet. I love the illustrations and think he will too!

Magic abounds in Carter Goodrich's splendidly illustrated second story tucked alongside the familiar 'Night Before Christmas.' A little boy's insomnia culminates in his own brief flight in Santa's sleigh, while stockings are stuffed at the hearth below. Night and snow and reindeer and pillows are all illustrated with a deft colored pencil/watercolor mix that intrigues the artistic eye. Goodrich shows a new side of himself, a pleasant surprise to fans of his New Yorker magazine covers.

Kids will enjoy this story, parents too, and everyone can marvel at the fantastic illustrations. Carter Goodrich is an amazing artist. In "A Creature Was Stirring" he captures a great Christmas feeling with his colors and the few characters of the book are full of life and personality. He has a particularly interesting take on Santa. The story is cool too, it offers a fresh spin on the old "'Twas the Night Before Christmas", telling the story from the perspective of a little boy, which I am sure kids will love. The original text is used in the story as well, so you get a nice new version with the classic there too, good deal. Buy this if you want a great Christmas story for your kids and the child inside you, and also if you have any interest in Carter Goodrich, illustration, animation design, or great drawing and painting in general.