Oh Clement C. Moore...

Vail has an obsession with Night Before Christmas stories, and I have learned that there really is no shortage of them. And they range from the traditional "Happy Christmas to all..." to calling the reindeer formerly known as Donner, Donder. Strange but true, who would think it mattered.

Some of our favorite adaptations:




Mary Engelbreit - now I would not want my house cluttered with her chachki's, but I have to say that her illustrations are packed with details that it will probably take me years to notice. Vail loves it too - she calls it the fancy Christmas story.

Robert Sabuda - he is the master of the pop-up. So beautiful in all whites and the final page with the moving sleigh is spectacularly done. Not for libraries - too many breakables, but perfect for families.

The Dinosaurs' Night Before Christmas - for when you get sick of reading The Night Before Christmas - still in poetic form but with a twist. The dinosaur illustrations are fun and not scary.