The bright, cheerful, and distinctive artwork of Mary Engelbreit infuses her children's Christmas picture books with a joyous spirit, and The Night Before Christmas, is no exception. The Night Before Christmas, a classic children's Christmas tale in rhyme, takes on new life with the bright and clever illustrations by Mary Engelbreit. The classic story takes place on Christmas Eve. While his wife and children are sleeping, the narrator of the story is awakened by a noise and surprised by a visit from Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus to today's children). In the version illustrated by Mary Engelbreit, there is someone else who is awakened also - Gregory Mouse.
We first meet Gregory Mouse in his mouse hole home where he is fast asleep, nestled in a quilt-filled teacup. He is wearing a red and white striped nightcap. We next see Gregory peeking behind a vase in the narrator's bedroom, trying to see what's out the window. Part of the fun of this book is trying to figure out when Gregory will next appear and, then, finding him. The illustrations are full of interesting and colorful details that add to the story's appeal. I recommend the book for two- to six-year-olds. Compare prices.(HarperCollins Publishers, 2002. ISBN: 0060081600)
