'Twas the night before Christmas...

I'm totally enchanted by beautifully illustrated copies of Clement Clarke Moore's "The Night Before Christmas"... So much so, that I've built up quite a collection over the years.


(click any photos to enlarge)

Every Christmas Eve our family reads The Night Before Christmas. I love how each artist puts his or her own style into the illustrations... They're all so beautiful, and so widely varied! See for yourself...

Starting with the older copyrights and moving forward... my first book is copyright 1949, illustrations by Leonard Weisgard:



I love this Little Golden Book version, illustrated by Eloise Wilkin, copyright 1955 (look at that 25 cent price on the cover!)



This copyright 1965 version, illustrated by Reisie Lonette, has the dreamiest illustrations. I love how the original owner penciled in "Narrator," "Papa," and "Santa" for the different parts. Clearly several people took part in reading this book at one time! (I love the history of used books! And see the 29 cent sticker? You don't see prices like that on hardcover books anymore!)


I just love Douglas Gorsline's illustrations in this copyright 1975 version... A black kitty is prominent in his version, and many of you know how partial I am to little black kitties!!

I own two Tasha Tudor versions. This is the copyright 1975 version... She is such an original. Her work is immediately recognizable and her style is perfect for The Night Before Christmas... And, of course, her adorable corgis are always featured in her beautiful illustrations...

Here's another Little Golden Book, copyright 1987, with illustrations by Kathy Wilburn...



Okay, I just want to crawl into this book and live with this little bunny family! Jacqueline Rogers has just captured all the loveliness of the Christmas season with her sweet little bunnies in this copyright 1987 version...





Are you a Scotty dog lover? If so, you'll just flip for the vibrant illustrations in this copyright 1993 Jean Hirashima version!!!



This little copyright 1995 Candy Cane Book is different in that the inside illustrations are by Susan Spellman, but the cover illustration is by Linda Graves...



If you're a fan of old Victorian illustrations, you will LOVE this book! The book itself is copyright 1997, but the illustrations are copyright 1888 by William Roger Snow (pseudonym Richard Andre)... Just gorgeous!





I'm just a sucker for versions that feature furry little creatures! The little mouse family in Loretta Krupinski's copyright 1998 version is just adorable!! I love every one of her beautiful illustrations - see for yourself!

We have so many of Jan Brett's books! Back in 1996, the girls got to meet Jan Brett at a local bookstore and watch her draw a hedgehog as well! We love all of her books, and her copyright 1998 version of The Night Before Christmas is no exception - such detailed, beautiful illustrations!!!



Sharon Cartwright did a beautiful job with her copyright 1999 version, published by Junior Jellybean Books...



This is the other Tasha Tudor version I own, copyright 1999... All of her illustrations are so detailed and magical!



If you are a dog lover, you must check out William Wegman's copyright 2000 version, featuring his famous (and adorable!!) Weimaraners!! My girls first saw his beautiful dogs on Sesame Street, and this book's photography and the 'human' characteristics of his canine cast will delight everyone, young or old!!!

"The Visit," a copyright 2001 version by Mark Kimball Moulton is a little bit different in that it tells "the delightful history and origin of "The Night Before Christmas" as recalled by Dinghy Sharp, storyteller and great-great-granddaughter of author, Clement Clarke Moore." Add to that the phenomenal illustrations of well known artist, Susan Winget, and you've got a "must have" copy for anyone who collects "Night Before Christmas" books! (I'm so lucky to have a signed, personalized copy as I purchased it directly from author Mark Kimball Moulton!)




I almost passed by this version because (to be quite honest) I wasn't very attracted to the cover. Luckily I didn't "judge this book by its cover" because the inside illustrations are phenomenal, featuring the nostalgic Santa Claus illustrations of Haddon Sundblom!




I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into these talented artists' renditions of The Night Before Christmas!!! I treasure my collection and enjoy looking through them ... They instantly get you into the Christmas spirit!


(all artwork is copyright of the individual artists)

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Donna

Remembering Tasha Tudor...

One of my favorite children's book illustrators, Tasha Tudor, passed away last week at the age of 92, surrounded by her family...


These are just a few of the Tasha Tudor books that we have... I collect "The Night Before Christmas" books and hers are the most beautifully illustrated ones...


And I feel so lucky to own a signed copy of her Corgiville Christmas...


Her detailed illustrations capture the beauty of New England (she made her home in Vermont), and I never tire of looking through her books. I used to get as (or more) excited as my girls when we'd get a new stack of beautifully illustrated children's books from the library when they were little, or when we'd purchase a new children's book for our own bookshelves.


I truly believe that children's books are as much for adults as they are for children.

So thank you, Tasha, for the countless hours of enjoyment that I/we have gotten, and will continue to get, from your books.

If you click on her name in the first sentence, it will take you to her website where you can read a little Tasha Tudor biography or purchase her books, cards, prints, etc. I believe it is maintained by her family. Happy reading....

Update: As mentioned in some of the comments, Tasha Tudor was more than just an author and illustrator... she was a fascinating woman, to say the least. There are countless books about her as well as by her. I also remember watching a documentary about her life, her gardening, her animals, her dollhouse... I believe it was on PBS years ago. It was fascinating (maybe the same one you referred to, Jill)... I just found this "Pathways to the Past" article on Tasha Tudor that you may enjoy if you'd like to know even a bit more about her.

Donna