Member Reviews

A fun and educational take on the beloved classic. A family of Polar Bears make this book just that more special. The illustrations are beautiful and fun. My child adored the polar bears and learning the history behind the original story and artist. I also so happy to see an author throw in the ability for the story to be educational. Will definitely be purchasing this book!

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The classic holiday book that I read to my children every Christmas Eve has now been updated to feature a family of polar bears, a perfect book to read to my grandson on Christmas Eve. The illustrations are wonderful.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Book Review: The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

As someone who cherishes holiday traditions, I was absolutely thrilled to dive into The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition by Clement Clarke Moore, narrated by Lucy Bozzi and beautifully illustrated by Ilya Tolochka. This enchanting picture book is a delightful twist on the classic Christmas poem we all know and love.

The story transports readers into a whimsical winter wonderland, where a cozy polar bear family anticipates the arrival of Santa Bear in their charming snow-covered cabin. It’s the perfect setting for capturing the joy and magic of Christmas. With every turn of the page, the excitement builds as Santa Bear prepares to make their dreams come true, echoing the timeless sentiment of the original poem.

One of my favorite aspects of this edition is how it stays true to the iconic verses penned back in 1823. The nostalgia of A Visit from Saint Nicholas is palpable, and I appreciate how the authors have honored that legacy while adding a fresh, heartwarming narrative that appeals to both children and adults alike.

The illustrations are simply adorable! Ilya Tolochka’s watercolor art is bright, festive, and perfectly encapsulates the coziness of the holiday season. Each image is a feast for the eyes, making it a joy to share this book with loved ones. It truly brings the story to life in a way that will engage readers of all ages.

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised by the educational elements included at the end of the book. There’s a thoughtful glossary that explains the meanings behind the reindeer names, as well as a list of metaphors, similes, and contractions. These features enrich the reading experience and provide fantastic opportunities for learning as children grow older—what a clever way to blend fun with education!

Moreover, I adore the personalized "This Book Belongs To" page—it's such a beautiful touch that makes this book an ideal keepsake gift for boys and girls of all ages. Whether you’re reading it aloud to your family or using it in a classroom setting, this edition is perfect for creating cherished memories during the holiday season.

In conclusion, The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition is not just a book; it's a celebration of love, family, and the magic of Christmas. I wholeheartedly give it five stars and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a beautiful picture book to share with their loved ones during this special time of year!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

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The illustrations in this edition of The Night Before Christmas are sweet and the bears are a unique take on the book. This would be a great December read for any family.

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While The Night Before Christmas story is not new, the extra features of this book are. The glossary is helpful for all those words we no longer regulary use and information on metaphors, similes, and contractions help explain the phrases. The watercolor illustrations are super cute!

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an eARC of this book for an honest review.

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Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

This was a very cool version of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. My daughter liked the illustrations and I really enjoyed the history about Clement Clarke Moore. It was short and sweet and drew you in to want to know more about his life. And I love that they used the original poem published in 1823! Definitely has some different wording you’ll notice if you’re familiar with the poem.

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This is perfect for the holiday season up ahead with the beautiful artwork and the twist on this classic story. But what makes this book unique is that it not only features a beautiful story but also has educational add-ons included. It includes a glossary, explains similes and metaphors, contractions, an explanation about the names of the reindeer and even a background of the author: Clement Clark Moore! There also is this sweet addition called "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas." I feel like this is the perfect Christmas book as a keepsake, educational tool or a countdown to christmas tradition with themed holiday books.

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This is an amazing Christmas book with a classic Christmas story. The illustrations are bright and cheerful and beautifully enhance the story. The additional content included makes this book both fun and educational and allows the reader to explore this classic story with more depth and understanding. I appreciate the thoughtful and thorough information included in this picture book.

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Although this poem is over 200 years old it is still a delight for young and old. This version is colourful with engaging pictures. I like that there is an explanation of the history of the poem and it supports readers to understand the English curriculum.

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