This was such a great read! It was very entertaining and the storyline was great. Thank you for the advanced copy!

This was a wonderful surprise of a children's book. It had the author's backstory as well as the poem's history. It also had a glossary and definitions of similes. I liked that the poem had a border around it and that the next page was a full picture. I would recommend this book to children 2-4 and older. It was an interesting and insightful read.

I absolutely adored this book!

This is a Classic story that is often read at Christmas time, it is no surprise that there are a lot of different versions of the poem out there but I will honestly say that this has been my favourite - I loved it!

The illustrations in the book are so beautiful, they are warm and the colours are perfect. I loved each one in the book, they are outstanding and really bring so much to this book. I loved the family in the book being Polar Bears - my daughter thought that they were excellent.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I loved the whole thing from cover to cover, it was a beautiful book - the illustrations were just wonderful - very highly recommended!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my copy of The Night Before Christmas A Polar Bear Family Edition; A Rhyming Picture Book About Love and Family by Clement Clarke Moore in exchange for an honest review. It published November 24, 2024.
Always a lovely classic at Christmastime, and the illustrations in this iteration are beautiful. I loved that a biography was included, a glossary, and similes and metaphors. Definitely made me, (a homeschool teacher), happy to see!
This would make a wonderful gift for any kid in your life!

No matter how old my children are, their Christmas doesn't feel complete until they've gathered around to read this classic poem. So, I'm always curious to see the different presentations and accompanying artwork. There is a lot to appreciate about this iteration.

The artwork features a polar bear family and Santa. The bright crisp illustrations add the right amount of warmth to the overall atmosphere. While different, it still feels Christmasy and has appeal. There are some interesting extras added in, and some may like these, and some may just flip through them, but the option to check them out is there and I can appreciate that. My hands down favorite addition is a list of the reindeer's names and their meanings. There's also a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to younger readers. The entire original poem that was published in 1823 is included along with a little history on Moore. The usage of similes and metaphors is discussed with examples of each pulled from the poem.

It was hard to overlook the illustration of the cubs emptying their stocking is placed prior to the one of Santa filling them.

For polar bear fans and those who are looking for something that goes beyond the original poem this could be a good fit.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing the Advance Reading Copy

Advent calendars have appeared and the Christmas tree is up, full of lights and decorations.

It is time to break open my special library of Christmas tales and magical adventures over this special season.

A annual favourite is “T’was the night before Christmas.” How wonderful to find a new version of this famous poem from the early 19th century, tweaked to be more readable and attentive to the modern ear. This enjoyable reworking of the classic, takes nothing away from the original.

It images a polar bear family being visited in the story by Santa Claus and his eight reindeer. The pages are boldly and colourfully illustrated and the text broken down into easy to manage blocks.

The original poem is reprinted separately in full and you read it afterwards appreciating the subtlety and craft of Lucy Bozzi.

As a grandparent there is no greater joy than sharing with a new young generation of children, books and stories from my own youth and those read to my daughters.

To have such a book as this is a real blessing. It places the author and his poem into context. Gives it a modern and vibrant twist while celebrating its historical worth. I loved the additional details about poetic form and methods. The language and to keep it relevant there is a glossary of terms to enhance my grandchildren’s understand.

A perfect addition and a worthwhile early Christmas gift.

Such a cute book!! A twist on a classic, having the pictures of polar bears. The illustrations were beautiful, and I liked the extra information included!!

This is the classic tale of The Night Before Christmas. The story is the same that you know and love, but this one uses the original text. Some of the words were not familiar to us, but there’s a helpful glossary at the end! I loved the beautiful illustrations which feature a polar bear family getting ready for Christmas. This would make a wonderful addition for any family’s bookshelf.

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!

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.

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⚠️

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Beautiful book of the treasured poem by Clement Clarke Moore with stunning creative watercolors. I am in my 60's and wanted to read this once again to get into the spirit of Christmas. It definitely warmed my heart and helped me remember the pleasant memories of Christmas as a child.

Thanks to NetGalley, Nuclear Family Publishing and BooksGoSocial for allowing me to read this precious book.

I read this with my 6 year old nephew and It was such a breeze. We loved the poem, the illustrations, and I especially appreciate that the book includes a glossary and explanations of how contractions, similes, and metaphors work at the end. It’s a great book for children!

An interesting take on a classic Christmas poem. While the text says true to the original format the illustrations are modern and of a polar bear family. I could see little animal lovers particularly loving this edition.

As a parent I really appreciated the history and supplemental information. Before the book begins there is a section explaining the origins of the poem and author biography. After the poem and illustrations are complete there is a glossary, metaphor and similie explanation, and a contractions explanation.

The additional information and history alone set this edition apart and add so much value and knowledge.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A straight retelling of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, with the visuals proving that this was all happening to a family of polar bears. It's very nicely presented, with a full-page visual opposite a verse or two of the poem that is on a page adorned by a further little watercolour cameo. But it does take more than you might think to accept the image of Santa as a chap wearing specs. Perhaps they also double as a mask for when in flight. The book also wants us to have more, More, MORE – perhaps that's just the Christmas spirit, but we get freebies such as a glossary, and a grammar lesson about the similes, metaphors and contractions used in the poem. Is the glossary perfect? No, as it gives repeated lines from the poem to help us understand the poem, and defines "ashes" as "a solid residue", which is even less helpful a word than "ashes" was in the first place.

That aside, there are notices about the reindeer names, and how they've slightly changed over the 201 years since this was first written. You also get copious adverts and QR codes for online stuff. Which does kind of reduce the heritage feel any of this might have had, to say the least. I think this is perfectly fine, if you haven't got a copy of the poem from someone else on your Christmas shelves. If you have, the extras are probably not quality or essential enough to demand this further purchase, and I myself would stick to other, slightly more prestigious publications of the poem. I'm torn between three and a half stars and four, but the latter does suggest the cuteness and work put into the visuals here.

An absolutely adorable retelling of the original featuring a family of polar bears. This book is beautifully illustrated! I thank Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the opportunity to read and review this Christmas book.

A beautifully illustrated version of the infamous, well-known rhyming tale of The Night Before Christmas. This version is with Polar bears. This delightful story and the masterfully designed pages will bring smiles to the entire family this Holiday season! Well Done!

Beautiful illustrations!! A lovely book retelling the story of the night before Christmas. It’s great for any age but does include a list of the similes/metaphors, and even a glossary at the end which is great for older students and for in the classroom!

A festive read for the holiday season, filled with adorable polar bears, the beloved Twas the Night Before Christmas poem and its history, as well as educational information. Readers of all ages will enjoy this heartwarming rendition of a Christmas classic!

Thank you so much to Booksgosocial & Nuclear Family Publishing and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

A classic Christmas poem, that many know about in one format or another. This take had a polar bear family which were adorably illustrated throughout. It’s a beautiful poem that captures the magic of Santa Clause as he stops by on Christmas night, delivering his gifts and bringing joy.

I really enjoyed this particular version it was really sweet and easy to read it, the book also comes with so many extra features from fact-files, the original poem, glossaries and even an about the original author included. It’s jam packed with so much to read and extra facts to learn along the way.

A wonderful festive read and will be a great book to read on the lead up to Christmas as an exciting, beautiful bedtime story.

This beautifully illustrated book presents the classic poem The Night Before Christmas alongside gorgeous watercolour illustrations of a polar bear family. It also provides a short biography of the poet himself along with history of the poem, providing context for older children.

I read this with my four-year-old and my ten-year-old, who both loved it!

A recommended read for fans of beautifully illustrated classic children's stories.

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Charming twist on ‘The Night Before Christmas’ with an enchanting family of bears. I simply adore the delightful, hand painted watercolor illustrations. My children love many versions of this story at this time of year, although I love how this book adds so many extra elements for additional learning and discussion. Of note, we appreciated the details about the metaphors and similes in the poem; new information about the names of each reindeer; glossary of various terms; Clement Clarke Moore short bio; contractions used in the original poem (published 1823).

Such an enchanting book to share with the family at Christmas!

Many thanks to the publisher for the digital review copy, via NetGalley. This review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

The classic story of the night before Christmas with beautiful illustrations. The polar bear family portrayed in the illustrations are so adorable and my children loved them. The colors are vivid and attractive and the details are not distracting but enhance the story.

Super adorable version with bears instead of a human family. I loved the illustrations. I liked the history of the poem itself as well

This was lovely. The illustrations were beautiful and the colors are so vivid. I loved reading this out to my niece,

This is such a lovely picture book featuring the famous poem with a polar bear family. As a polar bear family are asleep, a noise disturbs the father bear. He goes to investigate and spots St. Nicholas busy putting presents in all their stockings. This book is filled with some lovely watercolour illustrations and the original poem by Clement C. Moore, as well as a lot more.

The book begins with an introduction about the book as well as a bit about the original writer of the poem Clement C. More. After this we get the famous well known poem retold, but with illustrations that show a polar bear family having a visit from a polar bear St. Nick! I love the fact this book is so much more than just the classic tale told with some new illustrations. Once you’ve finished reading it you are presented with the original poem as it was first printed in 1823, along with some extra information on the poem including the original names for a couple of the reindeer.

After this children are then given more information about the similes, metaphors and contractions used in the poem, helping children to understand what these terms are in poetry and writing, while also showing examples where these are used in this poem. At the end of the book there is also more about the names of the reindeers and what they mean. Throughout the book there are some wonderful illustrations all done in watercolour. The pictures are all so fun, showing the polar bear family and polar bear Father Christmas and I love how fun and colourful these illustrations are, making the story so fun to look at.

Overall this is a great picture book showing the original poem with some new illustrations featuring a polar bear family. The book is lovely on its own but with the extras included at the front and back of the book, it makes it an even more lovely read. A fun picture book to get for Christmas time.

I've always enjoyed this particular Christmas story. This edition is especially adorable because the characters are polar bears instead of humans. The illustrations are beautiful and the story magical.

The book has several additional features. There is a small story published in 1823. The glossary of terms and their definitions is a wonderful tool. The story also features metaphors, similes, and contractions used within the book, and list of the reindeer names and their meanings.

This classic poem is perfect for the winter holiday season. I love that this version includes historical information on the original author, Clement Clarke Moore, as I have never seen anything like it. The bright colors of the watercolor style illustrations appeal to both children and adults. The font is easy to read for both parents and their beginner-reading children. The illustrations lean into the nostalgia of the poem, but also clearly show the imagery of the memorable verses. The original reindeer names!! It was such a wonderful and welcoming surprise. This version of "'Twas The Night Before Christmas" was beautiful, charming, and enchanting. I loved the inclusion of the original poem and the glossary explanations.

Thank you so much to the publisher Nuclear Family Publishing, Retold by Lucy Bozzi and Illustrated by Ilya Tolochka. This version was a festive addition, and I cannot wait to purchase a copy for my personal and school libraries.

This was a fun take on “The Night Before Christmas”. I loved the polar bear family. The best part of this book for me was how informative it was. I especially enjoyed the section on the names of Santa’s reindeer and the explanation on why they were named that way. I also thought the inclusion of the original poem was a nice touch. The illustrations were colorful and vibrant and gave me all the Christmas feels!

The Night Before Christmas is a retelling of the classic Twas the Night Before Christmas. It shows polar bear family visited by Santa, who’s a polar bear, and his reindeer. The illustrations are watercolor.

At the end of the book there is the original poem of the classic one. There’s also educational elements: a glossary of words used in the poem, list of metaphors, similes and contractions and a list of Santa’s reindeer and their meanings.

I still prefer the classic book but I still enjoyed this retelling. I also enjoyed the illustrations throughout the book and educational aspects that were at the end of the book.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC

This book features some of the most gorgeous watercolor art I’ve ever seen in a children’s book, along with a unique twist on the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas tale. It’s a must-have for families that celebrate Christmas! In addition to the original narrative, there are a few pages that teach readers about metaphors, similes, and contractions, with a helpful glossary included for reference.

Thank you BooksGoSocial, Clement Clarke Moore, and NetGalley for allowing my family to review.

This is a favorite in our household. The classic Christmas story. It was interesting to see all the information regarding the history. I will say it was more so for me than the kids. I would mention that there are history notes within the book. This could help advertise. My kids are younger and it just didn't hit home with them the way it might for a child that's a little older.

The Illustrations were adorable and cute. They went along with the storyline and helped my littles understand better.

This is a beautifully illustrated rewrite of the classic ‘Night Before Christmas’ using a polar bear family in the illustrations.
I like that the author has made it fun and informative, by including a glossary, a list if the metaphors and similes, and their meanings, used in the tale, and the meanings of the names of Santa’s reindeer. There is also a short biography of Clement C Moore and a copy of the original tale.
This version will be loved by children and adults alike.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for letting me read this book in return for my honest review

"The Night Before Christmas" is a super charming holiday poem that’s been loved by readers for ages since it came out in 1823. This version, called "A Polar Bear Family Edition," gives the classic story a fun twist with a cute polar bear family getting ready for Santa. It sticks to the original vibe of St. Nick visiting a home on Christmas Eve, but the adorable polar bears add a little something special to the mix.

Although the poem mainly focuses on Santa’s visit rather than deep characters, the illustrations bring the polar bear family to life. You can see their cute faces and what they’re up to, which adds more warmth and personality to the tale. The pictures really help readers connect with the characters, making the whole classic story feel new and exciting!

Clement Clarke Moore's writing is super catchy and flows nicely, making it really fun to read out loud. The poem is full of rich, vivid language that paints a magical picture of Christmas Eve. His use of strong imagery really brings the whole story to life for both kids and adults.

The main ideas in "The Night Before Christmas" are all about the excitement and joy of Christmas, the wonder surrounding Santa, and the magic of the holiday season. The poem captures the thrill of Christmas Eve and that childlike belief in Santa's arrival, celebrating all the sweet innocence of being a kid. Plus, the Polar Bear Family Edition just adds to that warm, cozy feeling of being together with family during the holidays.

The illustrations in this edition really steal the show, adding a fresh twist to the classic poem. The polar bear characters are shown in a fun and quirky way, with colorful and detailed art that perfectly captures the Christmas vibe. They pair up nicely with Moore's words, making the whole reading experience more enjoyable and visually exciting for kids.

The poem itself is super simple and easy to get into, with a nice rhythm that's great for reading out loud. It builds up the excitement just right for a bedtime story, leading up to the magical moment when St. Nicholas shows up. Plus, the language is clear and engaging, making it really appealing for young readers and listeners.

If you're looking for a fun and cozy read this holiday season, check out "The Night Before Christmas (Illustrated): A Polar Bear Family Edition." It's a super sweet spin on the classic poem, and the mix of Moore's classic writing with adorable illustrations makes it a must-have for family traditions. It really captures the spirit of Christmas and the joy of sharing stories together.

I totally recommend this book for families wanting to sprinkle some magic into their celebrations. It's a gorgeous book that both kids and parents will love, creating those special Christmas Eve storytime memories!

This is a children's edition of a classic tale, with beautiful cute art accompanying it.

While the poem itself is well-known, I do think that this is a very beautiful book about it.

I love that there is more to learn about the author, about how the reindeer names changed through the years and some other similarly intricate facts.

I also like that there is a glossary and other explanations for children to learn from, not just the story itself. However, I am unsure if the glossary would make the words clearer to children since the explanations of the terms also use "strong" words that I feel would be too advanced for them if they required an explanation in the first place.

Still, I think that the illustrations are stunning, and there are a lot of educational elements in the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This should have been read last week but I do miss Christmas so I'm not mad that this book could still spread the festive joy *insert heart eyes*

Strangely enough, this was the first time I’d read The Night Before Christmas from start to finish—and in its original format, no less. Oh, how delightful it was! It’s been ages since I’ve read any poetry, but now I’m tempted to dive into more after enjoying this one.

The poem itself is magical, capturing all the wonder and excitement of Christmas Eve. But what makes this book even more special are the beautiful illustrations that bring the story to life. Each page feels like a festive treasure.

What I loved most is that the book also includes explanations for some of the less familiar words and phrases. This makes it perfect for kids (and adults!) who want to learn while enjoying a timeless holiday classic.

If you’re looking for a book to spark the holiday spirit and introduce a bit of poetry into your home, this is a wonderful choice. Highly recommended for cozy winter evenings! 🎄✨