The Night Before Christmas: The Anniversary Edition    by Clement C. Moore & Christian Birmingham Order:  USA  Can Running Press, 2005 (1995) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson This large Anniversary Edition of Clement C. Moore's perennial favorite, The Night Before Christmas, is enhanced by marvellous (somewhat blurred looking) color illustrations from Christian Birmingham that fit the olden times style and dreamlike mood of the piece. The Introduction tells us that Moore, a New York clergyman, 'spun together Christmas memories for his children', writing the poem in 1822. He originally called it 'A Visit from St. Nicholas'. It's now a part of the holiday tradition all around the world. Verses are presented in large print, each accompanied by its own black and white holiday sketch (I love the sleepy mouse that goes with the first verse and the tabby cat that watches Santa bound down the chimney and lay out presents). If you love the poem as so many do, then you'll treasure this gorgeously illustrated oversize edition of The Night Before Christmas, and enjoy incorporating it into your annual holiday celebrations. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews