Twas The First Night Before Christmas

"T'was the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring-not even a mouse." This timeless poem is so well known to children and so often recited by adults it is virtually a part of our common heritage. Written on Christmas Eve in 1822-in a horse-drawn sleigh with jingling bells according to legend-it evokes the excitement and good cheer of Christmas Eve like no other work of American literature. Paired with Thomas Nast's drawings of St. Nicholas, from which we derive the classic image of Santa Claus, this lovely edition may well become the quintessential American Christmas book for children of all ages.

First Stories: 'Twas The Night Before Christmas is the perfect introduction for young children to Clement Clarke Moore's popular poem. Push, pull and slide the pages to see reindeer magically flying through the sky, sugarplum fairies dancing and stockings filling up with presents. This well-loved poem is beautifully imagined for a new generation by illustrator Miriam Bos. Collect more books in the First Stories series: Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Carol, Cinderella, Doctor Dolittle, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Little Red Riding Hood, The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, Puss in Boots, Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, The Three Little Pigs, The Snow Queen, Mulan and The Ugly Duckling.

'Twas the First Night Before Christmas is an illustrated children's book about the birth of Jesus. Using the classic rhyme and cadence of a well known Christmas poem, 'Twas the First Night Before Christmas uses the same poetic style to reveal the biblical account surrounding that Holy Night. Inspired by Scripture, this book is an insightful twist on a classic poem, using Gospel narratives to retell the story of Jesus' birth in a fresh and revealing way. In 'Twas the First Night Before Christmas, readers will welcome the classic rhyme as they read the new words that reveal the essential facts of that surrounded the night of Jesus' birth. The story of why we still celebrate Christmas today will illuminate children's eyes and captivate them as they read or listen to this Christmas story.

The First Night Before Christmas grew out of a desire to tell the Christmas story in an accessible way. Thee hope was to allow families to share and enjoy the real story of Christmas while acknowledging that there was once an historical figure who also served Christ by giving to children selflessly. In our family tradition, we always told our children about Jesus and His birth and earthly ministry. We also explained the history of Santa Claus and included that aspect of the Christmas season as well. That seemed to accomplish the goal of introducing our children to the real meaning of Christmas without the trauma of pretending that the modern idea of Santa is real, only to suddenly be disabused of that fantasy when they hear that he is not. Understanding the Christian roots of the story and incorporating it with our family observances of the holiday made for a well-rounded season of celebration surrounding the birth of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is my hope that your family enjoys adding this to your tradition as well!

It's a quiet Christmas Eve. The snow is fresh, the kids are dreaming, and even the mice are snug in their homes. But wait--what's that clatter? This Christmas classic includes illustrations from Jessie Willcox Smith.

This gorgeously illustrated picture book features a lyrical retelling of the birth of Christ, written in the style of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." "'Twas the very first Christmas when all through the town, not a creature was stirring--there was not a sound." This beautiful retelling of the birth of Jesus celebrates that joyous night in Bethlehem so long ago. The poem begins with the arrival of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem and moves through Christ's birth, the angels' appearance to the shepherds, and the visit by the Wise Men. The simple, yet elegant, verses will appeal to little ones and are accompanied by the rich oil illustrations of Christine Kornacki.

**Read by country music superstar Trace Adkins!** **The New York Times bestseller and official 2013 Jumpstart Read for the Record selection!** New York Times bestselling author/artist Loren Long creates an unforgettable children's classic. Otis is a special tractor. He loves his farmer and he loves to work. And he loves the little calf in the next stall, whom he purrs to sleep with his soft motor. In fact, the two become great friends: they play in the fields, leap hay bales, and play ring-around-the-rosy by Mud Pond. But when Otis is replaced with the big yellow tractor, he is cast away behind the barn, unused, unnoticed . . . until the little calf gets stuck in Mud Pond. Then there is only one tractor—and it’s not big or yellow—who can come to the rescue. It is little old Otis who saves his friend. It is Otis who saves the day. In a wonderful new palette, and in the tradition of classics like Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel and The Story of Ferdinand, Loren Long has crafted an unforgettable new story—and character—celebrating the power of friendship and perseverance.

A classic Christmas story with magical pop-ups 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse... Open this pop-up book and watch an abbreviated version of the classic poem magically burst into life, with scenes including a beautiful Christmas tree and Santa and his reindeer flying across the starlit sky. A beautiful gift to share with little ones this Christmas. With free online audio to listen to the story.