Moore's rhyming story about the right jolly old elf who delivered toys using a sleigh pulled by eight reindeer appeared in print for the first time with the title "A Visit from St. Nicholas" in 1823 in a newspaper in Troy, New York. Many editions have been published since then. Pleasing elements of this cheerful version include Brett's abundant uses of bright reds, blues, and greens, and her carefully developed images of the famous reindeer, here marvelously decked out in fancy blankets and bell-trimmed harnesses. Faux-Scandinavian-garbed St. Nicholas lands with a bound safely down the chimney, which is when observant preschoolers can begin noticing specifics about the gifts he delivers. They'll find the first names of dozens of boys and girls on gift tags scattered throughout Brett's border designs. They'll enjoy trying to identify the toys, and most will be ones about which their elder relatives can tell. Merry Christmas to All, and to All a Good Night. (Ages 2-5)

The Night Before Christmas is the most enduring and memorable of all holiday poems. Celebrated artist Gyo Fujikawa brings new levels of excitement and joy to the verse, concocting a variety of goodies to feed sugarplum visions. From the first lovable image of a pink-eared mouse to the final spread of Papa waving goodbye as Santa and his reindeer fly away into the sky, Fujikawa provides pure enchantment. Kittens and dogs curl up everywhere in the old-fashioned home; stockings hang by the fireplace; and a group of irresistibly adorable children nestle next to cakes, cookies, and candy canes on a bed of soft dreamy clouds. Young readers and adults alike will be mesmerized. This edition of The Night Before Christmas was originally published by Grosset & Dunlap in 1961.