The Night Before Christmas

October 26, 2009
Employing her trademark aesthetic, Isadora sets Moore's classic poem in Africa—her Santa Claus wears bright leopard-print pants and has gray dreadlocks. Mama's “kerchief” is a pink floral do-rag and the narrator is dressed in African attire, as he springs from bed to see the silhouette of Santa's sleigh (the reindeer are adorned with decorative beads) race across the sparse, snowy terrain. The gifts Santa pulls from his bag include a sock monkey, a zebra and three colorful dolls. The dynamic visuals offer a refreshing and original vision of this familiar verse. Ages 4–8.

October 1, 2009
Gr 1-3-Santas Christmas Eve journey takes him to Africa in this charming version of the poem. Isadora uses collaged papers and oil paints to create a vibrant African village, dusted by snow. The tiny house barely supports the sleigh, and Santa (with zebra fur on his jacket, leopard-spotted pants, and a vibrant Kente-cloth belt) comes down the wood stoves chimney, leaving traditional African presents for the slumbering children. Full of details, rich color, and an exuberant spirit, this book will provide opportunities for discussion as well as a new cultural landscape for the right jolly old elf."Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2009
Preschool-G Clement C. Moores classic poem is relocated to an African village in Isadoras latest (Hansel and Gretel, 2009; Rapunzel, 2008). The poem doesnt change, so this telling is all about the setting: Isadora brings to life an African home, from the traditional dress and furnishings to the gifts Santa leaves. Santa himself is cheerfully dressed in cheetah-spotted pants with white dreadlocks. The vibrant spreads are lively, filled with thick, textured brushstrokes; cut-paper-like collages; and intricate patterns. Children will enjoy poring over the details in repeated readings.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)