• Age: 3 to 5
• Grade: p to k

One of the most familiar popular poems and stories for children is Clement C. Moore's 1823 work A Visit From St Nicholas, which begins:

'Twas the night before Christmas
When all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, Not even a mouse.

. . . and it is so familiar that phrases from it -- like "visions of sugar plums danced in their heads" have become part of our shared memories of warm holidays of the past.

Kim Fernandes has illustrated Moore's poem with amazingly evocative sculptural work in FIMO modelling clay, depicting all the events of the poem -- from Santa calling to Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, to his belly that shakes like a bowlful of jelly. . . to his departure, wishing "all a good night" -- vividly, warmly and merrily. It is a marvelously attractive and affordable permanent Christmas gift for new generations of children.

The board construction will last (appealing to parents), and the color is bright and full of details kids will love. Bigger than a standard board book, it is attractively priced to be affordable for all budgets.

Kim Fernandes is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Her other books include Sleepy Little Mouse and Busy Little Mouse. She lives in southern Ontario.

Kim Fernandes' profile page