The Night Before The Night Before Christmas
Jay Dee, Author
Darren Geers, Illustrators
Kraine Kreative, Fiction, Nov. 3, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 3 and up
Themes: Santa, Elves, Workshop, Christmas
Opening: “At the North Pole — buried deep in glistening, powdery white snow– lies the cabin of Santa Claus. Outside, not a sound could be heard…But inside, on this night –the night before the night before Christmas — Santa’s cabin was anything but quiet.”
Book Synopsis: At Santa’s workshop, the night before the night before Christmas is hardly a time to rest. The elves work tirelessly to get the final toys made before Christmas Eve, but Elfie just can’t keep pace. He spends too much time making his toys perfect, and when Santa comes to check on production, all the elves are surprised by his reaction.
Illustrations Courtesy of Darren Geers
Why I like this book: Children worldwide know about the night before Christmas, but have they ever wondered about the night before that night at the North Pole? Jay Dee has written a heartwarming Christmas story about Elfie who makes sure that his toys are flawless and that gets him in trouble with the head elf, Nathan. Elfie is behind the other elves and shutters when he hears Santa is on his way to inspect the progress in the workshop. I like the book’s theme about doing your best no matter how others feel. Giving your best is all the counts. The story is very creative reminder about the true meaning of Christmas and the holiday season. Darren Geers illustrations are eye-popping, expressive and gorgeous — just look at the expression on Elfie’s face on the cover. Geers sketches his illustrations with ink and digitally colors them. They really make this book a standout for children. Visit Jay Dee at his website.
Resources/Activities: After reading the book, provide your kids with paper, crayons, scissors, glitter and glue and encourage them to draw a favorite Christmas scene related to the book or to the true story of Christmas. Make an elf mobile. Have children make a Christmas list, but a list that they would give to a special child in need. Drop off a toy to “Toys for Tots” or look at programs your church may sponsor to help the less fortunate.
Book Giveaway: Participants must be U.S. residents. All you need to do is leave a comment and indicate that you are interested in receiving a copy. A winner will be selected randomly. Comment by 11:59 EST December 4. I will announce the winner on my blog December 7. Please make sure I know how to get in touch with you (via Blog, FB, E-mail, Twitter) if you are selected.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
What a beautiful book, Pat, with such a quirky fun character. I love the message of doing your best for others. The illustrations are gorgeous and what a great way to remind us about giving to others. I had tonight been looking at another sponsor for children called Operation Christmas Child. Have a happy Thanks Giving, Pat.
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The book is simply stunning for kids. They will love the illustrations and the story. It is a time to think about others. Yes, I’m very familiar with Operation Christmas Child, as I’ve been packing boxes for 8 years involving kids at church.
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Thanks Diane for the kind words! I’m so thankful Pat published this review and looking forward to sending the giveaway winner a free copy!
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What a super fun idea and what a great lesson to learn. I spent my childhood trying to learn NOT to be a perfectionist. I’d love to see what happens here, so please enter me in the giveaway.
Genevieve
smoki2@aol.com
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You’re entered. Glad you enjoyed the story and the illustrations! Fun Christmas selection!
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Thanks for checking it out and for entering! Excited to send the winner a copy! Good luck!
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Those illustrations are indeed delightful. I love the almost screenshot effect of foreground and background.
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Kids will marvel at the gorgeous illustrations! Some of the pages almost look 3D. Thought it was a nice way to begin the holidays
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Glad you love the illustrations! Darren did a tremendous job. Appreciate you checking it out!
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This sounds like a wonderful book Pat. I’ll be sure to read it this year! http://julianaleewriter.com
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Glad you enjoyed the review. It was a cute read. Will enter you in the drawing.
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Thanks so much for your support Juliana!
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It sounds wonderful! I looked it up on my library’s site but didn’t see it yet. I will be looking for it in the bookstores too.
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Can never have too many Christmas books:). I love the twist in this one.
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I agree, never to many Christmas books to review! Yes, there is a twist at the end.
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I’m with you 😉 but thanks especially for checking this one out! It’s not easy to get a new book out into the world!
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I always enjoy your reviews and pass them on to friends who will benefit. I would like to be entered in the book giveaway so I could share this story. Thank you!
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I’m happy your enjoyed Dee Jay’s new Christmas book! Fun book for children with a lovely message.
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Would love a copy for my K classroom. It would be a great new read for the holidays
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Thank you for visiting. Will enter you in the contest. Glad you enjoyed this beautiful book.
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Thanks Sandy! Good luck to you!
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A friend of mine wrote a book with the same title. It will be fun to compare!
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That’s cool! I saw other similar titles too. You would appreciate the illustraions! You can tell by what I shared how stunning and dramatic they are.
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Yes! Great lighting!
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Hm-m-m… I never really thought about what went on the night before the night before Christmas. I guess things might get a bit hectic, what with last-minute detailing and checking the lists thrice.
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It’s a cute book. Kids will enjoy the story.
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haha – my thoughts exactly Sue! Thanks for checking it out 🙂
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Pat, This sounds like a wonderful book. Love that the author added the theme of perfectionism/taking pride in one’s work. The illustrations are wonderful. Not sure if the title is a bit confusing for kids, though.
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It is a beautiful Christmas book. Yes, I liked the theme about taking pride in one’s work. Understand your concern.
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They are amazing illustrations and what a neat storyline. Thanks for sharing, Pat.
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Yes, the illustrator really captures the story. Kids will enjoy this book.
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This sounds like a book with a great lesson and a great idea for telling a different type of Christmas story. Cool illustrations too!
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Thank you! Hope you enjoy it!
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Fantastic illustrations. This would be perfect for the new library we are starting at our church/preschool. Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
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Glad you enjoyed the book. It does have an inspirational theme. Don’t want to give away the ending. The illustrations are very special!
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Yes, it is a very differnt type of Christmas story with an unexpected ending. Josie would love it!
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Well, this looks like a pretty unique tale! I like that Elfie – wanting to do his best for all the kids. I’ll bet Santa has something grand in store for him!!
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You guessed that one right, Rhythm. Glad you enjoyed the review.
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Wow! This artwork is absolutely gorgeous. I loved Christmas television “specials” when I was a kid, and these illustrations prompt that same kind of holiday anticipation.
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Yes, the artwork wowed me too. This book has an inspirational message at the end. My favorite station is the Hallmark Station because they are running Christmas movies 24/7 now — Thursdays feature a lot of oldies.
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Great idea and fun illustrations! For a look at what people versus elves are doing the night before Christmas Eve, read The Night Before the Night Before Christmas by Natasha Wing. It would make for a funny split screen comparison.
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Thanks Natasha. I did see your book and didn’t make the connection. Might be a good companion — both sound very different. Thanks for stopping.
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Pingback: The Night Before The Night Before Christmas – Book Giveaway | Natasha Wing
We love to read at our house. Christmas is such a magical time that’s made even more special with children. I would love to be able to share this book with my 2 year old daughter. My husband and I are already trying to show her how proud we are of her hard work. The books seems like it has a great message and the illustrations look fantastic. Fingers crossed we are the lucky winners!
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I’m pleased you enjoyed the review. Your daughter would love the illustrations! You’re entered.
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This book looks SO cute!! It would be so great in my classroom! Thanks for the great giveaway!!
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