The Night Before Christmas: A Magical Cut-Paper Edition
Ranked #4,116 in Books, Poetry & Writing, #153,654 overall | Donates to Donors Choose
From the Classic Rhyme by Clement C. Moore, and Illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat
I discovered this book through the artist, Niroot Puttapipat - someone I personally consider a friend,and have watched in delight since I discovered their artwork on DeviantART. I am an enormous fan of their work, which also prompted me to start trying to seriously draw traditionally again. This very classic Christmas poem has been recreated in a highly original way through Niroot's cut-paper silhouettes and astonishingly fine detail. The dramatic highlight has to be the amazing pop-up at the end of the book, of Father Christmas and his reindeer, arcing across the rooftops.
The original story was published in 1825, as "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas". Written by Clement C. Moore, it recreated the merry Yuletide Santa Claus and has been republished with various illustrations through the years since then. A classic Christmas story, this is the perfect gift for a child. And with the artwork in this edition, it is is transformed into a highly respectable coffee table book, or cherished gift for an art lover.
You can see various of the illustrations throughout this page, as well as a sample of Niroot's other works. Many of Niroot's illustrations - most of my favourites, actually - are commissions for the Folio Society - for example, Edward FitzGerald's translation of the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, published this year in a limited edition of 1,000 copies. (This has now sold out - and each copy went for AUS$ 995.00!). I consider this a tragedy, as most of the books end up in private collections, and I'll probably never even see one! (I did recently discover, entirely by chance, that the cover of the book I was reading - Dragonfire, by Charles Ashton - was also illustrated by Niroot. So I have something, at least!
Looking for a Night Before Christmas book that you can add your voice to? Check out the Recordable Night Before Christmas. You can also order the 'A Magical Cut-Paper Edition" from The Book Depository with FREE SHIPPING!
The Night Before Christmas: A Magical Cut-Paper Edition
illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat
And here's the book itself. The Amazon reviews from customers are also quite enchanted with the book - do read them!
The Night Before Christmas: A Magical Cut-Paper Edition
Amazon Price: $8.94 (as of 06/03/2012)
List Price: $17.99
Delicate cut-paper illustrations let readers peek ahead to the next scene in this elegant edition of a classic poem evoking the anticipation of Christmas Eve.
Clement C. Moore's "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas," first published in 1825, spurred a revision of Yuletide traditions with its image of a merry Santa Claus beloved by children around the world. Now a cut-paper edition of the poem, with exquisite illustrations by Niroot Puttapipat, elicits the magic of the season through moonlit silhouettes. With scenes that transform with the turn of each page, revealing the fine details and decorations of a festive family home, this keepsake edition features a final pop-up spread that captures all the excitement of a special night.
Front Jacket of The Night Before Christmas
And about the author and artist
Clement C. Moore was born in 1779 in New York City and went on to become a philanthropist and professor of theology and ancient languages. He was the father of nine children, for whom he often wrote poetry.
Niroot Puttapipat grew up in Thailand, and now lives in London. Niroot has had a lifelong interest in literature and art - and is very well read - and is the grandchild of a Lanna* Princess. The other generally available book the illustrated was the Muscians of Bremen - in watercolours, rather than silhouettes.
(*The Kingdom of Lanna is now a part of Northern Thailand - more in the Wikipedia article)
The First Spread: 'Twas the night before Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,
From the toy soldiers under the rocking horse, to the mice in the attic, the teapot in the study, and the delicate curlicues of the wrought iron stair rail, this first page has plenty to look at and admire.
Scanned from actual book spread. The original silhouettes were drawn in black ink and gouache.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
“Stunning artwork - frankly, I want this just for the artist.”
Santa's On His Way
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
What did you think?
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
Write a review, add a comment, or debate someone who disagrees with you.
What did you think?
Love it! Great read, amazing illustrations!
Brick_House_Fabrics says:
Wonderful!
lravidlearner says:
beautiful book and a wonderful story.
aLundy says:
This is a great lens - really enjoyed it.
Pukeko says:
A must have classic
Pastiche says:
I absolutely adore cut paper art and this poem ... must get a copy!
Sorry, not my cup of tea.
Rate it, if you dare...
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.
The 6th Spread
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew my head
and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas
came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur,
from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished
with ashes and soot.
Scanned from actual book spread. The original silhouettes were drawn in black ink and gouache. Pay particular attention to the Christmas tree decorations - from the top down, they illustrate a well known Christmas song and tradition. And can you see Santa Claus in the next room...?
The Final Pop-Up
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack.
Santa Claus and his reindeer, flying over the roofs!
The Golden Treasury Bookshop Christmas Window Display
His eyes - how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
The Golden Treasury Bookshop in Southwest London reproduced the silhouettes from the book's illustrations for their 2008 Christmas widnow display!
More Christmas Window Displays!
More Art From Himmapaan
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
More fantastic cut-paper and watercolour illustrations by Niroot turn up in the books below.
Reviews of The Night Before Christmas
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
- Himmapaan on deviantART
- Niroot Puttapipat's art gallery on DeviantART.
- Keri Recommends: The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore, Illustrations by Niroot Puttapipat, copyright 2007
- This is a review I did for Children's Literature for a book that is now selling like hotcakes and garnered a spot in the Top 10 Holiday Books from Publisher's Weekly. It's gratifying to have my judgment affirmed. I hope everyone enjoys the season!
- Article: Clement C. Moore: The Night before Christmas: A Magical Paper-Cut Edition.(Brief article)(Children's review)(Book review)
- Clement C. Moore The Night before Christmas: A Magical Paper-Cut Edition; illus, by Niroot Puttapipat 24 pp. Candlewick 10/07 ISBN 978-0-7636-3469-8 $16.00 g (Primary)
Any new edition of this poem is all about the illustrations, of course, and the neat, sharp silhouettes of this one prove an elegant contrast to more sumptuous renditions. Color (red, green, and a touch of gold) and occasional die-cuts are used sparingly so as to not ... - A Review of the Best Four Editions of The Night Before Christmas - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com
- The Night Before Christmas
Candlewick Press, 2007
The exquisite cut paper illustrations created by Niroot Puttapipat, the London based grandson of a Thai princess, bring a delicate elegance to this classic poem. The moonlit silhouettes change from page to page, lighting up the holiday decorations of a family home decked out for the season. The pop-up spread on the final page evokes both the mystery and the excitement of a night that is always filled with anticipation.
You will appreciate the fine artwork of this wonderful edition, while your children will be enchanted by the magical mood it casts.
Find A Copy From eBay
See if you can buy 'Night Before Christmas: A Magical Cut-Paper Edition' second hand!
More from this Artist
The Musicians of Bremen
More books illustrated by Niroot Puttapipat
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The Final Illustration
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
Tailpiece for The Night Before Christmas, by Clement C. Moore, published by Walker Books, 2007 .
Scanned from actual book page. The original silhouettes were drawn in black ink and gouache.
Other Versions of Clement C. Moore's "The Night Before Christmas"
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
Some for children and some for adults...
The Night Before Christmas Recordable Storybook
From Hallmark
They sold out incredibly fast, and could only be found for high prices from people who bought early and were selling them on Amazon. Hopefully they'll bring out more for 2010!
The Night Before Christmas Recordable Story (Hallmark)
Amazon Price: $10.89 (as of 06/03/2012)
List Price: $29.99
Used Price: $0.16
Now you can read to little loved ones even when you're not there. Our new Recordable Storybooks will preserve and play your voice-or Grandma's, and aunt's, a sister's or a friend's-reading The Night Before Christmas page-by-page for a family treasure that lasts (even after the battery is replaced).
Release Date: 12/31/1969
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
More Night Before Christmas Book Reviews
Reader Feedback
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle,
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Brick_House_Fabrics
Dec 26, 2010 @ 5:25 am | delete
- Wonderful lens!
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wadestar Nov 21, 2010 @ 5:45 pm | delete
- beautiful lens and a beautiful book. Thank you
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MisterJeremy
Nov 17, 2010 @ 6:41 am | delete
- Nice. I like really well done cut-out and pop-up books! Blessed.
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Pukeko
Jan 22, 2010 @ 5:33 pm | delete
- Great review of the night before Christmas book. It sure is beautiful book when seen through your eyes. And, I loved the laugh when reading your poll options.
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Tipi
Jan 21, 2010 @ 6:01 pm | delete
- This is such a beautiful Christmas lens. We have a snow storm heading to us tonight, winter isn't done yet. I'm doing pretty good, because I haven't gotten spring fever yet... it'll come.
Best wishes in 2010,
Susie
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Treasures-By-Brenda
Dec 11, 2009 @ 8:10 pm | delete
- Very nicely done; blessed.
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partybuzz
Dec 8, 2009 @ 10:11 pm | delete
- The Night Before Christmas is my favorite when I was a kid, and I still love it! This book is beautiful! Thanks for blessing my SquidLit lens: Denied! - An Immigration Story. What a nice surprise! :-)
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GroovyFinds
Dec 5, 2009 @ 11:47 pm | delete
- well done!
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kiwisoutback Dec 4, 2009 @ 10:20 am | delete
- Very cool and unique looking book. Great gift idea, I'll have to keep this in mind.
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KarenTBTEN
Dec 4, 2009 @ 1:36 am | delete
- Very pretty illustrations. You did a good job showcasing them.
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What's the buzz about The Night Before Christmas?
And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
- http://www.katiescards.com Releases "Early Bird" Christmas E Card.
- The new card delivers an atmospheric, jolly and cute Christmas message suitable for all ages, making it a perfect new addition to the high quality seasonal collection. Titled "The Night Before Christmas," the new card is set on Christmas Eve and gives ...
- Great events at Stadium Theater
- We've read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas' at their holiday shows. Every time we're there, the theater looks pristine, from the main entrance to the grand lobby and the actual theater. They have state of the art lighting and sound, and one of only ...
- REVIEW: Superb acting, entertaining storyline keeps audience guessing
- Its latest production is the world premiere of a murder-mystery comedy written by Sean Grennan (?Married Alive,? ?A Dog's Life? and ?Another Night Before Christmas?). As the title ? ?As Long as We Both Shall Live? ? implies, a wedding lies at the ...
- LDWF seeks to level the playing field
- ?I feel like it's the night before Christmas,? Dewitt said. ?I think we will catch someone jumping the start tonight.? Waters from the eastern shore of South Pass of the Mississippi River to the Atchafalaya River Ship Channel Buoy Line were scheduled ...
About Me
I'm an artist too!
Postscript of utmost importance
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
If you buy any of the books recommended above, this page automatically makes a donation to the incredible nonprofit, Donors Choose, which helps provide classrooms and students in need with resources that our public schools often lack.
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Amazon Price: $10.89 (as of 06/03/2012)
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Decorate your trees with tiny versions of the book!
2.75" "TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS" WIND-UP MUSIC BOOK ORNAMENT W/WIND-UP MUSIC MOVEMENT. TUNE: "HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS." - Christmas Ornament
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