A Vintage Christmas: Holly Hobbie's The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore - Illustrated by Holly Hobbie

The ever popular poem, "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863) has been illustrated by countless artists. Each lending their vision to the surprise and excitement of seeing old St. Nick. In fact the official title of the poem is "A Visit from St. Nicholas". Moore's poem is memorable with its descriptive text and catchy rhyme; a fun read every year. Moore was an American writer and also a Professor at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in New York City. He taught Oriental and Greek Literature, as well as Divinity and Biblical Learning.

Holly Hobbie is an American children's book writer and artist. Her distinctive little girl with a giant bonnet character was hugely popular on greeting cards in the 1970's. This once nameless character soon took on the name of its creator. Its success grew to include a line of dolls, various merchandise and TV shows. Hobbie brings her rustic charm to Moore's poem and adds another layer of warmth to an already beloved classic. This version is an older edition. Hobbie has illustrated this again much later in 2013 in a very different style.

 

Related post: Hansel & Gretel by Holly Hobbie

 

Amazon

Platt & Munk Publishers 1976

Hardcover 22p

8.5" x 11" 

Hansel & Gretel by Holly Hobbie

Hansel and Gretel is a German tale first published in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm and remains very popular to this day. The story involves two young children who are deserted by their father and stepmother deep in the woods. Lost and hungry, they are lured into a house made of cake and candy. The homeowner is an old, evil witch who poses as a kind and gracious host but by next morning she reveals her true self and captures the siblings with the intent of eating them. In the beginning of the story, Hansel appears to be more of the thinker and active in the siblings escape from peril but it is Gretel who outwits the witch in the end.

This version of Hansel and Gretel by Holly Hobbie is adapted from Grimms' Tales for Young and Old translated by Ralph Manheim (1977). The text has been shortened with the focus being the wonderful illustrations. Ms. Hobbie uses watercolours, pen and ink and gouache for her twenty-two paintings in this book. The mood is subdued with effective use of shadow and light. The darker aspect of this story may have been written to warn children about trusting strangers. Recommended for ages 5+.

Amazon
Little, Brown and Company 2015
Hardcover 32p
10.4" x 10.2"