A Creature Was Stirring

by Heather S. Pierczynski, Skylar Hogan (Illustrator)

Overview

Notes From Your Bookseller

Humor, heart, mischief and adorable illustrations make this an instant holiday favorite. It's a twist on the classic The Night Before Christmas that will win your heart in no time.

In this irresistible spin on a timeless holiday tale, debut author Heather Pierczynski and artist Skylar Hogan’s reveal why only a mouse is singled out within The Night Before Christmas. A perfect stocking stuffer and cozy read by the fireplace to induce plenty of giggles and laughter.

‘Twas the night before Christmas,

when all through the house,

not a creature was stirring, not even a—

MOUSE!

He had never heard of a mouse not stirring.

It was the most glorious night of the year!

So he stirred. Squeaked! Eeked!

Anything but sleep.  

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780063230743
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	09/12/2023
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	243,979
Product dimensions:	9.10(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Heather S. Pierczynski is a children’s author and school social worker from “near Charlotte,” North Carolina. Despite objections from her human and fur family, she never goes to bed at a reasonable hour—even on the night before Christmas. A Creature Was Stirring is her first picture book.

Skylar Hogan is an illustrator with countless stories to tell. The Christmas season is his favorite time of year, and he poured a generous amount of holiday cheer into A Creature Was Stirring. Skylar lives in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife and two children.

Editorial Reviews

08/28/2023

“ ’Twas the night before Christmas” in this variation on “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” but the poem’s leading creature, Mouse, can’t seem to settle down (“He’d never heard of a mouse not stirring”). Even as house cats urge rest, the subject resists with alliterative and assonant actions (“So he drummed./ Stacked./ Nut-cracked./ And crunched on all the cookies”) that continue when the rodent attempts sleep (“He twiddled./ Fiddled./ Giggled”). As the creature’s energy levels up, a late-night train ride leads to an encounter with Santa, portrayed with pale skin. Luckily, the big guy has just the right gift for the wide-awake mouse. Hogan’s digital illustrations glow with toasty reds and oranges—coloring that suggests the holiday and Mouse’s energy alike. It’s hard not to sympathize with the over-excited Mouse’s night-before plight in this wind- down story from Pierczynski. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

"[A]n enjoyable romp. Fun Yuletide fare for the up-all-night crowd." — Kirkus Reviews

“?’Twas the night before Christmas' in this variation on 'A Visit from St. Nicholas,' but the poem’s leading creature, Mouse, can’t seem to settle down. Luckily, the big guy has just the right gift for the wide-awake mouse. Hogan’s digital illustrations glow with toasty reds and oranges—coloring that suggests the holiday and Mouse’s energy alike. It’s hard not to sympathize with the over-excited Mouse’s night-before plight in this wind- down story from Pierczynski." — Publishers Weekly

"A fun take on the Christmas classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas that will have readers laughing and guessing what mischief might happen next. Children will easily relate to how difficult it is to get to sleep and dream of sugar plums when they are too excited for the arrival of a special visitor." — School Library Journal

From the Publisher

09/15/2023

K-Gr 2—A fun take on the Christmas classic 'Twas the Night Before Christmas that will have readers laughing and guessing what mischief might happen next. Poor Mouse cannot help himself as he more than stirs throughout the entire house, causing quite a bit of mayhem in his wake. Mouse tries to get to sleep, but after some fidgeting, he is back to stirring—oh, and the trouble he causes! Children will easily relate to how difficult it is to get to sleep and dream of sugar plums when they are too excited for the arrival of a special visitor. Hogan's illustrations bring color schemes of vintage wrapping paper to life, lending to the joy of reading this tale. Children will join in on the chorus of "Go to bed," that Mouse hears from the other characters. This story can also be used in lessons to compare and contrast with the original poem. VERDICT A fun addition for libraries in need of more holiday literature.—Darla Kaminsky

School Library Journal

2023-08-23
A young mouse refuses to go to sleep.

“Go to bed,” whispers the cat. “It’s the night before Christmas.” But, despite the unseen narrator’s assertion that “not a creature was stirring,” wide-eyed, big-eared Mouse is far too exuberant to snooze. He proceeds to ride a tricycle around the tree, crack nuts, and nibble cookies. Tiny vignettes depicting his Yuletide antics are followed by a full-page spread in which Mouse rushes out onto a snow-filled street with a full marching band. As he makes merry, everyone—from the house to the city to the whole world—exhorts him to “GO TO BED.” So he does…but not for long. He just can’t sleep! Hopping aboard the Christmas train, he crashes into Santa himself! Can Santa convince our hero to finally head to bed? Echoing the language of the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas,” the tale comes to a close. The falling action goes on a bit too long, although the art alone will be enough to keep the attention of holiday lovers, and the enthusiasm of all involved makes for an enjoyable romp. Warm, festive reds, oranges, and greens ground the digital illustrations. An especially funny moment sees Mouse attempting to get some shut-eye. Awash in blues and black, the artwork sets it apart from the rest of the story, creating a welcome respite. Santa is light-skinned. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Fun Yuletide fare for the up-all-night crowd. (Picture book. 3-6)

Kirkus Reviews