The Soldiers' Night Before Christmas

by Trish Holland, Christine Ford

Overview

Inspired by the famous Christmas poem, "The Night Before Christmas," this picture book about Christmas in the Army is perfect for children of military families and anyone with loved ones serving overseas.

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the base
Only sentries were stirring — they guarded the place.
The soldiers were sleeping and snoring away
As they dreamed of 'back home' on good Christmas Day...

One Christmas Eve at a military barracks in the Middle East, some homesick soldiers are paid a visit by Sergeant McClaus, the Santa of Soldiers. This lively and poignant tale is inspired by Clement C. Moore's classic yuletide poem.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780307976390
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	11/30/2011
Series:	Big Little Golden Book Series
Sold by:	Random House
Format:	eBook
Pages:	32
File size:	8 MB
Age Range:	2 - 5 Years

About the Author

Trish Holland, originally from Jackson, MI, wrote LASSO THE MOON, a Little Golden Book that pubbed in May, 2005.

This is Christine Ford's third book. Her picture book, SNOW, was published in 1999 by HarperCollins. Her novel, SCOUT, will be published by Delacorte in Spring, 2006. Ms. Ford grew up in Pittsfield, MA. The author lives in Arlington, TX.

Editorial Reviews

K-Gr 3-This version of the Clement Moore poem takes place on a U.S. Army base in the desert. The narrator wakes up when he hears a crash, and sees a Blackhawk helicopter giving the all clear to nine Humvees and a jeep, all loaded with gifts. Sergeant McClaus calls the drivers by name: "Now, Cohen! Mendoza! Woslowski! McCord! Now, Li! Watts! Donetti! And Specialist Ford!" When the caravan leaves, the sergeant calls out, "HAPPY CHRISTMAS, BRAVE SOLDIERS! MAY PEACE COME TO ALL!" Cartoon illustrations help to make this a lighthearted, even humorous, retelling that will probably be most appreciated by military families who already know the original version.-Virginia Walter, University of California, Los Angeles Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Using the familiar structure of the classic Christmas poem, Holland and Ford offer a witty parody that serves up a unique vision of a Santa who is very different from the traditional St. Nick. A young soldier serving as the narrator sees Sergeant McClaus arrive on base in a Blackhawk helicopter, followed by eight Christmas-green Humvees decked out in gold tinsel and twinkling lights. This commanding figure stands 6'6" in his camouflage uniform and red Santa hat, with a stub of cigar instead of a pipe. He and his drivers bring in sea bags filled with gifts for the soldiers: homemade goodies, phone cards, photos from home and artwork from children. The gifts are quickly deposited in helmets and boots, and then with a sharp salute and some hearty ho-ho-hos, Sergeant McClaus and his convoy take off for their next stop with a wish for peace for all. Jazzy illustrations in a cartoon style bring the military characters to life, especially the craggy-faced Sergeant McClaus. This will be popular with children who like brash superheroes, as well as with families and friends of those serving in the military. (Picture book. 5+)

Kirkus Reviews