Mouse's Night Before Christmas

In this clever adaptation of the Christmas classic, The Night Before Christmas, Tracey Corderoy tells the moving story of a solitary mouse who is longing for a friend. With an accompanying QR code, the story is read-aloud with carefully thought out sound effects to really help those younger readers create a picture in their mind. The tale begins just as the original story starts - which took me straight back to hearing this story as a child. The mouse is introduced using descriptions in a style that my Reception class immediately recognised from other classics we have read, 'A small nose / two twinkly black eyes / some tiny pink toes'. The mouse makes a wish upon a star on the top of a tree, although we aren't told his wish at this point - we infer that he wishes for a friend. At this moment, Santa and his reindeer - who have lost their way - land outside with such a clatter. The mouse helped Santa to find his way and to repay the little mouse, Santa grants the mouse its wish in the most touching way! After reading and enjoying this story, the children were inspired to think of their own Christmas wishes. From spending time with family, to feeding and gifting to those who may be less fortunate at Christmas time- this story helped us to think deeply about what is important at this magical time of year. Teaching the value of friendship and goodwill at Christmas time, this narrative poetry written through rhyme lends itself beautifully as a text that can be enjoyed again and again with the whole class or as a story to read to your child snuggled up on a winter's night at home. Picture book / Ages 4+ / Reviewed by Jussica Bunney, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+

So you've heard of the traditional tale of The Night Before Christmas, but have you heard it from the Mouse's side? The tale that we all know, and love, has been turned on its side and given a fresh outlook involving a mouse and his adventure on Christmas Eve. I liked how the story was told just like original in the style of a narrative poem, it plays the on the old but with a twist of the new. The little mouse's story starts just like the original, however, the mouse makes a wish upon the Christmas tree star, when it is rudely interrupted by a man wearing red and riding a sleigh! Santa takes the mouse on the most amazing journey and gives him two presents and a map. The mouse follows the map and finds his wish! The illustrations to accompany the story are beautiful and really bring the story alive. I loved the sparkle on the front cover also! The detail and attention to detail is great and bring that Christmassy feeling. I think this is a great addition to a stocking or lovers of Christmas stories. The underlying message of friendship and adventure makes the story exciting and relatable to children. Picture book/ Ages 5+/ Reviewed by Lauren Maidman, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+