A creature was stirring

" '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.)

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) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.