mas" has become so much a part of Christmas that it's hard to imagine the holiday without it. Originally published as an "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas," it appeared in 1823 in the newspaper, the Troy Sentinel. It has since been reprinted hundreds of times, acted out on stage, and read over the radio and on film and CD. The author, Clement Clark Moore, is said to have written the poem for his children on Christmas Eve, 1822. Our modern image of Santa Claus as a bearded, plump, jolly figure can be traced back to Moore's famous description of St. Nick:

"He had a broad face, and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly."

Gennady Spirin's classic illustrations convey the magic and rapture of St. Nick's visit, from the shadows cast by his sleigh and eight reindeer on a snowy, moonlit roof to the twinkling eyes, merry dimples, and rosy cheeks of his friendly face. This book will warm the heart, nurture the spirit, and bring joy to all those who read it at Christmastime.

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"