“The Night before Christmas” The Recordable Book
Written by: Clement C. Moore
Illustrated by: Joseph Adolphe
Age: Another for all ages.
Theme: Christmas Time
Synopsis: Christmas stories are not for reading. They’re for reading together, even when you’re apart. Share meaningful moments with a library of titles.. Capture your voice and you will always be together- even when you’re apart. Read to them no matter where you are. Watch a four year olds reaction as she listens to a book recorded by her deployed military father. A busy working mother uses it to be there for her kids while travelling to work. Grandparents can read personalized stories to their grandchildren, and a military father tucks his children in every night.
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.”
Activities/Resources: A recording device with batteries within this beautiful book allows one to record and rerecord their voice. It can be saved by flicking a switch inside so it can be kept as a remembrance of someone special.
Nancy H Marshall, herself a collector of anything old Christmas, has a wonderful informative blog full of links such as golden glow.org with its 1000+ membership for those interested in very old Christmas figurines and links to Christmas past. The American antiquarian.org has information on origins of Christmas, the Evolution of Santa and more, or the-north-pole.com and learn about celebrating Christmas in different countries, from recipes, Christmas carols etc… the most fun is the second … the-north-pole.com website which takes you into a fantasy land of games, puzzles, carols, and even email to Santa. A wonderful place for kids. Oh and did I mention the recipes and crafts…. Rudolph’s Peanut Butter Oat treats, or Mrs Claus Favourite Lime Pie, Ho Ho Holiday Omelette, or Chill-Chasing Cider… yep even something for the BIG KIDS.
Why I like this: I came across this book only a couple of days ago and immediately thought what a lovely way to record our voices reading to my nephews in Australia. (I hadn’t seen them in nearly three years). I can’t wait to get a call on Christmas Morning to hear what the kids think of it. I notice there were other stories also available as recordable on Amazon. This book brings warmth and fun for all the family no matter how far or near they may be.
I have to admit when I went looking up websites with Recordable Books I was surprised there were so many and delighted at the resources and information one could obtain.
Now if I am not around for a few days you can guess where I will be….. Off making Christmas Tree Tostada followed by Frosty the Snowball and Chocolate-dipped apple slices, humming to the Christmas carols or reading about Christmas in another world……..
For more books with resources please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Picture Perfect Book
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Diane, I think recordable books are wonderful for deployed parents, out-of-town grandparents, or parents who may be traveling. And, I think kids would have fun recording their own voices. Nice classic selection for Christmas.
Thankyou very much Pat! Yes it is a time honoured classic alright. Hallmark have a great advert for them mentioning how military folk can stay intouch with family.
Yes it did cross my mind that it would be a great way for children to have fun recording their voices also.
What a great idea! I’m going to tell my brother and sister about this, they love doing those personalised cards with my kids photos on, so this is even better. I just tried the Santa site and the screen froze, it must be cold at the north pole 🙂
I should also have mentioned this website, might help you find them http://content.hallmark.com/in-stores/images/recordable-storybooks/rsb_feature_intro.jpg
When you said you tried Santa site – is this on Nancy Marshall’s website? i have notice one or two do not work for me but the others are lovely….LOL yep pretty cold down there..thanks Catherine and your brother and sister and all your family will get a kick out of it, I’m sure.
I love these recordable books, but haven’t introduced them to my son yet. I noticed the new Nook offers a recordable feature, which would be a digital version of these nice books.
Cool! some of them even have background music while you record…. especially the newer versions. Think of the fun you will both have when hes a little older Stacy. Thanks for being here.
I also think recordable books are a wonderful idea! i have 6 coming out over the next while from A Story Before Bed. I love that you found this one, so perfect for Christmas! Thanks so much for sharing – and all those great resources!
6? Wow! so pleased you liked this Susanna. Enjoy those resources and thanks for commenting.
I’ve seen recordable books in the Hallmark store and even bought one for a friend and her kids who were moving to Africa a few years ago. I agree they are a great way to keep people close…even when they are far away. This one sounds perfect for the holidays. I hope your nephews like it!
Thankyou Kerry! I hope they like it too.
I raced to my Mum’s and got her to read a page and at the end we all read together…. it was fun!
Glad you liked the books.
Diane, I think these recordable books are wonderful, and not just for those distant from family. This looks like a fab Christmas selection. I bet you had loads of fun doing some recording for your nephews!
I did thanks Joanna. They are a fab Selection. Thankyou Joanna.
I saw the ads for this on TV – I think it’s a beautiful idea! I’m considering it for my far-away nephews as well. Good choice for a perfect picture book.
Hi Laura, so pleased you stopped by. I think your nephews would love it. Thankyou and I hope you’ll stick around.