The Night Before Christmas in New York

In a sleek red gift book the shape and size of a slender clutch purse, the team behind The Night Before Christmas in Paris imagines an elegant Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoying a pre-holiday vacation in Manhattan. The highbrow verse blends humor with whimsy as the couple tours landmarks, Santa drops in on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the city renews his confidence: “There are lots of new buildings/ where boys and girls live./ In Manhattan’s great brownstones/ I’ve presents to give./ The Brooklyn Bridge! Easy!/ It’s lit night and day./ I’ll cross the East River/ toward Brighton Beach way.” Dickert’s modish line drawings of NYC sights would be at home on the pages of The New Yorker. Simultaneously available: The Night Before Christmas in Texas. Ages Up to age 10. (Sept.)