THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS: A Goblin Tale

According to Rogers's (Tiptoe into Kindergarten) visual interpretation, goblins celebrate Christmas much like humans do. In this inventive outing, Moore's much-loved poem serves as tame backdrop for the action in Rogers's vividly imagined acrylic paintings. Saint Nicholas arrives at a friendly goblin family's underground home and receives a hearty welcome from the large, boisterous brood. After some playful roughhousing, Santa fills the clan's array of three-toed stockings and politely declines a plate of bug-chip cookies before heading back into the night. Kids, especially those already familiar with Moore's verse, will have a blast poring over the dank, mossy—but somehow cozy—environs of Rogers's fuzzy-pated, bulbous-eyed creations. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)