Can You See What I see?: The Night Before Christmas



Last updated Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Author: Walter Wick
Date of Publication: 2005
ISBN: 0439769272
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2018

Synopsis: Scenes from Clement Moore's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas inspire twelve elegant and fascinating compositions where readers search for dozens of intriguing hidden objects. The first photograph, "The Night Before Christmas," features a gingerbread house, Christmas cookies, candles, bulbs, and more. "Visions of Sugarplums" is an abstract composition of Christmas confections; and "Such a Clatter!" is a dynamic explosion of objects. In "It Must Be Saint Nick," Santa is shown in shadow; and in "A Bundle of Toys," the presents in Santa's sack are revealed as a magnificent jumble. The final photograph, "Happy Christmas to All" is a beautiful, pastoral landscape, lustrous under new-fallen snow.

Note to readers:
•  The main reading is found on the first pages. You may recognize the poem, "A Visit From Saint Nicholas."

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Name a few toys found in Santa's bag
•  What will you eat during the holidays?
•  Do you think it will snow in Los Angeles for the holiday?

Vocabulary

•  Miniature - something much smaller than the usual size
•  Prancing - to rise up or move about on the hind legs
•  Shutters - a movable cover for a window that swings on hinges like a door

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Have you ever built a gingerbread house?
•  Did you start decorating your home for the holidays?
•  Have you played in the snow before?

Craft ideas:
•  Make Reindeer out of paper plates
•  Make a Holiday card
•  Cut out a paper snowflake
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2018-family-the-spirit-of-giving/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!