Review: The Night Before Christmas App

Summary: It's America's favorite holiday poem -- bringing the joy of the holiday season magically to life. Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without Clement C. Moore's classic tale.

In this first ever book from the iconic folk group Peter, Paul & Mary, this heartwarming poem is magnificently illustrated by acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret and rendered magically interactive by Touchoo...

So gather the family, turn on your iPad, iTouch, or iPhone, and experience "The Night Before Christmas" as never before!

Featuring:

• Magical music and sounds by Peter, Paul & Mary
• Acclaimed painter Eric Puybaret's magical art
• Enchanting narration by Mary Travers on her last performance
• Captivating and rich interactivity
• Full control over the experience: Read myself, read to me, and record myself
• Control over sounds and music
• Auto page-flip for little ones
• "This book belongs to" to fill in your child's name

Join the many who already enjoy this magical book in its physical form -- on your touch devices! -- Imagine Publishing

Booking Son loves to play with my iPad, so when I discovered that there was a new app based on the classic poem "The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore, I just knew I had to share it with them. Just this past week, I found him reading the book to himself with a big smile on his face. And it's also a family favorite since my daughter dances in a "Twas" show every other year. (The "Twas" recital tells the story of "The Night Before Christmas" though a variety of dances along with Mrs. Claus' reading of the poem.)

But before I shared this app with Booking Son, I thought I'd check it out for myself. I wasn't surprised to find that I enjoyed it a great deal. I loved having the story read to me while I played with all of the blinking icons. Honestly, this app is for kids of all ages from a young preschooler to an older grandparent, and there really is something for everyone.

For the youngsters, there is the read-to-me option as well as auto page-flip. There are also lots of lights and blinking objects that children can touch and bring to life. And the sound effects and music by Peter, Paul & Mary make this app extra special. However, this app can also be appreciated by older children and even adults. In addition to all of the fun things I mentioned for little ones, there is a read myself or a record myself option. 

Both Booking Son and I had a great time interacting with "The Night Before Christmas" app, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how beautiful the illustrations are. I was so caught up in what the app could do that I didn't appreciate the artwork until my second time through. Mr. Puybaret's paintings are the perfect complement to this classic story.

I can only imagine how many times Booking Son and I will play with this app during this holiday season. It's a wonderful way to revisit this timeless story and I highly recommend it!

The app is available for your Apple or Android device. Click here for a sneak peek!

Thanks to Charlesbridge for this offer.