“Another year over, a Christmas job done.”
It’s late on Boxing Day, and Santa is back from his trip, completing some of his usual chores before celebrating with his wife at tea time. And what a feast! Meanwhile, the elves are waiting outside for the party to begin. The festivities kick off with a variety of treats that fall from a giant cracker delivered by the owls. Santa’s wife is in charge of the sky, transforming the colours and arranging festive stars that form the Yule constellation. With plenty of music and dancing, the party is in full swing until early morning, when it’s bedtime.
“The Night After Christmas” is a rhyming, festive story by Kes Gray, the creator of “Oi Frog!” It’s a funny, dynamic tale about tradition, rewards, celebration, and family. Claire Powell enhances the festive atmosphere by illustrating white, copper, and blue winter scenes. The reading not only entertains but also educates, inspiring discussions about calendars, the number of months and days in a year, the traditions associated with Boxing Day in the human world, and the origin of its name.
This entertaining, rhyming narrative is perfect for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) when teaching phonics.
Further Information:
If you loved The Night After Christmas, check out more information about its author and illustrator:
Further Reading:
The Night Before the Night Before Christmas
The Stats:
- Title: The Night After Christmas
- Author and Illustrator: Kes Gray & Claire Powell
- ISBN: 9781 444 95466 1
- Publication Date: 2020
- Page Count: 32
- Publisher: Hodder Children’s Books
- Recommended age: 3-7
- Categories/Topic: Christmas, elves, party, Santa’s wife, Boxing Day
Where to Find it:
- Buy on: Amazon
- Find on: Goodreads
