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The Night Before Easter
"Twas the night before Easter, just before dawn, Not a creature was stirring out on the lawn." The Easter bunny takes center stage in this delightful spin on a beloved poem that will send families hopping to the bookstore for an Easter treat sweeter than any sugar plum!
Library Binding
First published January 1, 1999
4 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Natasha Wing
72 books136 followersWhy am I a writer? When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher. I’d line up my stuffed animals in front of a board and teach them the alphabet and how to count. In high school I wanted to be a tennis player. I was on the tennis team, and played at our neighborhood tennis club. Then in college I thought digging dinosaur bones would be a cool job. It wasn’t until I was working at my own public relations agency that I decided I really wanted to write children’s books. I was so inspired by the magic of reading a book that I wanted to see if my active imagination could create magical moments for kids all over the world. I started to write, then sent my stories to publishers, and sold my first manuscript in 1992. I’ve been writing ever since.
Why I write now.
I love the freedom of being my own boss, of coming up with ideas on my own and writing that first draft to see if my idea has any spark. I’m not so crazy about the revising process although there are thrilling moments when I figure out a better way to say something, or when I nail dialog, or work through a complicated plot line. The most exciting moment is when an editor says they want to publish my manuscript. Then I know all my hard work has paid off, and that soon, children will enter my imaginative world through a book.
Why I write now.
I love the freedom of being my own boss, of coming up with ideas on my own and writing that first draft to see if my idea has any spark. I’m not so crazy about the revising process although there are thrilling moments when I figure out a better way to say something, or when I nail dialog, or work through a complicated plot line. The most exciting moment is when an editor says they want to publish my manuscript. Then I know all my hard work has paid off, and that soon, children will enter my imaginative world through a book.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 13, 2019
The kids really enjoyed this book. This is Natasha’s series using holidays with ‘the Night before Christmas’ The verse that says, ‘visions of sugarplums danced in their heads’, this story uses jellybeans and the picture of their dream had dancing jelly beans and the kids loved that. They laughed and the nephew wanted to be able to color it. He went crazy for dancing jellybeans. I should write a story about dancing jellybeans. At least the nephew would go crazy for it.
It’s a very cute book for kids with fun artwork. Great for anyone who celebrates Easter and hides eggs.
The nephew gave this 5 dancing jellybean stars and the niece gave this 3 stars. Interesting what they find amusing and what they focus on.
It’s a very cute book for kids with fun artwork. Great for anyone who celebrates Easter and hides eggs.
The nephew gave this 5 dancing jellybean stars and the niece gave this 3 stars. Interesting what they find amusing and what they focus on.
April 23, 2019
This charming homage to the famous Christmas poem is a wonderful way to preface Easter. A young boy is settling down to sleep on the night before Easter when he hears the Easter Bunny arrive. He follows the bunny through the house as he completes his Easter mission. The poem is loads of rhyming fun that will keep young ones entranced and giggling. The bunny is a picture of delight as leaps about his business. Warm pastels convey Easter in a lovely way and every kid will connect with the young boy and his expressions of clandestine anticipation. I predict that this is and could become an Easter tradition in many homes.
December 6, 2022
A family of cute bunnies are getting ready for the big day of Easter. This is just a spring book with no mention of the real meaning of Easter.
March 27, 2019
Natasha Wing's series of books, "The Night Before...", are always fun and are a great way to celebrate an impending holiday. Likewise the illustrations are colorful, cute and detailed enough to create interest for several readings.
April 24, 2019
This was one of my childhood books I loved reading.
I’ve read several holiday books by Natasha Wing as an adult, and they’re usually all cute and charming. I didn’t realize I had one of her books in my collection!
The illustrations were adorable.
The kids, their outfits, the little chick standing in the doorway after the Easter Bunny came in the house. The chick seemed to be his helper, like Santa and his elves. The little boy watching the easter bunny from the stairs was adorable.
Truly cute and colorful images that are pleasant to look at. So much detail to take in. Even a little mouse reaches out of his hole to grab a piece of candy.
I haven’t read this since I was a kid, and it was amazing how some of the lines sparked my memory when I reread them.
At times I felt it mirrored Twas the Night Before Christmas too closely, with the visions dancing in their heads, and made such a clatter, and to see what was the matter lines being the same.
I liked hearing him described, with the crook in his ear, and his eyes - how they sparkled! his whiskers - how merry! his tail was like cotton; his nose like a berry!
It was nice revisiting a book from my childhood. I've probably read this dozens of times as a kid, but I'll just mark it as having been read twice.
I’ve read several holiday books by Natasha Wing as an adult, and they’re usually all cute and charming. I didn’t realize I had one of her books in my collection!
The illustrations were adorable.
The kids, their outfits, the little chick standing in the doorway after the Easter Bunny came in the house. The chick seemed to be his helper, like Santa and his elves. The little boy watching the easter bunny from the stairs was adorable.
Truly cute and colorful images that are pleasant to look at. So much detail to take in. Even a little mouse reaches out of his hole to grab a piece of candy.
I haven’t read this since I was a kid, and it was amazing how some of the lines sparked my memory when I reread them.
At times I felt it mirrored Twas the Night Before Christmas too closely, with the visions dancing in their heads, and made such a clatter, and to see what was the matter lines being the same.
I liked hearing him described, with the crook in his ear, and his eyes - how they sparkled! his whiskers - how merry! his tail was like cotton; his nose like a berry!
It was nice revisiting a book from my childhood. I've probably read this dozens of times as a kid, but I'll just mark it as having been read twice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2021
The Night Before Easter is a children's picture book written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Kathy Couri. It is a book about a pair of children as they go to bed the night before Easter. As today is the day before Easter, I thought reading this book would be apropos.
Wing's text is simplistic and lyrical. It is written in the style of "The Night Before Christmas". The poem was written especially well and follows the rhythm and style of the original poem extremely well. Couri's illustrations are wonderfully depicted, albeit a tad cartoonish, but represented the text and tone rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is Easter Eve, and a pair of children goes to bed, when during the night the child is awoken only to see the Easter Bunny. He covertly spies on the Easter Bunny as he decorates the house, fill it up with sweets, and hide some Easter Eggs, before leaving just a dawn approaches.
All in all, The Night Before Easter is a wonderful children's book done in the style of "The Night Before Christmas". It is a story about a child who was lucky enough to be awakened and spy on the mysterious Easter Bunny.
Wing's text is simplistic and lyrical. It is written in the style of "The Night Before Christmas". The poem was written especially well and follows the rhythm and style of the original poem extremely well. Couri's illustrations are wonderfully depicted, albeit a tad cartoonish, but represented the text and tone rather well.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is Easter Eve, and a pair of children goes to bed, when during the night the child is awoken only to see the Easter Bunny. He covertly spies on the Easter Bunny as he decorates the house, fill it up with sweets, and hide some Easter Eggs, before leaving just a dawn approaches.
All in all, The Night Before Easter is a wonderful children's book done in the style of "The Night Before Christmas". It is a story about a child who was lucky enough to be awakened and spy on the mysterious Easter Bunny.
April 5, 2015
I wanted to give this star three stars but just couldn't. I picked up this book thinking it would be a cute read. I do not mind adaptations of classics and poems. My friend and I did one before for a lady who was retiring from work several years ago. As we were reading it was cute and kept my daughters attention which is always a good thing so I am sure this will be a re-read in our house. The reason I could not give it is three stars is because the little boy knows where all the eggs were hidden by the Easter bunny!!! He has an advantage over his sister so in a way he is cheating and I really did not like that aspect of the poem.
March 17, 2015
K and I read this before bed and he seemed to really enjoy it. It is almost like the book Twas The Night Before Christmas as it has the same type of tune but instead of Christmas it is Easter! We read as the Easter bunny comes to visit and what he leaves behind. Adorable read right before Easter that I think kids of all ages would enjoy.
The pictures went right along with the story being told and K enjoyed it. He asked if he would get as much candy this Easter as what was in the book. Had to remind him that was a lot of candy for one person to have.
The pictures went right along with the story being told and K enjoyed it. He asked if he would get as much candy this Easter as what was in the book. Had to remind him that was a lot of candy for one person to have.
April 9, 2012
What a fun read! Written in the same style as The Night Before Christmas, this is a book that kids will love to have read to them and will enjoy reading. It's a story that covers the fun part of Easter, and helps readers discover all that the Easter Bunny does when he pays them a visit at their house. It's cute illustrations, and fast paced read make this the perfect story to be read before nap time, or bed time. This is a story that preschoolers will easily follow and understand.
January 28, 2010
Written in the same way as The Night Before Christmas, kids who are familiar with that story will no doubt love this one with an Easter bunny twist. This is part of series of other holiday books by the author.
April 16, 2012
We read lots of easter-themed (bunnys, eggs, chicks) when Bea was little but this one is really the only easter book that is still fun to read. I love "The Night Before Christmas" original so perhaps that is part of it. The illustrations are cute and go along with the springy, light poem.
November 3, 2009
Fun, descriptive, well illustrated story that children will love to read before Easter!
December 6, 2011
The perfect Easter story choice for fans of The Night Before Christmas. Cute illustrations and a nice quick "before bed" read;) Would definitely recommend to anyone with kiddos;)
April 24, 2012
Cute story about the Night Before Easter has the same rhyme as the Night Before Christmas. My kindergarten students enjoyed the story.
March 20, 2015
Cute, quick little holiday story with brightly colored illustrations.
April 3, 2018
Cute, I hope to pass these books on to my grandchildren or nieces and nephews someday. Cute, fun, simple, silly - could make for an every holiday traditions. There is a whole series!
August 27, 2018
Very cute Scholastic book. A take on "The Night Before Christmas" except with the Easter Bunny!
My youngest really liked it.
My youngest really liked it.
April 14, 2024
I'm trying to ignore my distaste for the oversaturation that is the three months of Christmas celebrations in my country to give this a fair review. The thing is, I have been subjected to so many "adaptations" of the source material that it feels so one-note. Even considering only one author/creator makes it feel like having more than one such adaptation is milking a cheap gimmick.
When considering this volume specifically on its own merits, it's fine. The art is cute, and the poem reads well with the changes. The main drawback is, I wouldn't be terribly interested in getting ALL the books in this vein. One, MAYBE two, about a specific subject (for instance, Summer Vacation) would be fine. Rehashing this poem for EVERY SINGLE OCCASION is excessive. It's like receiving the same gift for Christmas/your birthday EVERY YEAR—which would get tiring unless said gift is an experience, like a fancy dinner or tickets to a concert—except this would be for EVERY occasion (so, the same gift THROUGHOUT THE YEAR).
I don't know. Again, ONE such book is fine, and if your favourite holiday is Easter, then maybe you'll think this book is great! However, this is the second of this series I've read (received from a charity auction), and I just find it tedious, despite its merits otherwise. Giving a fair grade all the same, though I would grade the series harshly.
When considering this volume specifically on its own merits, it's fine. The art is cute, and the poem reads well with the changes. The main drawback is, I wouldn't be terribly interested in getting ALL the books in this vein. One, MAYBE two, about a specific subject (for instance, Summer Vacation) would be fine. Rehashing this poem for EVERY SINGLE OCCASION is excessive. It's like receiving the same gift for Christmas/your birthday EVERY YEAR—which would get tiring unless said gift is an experience, like a fancy dinner or tickets to a concert—except this would be for EVERY occasion (so, the same gift THROUGHOUT THE YEAR).
I don't know. Again, ONE such book is fine, and if your favourite holiday is Easter, then maybe you'll think this book is great! However, this is the second of this series I've read (received from a charity auction), and I just find it tedious, despite its merits otherwise. Giving a fair grade all the same, though I would grade the series harshly.
April 24, 2019
I had this on my to-read list and my sister mentioned that she owned it so that made it even better. Didn't even have to go through checking it out at the library. I've read several by this author and she hits all the major holidays so I had to read this, and on the night before Easter, of course!
I like the egg as the "o" in the title. I like all the pastel colors. The pages were jam packed full of images, maybe too much because it was hard to see everything and I felt like I would miss something.
She mentioned putting Easter baskets out and hoping they'd be filled, but you don't put Easter baskets out. Those are brought to the kids; kids don't come with their own baskets.
She had the kids have visions of jelly beans in their heads which is fitting.
I liked the page: "He walked on two legs (which I thought was quite funny); no rabbit could do that--except, Easter Bunny!"
That was such a cute idea.
He pushed a cart of candy and it's charming that he wears a vest and pants and a bow tie. He's accompanied by a chick wearing shoes. The boy's little brown bear slippers are adorable and his expression of surprise with his eyes wide and mouth open was so cute. The Easter Bunny filled the baskets and the little boy lay on his stomach on the landing, with a cute smile. Idk how the Bunny didn't see him though because he was a few feet away.
Easter Bunny then went around hiding eggs around the house. Then he left at sunrise when the rooster crowed and left a note wishing a good day. The rhymes weren't all that. I expected more out of the holiday, for more Easter traditions and things mentioned.
I like the egg as the "o" in the title. I like all the pastel colors. The pages were jam packed full of images, maybe too much because it was hard to see everything and I felt like I would miss something.
She mentioned putting Easter baskets out and hoping they'd be filled, but you don't put Easter baskets out. Those are brought to the kids; kids don't come with their own baskets.
She had the kids have visions of jelly beans in their heads which is fitting.
I liked the page: "He walked on two legs (which I thought was quite funny); no rabbit could do that--except, Easter Bunny!"
That was such a cute idea.
He pushed a cart of candy and it's charming that he wears a vest and pants and a bow tie. He's accompanied by a chick wearing shoes. The boy's little brown bear slippers are adorable and his expression of surprise with his eyes wide and mouth open was so cute. The Easter Bunny filled the baskets and the little boy lay on his stomach on the landing, with a cute smile. Idk how the Bunny didn't see him though because he was a few feet away.
Easter Bunny then went around hiding eggs around the house. Then he left at sunrise when the rooster crowed and left a note wishing a good day. The rhymes weren't all that. I expected more out of the holiday, for more Easter traditions and things mentioned.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2025
"The Night Before Easter" is a children's book written by Natasha Wing and illustrated by Kathy Couri. It was first published in 1999 by Grosset & Dunlap and is aimed at preschool and early elementary-aged children.
The story follows a family as they prepare for Easter. It’s the night before Easter. The children have gone to bed, with jellybeans dancing in their heads. Suddenly, there is a clatter in the barn! A kid goes down to see the matter. It’s a bunny! He has a basket full of eggs. He sneaks into the house and fills up the kids’ baskets with candy and chocolate. It’s so full that it spills onto the floor! Then, he hides many eggs in different places. When the rooster crows, he’s out with a leap! The children find the eggs and candy, and love Easter.
Reason for recommendation: "The Night Before Easter" is a fun and engaging book for young children. It can help teach them about Easter traditions and celebrations in a fun and accessible way, while also promoting important social and emotional skills such as patience, excitement, and family togetherness.
The story follows a family as they prepare for Easter. It’s the night before Easter. The children have gone to bed, with jellybeans dancing in their heads. Suddenly, there is a clatter in the barn! A kid goes down to see the matter. It’s a bunny! He has a basket full of eggs. He sneaks into the house and fills up the kids’ baskets with candy and chocolate. It’s so full that it spills onto the floor! Then, he hides many eggs in different places. When the rooster crows, he’s out with a leap! The children find the eggs and candy, and love Easter.
Reason for recommendation: "The Night Before Easter" is a fun and engaging book for young children. It can help teach them about Easter traditions and celebrations in a fun and accessible way, while also promoting important social and emotional skills such as patience, excitement, and family togetherness.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2024
This is another entry in Natasha Wing's fun "Night Before" series which is based on Clement Moore's classic Christmas poem. This one is a lot of fun. My favorite passage replaced "visions of sugarplums" with jellybeans that "danced in their heads" Kathy Couri provided a picture of the children dreaming about a stage full of dancing jellybeans. The young boy narrating the poem is not the only one spying on the Easer Bunny. Most pages also show a curious cat and a friendly mouse. I loved this book. Quick like a Jack rabbit, you should run to the store or hop online and get this treat for your child's Easter basket.
September 5, 2019
This book is about the Easter bunny that comes to children's houses to fill up their Easter basket while they are asleep. While the bunny is inside the house a young boy wakes up in the middle of the night to go spy on the bunny.I love the rhyming the author uses and how the story is laid out.
March 4, 2021
I ordered this book as part of an easter gift, and it iscu 110% an easter parody of the night before christmas, but i love it so much still. It's a really cute book and i cannot wait for the girls to read it on easter eve (get the joke haha)
April 14, 2019
Cute story about the Easter Bunny preparing the night before. Colorful!
April 22, 2019
I read this to my grandson a couple of days after Easter. He seemed to enjoy it anyway.
December 29, 2019
A preschool and up book about the Easter bunny getting ready and then sneaking through houses.
January 8, 2020
A very cute, creative read. Gave me the Easter and Spring feels.
April 8, 2023
it is a great book i love it
April 10, 2023
I loved this book! I need to get my own copy to keep at home to read every year!
March 10, 2024
I’m surprised by how much we like these books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews