Title: Lyle’s Christmas
Author: Kimberly Vincent-Hampton
Publisher: Page Turner Press and Media LLC
ISBN: 978-1-64376-949-3
Pages: 34
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book / Poetry / Christmas
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Hollywood Book Reviews
First published on Dec. 23, 1823 in the Troy Sentinel newspaper in upstate New York, one of the oldest and most popular Christmas poems, “Twas The Night Before Christmas” was brought to the public – a literary gift-wrapped 56 lines of verse delivered on the appropriate evening of the year for all to enjoy. Since then, it has been the creative foundation to many aspects of storytelling, theatre and song. Now author and artist Kimberly Vincent-Hampton has created an amazing adaptation of this poem using her personified mouse character, Lyle.
With the poem’s iconic beat and foot of the stanzas, the words flow with humor and imagination as Lyle, the mouse, is stirring around the house, contrary to popular belief, and to his amazement witnesses none other than Santa himself coming down the chimney to deliver Christmas presents. Totally amazed by such a powerful event, Lyle stares in amazement at the huge Santa, with his sack of presents; as Santa reaches in to give Lyle a candy cane with red and white stripes. Is this really happening or is Lyle just filled with slumber and falling asleep? The next morning proves the reality of it as peanut butter goodies and cheese are in Lyle’s stocking. Yes, Santa does exist – he is real – a good lesson for some non-believers.
The author’s creative re-writing of this famous poem is so catchy, that I do believe some youngsters will undoubtably grow up thinking Lyle’s version is the original, and when hearing the antiquated poem think that one is regenerated. Who knows. But one thing is for sure, and that is Lyle’s Christmas is an instant classic story. Bound for countless readings to generations of youngsters, Lyle will become famous as a mouse in the house is always a focal point for children’s attention. Obviously, the owners of that house do not have a cat.
Children everywhere will drift off to sleep with Lyle and Santa in their minds. In essence Lyle’s Christmas is a tribute to the original poem, and all readers may enjoy the old ending, “But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight- / Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”