Clement C. Moore (1779–1863), an American scholar and poet, first wrote “The Night Before Christmas” in 1822 to entertain his children. A friend submitted it to a local newspaper, the Troy Sentinel, where it was published on December 23, 1823. Moore’s delightful description of St. Nicholas and his eight flying reindeer has since become the definitive portrait of Santa Claus.

Richard Jesse Watson studied art at Pasadena City College and at Art Center College of Design. He has continued his artistic studies drawing from life and at museums and cathedrals. His awards and honors include the Golden Kite Award, the Parents' Choice Gold Award, People magazine's Best Picture Book of the Year, the IRA/CBC Children's Choice Award, and the C. S. Lewis Gold Medal. Richard lives with his wife, Susi, in Port Townsend, Washington.