Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Story About Two Holidays

Introduction

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is a fun and strange story. It is written by Coleen Degnan-Veness and is a Penguin Readers Level 2 book. This means it is good for CEFR A2 English learners. The story is about Jack Skellington, a skeleton who lives in Halloweentown. He is the Pumpkin King. Everyone in Halloweentown loves Halloween, but Jack is tired of doing the same things every year. Then one day, he finds something new: Christmastown.

Jack Skellington: The Pumpkin King

Jack Skellington is the main character in the story. He is tall, thin, and made of bones. He is the Pumpkin King, so he is very important in Halloweentown. Every year, Jack helps make Halloween scary and fun. He sings songs, scares people, and makes Halloween special. But Jack is not happy. He feels bored. He wants something new and different in his life.

Discovering Christmastown

One day, Jack walks into the forest. He finds some trees with doors. Each door has a picture of a different holiday. He opens the door with the Christmas tree on it. Then, he falls into Christmastown. Christmastown is very different from Halloweentown. It is full of lights, snow, and happy music. Jack loves the colors, the fun, and the warm feeling of Christmas. He wants to bring Christmas to Halloweentown.

A Crazy Idea

Jack returns to Halloweentown with new ideas. He wants to do something special. He wants to celebrate Christmas instead of Halloween. He tries to explain Christmas to the people of Halloweentown, but they do not really understand. They think Christmas is just another scary holiday.

Jack decides to take over Christmas. He will be Santa Claus this year! He asks three children—Lock, Shock, and Barrel—to catch the real Santa Claus. Then, Jack wears a red suit and rides a sleigh with skeleton reindeer. He gives presents to children, but the presents are scary! The children are afraid. Jack’s plan is not working.

Trouble and Realization

Santa Claus is in trouble. Oogie Boogie, the bad guy, has him. Oogie is a big, scary monster. He wants to hurt Santa. Sally, a kind and smart girl who likes Jack, tries to help. She also feels that Jack’s plan is wrong.

Jack finally understands. He sees that Halloween and Christmas are very different. He realizes that he made a mistake. He saves Santa Claus and lets him finish Christmas the right way.

A Happy Ending

In the end, Jack goes back to Halloweentown. He is sorry for his mistake, but he is also happy. He learns that he can enjoy Halloween and still dream about new things. Jack and Sally become closer. The story ends with hope and love.

Why Read The Nightmare Before Christmas?

This book is great for A2 English learners. Here’s why:

1. Simple English: The words and sentences are easy to understand.
2. Fun Story: The story is interesting, with fun and strange characters.
3. Holiday Themes: You can learn about Halloween and Christmas.
4. Beautiful Message: The story teaches about dreams, mistakes, and being yourself.

What You Learn from the Story

• Vocabulary: Words about holidays, emotions, and actions.
• Grammar: You see past tense verbs and simple sentence structures.
• Reading Skills: You can practice reading longer texts.
• Culture: You learn about two popular holidays in English-speaking countries.

Characters in the Story

• Jack Skellington: The Pumpkin King who wants something new.
• Sally: A smart and kind girl who cares about Jack.
• Santa Claus: The real Santa who is in danger.
• Oogie Boogie: The villain who tries to hurt Santa.
• Lock, Shock, and Barrel: Naughty children who help Jack.

Conclusion

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas is a special book. It is about two different holidays and one very curious skeleton. Jack wants more from life and makes mistakes, but he learns an important lesson. This book is great for A2 learners who like fun stories, strange characters, and holiday magic. If you enjoy Halloween, Christmas, or both, this book is perfect for you!

Happy reading!

Coleen Degnan-Veness novelist, playwright, poet and educator 

Coleen Degnan-Veness: A Global Voice in English Language Education and Storytelling

From the chalkboard to the printed page, Coleen Degnan-Veness has spent over two decades shaping how English is taught and learned around the world. Her voice, experience, and creativity resonate across continents and classrooms—through every reader she pens and every activity she designs. As an educator, writer, and innovator in English Language Teaching (ELT), she has impacted the lives of learners from Poland to the United States, from Spain to the United Kingdom.

This in-depth look at her life and work uncovers the legacy of a teacher turned author who continues to influence both students and educators through her engaging materials and tireless dedication.

A Teacher at Heart: The Global Classroom Experience

Before Coleen Degnan-Veness became a prolific author of ELT materials, she was first and foremost a teacher. With over 20 years of experience teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), her classroom journey has taken her across four countries: Poland, the USA, Spain, and the UK.

Her practical experience in the classroom gives her writing an authenticity that educators trust. She knows firsthand what learners struggle with and what excites them. This invaluable insight translates into the simplicity and clarity of her writing, which helps learners of all ages understand and enjoy English.

Coleen didn’t just teach—she led. As the Co-ordinator and Director of EFL programs in Boston, Massachusetts, and Hastings, England, she designed and managed courses for international students, developing curricula that balanced language acquisition with cultural immersion. Her leadership skills helped shape effective programs that catered to diverse learning styles and nationalities.

The Writer Emerges: A Voice for All Ages

After two decades in the classroom, Coleen transitioned into writing, but she never stopped teaching. Instead, she began educating through books. Today, she is well-known for her extensive contribution to ELT publishing, especially simplified readers tailored to children, teenagers, and adult learners.

She has written grammar books, adapted classic and modern stories, created original content, and developed assessment materials—covering both British and American English. Her strength lies in her ability to simplify complex language without sacrificing the heart of a story or the accuracy of the information.

Her readers are popular among teachers for classroom use and among learners for independent study. Titles like Our Changing Planet and The United States of America—co-authored with Chantal Veness—bring science and social studies into the language classroom in ways that spark curiosity and global awareness.

Readers That Teach and Inspire

Coleen’s books go far beyond basic language practice. She crafts readers that entertain, inform, and promote cultural understanding. Her readers cover a wide range of topics—biographies, history, climate change, geography, and even classic literature adaptations. These works not only develop vocabulary and grammar, but also expose students to important global issues and ideas.

One of her standout books, Our Changing Planet (Pearson Education, 2013), discusses environmental issues in simplified language. It challenges young learners to think critically about the world they live in, even as they build their language skills. Another notable title, The United States of America (Macmillan Readers, 2013), offers learners a fascinating glimpse into the history, culture, and diversity of the U.S., packaged in accessible and engaging English.

Coleen also understands the power of technology in education. She writes online activities and exercises that accompany her books, published by Pearson Education. These activities can be downloaded from the Penguin Readers and Penguin Kids websites, making her materials even more versatile and interactive.

Beyond Publishing: The Self-Publishing Journey

Recently, Coleen has taken a bold step into the world of self-publishing. With decades of experience in both teaching and writing, she now focuses on creating readers for English-speaking children. This pivot marks a new chapter in her career—one that combines her passion for storytelling with greater creative control.

Through self-publishing, Coleen can experiment with themes and formats that may not always fit traditional publishing models. It also allows her to respond directly to the needs of young readers and parents looking for engaging, high-quality content.

Her move into self-publishing reflects her continued dedication to literacy and education—this time focusing on native speakers and expanding her reach beyond the ESL/EFL world.

A Legacy in the Making

Coleen Degnan-Veness is more than a writer—she is a teacher, a leader, a mentor, and a lifelong learner. Her books are used in classrooms around the world, her online activities support digital learning, and her stories touch the lives of readers young and old.

She represents a rare combination of practical classroom experience and literary talent. Her clear, empathetic writing helps break down the barriers of language and opens doors to understanding. Whether simplifying a scientific concept for a young learner or retelling a classic story for a new audience, Coleen always writes with purpose and clarity.

As she continues to develop new materials—both through publishers and independently—her influence on the world of English language learning will only grow stronger.

Final Thoughts: Why Coleen Degnan-Veness Matters

In the global effort to teach and learn English, voices like Coleen Degnan-Veness’s play a crucial role. Her books are more than educational tools—they are bridges across cultures and languages. She simplifies not only vocabulary but also the process of learning itself, making it more enjoyable and achievable for everyone.

Her readers serve as a model for what good ELT content should be: accessible, informative, culturally rich, and genuinely engaging. And as she continues writing and innovating, educators and learners alike can look forward to many more inspiring works from this remarkable author.

If you're searching for stories that educate, inform, and empower language learners, look no further than the work of Coleen Degnan-Veness—a true pioneer in ELT publishing.