CHRISTMAS PICTURE BOOKS: Santa's Story/Dasher/The Great Santa Stakeout
ABOUT THE BOOK
Santa is ready to leave on Christmas Eve, but he can’t find the reindeer anywhere. Dasher is busy dashing, Donner is dozing, and Cupid is crooning. It isn’t until Santa remembers their annual tradition—reading a Christmas story together—that the reindeer are ready.
Reindeer merriment abounds in this charming yuletide tale about honoring the celebration of holiday customs with those you love.
REVIEW
Hillenbrand's adorable Santa and reindeer stand out in this sweet story about the importance of stories and traditions. Santa's ready to leave on Christmas Eve when he discovers that the reindeer are not in the stable. As he searches for them, the reindeer live up to their names by dancing, prancing, and dozing. The use of alliteration makes the book fun to read a loud. When Santa can't find the reindeer, he resorts to calling them using a horn, bells, and his voice. But it isn't until he catches a glimpse of Comet reading that he remembers their Christmas Eve tradition. Finally the reindeer are ready to go. Hillenbrand tells a cute story of the power of traditions and importance of story.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Dasher is an adventurous young reindeer with a wish in her heart. She spends her days with her family under the hot sun in a traveling circus, but she longs for a different life — one where there is snow beneath her hooves and the North Star above her head. One day, when the opportunity arises, Dasher seizes her destiny and takes off in pursuit of the life she wants to live. It’s not long before she meets a nice man in a red suit with a horse-drawn sleigh — a man named Santa. And soon, with the help of a powerful Christmas wish, nothing will be the same.
REVIEW
I really fell in love with this new book by Matt Tavares. The story revolves around a group of reindeer living and traveling with a circus. Despite a desire to escape, Dasher's family is afraid of the possible consequences. One night, the gate to the corral slips open allowing Dasher to escape. Dasher sets out to find the land of ice in the north that her mother has told her about. But as she follows the North Star, she finds that she's not getting any closer. Just as she's wondering what to do next, she overhears a man and horse talking nearby. It turns out the horse can't pull the sleigh alone anymore, so Dasher volunteers to help. Her generosity sets her on the path to achieving her deepest dreams. The real highlight here are Tavares' gorgeous illustrations. I really enjoyed reading and sharing this book.
ABOUT THE BOOK
A delightfully devious Christmas story from beloved librarian Betsy Bird and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat.
Freddy Melcher is Santa's #1 Fan. He has Santa posters, Santa action figures, and even Santa underwear. But there is one prize Freddy desperately wants: A photograph taken with Santa, fresh out of the chimney.
Oh, is it risky! It's awfully hard to sneak anything by someone who can see you when you're sleeping and knows when you're awake. That's why Freddy has been extra good this year . . . at hiding his plans.
Will Freddy get away with his delightfully devious scheme to outwit Santa Claus himself and capture the ultimate selfie?
REVIEW
Another winner from Betsy Bird. Everything by her that I've read by her has a delightfully amusing twist to it and this book is no different. The idea of Santa having a super fan is one I'm surprised I haven't run into before. The addition of the boy desperately wanting a selfie is so deliciously modern. While that might date the book eventually, right now it works really well. Freddy's efforts to 'trap' Santa into getting his picture taken are amusing. After all, it's quite risky trying to trap the man who 'knows when you've been good or bad'. But Freddy is willing to risk it. But how will he react if things don't go according to plan? The answer might surprise you. It certainly surprise me, which made for a fabulous ending. Dan Santat was the perfect person to illustrate this book. He does humorous touches so very well that his artwork complements Bird's text perfectly. A thoroughly engaging, enjoyable read for other children who are big fans of Santa.
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