Santa's First Christmas

By Author / Illustrator

Mac Barnett, illus Sydney Smith

Genre

Seasonal

Age range(s)

Publisher

Puffin

ISBN

9780241711392

Format

Hardback

Published

24-10-2024

Synopsis

Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith team up for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas.

We all know that Santa makes everyone's dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time.

Beloved children's book creators Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith have unveiled Santa unlike ever seen before, and as a result, created a merry new Christmas classic.

Extract from Santa's First Christmas

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Reviews

Sue

Usually, after working hard all year making toys and then delivering these on Christmas Eve, Santa celebrates the big day with an extra half an hour’s lie in. However, when a passing polar bear points out that this is not much of a celebration, the elves are determined to give Santa a proper Christmas! The title, Santa's First Christmas, refers not to the first time he sets off to deliver presents, but to his first actual celebration of Christmas Day - and the book is a joy from start to finish!

Having surprised Santa with breakfast in bed, the elves then take him to choose a tree, decorate it, hang stockings and create a Christmas feast. They are even visited by someone 'with a beard, dressed in red, with a sack full of gifts'!

The story is perfect for discussing the really important (non-religious) things about the festive season. Sharing, being kind to others, noticing when someone needs a bit of TLC, building traditions, being together… As the elves at last realise that Santa himself could do with a day enjoying himself, they are determined to make it the best day they can and they do this, not by offering the most expensive gifts, but through time and companionship - even when they send him away for dipping his finger in the icing!

The level of humour is just right for both adults and children to enjoy with just the right amount of text to complement the fabulous illustrations. With glowing lights, falling snow and warm firelight, the pictures capture the spirit of an idyllic Christmas. A must read for this Christmas - and all those still to come!

Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher