Little Santa

How did Santa become Santa? Agee's inspired account of the jolly man's boyhood offers some clues. Though Santa's miserable parents and six older siblings want to trade their tough North Pole life for the warmth of Florida, young Santa can't imagine leaving the place he loves. He delights in making snowmen, decorating pine trees, and, yes, sliding down the chimney. When a huge blizzard threatens the Clauses' relocation plans, Santa, in his snappy hooded red jumpsuit, swings into action, enlisting a few new friends: a high-flying reindeer, and a houseful of hardworking elves. Agee's lighthearted tone, sly jokes, and signature simple shapes with thick, black outlines capture a joyful kid sharing his sense of wonder. Ages 3-5. Agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties. (Oct.)

Copyright 2013 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--When the cold, harsh environment of the North Pole becomes too much for the Clauses, they decide to move to Florida, though Little Santa will miss playing in the snow. The move is put on hold, however, when a sudden blizzard renders the family snowbound. Shimmying up the chimney to find help, Little Santa meets a friendly flying reindeer and a house full of elves, who merrily assist in the rescue. Having such handy, cheerful friends makes life a lot easier, but the family still heads for Florida the following winter. Little Santa stays behind and the rest is history. The matter-of-fact style of the narrative pairs well with Agee's signature humorous cartoon illustrations. No doubt this amusing explanation of Santa's humble beginnings will be enthusiastically received at holiday storytimes.--Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Santa's origins are explained in [this] quirky exploration of how Santa, the elves and the flying reindeer found their callings . . . A cheerful, original Christmas tale."—Kirkus (starred review)

Praise for Little Santa

An ALA Notable Book
A Booklist Editors' Choice Book

* "Agee's lighthearted tone, sly jokes, and signature simple shapes . . . capture a joyful kid sharing his sense of wonder."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

* "Make it a tradition!"—Booklist, starred review

* "His red suit and his smile make little Santa stand out in his glum family, and this amusing story stands out in a similar way as a cheerful, original Christmas tale."—Kirkus, starred review

* "Crisp storytelling, bold lines, and expert page turns make the book ideal for group sharing—and kids will be asking for it all year round."—Horn Book, starred review

* "The matter-of-fact style of the narrative pairs well with Agee's signature humorous cartoon illustrations. No doubt this amusing explanation of Santa's humble beginnings will be enthusiastically received at holiday storytimes."—School Library Journal, starred review