Mr Santa by Jarvis

Imagine... it's Christmas Eve and you're tucked up in your bed when something wakes you. It's Santa Claus leaving something special for you. What would you do?

Lie there quietly? Pretend you're still asleep? Or jump up and pepper him with questions like, "Did you read my letter?" "Did you wipe your shoes?" and make him choose between cats and dogs. Would you offer to play your recorder, follow him up the chimney and hitch a ride in his sleigh? Because that's what happens to the little girl in the story - she wakes up and there is Santa, right at the end of her bed!!!

While the text is written entirely in the little girl's incessant and numerous questions - and anyone with experience of a curious child demanding answers now, will hear her - the story is carried in the warm 'fuzzy' illustrations that hover between dream and reality so the reader is transported along on the adventure - because who wouldn't want to be - but left wondering if indeed, it really happened. Santa's expressions are many and one wonders if he is pleased to have company on his trip or if he wishes she had stayed at home - or maybe he is glad that she is such a chatterbox and he doesn't have to answer! .

We know little ones always have lots of questions, and they often from left-field or places that only a child's mind goes, so how much fun would it be to ask them what they would ask Santa if they found themselves in this little girl's situation. And then have them imagine what Santa's answers would be.

Stories like these not only reignite the excitement of Christmas that is building in our little people but also the joy in sharing stories with them as we are drawn into the magic and imagination.

Delightful.

Themes: Santa Claus, Questions.

Barbara Braxton