Santa's little helper by Angela McAllister and Daniel Howarth
Gullane
Children's Books, 2009. ISBN 9781862337602.
(Ages 3-7) Rufus is a fidgety little white Arctic hare who can't stay
still.
When playing hide and seek, he goes a long way away so that his
brothers and
sisters won't find him and finally falls asleep. What
a big surprise he has when he wakes up in
Santa's sleigh!
This is a heart warming story which appeal to all those children who
find it
almost impossible to stop fidgeting. Rufus finally finds a way to use
up his surplus
energy by helping Santa deliver presents. Santa certainly appreciates
his
liveliness because it means that they finish early. Repetition
and alliteration in the language
will make it a good read aloud or a book for the emerging reader.
Howarth's illustrations bring to life the exuberant
nature of the little hare and the warmth and kindness of Santa
Claus. There is a lovely contrast between the icy blue of the Arctic
and the
gorgeous vivid colours of the sleigh filled with presents.
A
delightful addition to the library's Christmas collection or as a gift.
Pat
Pledger