Santa's new sleigh by Caroline Crowe and Jess Pauwels

Christmas Eve was here at last,
The countdown clock was ticking fast . . .
But yikes! When Santa turned the key
(The reindeer need some help you see)
The engine didn't start, it spluttered,
'That isn't right', the elves all muttered . . .

When Santa's sleigh stops working on Christmas Eve the elves all rally round to help. Maybe they could use a slingshot? Or the owls could help? How about polar bears? Will they be able to sort the sleigh out before it is too late? Things are not looking good until one small elf has a bright idea!

From the team who gave our young readers Santa's New Beard and Santa's New Reindeer, comes another rollicking story in rhyme that not only pose a huge problem for Santa, but also for them. If Santa's sleigh is not working, how on earth is he going to do his one, and most important job of the year? Because, just as the elves have all sorts of ideas, each with its own particular issue, so will the young reader. And they will have fun predicting what might be the answer, while being delighted with the very up-to-date solution. Especially, as, once again, it is Lizzie who solves the problem.

With its clever rhyme and detailed illustrations that offer something new every read, this series is definitely one to bring out during your Christmas Countdown.

Themes: Christmas, Santa Claus.

Barbara Braxton