SantaKid
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Overview
When Warrie Ransom, the Big Boss of the Exmas Express Company, decides to buy Christmas and rename it Exmas, Santa Claus, Momma Claus, and their daugher Chrissie can't believe their eyes. Everything at the North Pole seems to change overnight—the elves stop making kids' favorite toys, the Christmas doves won't fly or sing, and no one seems to laugh anymore. It looks like Christmas is going to be ruined. But then Chrissie remembers something she had learned from her dad: you must believe in something bigger than yourself. With a little help from her dad's helpers, Chrissie—as santaKid—delivers presents to children on Christmas eve, sending Warrie Ransom back to where he came from! After all, when you believe in something, magic can happen.
Synopsis
When Warrie Ransom, the Big Boss of the Exmas Express Company, decides to buy Christmas and rename it Exmas, Santa Claus, Momma Claus, and their daugher Chrissie can't believe their eyes. Everything at the North Pole seems to change overnight—the elves stop making kids' favorite toys, the Christmas doves won't fly or sing, and no one seems to laugh anymore. It looks like Christmas is going to be ruined. But then Chrissie remembers something she had learned from her dad: you must believe in something bigger than yourself. With a little help from her dad's helpers, Chrissie—as santaKid—delivers presents to children on Christmas eve, sending Warrie Ransom back to where he came from! After all, when you believe in something, magic can happen.
Publishers Weekly
The bestselling adult novelist wraps up his first picture book with a big green bow on the shiny red jacket. But the contents may leave readers wanting. "Hiya! My name is Chrissie/ and I live at the North Pole./ Pretty cool, huh?" sets the oleaginous tone for this far-reaching fantasy. Why does Chrissie frequent Santa's Toy Workshop and play with the elves and reindeer? Because she's "Santa's little girl." She debunks some beliefs about her dad (he's heart-healthy and thin, for instance; he only sprouts a beard and dresses up for his annual sleigh ride) and wards off a hostile takeover of Christmas by the Big Boss of the Exmass Express company (who manufactures toys like Princess PeePee and PooPoo). Garland's crisp digital images add zip to the action and warmth to the bond between Santa and his daughter, but can't compensate for the didactic moral. Ages 3-6. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble ReviewAuthor James Patterson switches gears from crime tales to children's stories with this festive picture book debut about one girl's mission to save Christmas from a corporate takeover. After Chrissie -- who happens to be Santa Claus's daughter -- spots an Exmas Express airplane landing at the North Pole, she soon learns that the company is making "new kinds of toys" (Doggie DooDoo, for example), cutting back on gifts to keep up with the hectic schedule, and rolling out delivery trucks in place of Santa's sleigh. Thankfully, Chrissie has old-fashioned magic on her side, so when the Exmas Express trucks get stuck in the snow and Chrissie goes to Santa for help, her belief in the true meaning of Christmas makes her a hero and makes the holiday cheerful after all. Kids looking for a truly modern-day holiday tale will take a shine to Patterson's story, which incorporates the talent of illustrator Michael Garland for an always-needed reminder about Christmas spirit. You'll also want to check out the book's gift jacket and the poster inside, which add that extra pizzazz. Matt Warner
Publishers Weekly
The bestselling adult novelist wraps up his first picture book with a big green bow on the shiny red jacket. But the contents may leave readers wanting. "Hiya! My name is Chrissie/ and I live at the North Pole./ Pretty cool, huh?" sets the oleaginous tone for this far-reaching fantasy. Why does Chrissie frequent Santa's Toy Workshop and play with the elves and reindeer? Because she's "Santa's little girl." She debunks some beliefs about her dad (he's heart-healthy and thin, for instance; he only sprouts a beard and dresses up for his annual sleigh ride) and wards off a hostile takeover of Christmas by the Big Boss of the Exmass Express company (who manufactures toys like Princess PeePee and PooPoo). Garland's crisp digital images add zip to the action and warmth to the bond between Santa and his daughter, but can't compensate for the didactic moral. Ages 3-6. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.Children's Literature
James Patterson has been a favorite author of mine in the mystery genre for decades. Imagine my surprise when I saw a Christmas book written by none other than Patterson. Santa's daughter Chrissi, is a regular child who has a regular dad most of the year. Only at Christmas does her father become the Santa we all know and love. Chrissi has the same questions other children have been asking for years. How does Santa reach all the children in just one night; how does he know all the addresses; and just how do all the presents fit in just one sleigh? Each time she asks her dad a question, he just tells her to believe. About the time Santa starts growing his beard and putting on weight for Christmas, a villain enters the story, Warrie Ransom. He not only buys the North Pole but also Christmas Eve. Santa becomes so depressed that he can't get out of bed to do his job, so Chrissie must come to the rescue. Will the children of the world be disappointed? The illustrations are awesome and the facial expressions just bring smiles to the reader's face. This is a perfect read-a-loud book to share with children and I believe it will become a tradition just like favorite foods and decorations. It will find its place on the shelf beside "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Patterson does an absolutely wonderful job writing for children. 2004, Little Brown and Company, Ages 3 to 9.—Kathie M. Josephs