Synopsis
It's Christmastime, and young Santa is doing a lot of sitting around. Every now and then he'll eat some fruitcake or watch TV, but the elves and Santa's dog, Rodney, do all the work. When Christmas Eve arrives and Santa falls asleep in the sleigh, Rodney takes charge. Soon, the determined dog has the North Pole buzzing with efficiency, and he even gives Santa lessons about what to eat to look jolly and how to drive a sleigh. But will Rodney ever get Santa Claus to start doing his job?
Children's Literature
If the thought of young Santa as a slacker seems sacrilegious then True Kelley's picture book is not for you. However, if the thought of a dog named "Rodney" saving Christmas and turning Santa into the "hardworking spirit of Christmas we know today" sounds like fun, then you have found your next holiday classic. Rodney, a scruffy black dog with a white chest, little black eyes, and indefatigable spirit, handles all of Santa's holiday duties including climbing up chimneys and driving the sleigh because Santa just cannot stay awake long enough to do these things. When he saves Christmas, complaint letters come in and he decides to start using a video "self help" program for Santa. It does not work on Santa but Rodney becomes stronger and more organized than ever, so he begins his own personalized Santa training program, during which Santa ages into the bearded fellow we all know. Once he succeeds he decides he may work on the lazy Easter bunny next. Colorful illustrations created with acrylics, pen and ink, watercolors, and colored pencils along with likable characters throughout will keep kids entertained. Reviewer: Debra Lampert-Rudman