santaKid

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Author 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

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Bestselling novelist James Patterson, who has been entertaining millions of Americans for decades, now brings his considerable talent for storytelling to a young audience with a joyful, spunky tale that brings every child's Christmas fantasy to life.

Who wouldn't want to be Santa's little girl? Chrissie spends her days playing with reindeer and elves, learning about magic and life from her jolly dad. That is, until one day when the Big Boss of the Exmas Express company, Warrie Ransom, arrives and declares that "EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE" -- including Christmas! With the North Pole run by Exmas Express, work is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spirits sink so low that poor Santa can't even get himself out of bed. But come Christmas Eve, someone has to make sure that children everywhere wake up to their gifts under the tree. It's Chrissie's memory of her father's own magical words that gives her the courage to save the day.

Humorous and heartwarming, and with a deeply resonant message, here is a story that today's children will be reading to ther children for generations to come.

FROM THE CRITICS

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 - Kathie M. Josephs

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.

School Library Journal