A bit of applause for Mrs Claus – Christmas book review
A bit of applause for Mrs Claus
by Susie Schick-Pierce, Jeannie Schick-Jacobowitz, Muffin Drake-Policastro
illustrated by Wendy Wallin-Malinow
Naperville, Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2012.
Age group: 3-5 year olds, plus earlier readers
There are many, many books and stories about Santa, but not so many about Mrs Claus so this seemed like a different angle worth looking into.
The story
It’s Christmas Eve and Santa is sick so Mrs Claus has to take over so the children don’t miss out on Christmas.
My review
Many parents will understand how Mrs Claus feels with the number of jobs still to be done on Christmas Eve as she has a very busy night. She has to wrap gifts, cook snacks, harness up the reindeer and finish decorating all the trees. Mrs Claus even has to write a pile of letters to children to on behalf of Santa!
[Spoiler alert!] While the story focuses on Mrs Claus, the story doesn’t damage anyone’s expectations or hopes as Santa gets better in time to do the Christmas Eve run.
Santa’s busy night – Christmas book review
Santa’s busy night
The Five Mile Press, Scoresby, 2015
Age group: preschool
The story
Santa prepares at home then heads out to deliver gifts before celebrating with reindeer at home.
My review
I like this board book. While it obviously needs to be simple for young children, it covers a lot of ideas through the text and images.
For instance, it includes colours, numbers and shapes within the story and introduces the idea of Santa being tired out by all he does on Christmas Eve.
The sleigh on the front cover in inset and texture for young children to enjoy feeling – it makes the sleigh shiny, interesting and special.
I like the happy images of the reindeer, and I like the humour of Santa giving the dog and cat the wrong gifts. On the other hand, I’m not so sure it’s a good thing to give kids the idea that Santa may confuse gifts…
It is a happy story and sure to be enjoyed by any youngster, just as it was by my three year old nephew on Christmas Day!
Christmas shopping…
How is your Christmas shopping going? The more you can do before 1 December, the better. Why?
- it avoids the need to go to the shops during those crazy, busy December days (and nights)
- it spreads out the expense of Christmas
- you can save money if you buy things on special rather than the day before you need them
- you have more time to realise you forgot something and grab it before you actually need it!
Other than perishable foods, do you try to get everything bought before December?
