santa calls

my favorite all-time children's christmas book is santa calls .

this book was written and illustrated by william joyce, and i love everything about it from the super-cool 'art-deco'-esque illustrations to the unique way it's written. the wording is one-of-a-kind and full of interesting syllables and sentences. i worried at first that my younger children wouldn't appreciate it. boy, was i wrong--mia will sit through a reading and then ask for it again as soon as we come to the end, which doesn't usually happen unless the book involves doggies or princesses.

the story explores the relationship between art atchinson aimesworth and his sister, esther. they also have a young commanche brave, spaulding littlefeets, as their sidekick (don't we all?) and everyone lives together in abeliene, texas, with their aunt and uncle who run a wild west show and animal phantasmagoria---HELLO?? genius.

when i first got the book, i enjoyed it, but it wasn't gonna change my life. that is, until i got to the end of the book--the last 2 pages consist of two letters , one from esther to santa, and another which is a response from the big guy himself. they appear to be the real things -- conveniently pasted into the back cover of the book! after reading them, i realized that i had fallen head over heels in love.

if you have children who have a hard time getting along with each other (is there any other kind?) or experience a little sibling rivalry at your house, THIS is the book for you.

clickity here to look inside and see an excerpt.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oooh, I'll have to look into that one! We found one this weekend that I am just crazy about, you'll have to check out my Monday post.

Pedaling said...

thanks, i'll take your recommendation and check it out for myself.

Vanessa said...

Rivalry? How is pushing your baby sister off the step stool? I need that book.

Amy said...

Need it..going to try to find it tomorrow! Glad to be back on the blogoshpere...I've missed you!

tammy said...

I'm ordering that right now. Thanks!

Martha H. said...

I got this for my mom one year. It's a fabulous story and I think everyone should read it.

rachel said...

I am going to have to find that one...it looks like a keeper :)

tara said...

never even HEARD of that little page turner. thanks for the suggestion.

that repo man below is a HOOT and a half. oh boy...talking to the deaf dude was my favorite part:)

Mia said...

Oh looks cute!! I will have to check it out.

tiburon said...

I have never seen that badboy before - I will fo shizzle have to check it out.
If it is good enough for Mindi it is good enough for me!

Omgirl said...

daphne has been a real bee-otch to her little brother lately, so maybe I need to get this one for her. Is it age appropriate for a 3 1/2 year old?

gina bina said...

I've never heard of this book! Every year I buy a new Christmas book and even though I've already bought one this year...you can't have enough!