From this superlative picturebook duo, comes a book which tries to get to the heart of the Christmas conundrum which puzzles every little child. Just how does Santa make his visit to each home?
The logic of a large person and a small chimney just does not compute! With their typical deadpan humour and wonderfully expressive illustrations (the reindeers are very droll – especially when they have to give Santa a helpful kick when he gets stuck halfway) they come up with increasingly bizarre and absurd suggestions. I love the idea that Santa would need to do his laundry before moving on to the next house, because of course chimneys are very sooty! Or would need to have a stack of dog treats in his pocket because the family pets never bark!
Barnett’s tone is pitch perfect and will encourage a young audience to come up with even more suggestions. I love that there is no need for any definitive answers in this story, and you can rest assured that all the magic is preserved. As the last line states, “Santa goes up the chimney the same way he comes down. And I have no idea how Santa does that. But I’m so glad he can.” A perfect hilarious read aloud for the festive season with sophistication enough to appeal even to older kids.
The multi-award-winning duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen tackle a perennial question: how does Santa go down the chimney?
When Santa arrives at a child's house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there's no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the tap? What happens once he's inside?
Mac Barnett's iconic talent for earnest deadpan humour and Jon Klassen's irresistibly funny art honour this timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child's fanciful explanations, this latest collaboration by a bestselling team will find a secure spot among family Christmas traditions.
Mac Barnett is the author of several award-winning books for children, including President Taft Is Stuck in the Bath, illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, and Extra Yarn, illustrated by Jon Klassen, which won a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award and a Caldecott Honor. Mac Barnett lives in California, USA.
