Review: How Santa Changed by Karl Steam

HOW SANTA CHANGED

by Karl Steam

Illustrated by Maksym Stasiuk

Picture Book / Christmas

28 pages

ages 4 and up

Think you know Santa? Think again. Discover what Santa was like when he was young and the events that helped him become the jolly man we like so much. 

How Santa Changed is a story that explains many of the familiar things we associate with Santa Claus. Why does Santa use reindeer to pull his sleigh? Why does he have elves help him make toys? Why does he have a white beard? Why does he walk with jolly and cheer? 

Mrs. Claus is not left out either. If readers pay close attention, they will discover some of the strategies that helped her to become the most famous baker in history. 

This book contains timeless lessons for both children and adults alike, but not in an annoying way. It’s a story that loved ones will want to read year after year.

 MY TIDBITS

What a lovely Christmas tale! With a bit of a traditional flair, this story starts at the beginning and demonstrates how even Santa Claus had to learn a few things to become as wonderful as he is.

Santa Claus always wanted to make children smile with his gifts—hand-made ones from him alone. While this worked for many years, the world's population increased. Not only did he work constantly to make toys but even the moose pulling his sleigh couldn't handle the increasing weight of presents. Mrs. Claus tries to persuade him to find help, but he insists that children expect to have gifts from him and only him. One Christmas night, it all becomes too much and surprising things happen.

I'm not sure why, but I went into this book a little bit uncertain about what I'd find. My concerns were completely unnecessary. This is a wonderful Christmas story, which adds a lovely dimension to Santa Claus while not changing his image and sticking to the traditional atmosphere. Santa Claus is the warm-hearted character children love, and he loves the children. Mrs. Claus adds a nice touch with her cookie baking escapades. The look into Santa's past, only makes him more of an inspiration.

The illustrations fit the tale as nicely as marshmallows to hot chocolate. They accompany the text, making it clear what is happening but, at the same time, adding emotions and details in all the right ways. The style is more traditional like the story and has the same loving touch that Santa gives his toys. It's a treat to flip through them.

There's a nice message in the story too. Change is not always bad and sometimes necessary, and sometimes, this requires accepting help from others. It's a message of giving and accepting—right along Christmas lines.

And here he is...

Previously a junior high school teacher, Karl Steam is now the author of the Kids vs. Nature series, How Santa Changed, and Purple Pup. He lives in the Upper Midwest, with his wife and four children. 


www.karlsteam.com

Review: It Was the Night Before Christ's Birth by Vivian E. Wulf

IT WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRIST'S BIRTH

by Vivian E. Wulf

WestBow Publishing

Picture Book Religious / Christmas

24 pages

Children will enjoy the life of Jesus from birth and all the miracles he has done and is still doing.

MY TIDBITS

With rhyme, this book goes through the moments of Christ's birth, and then leads into the importance of His life and the wonders He did.

The basics of the first Christmas story are brought across in a pure, simple and easy way for kids of this age group to grasp and enjoy. The text is short and concentrates on the main moments, keeping the message direct and clear. It doesn't end with Christ's birth but continues a little into His life to show the importance of His birth and what it meant to Christians. I appreciated this continuation and found it nicely done.

The story is written in rhyme, which doesn't always flow as well as it could. Still, the vocabulary and statements fit well to the intended age group. The illustrations are enjoyable and glide nicely along with the tale. I received an ebook copy and, unfortunately, found the formatting askew. There was text, then a blank purple rectangle. Then, the illustration followed. It was difficult to read in connection to the illustrations, and it wasn't clear why the blank purple rectangles were present. If it wasn't for these problems, the read itself would have been mostly enjoyable and to recommend. I hope and assume the print version (if available) would provide a nicer reading experience.

I received a complimentary copy through Booklook Bloggers.

Review: The Bear Who Didn't Want to Miss Christmas by Marie Tibi

THE BEAR WHO DIDN'T WANT TO MISS CHRISTMAS

by Marie Tibi

Illustrated by Fabien Ockto Lambert

Sterling Children's Books

Picture Book, Holiday

ages 6 to 10

40 pages

Poor little bear! He’s supposed to hibernate—but if he does, he’ll sleep right through Christmas! What can he do?

Winter is coming, and it’s time for little bear to settle in for his long cold-weather nap. But that means he won’t get to celebrate Christmas with his woodland friends, and he’s very sad. Can his pals find a clever way to help him join in the fun? This heartwarming, holiday picture book captures the festive spirit of the holiday and the beauty of friendship. 

 MY TIDBITS

This inspiring tale is a perfect read to snuggle into the holiday spirit.

Everyone is excited about Christmas except Little Bear. Every year, he watches his friends prepare themselves for the holidays and grow excited about the approaching fun. He'd love to experience Christmas too, but he needs to hibernate. Luckily, his friends might have an idea, which could solve his problems.

The idea of never getting to experience Christmas will automatically pull at young readers/listeners' heartstrings and make them sympathize with Little Bear. But even without this, he is a super cute character, who is easy to like. His group of friends are a lively, happy group. Each one is presented right away on the first page with their names below them, so readers can easily keep them apart. They cover a wide range of forest animals—kids are sure to find their own favorites. The bond of friendship between the group spills off of every page and is sure to leave a smile.

The illustrations are full and lovingly done with little details and small dabs of humor thrown in. The characters' emotions are easy to guess, and the situations simple to follow. It's the kind of book that kids can pick up later on their own, and see the story unfolding as they flip through the pages on their own.

This is a heart-warming tale, which fits the pre-holiday season perfectly. Not only does it give a sprinkle of Christmas cheer, but shares the warmth and kindness of what friendship is all about.

And here they are. . .

The Author. . .

Marie Tibi worked in education before becoming a children's book writer. Her previous books, published in Frnace, include La Petite Poule Moustachue, Mimi La Petite Croche, and Le Grand Petit Explorateur.

The Illustrator. . .

Fabien Lambert is a graphic designer, illustrator, and writer of children's books. He lives in Nantes, France.