Mr. Santa by Jarvis
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 153623883X
Genres: Fairy Tale, Fantasy, Holiday
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

In Jarvis’ newest holiday picture book, Mr. Santa, he writes a story comprised of only questions and exclamations. Written from the perspective of a curious little girl who catches Santa in the act of gifting presents in her bedroom, she asks all the questions a child might want to know. Santa only responds with gentle, non-verbal expressions which adds to the humor of the story. “Have you wiped your shoes?” “Want to meet my goldfish?” “Can we visit your house?” What ensues is a magical evening spent with Santa, reminiscent of The Polar Express or The Snowman by Raymond Briggs. Young readers will love wondering what the answers to these questions might be. When she wakes up in the morning, she wonders, “Was it really real?”

Illustrated with Jarvis’ soft, muted blue tones and use of stars and sparkles, it has a dreamlike quality that really evokes the Christmas magic that readers love to experience during the holidays. It’s digitally illustrated but has the look of colored pencils and sponge prints that gives it a unique look. Would recommend for any library’s holiday collection; for ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath