How does Santa get down the chimney? Just how does he do it? Maybe he tightens his belt or gets kicked down by his reindeer. And what if there is no chimney at all? This book speculates over the biggest mystery of the Christmas season with hilarious results.
Part of the charm comes from the prose. Much like We’re Going On A Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, the narrator’s voice nails the tone of a younger child’s speech. From the incessant questioning to the rattled off lists of wild possibilities to the sudden discarding of theories, this is the voice of someone young, curious, and overexcited. It is mildly infectious and will make readers want to join in with their own ideas.
The contrast to this voice is the illustrations. They hold a different charm: that of an illustrator not underestimating his audience. Klassen does not underestimate his audience. His illustrations are set against a dark background, with the exception of the flickering lights of fires and Christmas tree lights. This is prevented from being in any way scary by the careful measures of humour that come steadily throughout the book: now we’re seeing Santa being kicked by reindeer, now we’re seeing what he might look like as a flame etc. This is the speculations a child might have illustrated and taken seriously … with just enough humour that the audience will feel they are being laughed with and not laughed at.
In a busy world where everything seems to be rushed it is lovely to find a book that demands time. This isn’t one to read in a hurry. It is one to share, to take one picture at a time, one question or statement at a time. It is one to start talk. If the book suggests this … what do the young readers think? And would Santa really look like that in the suggested scenario? Building positive memories of books and reading is important and Christmas is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy some festive reads together.
It is impossible to resist a book that is so entirely Santa-based. Santa. Reindeer. Carrots, cookies, and endless chimney stacks. This festive title inspires curiosity, play and creativity.
- How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is available now from Walker Books Ltd. RRP. £12.99 (Provided for review)
