The Street Where Santa Lives

When a new neighbour moves in next door, everyone is too busy to notice except a little girl, who immediately spots that he is Father Christmas! Her family try to dissuade her and tell her not to call him Santa, but he doesn’t mind all her questions. When she discovers that he is really good at mending things, the little girl makes him a sign saying ‘Santa’s Work Shop’ and soon all the neighbours are bringing Santa things to mend, with her acting as ‘elf in training’. When the weather turns colder, the little girl is worried when she can’t find her friend and the family discover that he is not feeling well. The little girl quickly rallies support and everyone arrives to take care of their new neighbour.

It might seem a little early to be reading Christmassy books, but ‘The Street Where Santa Lives’ carries a message for the whole year, not just the festive season.

The little girl lives in a busy street where lots of people are hurrying around, focusing on their busy lives, but she notices the new neighbour moving in. Her curiosity leads her to reach out to him, forming a connection between neighbours. Her care for her elderly neighbour leads to her noticing when he is unwell, but also highlights the contribution which people can make if given the opportunity. This is a wonderfully warm cuddle of a story which is perfect for sharing, discussing and enjoying again and again.

The illustrations are simply delightful and full of little details to notice, including a little twist on the last page! Children will enjoy trying to work out whether this really is Santa. His answers to the little girl’s questions do not give the answers she expects- his favourite animal is a rabbit, not a reindeer and his best time of year is spring, not Christmas- and yet he can be seen clutching armfuls of letters, there are plenty of Christmassy items in his workshop and he seems very fond of wearing red tops!

There is so much to enjoy here and the story might encourage families to notice elderly people in their own area and perhaps extend the hand of friendship. As the story says, ‘Magic happens. On my street and yours… You just have to look.’

The Street Where Santa Lives

Harriet Howe, illustrated by Julia Christians

Little Tiger ISBN: 978-1838918576

Mr Leopard’s Bookshop

Sophie’s best friend is a pug named Boss. Wanting to buy him a present for his birthday, Sophie discovers a magnificent, if a little in need of a clean, bookshop, bursting with books. Here, she meets the manager, Mr Leopard, who tried very hard to help her find the perfect gift. Just as she is beginning to despair, Mr Leopard introduces her to something very special…leading to the perfect present and the perfect party!

With its fun-filled, colourful illustrations, ‘Mr Leopard’s Bookshop’ is a delightful story. Told in rhyme, the text is a pleasure to read aloud, offering opportunities to ‘do the voices’ of Mr Leopard, Sophie and other characters which children will enjoy both joining in with and creating for themselves! Various verbs and reporting clauses are used to introduce the speech which lends itself to some role play and discussion of character before possibly leading to some written work. Children might also enjoy thinking about what type of books their own pets- or animals which they know- might choose for their birthday.

The illustrations are full of details to notice and linger over, making this a story children are sure to return to again and again. The pictures really focus on Sophie with her mother only appearing as a pair of legs walking to the shop or lying in a faint on the floor or as a partial figure in the shop doorway, allowing her to enjoy her adventure in the bookshop without interference! Great fun- and it’s set in a bookshop! What more could you ask for?!

Mr Leopard’s Bookshop

Alexa Brown, illustrated by Julia Christians

Scholastic ISBN: 978-1407189130