Santa Knows

by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith, Steve Bjorkman (Illustrator)

Armed with the facts, young Alfie sets out to prove to the world that Santa Claus does not exist but no one pays attention, especially his sister Noelle, whose only request of the man in red is a nicer big brother.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Fiction, Family

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 14, 2006

About the author

Cynthia Leitich Smith is a bestselling, acclaimed author of books for all ages, including Here Come the Aunties!, Firefly Season, Jingle Dancer, Indian Shoes, On a Wing and a Tear, Sisters of the Neversea, the Blue Stars series (with Kekla Magoon), Rain Is Not My Indian Name, Harvest House, and Hearts Unbroken, winner of the American Indian Youth Literature Award. She is also the anthologist of Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids and Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, which won both the Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature and the American Indian Youth Literature Award. Cynthia has received the American Library Association’s Children’s Literature Lecture Award, been named the NSK Neustadt Laureate, and is the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at HarperCollins Children’s Books. She is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and lives in Denton, Texas.

Reviews

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfie Snorklepuss does NOT believe in Santa and he's out to convince the world that he's right. His little sister, Noelle, does believe and asks Santa to make her big brother nicer. Christmas Eve, Santa does show up at the Snorklepuss house and gives Alfie the experience of a lifetime.

Very nice illustrations.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun story that is fantastic for a child who may be doubting the reality of Santa Claus. Alfie proves without a doubt that there's no way Santa could exist, until he actually meets him one Christmas Eve.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not sure how to take books where a kid figures out the truth and somehow is wrong, tbh. It was funny enough for the girls though.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids liked the character in this story as the name of the main character is just a funny name. They thought it was funny that Alfie sounds like Elf. The book is really great and really talks about how we should treat others. Because Santa always knows when we have been good or bad. The illustrations in this book are really colorful and really show the feelings each characters have. I recommend checking this book out.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alfie doesn't believe in Santa. He does research to prove Santa doesn't exist. But then Santa shows up and proves him wrong.
This would be a great book for preschool storytime but is probably too long for my toddler group. Still, a good title to keep in mind. Would foster great discussion about being naughty or nice.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little involved for my preschoolers, this one would be great for the young elementary school crowd! Alfie F. Snorklepuss, who doesn't believe in Santa because science tells him it's impossible, learns a lesson about family, love, and the magic of Christmas.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off this book is overly long. What happens in a family with multiple children where one believes in Santa and the other doesn’t? Well Santa knows. The idea is there, I’m just not a fan of the execution.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought for a moment this story was going to ruin Christmas. Remember that for some the existence of Santa 🎅 is very real and they don’t question it at all. This book may present a question when there was not previously:

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the story goes. I enjoy how he goes from not being happy to being happy. In one one or another without giving it all away.

[Sana · Rating 4 out of 5]

عينا شبيه كارتون polar express بود. عينااااا

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfie F. Snorklepuss is really a sour puss. He has decided Santa is not real, and is doing everything he can to convince the whole world. He is writing letters, making billboards, going on the TV and radio to proclaim his new found beliefs. But on Christmas Eve he has the biggest surprise of his life. The story by Greg and Cynthia is very funny and the illustrations by Steve Bjorkman bright, vibrant and very engaging.

[Tabatha Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story!

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Santa real? If so, all I want is a nicer brother.