Guess Who's Coming to Santa's for Dinner?

by Tomie dePaola

This year, Santa and Mrs. Claus are having their entire family over for Christmas dinner. There's Uncle Alfred the inventor from Bermuda; Sister Olga the opera singer; eight young children, including Baby Willie; even a polar bear named Oscar. With a family like this, mayhem is bound to follow, and from a snowball fight to the Christmas pageant to the meal itself, it's a wild affair. But in the spirit of the season, everyone has a wonderful time--even the frazzled hosts!
With its brightly colored illustrations, a playful speech-bubble narrative, and a story bursting with humor and seasonal cheer, Guess Who's Coming to Santa's for Dinner is sure to be a holiday favorite for the whole family

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

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 16, 2004

About the author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.

He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.

Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Reviews

[Joyce Stewart Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this funny holiday book with my 7 year old. You never know what will happen next .

[J9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was about the wonderfully typical scenarios that inevitably ensue when relatives come for Christmas. Tomie dePaola is quickly becoming a household favorite. He's a little lengthy for my preschoolers, however, my 5 yr old loves him. dePaola is educational and enjoyable to read. The illustrations have a unique style all their own that even I enjoy while reading. A great educational read for any child.

[Andrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't my favorite Tomie dePaola story, but I'll say, dePaola's illustrations are still awesome, BUT...
even Santa's family brings the "Holiday Hell" to family gatherings.

No wonder Santa works one night of the year....

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute book!

[Samantha Van Koughnett · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was oddly chaotic. And why was aunt Ulla stealing everything but no one said anything??

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book that is best read silently to yourself instead of aloud. Too many dialogue balloons that make it difficult to narrate without hopping all over the place and making the story all jumbled. It's a fun book, but better for older children who can read it themselves. All about the typical disfunctional family during the holidays; only this one is Santa's family.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of Santa having family drama just like the rest of us. The kitty and dog wanting kids as well as the klepto Aunt were amusing. The illustrations were colorful, bright, and cute. Overall a cute story for the holidays.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never picked up a book by Tomi dePaola that I did not love and this book was no exception! I was laughing the entire time I was reading this story because it really reminds me of how crazy and hectic a home can become when all the relatives show up for Christmas dinner. This story begins with Santa getting ready to make his annual trip delivering packages around the world. He tells Mrs. Claus that he would like to invite his entire family to their home for Christmas dinner. The reader can see a look of apprehension on Mrs. Claus, but she goes ahead with the invitations. As Santa is out on his run, the guests start to arrive. (It is during this time that we can see why Mrs. Claus was a little concerned). Santa’s family members are probably very similar to people we all recognise-some are happy and some are cranky, some want to “help” in the kitchen, some want to only talk about themselves, others complain about what they did not get for Christmas, and someone always brings an unwanted guest (in this case, Santa’s friend brings a large pet polar bear!). The evening goes as expected when all these characters get together--unusual ways to prepare mashed potatoes and gravy, a snowball fight with feuding relatives, an exploding dessert, and the polar bear stealing the turkey dinner. Despite all the shenanigans, the family leaves the next morning with smiles, hugs and renewed positive sentiments for each other. Not sure if Santa feels the same way--he and Mrs. Clause place a “Do Not Disturb” sign on their door! The illustrations in this story are the usual wonderful creations of Tomi DePaola. If the reader looks closely at each picture, you will see funny little details on each page (look for the older aunt who is slowly stealing various items in the house). Children will love taking some time to savor the details in the illustrations and an observant adult could help with this process.

This story is perfect for children between the ages of three and six years old, especially if they experience big family gatherings like the one in this story. This would give them an opportunity to see a little of themselves in this book. Even though this story depicts a Christmas dinner, the family dynamics can be transferred to just about any large family gathering. I could see this story being used to discuss other family gatherings outside of Christmas, especially for young children that do not celebrate Christmas. This book is a great way to discuss the different ways families celebrate special occasions and all the crazy things that sometimes happen with large groups of families and friends get together.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa and Mrs. Claus host Santa's entire extended family (and a few friends) for Christmas dinner in this amusing holiday picture book from author/illustrator Tomie dePaola. From brother Boris and his family to sister Sonja and her family, there are lots of kids in attendance. Aunt Astrid, Uncle Alfred and Cousin James B. are on the guest list, as is opera singing sister Olga, friend Lars and his pet polar bear Oscar, and light-fingered Cousin Ulla. There's plenty of chaos, lots of fun, and a good time for all, although Santa and Mrs. Claus are left exhausted by the end of it, and with far fewer possessions...

Published in 2004, Guess Who's Coming to Santa's for Dinner? is one of many Christmas books I have read from dePaola, and stands out as one of the most humorous, offering a comical send-up of large family gatherings at the holidays. There's plenty that readers young and old who have experienced similar family get-togethers might recognize, from the many cooks attempting to "help" Mrs. Claus to the children putting on a pageant for their elders. For my part, I was particularly amused by Cousin Ulla, who is depicted throughout pilfering various belongings from the Claus family home, eventually ending up with a hug sack of loot to make off with. Many of the pages are structured like a comic book or graphic novel, and the text is divided between the main narrative and copious speech bubbles, which all adds to the fun. Recommended to picture book audiences looking for Christmas stories that have a more humorous bent, or that feature Santa Claus and his family.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this story. It's full of hopeful expectations, misunderstandings, chaos, humour, great illustrations.
Santa wanted to invite his whole family and a good friend to Christmas dinner, but Mrs. C. wasn't so sure about it. When everyone arrived the confusion began - too many cooks in the kitchen, a cranky aunt you will enjoy seeing throughout the story as she sneaks things, bickering and a snowball fight. Funny family story with a great ending.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

By the very first page-and-illustration in this storybook, I was doing LOLs and double-takes -- for instance, at the footwear of the two main characters.

Here we go again, Goodreaders, with a holiday book by Tomie dePaola.

As the festive plot unfolds, could this become a case of...

TOO MANY COOKS SPOIL THE BROTH?

To put it mildly! And yet, the ending strikes me as both happy and totally satisfying.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a comical book about relatives coming for Christmas dinner and in this case they are Santa's relatives. It is a mess. There is a chaotic scramble of relatives and a pageant and cooking that all feels very relatable if you are used to a large family get together. With dialogue bubbles and big personalities, this will be a hit with fans of the Strega Nona series of books.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of my favorite folk art style illustrators is Tomie de Paola. This title while done in Tomie’s signature art style was somewhat disappointing in the storyline. Santa has asked Mrs. Claus to invite his family for Christmas dinner. This theme I think will appeal to teenagers and up who have been through many an extended family holiday dinners.

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best story ever, but I still love the illustrations.

[Emma Pruett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book to ready around Christmas.

[Aneesa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Illustrations far exceed story. And I hate reading speech bubbles aloud.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got bored with it. The back and forth between character dialogue and story made the story drag.

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

My daughter's grandma read this book to her as a 25 days of Christmas reading tradition. My daughter really enjoyed looking at the pictures and listening to grandma read the story to her.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I shouldn't say it but...I miss Christmas.

[L.E. Fidler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ulla for the win’

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's so nice to know even Santa has problem relatives.

[Connie T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

With classic dePaola illustrations, this picture book explores the many mishaps and squabbles that occur when Santa's (or anyone's!) family gets together for a holiday meal. I can definitely relate.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa decides to invite all of his relatives over for Christmas. They are surprisingly dysfunctional, which is hilarious, especially Oscar. Funny illustrations and plot.

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Sonja, dear, shouldn’t you cook them first?”

[Junior Bodden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa invited his family and friends for dinner and things got harsh!

[Makaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story concerns plump Santa and Mrs. Claus, as they attempt to throw a Christmas dinner party for their extended family and friends. These characters' behavior may ring a bell for anyone who has attended or given a holiday dinner.

The illustrations are so cute. The pictures are very vibrant.

[Christine L. Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A part of the Santa story you've never heard about before -- his family. This is a wonderful look at the holidays and having family come to visit. Just like most families, Santa has an odd mix of characters that sometimes don’t react well together, but at the end they all appreciate that they are family. It’s like the movie, Home for the Holidays but with a GG (Goodness Gracious) rating. This book is beautifully illustrated with almost too many pictures. It could have easily been made into a much longer book than its 40 pages.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Families are messy, wonderful parts of our lives, and Santa's family is no different. Mrs. Claus is cautious and patient, silently thinking, "Oh, my!" with each new twist in the story. Santa's cousin, Ulla, is a grouchy kleptomaniac, and his friend Lars' pet is a polar bear! His sister, Olga, is a performer, organizer, and egomaniac, and there are many other family members and mishaps throughout the story. I love the dialogues and picture play, and the final image, "Do not disturb until Jan. 6." It's a great book!

[Carol Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are cute and lively, as expected, and tell more of the story than the words alone. It's nice to know that Santa's family is just as dysfunctional as the rest of us. This was a difficult book to read aloud, though. There are simply too many speech bubbles, and it feels jumpy. Amber liked the book, but wondered why no one in the story brought up the fact that the one character is basically a thief, as the pictures show.