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Santa's First Christmas
Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith team up for an unforgettable celebration of Christmas.We all know that Santa makes everyone’s dreams come true every Christmas, but it turns out that he needs a little help getting into the holiday spirit himself. Instead of letting Santa get right back to work after he returns home to the North Pole on Christmas morning, his loyal elves want to make sure he experiences the same Christmas cheer he provides for others. With the perfect tree, lots of delicious treats, and, of course, presents, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas for the very first time.Beloved children’s book creators Mac Barnett and Sydney Smith have unveiled Santa unlike ever seen before, and as a result, created a merry new Christmas classic.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2024
2 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Mac Barnett
90 books1,310 followersBorn to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
January 17, 2025
"Santa's eye crinkled a little, and twinkled a little, and, in the light of the candles, the elves were certain that Santa's eyes glistened a little."
Mac Barnett became one of my favorite picture book authors after I read 'Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.' He puts a lot of thought and a sprinkle of love into every story he tells, even when writing about mean old trolls who live under bridges. What's not to love?
This particular story was really touching and heartwarming. Santa does so much for everyone, but who takes care of Santa? Now it's the elves' time to shine and make him feel special.
'Santa's First Christmas' was a really sweet and loving story. Mac knows how to speak to your soul with his stories. ♥
Mac Barnett became one of my favorite picture book authors after I read 'Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.' He puts a lot of thought and a sprinkle of love into every story he tells, even when writing about mean old trolls who live under bridges. What's not to love?
This particular story was really touching and heartwarming. Santa does so much for everyone, but who takes care of Santa? Now it's the elves' time to shine and make him feel special.
'Santa's First Christmas' was a really sweet and loving story. Mac knows how to speak to your soul with his stories. ♥
January 12, 2025
What a charmer! I just adore this book, both for the sweet story and for the beautiful illustrations, which are so rich you can look at each one for hours!
December 26, 2024
5 stars. Cool case cover art
We all know Santa works very hard year round, literally, only sleeping in an extra half hour on Christmas Day before he heads to the toy workshop
A Bear and the elves decide that they should give Santa a celebration - and they do - with all the trimmings and fun details in the illustrations m, with fingers in the cookie icing and a bunch of fishing poles
Sure to be a holiday classic
We all know Santa works very hard year round, literally, only sleeping in an extra half hour on Christmas Day before he heads to the toy workshop
A Bear and the elves decide that they should give Santa a celebration - and they do - with all the trimmings and fun details in the illustrations m, with fingers in the cookie icing and a bunch of fishing poles
Sure to be a holiday classic
December 16, 2024
Author Mac Barnett is a genius at writing smart, engaging, funny, and poignant picture books. Oftentimes his books make the reader stop and really think about the story in ways that other picture books don't do. Ahhh, but this clever story of how it came to be that Santa could enjoy Christmas, too (after delivering gifts, of course!) is lovely, sweet, and endearing, and worthy of becoming a classic! The illustrations make you feel chilly and warm at the same time with softly drawn characters and scenery. A pure delight!
November 30, 2024
It's nearly December, so I have finally given in and decided to read something a little bit festive.
Santa's First Christmas is a fun read, perfect for younger ones. The illustrations are lovely and very charming. They are vibrant with lots of detail to see. The story is a simple one; it tells of Santa experiencing his first Christmas celebration, put on by the elves, so that he has someone look after him following his busiest night of the year.
I am sure that young readers will find much to like with this tale, and I wouldn't be surprised if it turned into a little Christmas tradition in many households, as part of the way to start festivities.
Santa's First Christmas is a fun read, perfect for younger ones. The illustrations are lovely and very charming. They are vibrant with lots of detail to see. The story is a simple one; it tells of Santa experiencing his first Christmas celebration, put on by the elves, so that he has someone look after him following his busiest night of the year.
I am sure that young readers will find much to like with this tale, and I wouldn't be surprised if it turned into a little Christmas tradition in many households, as part of the way to start festivities.
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October 25, 2024Jak ten czas leci! Naprawdę już za chwilę Boże Narodzenie?! A ja mam wrażenie, jakbym wczoraj siadała do wieczerzy wigilijnej... a to było niemal rok temu. Niemniej, skoro już za progiem Święta, to wypada polecić coś pięknego, coś bajkowego, coś prezentowego, miłego, ciepłego... MIKOŁAJOWEGO. I tak się składa, że coś takiego mam!
PIERWSZA GWIAZDKA ŚWIĘTEGO MIKOŁAJA, to prześliczna opowieść dla dzieci - choć nie tylko... ja np. się wzruszyłam. A czym? A prostotą przekazu, tym bezpośrednim urokiem, tym cieszeniem się z małych rzeczy razem z bliskimi. To jest prawdziwa MAGIA ŚWIĄT - miłość, która potrafi rozgrzać każde serce.
Autorzy, czyli Mac Barnett i Sydney Smith stworzyli wyjątkową opowieść, która choć bazuje na rzec można bardzo oczywistym motywie świętowania w Święta, wraz z Mikołajem i jego Elfami, to ukazuje inny obraz wspólnej radości i wzajemnego dbania o siebie, niż zwykło się to robić w tego typu publikacjach. Tutaj mamy dzielne Elfy, które pragną wreszcie zorganizować Mikołajowi Boże Narodzenie, bo sam główny bohater cały rok tylko robi te zabawki, i robi, i robi a potem rozwozi po świecie, i rozwozi, i rozwozi.... w Wigilię zaś odsypia cały ten pracowity czas.
Mac Barnett odpowiada za tekst, za historię od strony słów i choć posługuje się prostymi zdaniami, to łączy je w sposób artystyczny, zręczny tak bardzo, że właśnie w tej zadziwiająco urzekającej codziennej mowie jest ogromna siła, która tworzy mocną, pełną empatii opowieść o braterstwie, miłość... o tym, by nauczyć się myśleć o innych - nie tylko w Święta.
Jeśli zaś chodzi o ilustracje Sydneya Smitha, to o ludziska! Jakie to są cudowne obrazy! Takie pozornie UWAGA podkreślę POZORNIE proste ilustracje, ale mają w sobie tyle ŚWIATŁA, tyle czułości. Jak na nie patrze, to zaraz mi ciepło w środku, zaraz czuję ducha Świąt Bożego Narodzenia i najchętniej bym wskoczyła w ten miły i dobry świat i porobiła z Mikołajem te zabawki i pogościła się przy Wigilijnym Stole razem z nim, Elfami i ... Białym Niedźwiedziem.
Książka jest wspaniale wydana, co oczywiście jest standardem, gdy mówimy o pozycjach wydawanych przez Dwie Siostry. Piękny pomysł na prezent, książeczka do wspólnego czytania... najlepiej w Noc Wigilijną, przy choince i grających cicho w tle kolędach. Bardzo polecam!
usiądźmy razem do stołu
Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry
egzemplarz recenzencki
PIERWSZA GWIAZDKA ŚWIĘTEGO MIKOŁAJA, to prześliczna opowieść dla dzieci - choć nie tylko... ja np. się wzruszyłam. A czym? A prostotą przekazu, tym bezpośrednim urokiem, tym cieszeniem się z małych rzeczy razem z bliskimi. To jest prawdziwa MAGIA ŚWIĄT - miłość, która potrafi rozgrzać każde serce.
Autorzy, czyli Mac Barnett i Sydney Smith stworzyli wyjątkową opowieść, która choć bazuje na rzec można bardzo oczywistym motywie świętowania w Święta, wraz z Mikołajem i jego Elfami, to ukazuje inny obraz wspólnej radości i wzajemnego dbania o siebie, niż zwykło się to robić w tego typu publikacjach. Tutaj mamy dzielne Elfy, które pragną wreszcie zorganizować Mikołajowi Boże Narodzenie, bo sam główny bohater cały rok tylko robi te zabawki, i robi, i robi a potem rozwozi po świecie, i rozwozi, i rozwozi.... w Wigilię zaś odsypia cały ten pracowity czas.
Mac Barnett odpowiada za tekst, za historię od strony słów i choć posługuje się prostymi zdaniami, to łączy je w sposób artystyczny, zręczny tak bardzo, że właśnie w tej zadziwiająco urzekającej codziennej mowie jest ogromna siła, która tworzy mocną, pełną empatii opowieść o braterstwie, miłość... o tym, by nauczyć się myśleć o innych - nie tylko w Święta.
Jeśli zaś chodzi o ilustracje Sydneya Smitha, to o ludziska! Jakie to są cudowne obrazy! Takie pozornie UWAGA podkreślę POZORNIE proste ilustracje, ale mają w sobie tyle ŚWIATŁA, tyle czułości. Jak na nie patrze, to zaraz mi ciepło w środku, zaraz czuję ducha Świąt Bożego Narodzenia i najchętniej bym wskoczyła w ten miły i dobry świat i porobiła z Mikołajem te zabawki i pogościła się przy Wigilijnym Stole razem z nim, Elfami i ... Białym Niedźwiedziem.
Książka jest wspaniale wydana, co oczywiście jest standardem, gdy mówimy o pozycjach wydawanych przez Dwie Siostry. Piękny pomysł na prezent, książeczka do wspólnego czytania... najlepiej w Noc Wigilijną, przy choince i grających cicho w tle kolędach. Bardzo polecam!
usiądźmy razem do stołu
Wydawnictwo Dwie Siostry
egzemplarz recenzencki
February 7, 2025
(5/5)
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Papá Noel todas las Nochebuena, desde tiempos inmemoriales, reparte regalos a los niños de todo el mundo. Después, ya el día de Navidad, llega a casa y a dormir. Por tanto, él se queda sin celebrarlas. Hasta que alguien decide ponerle remedio.
——————————————
Una original y simpática historia acerca de la primera Navidad que celebra Papá Noel. Está muy bien el cuento. Y la edición es preciosa. Es de tamaño medio (28,3 cm X 22,8 cm).
Ideal para niñes/niñas/niños/ (y adultos, ahí lo dejo) que devoren todo tipo de historias navideñas.
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▶️Texto: @macbarnett #MacBarnett
▶️Ilustraciones: @sydneydraws #SydneySmith
▶️Encuadernado en cartoné.
▶️A partir de 4 años.
•
¿Qué encontraréis en este libro? La historia de la primera Navidad de Papá Noel.
•
Erratas encontradas: 0 (#CeroNuloNegativoConjuntoVacío).
•
#LeoYComparto #bookish #DimeUnLibro #bookaholic #ÁlbumIlustrado #LibrosInfantiles #PrimerosLectores #EducaciónInfantil #CuentosInfantiles #PapáNoel #Navidad #Libros #BlogLoQueLeo
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#LaPrimeraNavidadDePapáNoel de #Beascoa @penguinkidses
•
Papá Noel todas las Nochebuena, desde tiempos inmemoriales, reparte regalos a los niños de todo el mundo. Después, ya el día de Navidad, llega a casa y a dormir. Por tanto, él se queda sin celebrarlas. Hasta que alguien decide ponerle remedio.
——————————————
Una original y simpática historia acerca de la primera Navidad que celebra Papá Noel. Está muy bien el cuento. Y la edición es preciosa. Es de tamaño medio (28,3 cm X 22,8 cm).
Ideal para niñes/niñas/niños/ (y adultos, ahí lo dejo) que devoren todo tipo de historias navideñas.
•
▶️Texto: @macbarnett #MacBarnett
▶️Ilustraciones: @sydneydraws #SydneySmith
▶️Encuadernado en cartoné.
▶️A partir de 4 años.
•
¿Qué encontraréis en este libro? La historia de la primera Navidad de Papá Noel.
•
Erratas encontradas: 0 (#CeroNuloNegativoConjuntoVacío).
•
#LeoYComparto #bookish #DimeUnLibro #bookaholic #ÁlbumIlustrado #LibrosInfantiles #PrimerosLectores #EducaciónInfantil #CuentosInfantiles #PapáNoel #Navidad #Libros #BlogLoQueLeo
•
#LaPrimeraNavidadDePapáNoel de #Beascoa @penguinkidses
October 29, 2024
An adorable story about some elves who recreate the magic of Christmas for Santa. I bet a lot of moms will see themselves in Santa--they have to help carry the tree, get Santa a stocking, and kick him out of the kitchen when he dips his fingers in the icing. The illustrations are gorgeous and there are plenty giggle-worthy moments in this festive tale.
If you have a group requesting a festive read aloud, this would be a great choice.
If you have a group requesting a festive read aloud, this would be a great choice.
December 3, 2024
Mac Barnett is the best!!
December 12, 2024
Sweet story and gorgeous illustrations
October 12, 2024
Copy provided by the publisher
Every year, like many adults, Santa makes lots of people happy with his preparations for Christmas, but gets up every Christmas morning (after sleeping in a tiny bit) and gets right back to work. He doesn't let himself enjoy the same sort of Christmas that he provides to others, which makes a local bear curious. The elves agree with the bear that Santa deserves a little bit of a holiday. The elves make preparations, and when Santa wakes up Christmas morning ready to head to his workshop, they play him with breakfast in bed, and then suggest they go pick out a tree. Once the enormous tree is installed in the house, it of course has to be decorated. After stockings are hung and a fire it lit, Santa is in a holiday mood and ready for the next activities. Lights are strung up to illuminate the North Pole, Christmas cookies are made, and a polar bear makes an appearance as Santa to distribute toys. There's a delicious feast, and at the end of the day Santa has had so much fun that he decides to celebrate Christmas every year.
Smith's artwork is very impressionistic, which gives a cozy feel to the book. It just begs to be read while cuddled in a plaid blanket, with a cup of cocoa close at hand. It also makes sense to have a mythical place like the North Pole rendered in an unfocused, dreamy way. Of course, this made the view of Santa's kitchen, which looks like the vast majority of suburban kitchens I've had, all the homier.
This is more gently funny than Barnett's frenetic The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza or goofy Mac B.: Spy Kid series, but still has humorous moments with the elves and the very exuberant polar bear!
This is a fun addition to stories that reimage Santa's every day life, like Sharff and Kaban's When Santa Came to Stay Fergus' The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Himself, or Barnes' Santa's Gotta Go. It will delight children who still believe in Santa Claus, since they will be glad that he gets to experience the same joys that they do, and parents will nod wearily as they read this at bedtime, knowing they will spend half the night putting together a toy, and get up in the morning and have to make waffles for breakfast AND Christmas dinner!
Every year, like many adults, Santa makes lots of people happy with his preparations for Christmas, but gets up every Christmas morning (after sleeping in a tiny bit) and gets right back to work. He doesn't let himself enjoy the same sort of Christmas that he provides to others, which makes a local bear curious. The elves agree with the bear that Santa deserves a little bit of a holiday. The elves make preparations, and when Santa wakes up Christmas morning ready to head to his workshop, they play him with breakfast in bed, and then suggest they go pick out a tree. Once the enormous tree is installed in the house, it of course has to be decorated. After stockings are hung and a fire it lit, Santa is in a holiday mood and ready for the next activities. Lights are strung up to illuminate the North Pole, Christmas cookies are made, and a polar bear makes an appearance as Santa to distribute toys. There's a delicious feast, and at the end of the day Santa has had so much fun that he decides to celebrate Christmas every year.
Smith's artwork is very impressionistic, which gives a cozy feel to the book. It just begs to be read while cuddled in a plaid blanket, with a cup of cocoa close at hand. It also makes sense to have a mythical place like the North Pole rendered in an unfocused, dreamy way. Of course, this made the view of Santa's kitchen, which looks like the vast majority of suburban kitchens I've had, all the homier.
This is more gently funny than Barnett's frenetic The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza or goofy Mac B.: Spy Kid series, but still has humorous moments with the elves and the very exuberant polar bear!
This is a fun addition to stories that reimage Santa's every day life, like Sharff and Kaban's When Santa Came to Stay Fergus' The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Himself, or Barnes' Santa's Gotta Go. It will delight children who still believe in Santa Claus, since they will be glad that he gets to experience the same joys that they do, and parents will nod wearily as they read this at bedtime, knowing they will spend half the night putting together a toy, and get up in the morning and have to make waffles for breakfast AND Christmas dinner!
January 9, 2025
This book is so charming and adorable. Mac Barnett is a genius and the illustrations by Sydney Smith are just radiant and beatific. The way Smith uses light is especially lovely. The pictures are suffused with a glow. His characters are whimsical but have a solidity and weight to them at the same time.
As for the story, I loved the sentiment that we need to make sure the people who give and take of others the most are also taken care of. In this case, it’s the ultimate giver, Santa, who needs to have his generosity returned.
However, I do think this book works better for adults than children. My 5 year old panned the book and said firmly that that’s not how it is in the North Pole. She believes there was no “first Christmas” like this for Santa, rather, that as the ultimate Christmas-lover he always made sure Christmas in the North Pole was just as special as in the rest of the world. And you know, I have to agree. If there’s one flaw with the book it’s that Santa would have made Christmas a party. Party for the elves, for the reindeer, for Mrs. Claus (who isn’t in the book) and for himself.
As for the story, I loved the sentiment that we need to make sure the people who give and take of others the most are also taken care of. In this case, it’s the ultimate giver, Santa, who needs to have his generosity returned.
However, I do think this book works better for adults than children. My 5 year old panned the book and said firmly that that’s not how it is in the North Pole. She believes there was no “first Christmas” like this for Santa, rather, that as the ultimate Christmas-lover he always made sure Christmas in the North Pole was just as special as in the rest of the world. And you know, I have to agree. If there’s one flaw with the book it’s that Santa would have made Christmas a party. Party for the elves, for the reindeer, for Mrs. Claus (who isn’t in the book) and for himself.
February 6, 2025
This was quite sweet and simple. A polar bear asks the elves what Santa does for Christmas. We find out that after delivering gifts, Santa sleeps in a half hour late and gets back to work without celebrating Christmas himself. This is, in my opinion, fairly realistic. I mean, Santa is a worker. There is a lot that goes into giving gifts to a world full of children. I have a husband who does not like to "waste daylight." I can relate.
Well, the elves and bear decide this won't do. They orchestrate a celebration for Santa. They cover the bases - tree, decorations, stockings, lights, cookies for you know who... The bear arrives decked out in red to deliver gifts and join in the holiday dinner. And they decide to do it every year. This reminded me of the sweet ways that children want to do things for others. I thought back to all the Mother's Day surprises that I ended up helping to make happen. Oh, I didn't mention they included Santa in each step. So he had loving people who celebrated with him.
It was classic Mac story telling. With colorfully warm and charming illustrations.
Well, the elves and bear decide this won't do. They orchestrate a celebration for Santa. They cover the bases - tree, decorations, stockings, lights, cookies for you know who... The bear arrives decked out in red to deliver gifts and join in the holiday dinner. And they decide to do it every year. This reminded me of the sweet ways that children want to do things for others. I thought back to all the Mother's Day surprises that I ended up helping to make happen. Oh, I didn't mention they included Santa in each step. So he had loving people who celebrated with him.
It was classic Mac story telling. With colorfully warm and charming illustrations.
December 23, 2024
I thought this was a touching story. It was sort of stark and somber with an upbeat ending.
For some reason Mac take Mrs. Claus out of the picture and Santa is all alone in the north pole. He delivers toys and then sleeps. He wakes and begins making toys for next year. He seems lonely, but he's got his trusty elves around him.
The elves feel bad he works so hard, so they want to give Santa Christmas as well. So they decorate and have a Christmas day just for Santa. This is where Mrs. Claus would come in handy.
I love that there is a polar bear that plays the part of Santa Claus. Perfect.
Sydney Smith did the artwork. It's in watercolor and gouache. The colors were all so dark. It really made a somber and lonely feel to the book. Inside his log cabin was dark and the village was dark. The mood created is heavy and dark. It brought the book down a star for me. It was very thick. Santa blended into the Christmas tree with his green flannel.
Still, it's a good story and I think kids will enjoy this one.
For some reason Mac take Mrs. Claus out of the picture and Santa is all alone in the north pole. He delivers toys and then sleeps. He wakes and begins making toys for next year. He seems lonely, but he's got his trusty elves around him.
The elves feel bad he works so hard, so they want to give Santa Christmas as well. So they decorate and have a Christmas day just for Santa. This is where Mrs. Claus would come in handy.
I love that there is a polar bear that plays the part of Santa Claus. Perfect.
Sydney Smith did the artwork. It's in watercolor and gouache. The colors were all so dark. It really made a somber and lonely feel to the book. Inside his log cabin was dark and the village was dark. The mood created is heavy and dark. It brought the book down a star for me. It was very thick. Santa blended into the Christmas tree with his green flannel.
Still, it's a good story and I think kids will enjoy this one.
November 8, 2024
First sentence: In the old days, Santa didn't have Christmas. All year, he made toys at the North Pole, which he loaded up in his sleigh each Christmas Eve, then flew all over the world to place under trees.
Premise/plot: Santa celebrates his FIRST Christmas thanks to his elves. True, they probably spent years not thinking about how Santa spends his Christmas and not noticing the lack of celebrations; however, it's never too late. This picture book chronicles Santa's private celebrations.
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It is decidedly better than your typical children's picture book featuring Santa. I didn't quite love, love, love it. But it is a solid read.
The end papers are VERY bright. The colors of the illustrations are more subdued, darker. I enjoyed many of the illustrations. I didn't love each spread equally. Spreads I loved, I loved. Spreads I didn't, well, I had more of a meh response. That being said, I enjoyed this one for sure.
Premise/plot: Santa celebrates his FIRST Christmas thanks to his elves. True, they probably spent years not thinking about how Santa spends his Christmas and not noticing the lack of celebrations; however, it's never too late. This picture book chronicles Santa's private celebrations.
My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It is decidedly better than your typical children's picture book featuring Santa. I didn't quite love, love, love it. But it is a solid read.
The end papers are VERY bright. The colors of the illustrations are more subdued, darker. I enjoyed many of the illustrations. I didn't love each spread equally. Spreads I loved, I loved. Spreads I didn't, well, I had more of a meh response. That being said, I enjoyed this one for sure.
January 5, 2025
I normally don't turn to stories regarding Santa Clause, as I'm not a huge fan of
- Christmas being about kids receiving gifts only (for behaving well, urgh)
- Christmas being about gifts only
but I gravitated towards this one since I'm a huge fan of the illustrator and again he really transports the magic for me when it comes to details and lighting. And bringing to light passion.
Nevertheless I really really liked the story as it is not about Santa bringing joy and gifts to the (well behaved..) world, but about Santa receving something in reward for the beautiful soul (in this concept) he is. Shouldn't the principle of gift-giving be something including the person who brings the gifts? And gifts aren't necessarily something physical, they can be so much more like making them feel loved/seen and just comfortable. For me the spirit of Christmas has always been that people show one another their love or friendship or maybe just appreciation.
- Christmas being about kids receiving gifts only (for behaving well, urgh)
- Christmas being about gifts only
but I gravitated towards this one since I'm a huge fan of the illustrator and again he really transports the magic for me when it comes to details and lighting. And bringing to light passion.
Nevertheless I really really liked the story as it is not about Santa bringing joy and gifts to the (well behaved..) world, but about Santa receving something in reward for the beautiful soul (in this concept) he is. Shouldn't the principle of gift-giving be something including the person who brings the gifts? And gifts aren't necessarily something physical, they can be so much more like making them feel loved/seen and just comfortable. For me the spirit of Christmas has always been that people show one another their love or friendship or maybe just appreciation.
January 13, 2025
A nice look at people doing nice things for each other, this time it’s Elves being nice to Santa. the artwork is not my favorite, it’s a pretty dark palette. Very impressionistic. I did like the page turn where the city is dark and you turn the page and you see all the festive lights. That one was lovely, but most of the rest of the artwork didn’t thrill me. Interesting choice of food for the big dinner, I’m not sure how many kids know any of those foods. I chuckled at the animal playing Santa, that was very cute. It is a lovely hidden cover, where the book jacket is different from the case cover. A simple story but I think many students would enjoy it around the holidays.
July 10, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Officially, this is my favorite Christmas book for the season. The art is sweet and whimsical. There have been many stories of Santa after Christmas but I love this idea of the elves (with the help of a polar bear) giving Santa his own Christmas. I still laugh every time about the cookies. It has a very kids-giving-parents-Christmas feel and I love it. So do my kids, as they had me read it to them three times. A great new Christmas book about remembering to celebrate those who make celebrating fun for you.
Officially, this is my favorite Christmas book for the season. The art is sweet and whimsical. There have been many stories of Santa after Christmas but I love this idea of the elves (with the help of a polar bear) giving Santa his own Christmas. I still laugh every time about the cookies. It has a very kids-giving-parents-Christmas feel and I love it. So do my kids, as they had me read it to them three times. A great new Christmas book about remembering to celebrate those who make celebrating fun for you.
December 18, 2024
Esta es la historia de la primera Navidad de Papá Noel. Siempre se quedaba sin Navidad porque trabajaba mucho.
Los elfos deciden darle una sorpresa y juntos buscan y decoran un árbol, pusieron luces, cocinaron, contaron historias y recibieron regalos.
Disfrutaron de la Navidad como cualquiera de nosotros y desde entonces cada año, Papá Noel también celebra la Navidad.
Un clásico moderno, una delicia que os recomiendo mucho para vuestros peques y para los mayores a los que nos encantan estas joyas.
Los elfos deciden darle una sorpresa y juntos buscan y decoran un árbol, pusieron luces, cocinaron, contaron historias y recibieron regalos.
Disfrutaron de la Navidad como cualquiera de nosotros y desde entonces cada año, Papá Noel también celebra la Navidad.
Un clásico moderno, una delicia que os recomiendo mucho para vuestros peques y para los mayores a los que nos encantan estas joyas.
January 18, 2025
Santa has never done anything special after he delivers all the gifts on Christmas Eve.
So his elves determine to change this by getting a Christmas tree, decorating with colored lights, hanging stockings, and having a having a special meal. They decide that celebrating like this was fun, and they should do it every year going forward.
No mention is made of any connection to the Nativity story or why these practices are associated with Christmas.
Cute, with possible ELA tie-ins to listing what traditions make Christmas special in YOUR family?
Fountas and Pinnell reading level: M
So his elves determine to change this by getting a Christmas tree, decorating with colored lights, hanging stockings, and having a having a special meal. They decide that celebrating like this was fun, and they should do it every year going forward.
No mention is made of any connection to the Nativity story or why these practices are associated with Christmas.
Cute, with possible ELA tie-ins to listing what traditions make Christmas special in YOUR family?
Fountas and Pinnell reading level: M
December 8, 2024
Brief summary: A polar bear asks the elves what Santa does on Christmas Day and learns that he sleeps in. The polar bear and the elves decide to work together to surprise Santa with a Christmas celebration. They decorate a tree, prepare special food, hang up lights, and arrange for someone to pretend to be Santa.
Comments: A heartwarming story about being considerate of others through mindfulness.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Comments: A heartwarming story about being considerate of others through mindfulness.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
December 23, 2024
This story makes Santa seem more like a sad and weary workaholic than the jolly old elf who loves to laugh and bring others joy. Fortunately, the elves help him cheer up and celebrate Christmas Day with festive activities and a big feast. The story also begs the question: Where the heck is Mrs. Claus? Could this Santa be one of those department store imposters who has picked up the bottle after a messy divorce? Indistinct illustrations seem to smudge the true identity of this so-called Santa.
December 29, 2024
In 2023 Mac Barnett told us how Santa gets down the chimney and in 2024 he tells us about Santa’s first Christmas. Yes, Santa spends Christmas Eve delivering gifts all over the world and then on Christmas Day he gets to sleep in 30 minutes and then gets back to work. So Santa really never has a Christmas celebration until a big polar bear tells the elves that it isn’t fair Santa doesn’t get to indulge in Christmas fun. And then the elves decide to give him the day he deserves
December 31, 2024
This is a new kind of children's book for me that had a read-along audible feature. I think this is absolute genius. The story was not what I expected. I thought this was going to be a book about the first Christmas with the character Santa Claus. Rather it was the first time the elves and North Pole animals made a special Christmas celebration the day after Christmas for Santa Claus to enjoy after delivering all the children's presents. Clever and fun.
January 16, 2025
How does Mac Barnett consistently craft holiday books that equally delight and inspire wonder? Right on the heels of last year's publication, "How Does Santa o Down the Chimney?", this title comes along with an entirely different perspective of Santa. A true delight.
Publication Date: 2024
Format: Picture book
Elements: Muted illustrations with varying lengths of text; details in the pictures foster making inferences/connections
Connection/Topics: Santa, Christmas
Publication Date: 2024
Format: Picture book
Elements: Muted illustrations with varying lengths of text; details in the pictures foster making inferences/connections
Connection/Topics: Santa, Christmas
January 23, 2025
Each year Santa brings joy and presents to all of the kids in the world yet surprisingly, he doesn’t celebrate Christmas at the North Pole. This Christmas that’s all about to change! With help from his caring and hard-working elves, Santa is about to be part of the joy and celebration he brings to all of the kids each year. I loved the beautiful art illustrations and the new Christmas story to add to our reading collection!
October 28, 2024
“In the old days, Santa didn’t have Christmas.”
It used to be that Santa would come home after delivering all those toys, sleep in just a little and then start on next year’s Christmas. No one ever thought about celebrating Christmas with Santa until a polar bear asked the question “Santa doesn’t do anything special?” The elves decide they should do something for Santa.
It used to be that Santa would come home after delivering all those toys, sleep in just a little and then start on next year’s Christmas. No one ever thought about celebrating Christmas with Santa until a polar bear asked the question “Santa doesn’t do anything special?” The elves decide they should do something for Santa.
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October 30, 2024I've had this thought, too, about Christmas' origins and Santa's origins and then you put them together and you get Santa's First Christmas. The undies are just meh. The holiday is celebrated very well, though I think we could have appreciated the lights on the houses better had they been tiny. Yes, I know that would have been a lot more work. Maybe they tried that and it didn't work.
November 19, 2024
Delightful and lovely. Especially the polar bear.
So what does Santa do for Christmas? Sleep would be my guess. And that was probably true -- until polar bear encourages the elves to make Christmas Day very special for our favorite Christmas Eve visitor!
Be sure and check under the dust jacket - the cover of the book is different.
So what does Santa do for Christmas? Sleep would be my guess. And that was probably true -- until polar bear encourages the elves to make Christmas Day very special for our favorite Christmas Eve visitor!
Be sure and check under the dust jacket - the cover of the book is different.
November 24, 2024
This story begins with the premise that there was a time Santa didn't celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day although he spent every minute making Christmas special for others. Fortunately, Santa had very thoughtful elves and they made changes that became Santa's annual Christmas traditions. A cozy picture book that will be appreciated by readers who enjoy behind the scenes stories about Santa.
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