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Dear Santa: A New Holiday Classic for Kids About Believing in the Magic of Christmas
Even though he knows it might mean he receives no presents for Christmas, Parker writes a brutally honest letter to Santa.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
About the author
Susanna Leonard Hill
42 books105 followersSusanna is the New York Times Bestselling Author of MOON'S FIRST FRIENDS: ONE GIANT LEAP FOR FRIENDSHIP, and the award-winning author of over 25 more books for children, including PUNXSUTAWNEY PHYLLIS, CAN'T SLEEP WITHOUT SHEEP, and the popular WHEN YOUR LION NEEDS A BATH series. Her books have been translated into French, Dutch, German, Turkish, Japanese, and Chinese. Susanna lives in New York's Mid-Hudson Valley with her children and her two rescue dogs. She loves chocolate, animals, and being outdoors.Please visit her website at www.susannahill.com and "Like" Susanna Leonard Hill on Face Book!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 23, 2019
A children's book with magical illustrations. The colors and images really make you feel the holiday spirit in any month. The story was a perfect example to teach children not everyone is perfect. Sometimes you make mistakes, but they are made with a purpose. Parker knew he couldn't just tell Santa he was very good for the year, like his classmates did. He knew he caused mistakes, but each one had a valid reason. Parker and Santa have something in common, they both dislike Brussels sprouts, so do I. I loved the diversity of the characters. Wonderful, book that will bring joy to the kids and they will have the opportunity to write their Christmas list to Santa. The book has a couple sheets in the back with holiday decor.
July 28, 2019
I would like to thank Sourcebooks Wonderland for my e-copy.
This is such an endearing read and should be in every home that celebrates with Santa. Parker and his class are given the assignment to write a letter to Santa. All of his classmates tell Santa how great and perfect they have been the past year. Parker begins his letter with "Dear Santa, Let me explain..." and the rest is just so touching.
Great illustrations and there is stationary at the back of the book for your little ones to write to Santa too. There is also a website for a personalized response.
This is such an endearing read and should be in every home that celebrates with Santa. Parker and his class are given the assignment to write a letter to Santa. All of his classmates tell Santa how great and perfect they have been the past year. Parker begins his letter with "Dear Santa, Let me explain..." and the rest is just so touching.
Great illustrations and there is stationary at the back of the book for your little ones to write to Santa too. There is also a website for a personalized response.
January 22, 2020
Everyone knows that Santa brings presents to good children. What might he bring to someone who didn’t exactly have a perfect year?
Parker was such a honest kid. As soon as he admitted that he hadn’t been good all year long, I knew I wanted to learn more about him. The fact that he owned up to his faults only made me like him more than I did when I first met him. It takes a lot of courage to do that, especially for someone as young as him.
The stuff that Parker regretted was wonderfully ordinary. While I can’t go into specifics in this review without wandering into spoiler territory, they were all things that a lot of kids his age struggle with. This is something I would have been so relieved and happy to experience because of that. The things he struggled with made him feel like a real person to me.
If there were one thing I loved more than Parker’s confession, it would be the message of this story in general. It was brimming with kindness for every single character in it. That’s something I relish finding everything I read, but it’s especially nice to discover it in tales written for young readers. Knowing how it all ends only makes me more eager to start again at the beginning when the main character tries to figure out how to word his letter to Santa without bending the truth.
Dear Santa was a heartwarming picture book that I can’t recommend highly enough.
Parker was such a honest kid. As soon as he admitted that he hadn’t been good all year long, I knew I wanted to learn more about him. The fact that he owned up to his faults only made me like him more than I did when I first met him. It takes a lot of courage to do that, especially for someone as young as him.
The stuff that Parker regretted was wonderfully ordinary. While I can’t go into specifics in this review without wandering into spoiler territory, they were all things that a lot of kids his age struggle with. This is something I would have been so relieved and happy to experience because of that. The things he struggled with made him feel like a real person to me.
If there were one thing I loved more than Parker’s confession, it would be the message of this story in general. It was brimming with kindness for every single character in it. That’s something I relish finding everything I read, but it’s especially nice to discover it in tales written for young readers. Knowing how it all ends only makes me more eager to start again at the beginning when the main character tries to figure out how to word his letter to Santa without bending the truth.
Dear Santa was a heartwarming picture book that I can’t recommend highly enough.
June 2, 2019
I received an ARC from Book Expo.
I loved this book! Such a great message.
I loved this book! Such a great message.
December 17, 2019
So MUCH fun!!!
December 21, 2025
36 pages
October 30, 2021
I received an electronic copy from Sourcebooks Wonderland through Edelweiss+.
Refreshing to see a child write an honest letter to Santa that includes when things went wrong during the year. Readers meet Parker as he is writing his letter to Santa at Saturday Art Class. He sees what classmates have written and knows he hasn't been perfect. Readers also see the humor of the thought bubbles when the children write about their year. The letter back from Santa reinforces honesty and acknowledges that we all learn from mistakes and choices. Brightly colored illustrations bring the story to life for younger readers. Great dialogue starter for families.
Refreshing to see a child write an honest letter to Santa that includes when things went wrong during the year. Readers meet Parker as he is writing his letter to Santa at Saturday Art Class. He sees what classmates have written and knows he hasn't been perfect. Readers also see the humor of the thought bubbles when the children write about their year. The letter back from Santa reinforces honesty and acknowledges that we all learn from mistakes and choices. Brightly colored illustrations bring the story to life for younger readers. Great dialogue starter for families.
November 2, 2019
Within the context of writing a letter to Santa, Susanna Hill does an excellent job of exploring honesty, personal responsibility, admitting mistakes, and being human (rather than perfect). It is a great addition to any Christmas collection.
July 1, 2019
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
October 16, 2019
The stationery in the back of the book is adorable!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews