Santa Claustrophobia

by Mike Reiss, David Catrow (Illustrator)

Holiday characters ranging from the Easter Bunny to the April Fool try to take over Christmas responsibilities so that stressed Saint Nick can take a vacation. By the creators of How Murray Saved Christmas. Reprint.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Humor, Juvenile

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Carolyn Jeziorski · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny book, and the premise is great--the setting is where all the holiday characters live. Santa is suffering from claustrophobia. There are a lot of inside jokes and puns in here for adults, but it's a bit long-winded to use as a read aloud for kids.

[Maggie Mattmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cute idea. I just wish it didn't feature Columbus...

[Sharlene Robertson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would be rated higher if Columbus wasn’t constantly referred to being someone people admire.
What I did really like is that even Santa needed a moment of respite. It’s normal, needed and much appreciated.I think that sends a great message to all.

For my first time, I admit I defiled a library book. I just couldn’t handle the constant praise. I did it gracefully and replaced his name with people who matter. Not you know people who…

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Creative and fun to read. I bought with a friends 1st grader in mind, however some of the words were a bit much for that age.

Everyone needs a break once in a while and in the town of Stinky Cigar where holiday big wheels stay Santa is in need of help all the other holiday peeps step up to help but ol Santa's job isn't as easy as it may seem. Thank goodness Santa relaxes on the fast.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fantastic tale of how Santa winds up taking a vacation, and the not-so-helpful assistance he gets from other "Legendary" folks while he recovers from his "Santa Claustrophobia." Rhyming verse, over-the-top illustrations. Great fun.

[Relyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fun and cute, but the puns were wasted on elementary school kids.

[Sherry Scheline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful little Christmas book. Christmas poem with rhyming and creative word play throughout. Santa 🎅🏽 Claustrophobia is simply delightful.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa should leave extra treats for all these wonderful rhymes!

[Jennifer Wrage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great rhythm for oral reading. Introduces children to all the holidays we celebrate. Illustrations lead to discussion of the holidays. Cute!

[Mr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny book. Don't think kids books need the word "stupid" in them referring to someone though and the town is called "stinky cigars" which is kinda weird for a kids book.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun rhyme scheme and lots of silliness

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

We recently discovered How Murray Saved Christmas at my sister-in-law's house, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover this book at our girls' elementary school library.

I thought at first that this story was a prequel, since it introduces us more to the characters that were mentioned in the story about Murray. But apparently it was published afterward and the plot lines don't really have all that much in common.

It has the same type of rhyming and lyrical narrative and crazy, fun illustrations that we've grown to love by David Catrow. But this story just didn't have the same charm as the first tale. It was good, but not great.

[JaNeal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I will be the first to say that you wouldn't want your four-year old repeating a couple of the lines (nothing serious, though) and a lot of the characterization goes over their heads (politics, psychology, etc.), but for those who are old enough to understand the puns and play on words/characters this is a funny book. (And that was a long sentence!) There are several good ideas in this one, it's just not a true kiddie book (you'd have to explain too much to get the laughs, and explaining usually leads to no laughs).

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about holidays and their various psychological ailments to include Santa Claus, who ends up in Aruba after a visit with Doc Holiday. The other holidays step in and try to make sure that Christmas is taken care of. Luckily, Santa returns with just enough time for his Christmas duties as the other holidays are not up to par. It is funny and original. The illustrations are well done.

[Kari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no memory of ever reading this book with the girls. However here it is in our Christmas books! We read this as part of our Countdown to Christmas activities. It is a cute book with American holiday characters as well as a few International thrown in to one town. Cute concept and fun illustrations. Now where oh where did we get it and why do we have it? My guess Scholastic Warehouse sale or my mom.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slightly odd tale, but it was fairly unique. Some parts of it were clever, but I found some parts kind of lame. The illustrations were full of color. I might recommend this book.

*Taken from my book reviews blog: http://reviewsatmse.blogspot.com/2010...

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very different than the usual ones I've read. I wouldn't want to vacation in Stinky Cigars. Seems like a bit of trouble would happen if I went there. I do have a problem with the description of Cupid however. I just don't see how he could be stupid. Oh well, the book made me laugh, so something must have been done right. =)

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book every year. I just love the non-traditional holiday books that my class hasn't read before. This one is great because of the rhyme and the references to various holiday characters besides Santa.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

43 months - A unique Christmas story that would probably appeal more to older kids. There were a few too many references to thing I don't think my child could make connections to. A few reads of this one is enough for us. We certainly don't need to own it.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Catrow is a phenominal illustrator. This book is as much for adults as it is for children. Great rhyming story and fabulous illustrations.....

[Radawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Mike Reiss books are fantastic! Funny and clever.

[Skylar Burris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amusing tale in which Doc Holiday (with the help of the groundhog, the April Fool, Cupid, and a band of other holiday mascots) fails to save Christmas.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny book about all the holiday "mascots" who live together in the off season. They all have different conditions and have to see Doc Holiday.

[Alexander Adamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I is a nice book. Quick read but with your time.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute and creative. Saw it at the library because it was shelved out of place.

[Alexandria K · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book kinda doesn't have kid friendly words like butt, and stinky cigars.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably more of an adult xmas book as there is lots of humor (not dirty) that kids wouldn't understand. Maybe that's why I liked it so much...

[Amanda_DJ n' Zac]

A bit older then we have been reading for kids books I think. But we still liked it an it's a good addition to our bookshelves.

[Trenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I look forward to Christmas each year and this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story about Stinky Cigars, the place where all the holiday legends live.