New Improved Santa

by Patricia Rae Wolff, Lynne Cravath (Illustrator)

Book by Patricia Rae Wolff

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Santa decides that he's gotten too fat and his "ho-ho-ho is so-so-so boring" he decides that his new years resolution is to become a brand, new Santa.


Pretty entertaining and definitely upbeat. Although, as you read, you start to think that some of his choices are good ones and that maybe he (spoiler) shouldn't revert to all his old habits. When you come to that conclusion, I think it means you're an adult and you live in the 2000s.


Will work for Christmas readalouds around 1st/2nd grade.

[Angie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Santa feels like his look and persona are getting old, so he wants to make a few changes. Throughout the year he goes on a diet, changes his hair, tries a new outfit, and finds a new mode of transportation. When his first public appearance doesn't go as he hoped, he hurries to get back to his old self.

A unique holiday read with fun illustrations and a great lesson about how we're perfect the way we are.

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks to me like Santa is going through a midlife crisis. I think anyone who has gone through this or who has had a spouse who has gone through this will get a kick out of this book.

[Nichole · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be a really good book to critique for its messages about fatness.

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, which I found at a Scholastic book fair several years ago. I am sad to see it is not built into GoodReads (until now!) since I suspect that means it has gone out of print. I particularly love April, when Santa decides to try for a new look. "He tried bell-bottoms. He tried leather. He tried western and retro and grunge. 'Behold a new, improved, stylish Santa,' he said."

Everyone should read this book! Clamor for a new printing!

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

A children's book. Santa wants a change. He spend most of his year creating the "new" Santa, while Mrs. Claus just smiles and shakes her head. When he reveals the "new" Santa; he is rejected and dejected! But luckily there is time before Christmas to reserect the Old Santa with the help of Mrs. Claus and the elves!

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa is feeling a little old-school. So, why not undergo a complete Santa-Sized makeover? That's exactly what the jolly old man decides to do. He changes his hair and wardrobe multiple times all to find out where his 'Niche' in fashion really is. But is this necessary? Or is the old-fashioned Santa the most fashionable of all?? =)

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa doesn't like his old self & resolves to be a "new improved Santa." He works on losing weight, changing his image, and finding a new mode of transportation. What will the boys and girls think of the "new and improved" Santa?

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Santa decides to become hip, change his look, and lose weight. Not surprising, this new and improved Santa is not a hit with his fans. Luckily, Mrs. Claus and the elves are there to bring back the original.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

So fun, one of my new favorites! My 6 year old laughs at this book. Go read this one.

[Keithconnor1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Kindergarten and 1st grade students were rolling as I read this to them.

[Jody Kyburz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny. Kids love this book!

[Alexandria K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has pretty pictures in it. It also is a nice story.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Santa Claus undergoes a serious identity crisis in this story. At the end, he thankfully finds himself and Christmas is unaffected. It has nice illustrations.

[Maia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This did not go where we expected and was not a Christmas read again in this house.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A reminder to be your unique self.

[Jenn]

This book was too cute for words!!!! I loved it :)

[ETHAN Sparks savage town]

G8 M8

[Mashell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story.