Dear Santa Claus

by Alan Durant, Vanessa Cabban (Illustrator)

A determined little girl puts Santa through his paces — and exchanges several removable messages — in this sweet Christmas story full of holiday surprises.


Dear Santa Claus,
I saw a man in a store today who said he was Santa
Claus. He was dressed like you, but was it you?

It's time for Holly to make her Christmas list, but she has a few questions for Santa Claus first. So she decides to write notes to Santa instead and is amazed when he replies — five times! Readers will be as excited as Holly to reach inside real envelopes and find her missives from Santa. Along with the removable letters, they'll discover an advent calendar, a Santa Claus ornament, a foldout reindeer guide (with answers to common questions, plus favorite reindeer jokes), and one last, special treasure that Holly finally dares to wish for.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2005

About the author

Alan Durant is the author of books for a wide age-range, from picture books such as Burger Boy to top-end teenage thrillers (Blood, Flesh and Bones). Having worked as a copywriter at Walker Books, he is now a full-time author.

He's married, with three children and lives just outside London. He does a lot of school visits throughout the UK and abroad and also runs writing workshops.

Reviews

[Francesca Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I came across this book was when I was in year 3 and my teacher read it to the whole class. I enjoyed it so much I came home and told my parents about it and they bought me the book for Christmas. I still have it now. I found it so exciting because it was so interactive. It had letters you could take out of the book that were written from Father Christmas to a girl called Holly which were a great feature to add to the story.

[Meliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The removable letters and items are v cool. The pacing could be better, there is so much build up with the letters that her actual Christmas wish ends up rushed and not totally clear that it has happened.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just witnessed a second grade class totally enthralled with this book, on a Friday in December even! A very clever idea, executed well. With all the Santa books out there, it's nice to see a different twist. The letters between Holly and Santa are very inventive, and readers even have a chance to make a few inferences.

[Jacq · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful book to give at Christmas, or in my case, just before!
A tale of what you want for Christmas, and those tricky questions answered by Santa – with lift the flap letters and a lovely surprise for the Grotts at the end, it’s quickly become a favourite!

[Lulu Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brogan loved that he could pull out little letters from Santa. Cute Christmas book.

[Margret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful and cute story. I read to the grandkids and we all enjoyed it. Perfect for the holidays reading.