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How to Catch a
How to Catch Santa Claus
It's time to deck the halls and set your traps in this new Christmas adventure from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling How to Catch series!
Do you have what it takes to catch jolly old St. Nicholas himself? Santa Claus is getting ready to deliver presents to children around the world, but the wily Catch Club Kids have set traps galore! With the help of his trusty Reindeer and Elf, Santa will have to use all his festive magic to avoid being caught.
Poised to become a new holiday tradition, this merry book is filled with silly rhymes is sure to delight young listeners and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos. The perfect Christmas gift or holiday stocking stuffer for children ages 4-10!
It's Christmas Eve! I am almost there! I know you've hatched a plan.
So when you hear my HO-HO-HO, try to catch me if YOU can!
Also in the How to Catch
How to Catch an Elf
How to Catch a Reindeer
How to Catch a Snowman
How to Catch a Gingerbread Man
How to Catch a Unicorn and more!
Do you have what it takes to catch jolly old St. Nicholas himself? Santa Claus is getting ready to deliver presents to children around the world, but the wily Catch Club Kids have set traps galore! With the help of his trusty Reindeer and Elf, Santa will have to use all his festive magic to avoid being caught.
Poised to become a new holiday tradition, this merry book is filled with silly rhymes is sure to delight young listeners and educators alike with STEAM concepts and classic hilarity and chaos. The perfect Christmas gift or holiday stocking stuffer for children ages 4-10!
It's Christmas Eve! I am almost there! I know you've hatched a plan.
So when you hear my HO-HO-HO, try to catch me if YOU can!
Also in the How to Catch
How to Catch an Elf
How to Catch a Reindeer
How to Catch a Snowman
How to Catch a Gingerbread Man
How to Catch a Unicorn and more!
Audible Audio
First published September 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 26, 2023
Published: 09/01/23
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland for accepting my request to read and review How to Catch Santa Claus.
The book started with a laugh out loud rhyme, and there were a few more rhymes that ensued. Unfortunately, it felt like there was more than one author. The funny, well-placed rhymes were strewn in with words. As I imagined myself reading to a child I felt the confusion in my tone and body tense. I can imagine the perplexing look on my face.
There wasn't a balance: 20% funny, 10% cute, and that leaves a lot leftover.
The illustrations are a mixed bag as well. I loved some pages and others not so much.
I would have a difficult time reading and engaging a child with this story.
Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Sourcebooks Wonderland for accepting my request to read and review How to Catch Santa Claus.
The book started with a laugh out loud rhyme, and there were a few more rhymes that ensued. Unfortunately, it felt like there was more than one author. The funny, well-placed rhymes were strewn in with words. As I imagined myself reading to a child I felt the confusion in my tone and body tense. I can imagine the perplexing look on my face.
There wasn't a balance: 20% funny, 10% cute, and that leaves a lot leftover.
The illustrations are a mixed bag as well. I loved some pages and others not so much.
I would have a difficult time reading and engaging a child with this story.
July 11, 2023
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Kids for approving my request to read this book.
Having always loved the Christmas holidays, I enjoyed reading How to Catch Santa Claus as it brought back all the excitement I had as a little kid waiting for Santa Claus to visit my house and leave gifts. As a child, I even asked my parents to stay up late and take a photo of the elusive St. Nick . . . a photo my parents gave me the day after Christmas. Anywho, this book catches all the excitement a child might feel on Christmas Eve. The writing was well done and the illustrations intriguing.
This is the perfect book to read with young children that they should find to be super fun and exciting. They might even want to set their own trap to catch Santa Claus. Five out of five stars is what I give How to Catch Santa Claus by Alice Walstead.
Having always loved the Christmas holidays, I enjoyed reading How to Catch Santa Claus as it brought back all the excitement I had as a little kid waiting for Santa Claus to visit my house and leave gifts. As a child, I even asked my parents to stay up late and take a photo of the elusive St. Nick . . . a photo my parents gave me the day after Christmas. Anywho, this book catches all the excitement a child might feel on Christmas Eve. The writing was well done and the illustrations intriguing.
This is the perfect book to read with young children that they should find to be super fun and exciting. They might even want to set their own trap to catch Santa Claus. Five out of five stars is what I give How to Catch Santa Claus by Alice Walstead.
June 14, 2023
How to Catch Santa Claus continues in the tradition of the series of books where kids are trying to catch a; Leprechaun, Mermaid, Turkey, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Elf etc. Usually there are elaborate traps set and the person or creature avoids being caught. The stories are told in rhyming verse with colorful illustrations. The series is very popular in my elementary school library. Truthfully, the rhyming on this doesn’t flow well for a reader and seems contrived. Also not sure you can trap a being that can enter homes through chimney’s. I find the series fun, but this book isn’t my favorite. I’m not saying I wouldn’t add it to my library shelf but it isn’t an auto purchase.
August 14, 2023
Can there be a more perfect book for kids to read around Christmas time that’s fun and puts you in the holiday spirit? I loved sharing this with my nephews and nieces! I cannot wait until Christmas and can read this for sleepovers with my littles!
August 1, 2023
How to Catch Santa Claus is part of a series of children’s books about catching magical creatures. My son and I have read the How to Catch a Dragon book in this series and loved it, so I was hoping the same could be said for this book. I found that this book didn’t flow as well as the other one I’ve read and even though my son loved it, I found myself a bit lost when reading it the first time. The rhymes don’t flow as easily as they could. I did go back and reread it to myself and it was better, but still nothing spectacular. The illustrations were good and the whole story made sense, there just seemed to be a clunkiness from page to page. As I said, my son, who is the one enjoying the book, liked reading it, so I’m sure we will be reading it again soon!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book to review!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book to review!
May 25, 2023
I have loved the how to catch series since it has came out. My students have left it as well. We have done many many crafts to go along with the series, and this book definitely keeps up. I loved all the pictures and the rhymes that go with it are always fantastic. The only negative I have to say about this book is that during the story, we see Santas helper and he does a lot of helping, such as putting the presents underneath the tree. The story of Santa that the children know is that the elves are not with Santa on his Christmas ride. So I feel like that was a little weird. But if that’s my biggest nitpick, the story is still overall fantastic.
May 26, 2023
Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Kids and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
It’s Christmas Eve time to drive presents to children all around the world. As he, his reindeers and his elf arrive to the houses children have set up traps to capture Santa.
This was magical and it made me feel cosy inside, this was absolutely hilarious, oh my goodness this is a perfect Christmas book. Children always want to capture Santa to see him for real, but he’s a busy man and doesn’t have time to settle. I loved that this shows all the different things children could possibly do to set up traps to capturing him.
The illustrations throughout were amazing and I kept looking at every page and there was always something funny going on in the images, from the reindeer being silly, or a trap set up or the elf getting swept into one. It was such a hilarious book I loved it so much.
I highly recommend this one if you love to read Christmas books to your children this is magical, hilarious and will get them in the spirit, will get their mind working and may even convince them to figure out a trap of their very own, it’s so much fun and I loved it.
It’s Christmas Eve time to drive presents to children all around the world. As he, his reindeers and his elf arrive to the houses children have set up traps to capture Santa.
This was magical and it made me feel cosy inside, this was absolutely hilarious, oh my goodness this is a perfect Christmas book. Children always want to capture Santa to see him for real, but he’s a busy man and doesn’t have time to settle. I loved that this shows all the different things children could possibly do to set up traps to capturing him.
The illustrations throughout were amazing and I kept looking at every page and there was always something funny going on in the images, from the reindeer being silly, or a trap set up or the elf getting swept into one. It was such a hilarious book I loved it so much.
I highly recommend this one if you love to read Christmas books to your children this is magical, hilarious and will get them in the spirit, will get their mind working and may even convince them to figure out a trap of their very own, it’s so much fun and I loved it.
August 19, 2023
Alice Walstead has done it again! If you enjoy her "How to Catch" series including: "How to Catch a Reindeer", "How to Catch a Witch", "How to Catch a Loveosaurus", and more! If you enjoyed these books, you would enjoy "How to Catch Santa Claus!"
As Christmas Eve has arrived, it is time to deliver presents around the world. However, Santa soon realizes that the children are trying to catch him! Santa is smart enough to notice that they are traps, but his elves are falling for it each time.
This book is magical - definitely puts me in the Christmas spirit! The illustrations are beautiful - very colorful, eye catching, and vibrant! The storyline throughout this book is engaging, just like Alice Walsteads other books in the series. Definitely recommend this book for your home, school, and classroom library!
I received an advanced e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks.
#HowtoCatchSantaClaus #NetGalley #SourceBooks #AliceWalstead
As Christmas Eve has arrived, it is time to deliver presents around the world. However, Santa soon realizes that the children are trying to catch him! Santa is smart enough to notice that they are traps, but his elves are falling for it each time.
This book is magical - definitely puts me in the Christmas spirit! The illustrations are beautiful - very colorful, eye catching, and vibrant! The storyline throughout this book is engaging, just like Alice Walsteads other books in the series. Definitely recommend this book for your home, school, and classroom library!
I received an advanced e-copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks.
#HowtoCatchSantaClaus #NetGalley #SourceBooks #AliceWalstead
January 11, 2024
It's a cute effort, and I'm sure this would delight younger readers (but only around Christmas—after New Year's, it just feels like a taunt since it's the maximum time until the next Christmas). The art is lovely, and the printing is very nice. The story... I mean, it's kids trying to trap Santa, though I don't know why—he would only have on him the presents they would get anyway, and if he gets caught, he can't make deliveries ever again. Sort of like The Goose That Laid the Golden Eggs?
(Kid logic, though!)
My main complaint is in story poetry, I like the rhythm to be perfect, exactly the same number of syllables per line per stanza. This sort of weaves in and out with approximate counts and rhymes like tonight/daylight, which sound strange to me given the alternating accented syllables. That's just me being picky, though. It's a very lovely book otherwise. :)
(Kid logic, though!)
My main complaint is in story poetry, I like the rhythm to be perfect, exactly the same number of syllables per line per stanza. This sort of weaves in and out with approximate counts and rhymes like tonight/daylight, which sound strange to me given the alternating accented syllables. That's just me being picky, though. It's a very lovely book otherwise. :)
September 30, 2024
As a mom of a curious toddler, How to Catch Santa by Jean Reagan is a delightful addition to our holiday reading. This playful book follows kids’ imaginative attempts to catch Santa in action on Christmas Eve, offering fun, creative ideas that make little ones giggle.
The vibrant illustrations and humorous storytelling capture the excitement of the season, while the playful plans keep kids engaged. It's a great mix of holiday magic and imagination, perfect for sparking joy in young readers.
Final Thoughts: How to Catch Santa is an entertaining, lighthearted read that brings festive fun to bedtime. Ideal for moms wanting to capture their child’s holiday excitement and imagination in a creative, joyful way!
The vibrant illustrations and humorous storytelling capture the excitement of the season, while the playful plans keep kids engaged. It's a great mix of holiday magic and imagination, perfect for sparking joy in young readers.
Final Thoughts: How to Catch Santa is an entertaining, lighthearted read that brings festive fun to bedtime. Ideal for moms wanting to capture their child’s holiday excitement and imagination in a creative, joyful way!
December 21, 2023
Another How to Catch book. This one is also by Alice Walstead and not the original author. I guess he gave up the series to the publisher.
This story, we see Santa delivering toys on Christmas eve with an Elf. In each house we see a trap set up for Santa and then the little Elf will spring the trap while Santa is on to the next house. Most of the traps are pretty simple.
I think I've finished this series. They are pretty much all the same. It's a good series and kids will love them if they haven't seen too many of them. They get rather repetitive.
They use the rhyme scheme of 'Twas the Night before Christmas' to tell their story.
This story, we see Santa delivering toys on Christmas eve with an Elf. In each house we see a trap set up for Santa and then the little Elf will spring the trap while Santa is on to the next house. Most of the traps are pretty simple.
I think I've finished this series. They are pretty much all the same. It's a good series and kids will love them if they haven't seen too many of them. They get rather repetitive.
They use the rhyme scheme of 'Twas the Night before Christmas' to tell their story.
September 10, 2025
The story was good, and the illustrations were even better. As I was reading this particular story though, it felt like something was missing. I cannot put my finger on what I was, but it made this one fall short of a five star rating. It was cute, and I can see students getting into this book, but it just was as fun as some of the other How to Catch stories.
There's still room for projects and discussions, building their own traps or discussing how the traps went wrong in this on. Either way, it was still a good read, just not as great as the others. Although, I really enjoyed how this was connected with the How to Catch an Elf book.
There's still room for projects and discussions, building their own traps or discussing how the traps went wrong in this on. Either way, it was still a good read, just not as great as the others. Although, I really enjoyed how this was connected with the How to Catch an Elf book.
May 17, 2023
I am the type of mom who buys Christmas Books all year long in preparation for the Holidays. This one did not disappoint, I think it would a great addition to a young reader's book collection.
This was a quick rhythmic read that had a great flow to it. The illustrations were colorful, eye catching and vibrant. I thought the storyline was really fun also, I could see my children enjoying this book!
Thank you #AliceWalstead #NetGalley & #SourceBookskids #SourceBooksWonderland for providing me with an #ARC of this book.
This was a quick rhythmic read that had a great flow to it. The illustrations were colorful, eye catching and vibrant. I thought the storyline was really fun also, I could see my children enjoying this book!
Thank you #AliceWalstead #NetGalley & #SourceBookskids #SourceBooksWonderland for providing me with an #ARC of this book.
May 19, 2023
"You're all so smart and clever, and the traps do look like fun, but I can't get too distracted. There's a lot of work to be done!"
How to Catch Santa Claus is another great book in this series! My daughters and I love Alice Walstead's fun and engaging books. The illustrations are great as is the rhyming story. We especially loved the role of Santa's elf and reindeer in this story. This book left us laughing and with smiles on our faces. Looking forward to adding this to our collection when it goes to print!
How to Catch Santa Claus is another great book in this series! My daughters and I love Alice Walstead's fun and engaging books. The illustrations are great as is the rhyming story. We especially loved the role of Santa's elf and reindeer in this story. This book left us laughing and with smiles on our faces. Looking forward to adding this to our collection when it goes to print!
May 24, 2023
Alice Walstead and Andy Elkerton have done it again! How to Catch Santa Claus is another adorable addition to the bestselling How to Catch series. My elementary students love these books and are mesmerized by the illustrations and fun storyline. Can't wait to get my hands on a copy in September and add it to our school library! If you haven't picked up a copy of the other books in this series, I definitely recommend it! Thank you to NetGalley, SOURCEBOOKS Kids, Alice Walstead and Andy Elkerton for the ARC!
September 21, 2023
What a great addition to the How to Catch series!! These books are a favorite in our house and I’m excited to add this one to our little library!! The great thing about this book (and the entire series) for me, are the amazing illustrations!!! They are full of color and life – gorgeous!!! I’m also a sucker for a rhyming book – especially when it literally makes me laugh out loud!!! Oh that Santa is a tricky ole friend!!! Thank you to NetGalley and Alice Walstead for providing an advanced reader copy of How to Catch Santa Claus in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2023
Santa along with his elf helper and reindeer are really trying not to get caught in any traps that are being set for Santa. What would happen if Santa was caught? How could he escape and still get all the presents to the children who need them and are waiting for their delivery.
The children are studying both old and new traps so that they won't be held up. STEM Learning is really paying off as Santa glides thru some tricky traps.
Can you spot some traps and help Santa on his way?
Santa thanks you for your help.
The children are studying both old and new traps so that they won't be held up. STEM Learning is really paying off as Santa glides thru some tricky traps.
Can you spot some traps and help Santa on his way?
Santa thanks you for your help.
May 18, 2023
I think at one time or another all little children have a plan to catch Santa. In this charming little story there are lots of traps laid out for Santa along the way. But will Santa out smart the children and remain free to continue his magical ride on Christmas Eve? This book has lots of things that can be discussed and predicted during the night time readings. It will soon become a family favorite. It might also give some children some ideas about how they might catch Santa.
July 7, 2023
I have heard such wonderful things about the "how to catch" books. We are slowly working on building my child's collection. When I saw that this book was on NetGalley I was thrilled at the chance to get an advanced look at this new installation. I couldn't wait to read it to my child! We immediately downloaded it and my child LOVED it! The story and illustrations were adorable. This is a book that is sure to be a Christmas hit!
July 28, 2023
How to Catch Santa Claus is the newest title in the popular How to Catch… series. Young readers are sure to enjoy spotting the various traps set up for Santa Claus. The eye-catching illustrations capture the magic and joy of Christmas while also adding elements of fun. While Santa manages to evade the traps, his elf and reindeer are not as fortunate, which is sure to bring giggles. This fun, seasonal read would be a great addition to a school, public, or home library.
August 8, 2023
I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
The kids have set traps for a major target this time - Santa himself. Readers watch as Santa visits their homes and avoids the hidden traps in each. Unfortunately, his elves and reindeer aren't so lucky. Readers will enjoy the humor and watching for the traps as Santa leaves toys and moves through houses on this Christmas Eve. The illustrations are full of hidden details to study together.
The kids have set traps for a major target this time - Santa himself. Readers watch as Santa visits their homes and avoids the hidden traps in each. Unfortunately, his elves and reindeer aren't so lucky. Readers will enjoy the humor and watching for the traps as Santa leaves toys and moves through houses on this Christmas Eve. The illustrations are full of hidden details to study together.
August 25, 2023
Well I don't really see the need for this book, which is as polite a way of saying I won't be recommending it. Children have booby-trapped their home to capture Santa, but he's wise enough to not get caught, the end. The rhyming starts off well, and then goes just to pot with the rhythm and meter, and the point and narrative of the multiple and ever-more-complex traps just isn't there. A disappointment.
September 2, 2023
It is a fun and cute addition to the How To Catch books. It keeps the kids attention, as Santa is able to avoid the traps but they get the elf/reindeer. The pages are colorful and can be a quick read or a good one for younger kids to read. The text is larger which helps read the story, as well as allow the kids to follow along.
If you are looking for a seasonal book to read and have younger children, I would recommend this one.
If you are looking for a seasonal book to read and have younger children, I would recommend this one.
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December 7, 2023No Rating
Read as an ebook
The Elf and the Reindeer have nothing on Santa Claus. Santa is on a mission to deliver presents for the same kids who set traps to capture him. Which leads me to wonder why they would want to, anyway. After all, he's bringing them free gifts. The fact they know he enjoys Christmas flowers is really funny. But the thing that got me was Santa's iPad. And the fact that the Elf fell for that one trap that was so obvious.
Read as an ebook
The Elf and the Reindeer have nothing on Santa Claus. Santa is on a mission to deliver presents for the same kids who set traps to capture him. Which leads me to wonder why they would want to, anyway. After all, he's bringing them free gifts. The fact they know he enjoys Christmas flowers is really funny. But the thing that got me was Santa's iPad. And the fact that the Elf fell for that one trap that was so obvious.
December 27, 2024
This book tells the silly story of children trying to catch Santa Claus during his Christmas Eve toy delivery. The children tried setting various traps using food, flowers, and festive decorations, but to no avail. Eventually, Santa leaves, but he places the children's gifts under the tree. Overall, this goofy story is a pleasurable Christmas-worthy read with adorable illustrations. I enjoyed that the book was told from Santa's perspective.
May 12, 2023
I received and ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Walstead has created another book that kids will love. If I'm honest, I don't really understand the draw. The stories are almost mass produced and the rhyming text is laborious to read. But I have never met a child that didn't love them. So I guess she's got something figured out that I am missing.
Walstead has created another book that kids will love. If I'm honest, I don't really understand the draw. The stories are almost mass produced and the rhyming text is laborious to read. But I have never met a child that didn't love them. So I guess she's got something figured out that I am missing.
May 20, 2023
Thank you to Net Galley for this very well illustrated copy of “ How to Catch Santa Claus” by Alice Walstead in exchange for a honest review..This book explores all the ways Santa tries to outsmart the children who try to catch him on his rounds Are they successful? Read the book and find out.I shared this book with my grandson and he thought the children were all very clever..
July 26, 2023
Some books I received through NetGalley to read with Lachy (3 years old).
Thanks to Sourcebooks Kids for How to Catch Santa Claus.
I'm planning to get the physical book of this as we both enjoyed seeing the different traps the kids had laid for Santa (lots of "what's that!? from Lachy). Lachy loved the colourful pages and liked naming as many toys as he could while we were reading.
Thanks to Sourcebooks Kids for How to Catch Santa Claus.
I'm planning to get the physical book of this as we both enjoyed seeing the different traps the kids had laid for Santa (lots of "what's that!? from Lachy). Lachy loved the colourful pages and liked naming as many toys as he could while we were reading.
September 2, 2023
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
a fun and funny christmas book that my kid loved. the illustrations were pretty and the story was fun with following santa around and seeing how he escapes all the traps set up by children
a fun and funny christmas book that my kid loved. the illustrations were pretty and the story was fun with following santa around and seeing how he escapes all the traps set up by children
September 3, 2023
A fun addition to your holiday picture book collection. The title is so captivating, and the colorful illustrations keep the reader engaged. The text can seem a bit bumpy at times, but the creative contraptions invented to catch Santa keep your attention. Is Santa smart enough to escape the traps and get all of the packages delivered on time?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews