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Santa's Twin #2
Robot Santa: The Further Adventures of Santa's Twin
In this sequel to Santa’s Twin, Santa’s brother Bob has worked hard to prove himself to his brother and gain his trust after the kidnapping drama of the previous year, but when Bob’s newest creation of a robot Santa gets a screw loose and goes crazy, Bob knows he’ll be in big trouble if he doesn’t get it under control before the big night.
72 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2004
1 person is currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Dean Koontz
905 books39.6k followersAcknowledged as "America's most popular suspense novelist" (Rolling Stone) and as one of today's most celebrated and successful writers, Dean Ray Koontz has earned the devotion of millions of readers around the world and the praise of critics everywhere for tales of character, mystery, and adventure that strike to the core of what it means to be human.
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
Dean, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
Facebook: Facebook.com/DeanKoontzOfficial
Twitter: @DeanKoontz
Website: DeanKoontz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 31, 2021
4.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads. Robot Santa was everything I thought it would be: cute, thematic, fun, seasonal, creative, and beautiful to behold. However, I have such a fond place in my heart for the first book, Santa's Twin, which precedes this one. Because of that, Robot Santa didn't completely measure up to Santa's Twin for me. It just barely fell a little short of being as good as its predecessor, in my opinion, but not by very much.
Again, Robot Santa was still enjoyable in every way; I personally just felt that the story in Santa's Twin was a little better overall. I would still HIGHLY recommend reading this sequel though -- especially if you loved the original and want to read something with the same type of whimsy!
Again, Robot Santa was still enjoyable in every way; I personally just felt that the story in Santa's Twin was a little better overall. I would still HIGHLY recommend reading this sequel though -- especially if you loved the original and want to read something with the same type of whimsy!
December 15, 2017
This is the second of the Santa books. I waited for it like a 4-year-old waits for the big day. As soon as I took the packaging off I was delighted. I saw the Phil Parks illustrations on the cover and on every page as I flipped through and knew I would love this book as much as the first (Santa's Twin).
It is once again the night before Christmas and once again Santa's twin brother, Bob is in the mix. The difference is that this time the poor, inept but no longer evil twin is trying to help Santa in delivering gifts around the world. Unfortunately, plans can go awry and they definitely do. But, not to worry, it is Christmas time and Christmas is when dreams come true so a happy ending will present itself.
The writing and rhyming and story are wonderful and fun. Once again, I recommend that you sit and read this one out loud-even if you are the entire audience! I also don't think this is intended for kids who still believe or even still pretend to believe in Santa Claus.
I loved every line and every illustration in this book.
It is once again the night before Christmas and once again Santa's twin brother, Bob is in the mix. The difference is that this time the poor, inept but no longer evil twin is trying to help Santa in delivering gifts around the world. Unfortunately, plans can go awry and they definitely do. But, not to worry, it is Christmas time and Christmas is when dreams come true so a happy ending will present itself.
The writing and rhyming and story are wonderful and fun. Once again, I recommend that you sit and read this one out loud-even if you are the entire audience! I also don't think this is intended for kids who still believe or even still pretend to believe in Santa Claus.
I loved every line and every illustration in this book.
May 16, 2020
And so another book to be added to my Dean Koontz collection - this time the sequel to the Santa's Twin book. Similar to the first it is a picture book where the story is written in verse.
Its a fun an seasonal (rather ironic as we leave spring and start to head towards summer) story of how Santa's twin brother Bob causes chaos and mayhem again - however this time with good intentions it seems.
The sorry is straight forward and the artwork is entertaining - with the added fun of looking for references to both the artists Phil Parks and this hidden angels (rather like the hidden snowmen in the original)
The book - as should be for a picture book is short and sweet - only 70 odd pages but still its a fun read and a great way to spend an hour.
Its a fun an seasonal (rather ironic as we leave spring and start to head towards summer) story of how Santa's twin brother Bob causes chaos and mayhem again - however this time with good intentions it seems.
The sorry is straight forward and the artwork is entertaining - with the added fun of looking for references to both the artists Phil Parks and this hidden angels (rather like the hidden snowmen in the original)
The book - as should be for a picture book is short and sweet - only 70 odd pages but still its a fun read and a great way to spend an hour.
December 27, 2021
Another fun story about Santa’s twin Bob who decides this Christmas that he wants to help Santa to make up for all the mayhem he caused the previous holiday season. New characters join familiar faces in this beautifully illustrated tale full of mischief and merriment.
February 2, 2012
I don't think this sequel is quite as good as the original, Santa's Twin. It's still fun with great illustrations but lacking that "amazing" element that the first one had.
November 23, 2013
"Beside the sleigh waits Santa Claus-- not quite.
This Santa is weird, he is not at all right.
He smells of oil and , stronger, grease.
He wears cheap velvet and moth-eaten fleece.
Soon the real Santa will be much annoyed.
This is a machine! A robot! Android!
A robot Santa, a super charged sleigh, mechanical reindeer, a lounge singing, e'clair baking, pilot gorilla named Kieth, Jack Frost has a jet, a cow become dog and a serious wiring short or perhaps software glitch set the scene for this wacky, clever and ever so funny adventure of well meant mishap. Santa's twin Bob Clause learns what Santa has always known- it is not about finding a more efficient way to get it all done it is about the spirit of Christmas.
The rhyme was wonderful and clever and only very occasionally did it hit a speed bump in rhythm. What I found remarkable is that he kept it going for 33 pages of text. And although long, read aloud the great rhyme, the twisting turning plot and great humor will carry through quickly with fun all the way.
Phil Parks has perfectly matched his imagery to the story. His image of Bob flossing Kieth's teeth masterfully conveys his off kilter out of touch clueless mad genius personality. I like that he offsets the madness so well captured in images of the brother Santa and his mechanical alter ego with subtle images of angles which I perceive represent the true meaning of Christmas. The final image, minus text, of the angel statue holding the "light' brings it all home.
I do not know but strongly suspect that Mr. Koontz was influenced by The Santa Clause Two with Tim Allen "Whoo! That's delicious! I like cocoa! Cocoa's superior refreshment! Get me some more cocoa!"
This Santa is weird, he is not at all right.
He smells of oil and , stronger, grease.
He wears cheap velvet and moth-eaten fleece.
Soon the real Santa will be much annoyed.
This is a machine! A robot! Android!
A robot Santa, a super charged sleigh, mechanical reindeer, a lounge singing, e'clair baking, pilot gorilla named Kieth, Jack Frost has a jet, a cow become dog and a serious wiring short or perhaps software glitch set the scene for this wacky, clever and ever so funny adventure of well meant mishap. Santa's twin Bob Clause learns what Santa has always known- it is not about finding a more efficient way to get it all done it is about the spirit of Christmas.
The rhyme was wonderful and clever and only very occasionally did it hit a speed bump in rhythm. What I found remarkable is that he kept it going for 33 pages of text. And although long, read aloud the great rhyme, the twisting turning plot and great humor will carry through quickly with fun all the way.
Phil Parks has perfectly matched his imagery to the story. His image of Bob flossing Kieth's teeth masterfully conveys his off kilter out of touch clueless mad genius personality. I like that he offsets the madness so well captured in images of the brother Santa and his mechanical alter ego with subtle images of angles which I perceive represent the true meaning of Christmas. The final image, minus text, of the angel statue holding the "light' brings it all home.
I do not know but strongly suspect that Mr. Koontz was influenced by The Santa Clause Two with Tim Allen "Whoo! That's delicious! I like cocoa! Cocoa's superior refreshment! Get me some more cocoa!"
December 16, 2016
Second in the children’s Santa stories by Dean Koontz. In the first, “Santa’s Twin,” Bob Claus, the Evil Twin, had tied Santa up and gone on a mission to ruin Christmas (think of the Grinch), but with the intervention of two sisters, Emily and Lottie, redeemed himself.
WELL, fans, this time, Bob just wants to be helpful, so he uses his questionable engineering and electrical skills to fashion a “Robot Santa” along with robot reindeer and a gorilla sleigh driver named Keith, so as to take half the burden off Santa. Nice motivation, but awfully poor execution! This is, of course, outside Santa’s knowledge, ‘cause Bob wants it to be a surprise! Well, Robot Santa soon experiences a short-circuit or two and off he goes, creating more mayhem.
Luckily for all, the first stop is Emily and Lottie’s home. Our equally-plucky-this-year heroines manage to figure it all out and help both Santa and Bob to get back to a fun holiday.
That’s the very-bare-bones plot, the rest is a LOT of fun, with great illustrations by Phil Parks, with yet another “Where’s Waldo” – like feature. I thought this book was much better written than the first, and the cadence of the poetic tale didn’t irritate me nearly as much as “Santa’s Twin.” It’s longer, and more satisfying. I’d give this one four stars and recommend it, but I’d also recommend reading “Santa’s Twin” first, for the back story. And thanks again to Mary Broome for putting me on to these fun Holiday books.
WELL, fans, this time, Bob just wants to be helpful, so he uses his questionable engineering and electrical skills to fashion a “Robot Santa” along with robot reindeer and a gorilla sleigh driver named Keith, so as to take half the burden off Santa. Nice motivation, but awfully poor execution! This is, of course, outside Santa’s knowledge, ‘cause Bob wants it to be a surprise! Well, Robot Santa soon experiences a short-circuit or two and off he goes, creating more mayhem.
Luckily for all, the first stop is Emily and Lottie’s home. Our equally-plucky-this-year heroines manage to figure it all out and help both Santa and Bob to get back to a fun holiday.
That’s the very-bare-bones plot, the rest is a LOT of fun, with great illustrations by Phil Parks, with yet another “Where’s Waldo” – like feature. I thought this book was much better written than the first, and the cadence of the poetic tale didn’t irritate me nearly as much as “Santa’s Twin.” It’s longer, and more satisfying. I’d give this one four stars and recommend it, but I’d also recommend reading “Santa’s Twin” first, for the back story. And thanks again to Mary Broome for putting me on to these fun Holiday books.
December 25, 2019
I liked Koontz's original Santa's Twin book. While I didn't (and still don't) think it likely to ever become a classic, it had a certain charm. This sequel retains some of the charm, particularly in the still-excellent illustrations by Phil Parks, but ultimately doesn't live up to the original.
While the original poem was largely of good (if not serious) quality and marred by occasional awkwardness, the poetry in this version seems like a step in the wrong direction. The plot is more disjointed. The irreverence and zaniness of the original is still on display, but this feels much more like it was rushed to press to meet a deadline.
If you read and enjoyed Santa's Twin, I do recommend buying a copy because you'll probably enjoy the sequel (but not as much as the original). If you haven't read the first volume, though, the events in this story won't make much sense. You'd be better off trying Santa's Twin first before deciding whether to follow it up with Robot Santa.
While the original poem was largely of good (if not serious) quality and marred by occasional awkwardness, the poetry in this version seems like a step in the wrong direction. The plot is more disjointed. The irreverence and zaniness of the original is still on display, but this feels much more like it was rushed to press to meet a deadline.
If you read and enjoyed Santa's Twin, I do recommend buying a copy because you'll probably enjoy the sequel (but not as much as the original). If you haven't read the first volume, though, the events in this story won't make much sense. You'd be better off trying Santa's Twin first before deciding whether to follow it up with Robot Santa.
December 15, 2014
"Robot Santa" tiene el mismo formato grande y apaisado de "Santa's Twin", también está escrito en verso, y comparte al mismo ilustrador, Phil Parks, pero la historia es mucho peor (y los dibujos no tienen muñecos de nieve escondidos que haya que encontrar como a Wally; lo que le quita mucha diversión).
Durante la primera parte, Koontz va preparando los momentos, para que imagines que se va a armar una buena, pero a la hora de la verdad, se queda en muy poca cosa.
http://www.elrincondecarlosdelrio.com...
Durante la primera parte, Koontz va preparando los momentos, para que imagines que se va a armar una buena, pero a la hora de la verdad, se queda en muy poca cosa.
http://www.elrincondecarlosdelrio.com...
March 30, 2025
In the Santa Twin series, this is the second book.
Dean Koontz went to the well for another look.
Similar to the first one, there is rhyme.
Reading it to your kids at Christmas could be a good time.
Bob Claus has turned a new leaf; he is good.
Robot Claus he creates to help Santa it could.
Things go wrong, and deliveries are bad.
Unless things are fixed, the world will be sad.
Emily and Lottie are in this book, too.
Helping the kids avoid a day of boo hoo hoo.
I hope this isn't a spoiler, things turn out right.
Santa Claus is back in his sleigh, and to all a good night.
Dean Koontz went to the well for another look.
Similar to the first one, there is rhyme.
Reading it to your kids at Christmas could be a good time.
Bob Claus has turned a new leaf; he is good.
Robot Claus he creates to help Santa it could.
Things go wrong, and deliveries are bad.
Unless things are fixed, the world will be sad.
Emily and Lottie are in this book, too.
Helping the kids avoid a day of boo hoo hoo.
I hope this isn't a spoiler, things turn out right.
Santa Claus is back in his sleigh, and to all a good night.
July 30, 2023
Koontz needs to stick to writing novels. Though the storyline is cute, and the illustrations are great, he forces rhyme on every page. He throws in bizarre text just to find a rhyme. This, and the previous Santa book, are far beneath the brilliance he displays in his prose.
July 13, 2020
Not as good as Santa's Twin.
January 9, 2024
A fun tale about Santa's brother, Bob, for children and adults.
January 9, 2025
DNF, 1 star. Pages and pages and pages of rhyming-dictionary-grade poetry that can't decide if it's "Night Before Christmas" or Dr. Seuss.
July 11, 2024
ReedIII Quick Review: Santa's Twin is continued with a story that is a little “less than” on multiple criteria. Worth reading if you are a fan of Santa's Twin since it mirrors many of the strengths.
January 7, 2024
See my review here:
https://sarahoverbooked.wordpress.com...
https://sarahoverbooked.wordpress.com...
March 11, 2009
Since Dean Koontz's children's books can be so hard to find, being out of print, I didn't even realize this book exsisted! I'll be ordering it from another library and greatly anticipating it! Updated 3/10/09:
Due to the lyrical rhyming and poetry-like flow of these stories they are always fun to read. But this paticular book just didn't seem as intriging as the first. Santa's brother Bob is supposedly reformed from the previous year's christmas fiasco, and somehow wants to help fix everything with the two girls who were the heriones of the previous story. But, he does everything in secret, and slightly backwards. Throughout the story I felt confused as to whether Bob had good intentions and the lack of wit to pull it off, or if he was secretly trying to revert back to his former evil-self and make things difficult for Santa and the two sisters. The end ties things up nicely with Santa coming to the rescue (again) and setting everything right, and Bob (suposedly) wanting to work off his debt by doing chores for the two girls. Very strange, but enjoyable for anyone who wonders what it would be like if Kris Kringle had a twin.
Due to the lyrical rhyming and poetry-like flow of these stories they are always fun to read. But this paticular book just didn't seem as intriging as the first. Santa's brother Bob is supposedly reformed from the previous year's christmas fiasco, and somehow wants to help fix everything with the two girls who were the heriones of the previous story. But, he does everything in secret, and slightly backwards. Throughout the story I felt confused as to whether Bob had good intentions and the lack of wit to pull it off, or if he was secretly trying to revert back to his former evil-self and make things difficult for Santa and the two sisters. The end ties things up nicely with Santa coming to the rescue (again) and setting everything right, and Bob (suposedly) wanting to work off his debt by doing chores for the two girls. Very strange, but enjoyable for anyone who wonders what it would be like if Kris Kringle had a twin.
May 13, 2015
It was only a matter of time before Santa’s reformed twin struck again. But this time he’s got a notion to help his dear brother with his annual toy delivery. (Oh, the road to hell is just paved with good intentions…)
The poem is occasionally filled with nonsense rhymes. But that’s fine; this is a nonsense poem. The titular robot is a good idea but it quickly starts malfunctioning and that’s when the mischief starts. Throw in mechanical reindeer, a rocket-powered sled and a gorilla with more jobs on his CV than an unemployed actor and you’ve got one terrific story. Robot Santa soars and tickles the funnybone as two girls and one suspicious Labrador try to corral the electrical elf before Christmas is ruined for good. A fine followup to Santa’s Twin.
The poem is occasionally filled with nonsense rhymes. But that’s fine; this is a nonsense poem. The titular robot is a good idea but it quickly starts malfunctioning and that’s when the mischief starts. Throw in mechanical reindeer, a rocket-powered sled and a gorilla with more jobs on his CV than an unemployed actor and you’ve got one terrific story. Robot Santa soars and tickles the funnybone as two girls and one suspicious Labrador try to corral the electrical elf before Christmas is ruined for good. A fine followup to Santa’s Twin.
June 28, 2013
Not quite as good as Santa's Twin, but much better than 'Trixie & Jinx'/'I Trixie, Who Is Dog'. Been wanting to read these books for years and finally got my hands on them, so what better way to catch up with my Goodreads 2013 target? The pictures in Robot Santa and Santa's Twin are beautifully painted. I was disappointed that this one didn't have a game at the end to find all the angels (but I think there was one on every page like the snowmen in the first book).
October 3, 2025
These books are weird, y’all. Every now and then you get a glimpse of Koontz’s craziness, and I think these Santa books are one of those times. I mean, what possesses a horror novelist to write 2 children’s books about Santa?
Overall, this one was fun, just like the first one. But again, I’m wondering the whole time, who this book is written for.
(Reading Challenge category: A book set during Christmas)
Overall, this one was fun, just like the first one. But again, I’m wondering the whole time, who this book is written for.
(Reading Challenge category: A book set during Christmas)
September 4, 2008
Another cute christmas story to go along with Santa's Twin. I love the illustrations in these books - you never know where you'll find a little reference to one of Koontz's other stories. It's also fun to find the hidden things in each picture - in Santa's Twin it was snowmen, in this book it's angels. A fun, easy read.
April 21, 2008
I read this story to my kids every year at Christmas, and it's so sweet and funny! What a hilarious spin on Christmas. Santa's twin brother creates a bad robot and it turns out to be rather entertaing to the end.
The story is a little long, and somewhat complex, so I'd recommend this to older children. My 6 year old had trouble sitting through the whole thing, but the other kids didn't.
The story is a little long, and somewhat complex, so I'd recommend this to older children. My 6 year old had trouble sitting through the whole thing, but the other kids didn't.
September 3, 2017
Being a Dean Koontz book, I had to have it. But it was not impressive. This was my first taste of a children's book by Koontz, and I just didn't like it. I found the cadence of the rhyming very mish-mashed. The story jumped back and forth and at times seemed forced in order to find rhyming words. Oh well...I'll still read anything he writes.
December 16, 2012
I don't understand why everyone liked this book. I thought the prose was too long and as a result i tended to forget the rhymes before they were complete. Likewise, the story was too complicated for the short format and as a result many parts were underdeveloped.
December 31, 2012
More of the same fub for Santa's younger brother Bob, who this year decides to help Santa out with robot reindeer and a robot Santa so he only has to do half the work! With a gorilla named Keith driving the sleigh it's up to Lottie and Emily to put things right once more...
May 20, 2013
Ok, but not as good as Part 1, less inspired...but the first one also had a great premise to start with - and for those few of you who don't know what I'm talking about, pick up a copy of Mr Murder...it's here it all began :)
December 29, 2016
I had a hard time getting into this book. It might have been the gorilla 2 pages in. Or maybe just that this is the 2nd book in the series and the library has never heard of the first one and it really isn't my style for silly, humorous or whatnot.
Read
January 5, 2017Okay, so these books look HORRIFYING. I saw Robot Santa on the shelf and I knew that I needed to put it in my eyes as quickly as possible.
Cute stories, rad drawings (which were just the right amount of creepy for me), and a quick read to add to my yearly count.
Cute stories, rad drawings (which were just the right amount of creepy for me), and a quick read to add to my yearly count.
1
May 9, 2014amazon.com
October 19, 2008
Oddly enough...my son sat through this book... lol
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews