Jack and Santa

A Jack Book #7

by Mac Barnett, Greg Pizzoli (Illustrator)

From New York Times bestselling author Mac Barnett and Geisel Award-winning illustrator Greg Pizzoli, an uproarious early reader series about a mischievous rabbit, a cranky old lady, and a lovable dog.

When Jack finds himself on the naughty list, he worries that Santa will bring him coal. But Jack wants presents--lots of them. Will Jack be able to prove to Santa that he's not so bad after all?

Welcome to the laugh-out-loud and irreverent world of Jack, a new early reader series by the New York Times bestselling and award-winning team of Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli.

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

80 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2020

About the author

Born to non-farmers in a California farming community, Mac Barnett now lives near San Francisco. He's on the board of directors of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center for students in Los Angeles, and he founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just when I thought I was done with this series…it pulls me back in.

Everyone knows about Santa’s good and naughty lists. He checks them twice even. But maybe the lines between nice and naughty shouldn’t be so clear cut. It really is never one or the other. Don’t we all have a little good and a little bad mixed into our days? Jack might have a tad more evil than most of us, but he has his sweet moments too. Santa should take note.

I’m still not a fan of this series, but this visit certainly surprised me. I liked the conflicted feelings this story and the actions of Jack and Santa stirred in me.

[Slaa!!! · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t totally sold until I got to that twist at the end!!

[Jody Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all these Jack books. Is Jack a good role model? No. Is Jack amusing? Yes.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Christmas eve and Jack has been naughty. Everyone on the Bad list gets coal from Santa and Jack's latest trick doesn't improve his chances of getting on Santa's Good list. This easy reading picture book has the same kind of mischievous humor as the Rotten Ralph books by Jack Gantos. A fun Christmas story to read in a small group or independently.

[Ruth Covington · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite Jack book. The Santa is so cute!

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Santa has two lists - one is for good kids, the other is for the bad kids. Jack isn't too happy about discovering he is on Santa's naughty list. Jack has a list, too, a long wish list of all the things he wants for Christmas. But when Santa arrives, he get caught in the snare Jack has set for him. And when Jack takes and opens Santa's bag, he discovers gifts for Rex the dog, and for the lady Jack lives with, but nothing for him. He frees Santa and before he leaves, he gives Jack a small gift box. But, to Jack's disappointment, there's only a lump of coal in it. Can Jack redeem himself in Santa's eyes? This is really a fun book, in fact, I found myself laughing out loud an number of time. Also, I had an incredible craving for a grilled cheese sandwich after I read it - maybe you will, too. It's also perfect for beginning readers. The story is divided into four short chapters, the text is simple, words are repeated, and illustrations convey a lot of the humor that might otherwise be missed by a beginning reader. I read this book to my young readers, some of whom do not celebrate Christmas, but nevertheless, they found Jack's situation very funny. In fact, I've had requests for more Jack books. This is the 7th one, so fans of Jack will certainly appreciate his Santa problems, and newcomers will no doubt end up fans. Which is just what happened with my young readers.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jack and I support him. What a fun easy reader with chapters. Jack did some bad things and he's now being punished for it. He makes the most of his punishment and, as in most stories where someone does a minor good thing after doing lots of bad things, he is offered the chance to choose to do the right thing again. I love that he doesn't. He's just Jack being Jack. I also love that he requests (in addition to cash, cash, and more cash) lipstick for Christmas. You keep being you, Jack.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, this one was actually decent for once. Only took 7 books...

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if being an early reader weren't hard enough! Now they'll have to put together... What does Santa have to do with a naughty rabbit, a cranky old woman, and a lovable dog?

My favorite line:

After naughty Jack unwraps his package from Santa: "Oh. Coal."

RATING THIS BOOK

To some, Christmas means worshiping the birth of Jesus.

To others, Christmas brings pressure to make a "perfect" Christmas, decorate a "perfect" tree, and give the "perfect" presents.

But to others, Christmas means fun and Santa, having fun, and plenty of laughter. In that spirit, I'm giving this book FIVE STARS for sure.

[Melki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though this is apparently number seven in a series, it's my first go-round with Jack, a semi-likeable, hat-wearing rabbit. It seems Jack has found himself on the naughty list (setting a trap for the jolly old elf probably didn't help), and is set to receive a lump of coal for Christmas.

Can doing a last minute good deed help Jack's case, or is it too late to change Santa's mind? This had a few chuckles, and the kiddos will undoubtedly enjoy it more than I did.

[Rich Farrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Jack series that I’ve read, and he’s mischievous in a fun way. It’s a throwback to some Bugs Bunny material, where Jack isn’t a role model, nor is there a big happy message. Its just silly for silly’s sake.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had all the right ingredients...silly and fun to read out loud, great illustrations, an antagonist you can totally relate to, and a great moral at the end. It made both my 7-year old and 8-year old laugh out loud when we read it and they've read it multiple times. A total homerun!

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilarious little beginning reader book about our dear friend Jack who has landed himself on the naughty list. Whoops. I loved the voice-y humor and the funny ending. I found myself re-telling the story to my husband after work, and the concept alone earned a good laugh from him.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny early reader in the Jack series by Mac Barnett and Greg Pizzoli. Jack is on Santa's naughty lists and kids will think it's funny reading how the book plays out. Could be a funny read aloud to an older preschool/pre-k group.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

How could anyone not rate this masterpiece 5 stars? It made my students laugh, I chuckled, and we had a great conversation about good vs bad and what might have happened if Jack didn't eat the last grilled cheese.

[Alicia Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

For: Christmas fans; readers looking for a book with action and suspense.

Possible red flags: traps/kidnapping; being angry or grumpy; rudeness.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am glad this shows that coal actual can be a useful gift.

[Annese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quality use of a lump of coal.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Christmas classic! Loved it! Love this author! He is amazing!

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun story about a boy who is bad a lot and Santa gives him coal (after not giving any presents). I did not see the ending coming though! Great for discussion.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack continues to be himself. This time there are consequences as Santa brings him coal. Young readers will love the humor and the simple text allows them to read this one for themselves.

[Bethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of Jack fun and mischief and redemption, kinda. Good addition to the series and to easy reader and holiday collections.

[Lupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love me some Jack!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure how I feel about this. I need to read it with a child audience to see how they respond. It is quirky, amusing, and had a fun, surprising ending.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny. Love these authors.

[Amanda Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Jack, you are so naughty. Crowd pleaser for those learning to read.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical! Kids will love it!

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book teaches that revenge is ok - no thank you.

[Jesse Baggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilariously naughty.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually laughed at this along with my kids. That ending really got me - and I don’t blame Jack at all for being vindictive 😂