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Santa Paws #3
Santa Paws, Come Home
Stolen!
The door slammed shut.
Before Santa Paws knew what was happening, he was being driven far away from his home in a stranger's car. He didn't know where he was being taken--all he knew was that he had to escape. But when he breaks free he finds himself all alone in New York City, a very big and very unfamiliar place.
Will Santa Paws find his way back home to the Callahans in time for Christmas?
The door slammed shut.
Before Santa Paws knew what was happening, he was being driven far away from his home in a stranger's car. He didn't know where he was being taken--all he knew was that he had to escape. But when he breaks free he finds himself all alone in New York City, a very big and very unfamiliar place.
Will Santa Paws find his way back home to the Callahans in time for Christmas?
199 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2000
About the author
Nicholas Edwards
52 books66 followersNicholas Edwards is a pseudonym for Ellen Emerson White.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 13, 2011
It appears Goodreads has corrected the numbering on these since my first review, thank goodness!
As for my thoughts, I'd have to say that while I mostly still agree with my initial review, there was one thing that bothered me more this time -- the criminals who kidnap Santa Paws are loathsome to an unnecessary degree. Really, it's enough that they stole someone's dog (though let this be a lesson to people who leave their dogs in the car while they're in the store!); we don't also need them to be overweight, mean slobs who never stop eating and drive horribly. At least the driving horribly leads somewhere, but it also makes little sense, since they wouldn't want to attract attention. Still, it doesn't hurt the story; it just feels excessive after a while -- we get it, they're bad men.
Other than that, it's still an adorable bit of fluff to read.
First review
Though it's labeled #4, the events in this one actually take place before #3, so I decided to switch it up for continuity's sake. That's really the only problem. The rest of the book is a delight, as always, giving Santa Paws the freedom from #2's isolated setting so he can go back to his little rescue adventures - and this time with a lovable, feisty kitty friend!
As for my thoughts, I'd have to say that while I mostly still agree with my initial review, there was one thing that bothered me more this time -- the criminals who kidnap Santa Paws are loathsome to an unnecessary degree. Really, it's enough that they stole someone's dog (though let this be a lesson to people who leave their dogs in the car while they're in the store!); we don't also need them to be overweight, mean slobs who never stop eating and drive horribly. At least the driving horribly leads somewhere, but it also makes little sense, since they wouldn't want to attract attention. Still, it doesn't hurt the story; it just feels excessive after a while -- we get it, they're bad men.
Other than that, it's still an adorable bit of fluff to read.
First review
Though it's labeled #4, the events in this one actually take place before #3, so I decided to switch it up for continuity's sake. That's really the only problem. The rest of the book is a delight, as always, giving Santa Paws the freedom from #2's isolated setting so he can go back to his little rescue adventures - and this time with a lovable, feisty kitty friend!
February 5, 2026
I liked the book Santa Paws Come Home because it was about a dog and Christmas. Santa Paws gets lost, and it made me feel a little sad, but he keeps trying to get home. He meets nice people and animals who help him.
My favorite part was when Santa Paws did not give up. The story was fun and made me happy.
I would recommend this book to kids who like dogs and Christmas stories.
My favorite part was when Santa Paws did not give up. The story was fun and made me happy.
I would recommend this book to kids who like dogs and Christmas stories.
February 2, 2012
Ellen Emerson White, writing as Nicholas Edwards, knows just how to appeal to young adult pet lovers, whether they are 8 or 18. Alas, with this book, she fell short of her previously high standards.
Her Santa Paws series are a collection of delightful novels in which Patricia and Gregory Callahan are teenagers who have a heroic dog with a knack for saving everyone in the slightest bit of difficulty.
In Santa Paws, Come Home, the third book in the series, Santa Paws is kidnapped by a pair of odious dognappers who are going to sell him to eccentric millionaire. He’s been working in the mall as one of Santa’s helpers when they manage to nab him after a rescue. It’s the sad price of fame for this beloved dog.
He does eventually get away from them as they get stuck in New York City rush hour traffic. This begins his long trek back to his family in Ocean Port, Connecticut, a family that is frantically searching for him.
Santa Paws, Come Home is the weakest in the series so far and the least compelling out of all of them. Whereas the first two books are intense in the danger that the family and the dog faces, this one is almost trite. The villains are stereotypically oafish and eat too much. We are meant to be as disgusted with their slovenly habits as we are admiring of the Callahan’s athleticism and community service.
But as stereotypical and shallow as the sketching of villains are, that isn’t the books’ worst sin. The biggest flaw in the book is that we must stretch our disbelief too far when it comes to Santa Paws. In the previous novels, she’s led us to accept that Santa Paws has unerring instincts—an almost mystical or miraculous ability to help those in need and to perform the most amazing of rescues. This is all well and good. It’s a conceit that we’re willing to accept because of the great joy within the novels.
In this novel, however, we’re supposed to believe that Santa Paws has selective powers. For some reason, he has not the slightest instincts toward those who could help him. He runs from families who are taking him home in a too-obvious way of prolonging to the story to either create suspense or an expected page count. While there is an attempt made at justifying this unusual fear in an otherwise incredibly brave dog, it simply doesn’t work. The reader feels cheated.
This book does set up future stranger wariness on the part of Santa Paws—a wariness that becomes somewhat more acceptable, but it still rings wrong with everything else we are asked to believe about the dog.
On the plus side, Santa Paws does pick up a new companion, a kitten who will figure prominently in his future adventures. It also allows White to stretch her creative muscles as she takes us inside the mind of a kitten—a very different outlook on life than that which we get from Santa Paws.
It is this intimate view that White does best. The animals never speak English to the humans, nor are they able to understand human language in its entirety, but they respond to individual words in ways that every pet owner can identify with.
The Santa Paws series is a good one and every series must have its weak offering. The fact that Santa Paws, Come Home is the weakest entry of the lot in no way detracts from the delightfulness of the rest of the series.
Her Santa Paws series are a collection of delightful novels in which Patricia and Gregory Callahan are teenagers who have a heroic dog with a knack for saving everyone in the slightest bit of difficulty.
In Santa Paws, Come Home, the third book in the series, Santa Paws is kidnapped by a pair of odious dognappers who are going to sell him to eccentric millionaire. He’s been working in the mall as one of Santa’s helpers when they manage to nab him after a rescue. It’s the sad price of fame for this beloved dog.
He does eventually get away from them as they get stuck in New York City rush hour traffic. This begins his long trek back to his family in Ocean Port, Connecticut, a family that is frantically searching for him.
Santa Paws, Come Home is the weakest in the series so far and the least compelling out of all of them. Whereas the first two books are intense in the danger that the family and the dog faces, this one is almost trite. The villains are stereotypically oafish and eat too much. We are meant to be as disgusted with their slovenly habits as we are admiring of the Callahan’s athleticism and community service.
But as stereotypical and shallow as the sketching of villains are, that isn’t the books’ worst sin. The biggest flaw in the book is that we must stretch our disbelief too far when it comes to Santa Paws. In the previous novels, she’s led us to accept that Santa Paws has unerring instincts—an almost mystical or miraculous ability to help those in need and to perform the most amazing of rescues. This is all well and good. It’s a conceit that we’re willing to accept because of the great joy within the novels.
In this novel, however, we’re supposed to believe that Santa Paws has selective powers. For some reason, he has not the slightest instincts toward those who could help him. He runs from families who are taking him home in a too-obvious way of prolonging to the story to either create suspense or an expected page count. While there is an attempt made at justifying this unusual fear in an otherwise incredibly brave dog, it simply doesn’t work. The reader feels cheated.
This book does set up future stranger wariness on the part of Santa Paws—a wariness that becomes somewhat more acceptable, but it still rings wrong with everything else we are asked to believe about the dog.
On the plus side, Santa Paws does pick up a new companion, a kitten who will figure prominently in his future adventures. It also allows White to stretch her creative muscles as she takes us inside the mind of a kitten—a very different outlook on life than that which we get from Santa Paws.
It is this intimate view that White does best. The animals never speak English to the humans, nor are they able to understand human language in its entirety, but they respond to individual words in ways that every pet owner can identify with.
The Santa Paws series is a good one and every series must have its weak offering. The fact that Santa Paws, Come Home is the weakest entry of the lot in no way detracts from the delightfulness of the rest of the series.
January 31, 2017
A Mary Sue by any other name. I found it sickening how absolutely everyone even remotely involved in the story can't shut up about how amazing Santa Paws is, how he graciously helps anyone in need and never once fails...ugh, I want to throw up just remembering it.
Sure, I get it, a lot of people love dogs, especially when that dog is exceptional in saving people from disaster, even though they're not police or search and rescue dogs. But mankind is a diverse species. There should be at least one person who thinks Santa Paws is overrated, or a crazy conspiracy theorist that thinks he is a fireman hero trapped in a dogs body, or someone that just outright hates dogs, but nope! Every single person on the continent is in unanimous agreement that this dog is great! Doesn't anyone think that's kind of...weird? Or...not true to human nature whatsoever? Humans have never completely agreed on one topic in our entire history. Try to name one thing that everyone seems to be in agreement on, and I guarantee you there is someone out there who disagrees with it.
Okay, enough with my personal rant. This book is horrendously repetitive. It follows a cycle of Santa Paws wandering around, disasters conveniently sprouting up wherever he goes, saving the people, and getting praised for being a fantastic hero for a page or two. Rinse and repeat. It was so boring, so awfully sweet, that I wrote off this whole series and this author altogether in one stroke. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this author personally, I am sure hes a good person, but as far as Santa Paws goes, I am not a fan of his work.
Sure, I get it, a lot of people love dogs, especially when that dog is exceptional in saving people from disaster, even though they're not police or search and rescue dogs. But mankind is a diverse species. There should be at least one person who thinks Santa Paws is overrated, or a crazy conspiracy theorist that thinks he is a fireman hero trapped in a dogs body, or someone that just outright hates dogs, but nope! Every single person on the continent is in unanimous agreement that this dog is great! Doesn't anyone think that's kind of...weird? Or...not true to human nature whatsoever? Humans have never completely agreed on one topic in our entire history. Try to name one thing that everyone seems to be in agreement on, and I guarantee you there is someone out there who disagrees with it.
Okay, enough with my personal rant. This book is horrendously repetitive. It follows a cycle of Santa Paws wandering around, disasters conveniently sprouting up wherever he goes, saving the people, and getting praised for being a fantastic hero for a page or two. Rinse and repeat. It was so boring, so awfully sweet, that I wrote off this whole series and this author altogether in one stroke. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against this author personally, I am sure hes a good person, but as far as Santa Paws goes, I am not a fan of his work.
August 19, 2019
Nicholas Edwards "Santa Paws, Come Home" is a fictional Christmas story of how a dog (Santa Paws) was stolen from his family for money. Santa Paws then comes home with the help of a few families that saw that this dog matched the description of the dog in the lost posters. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy Christmas stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2017
What a fun Christmas read. As a kid's book, it's simple prose and eventually predictable, but that's part of the fun. It took me back to reading books like this when I was younger. The childhood wish for a happy ending is fulfilled!
March 5, 2019
I love this series. It's like watching an old episode of Lassie. Santa Paws saves the day many times throughout the book. Written at about a 4th grade reading level, it's perfect for dog loving kids and parents.
February 10, 2021
Another book from my childhood that made me understand that books could be fun instead of just educational. I am grateful!
February 2, 2022
Santa Paws escapes from kidnappers with only one thought, find home. Along the way he helps those that in need.
December 19, 2022
BEST BOOK EVER LOVELY SANTA PAWS IS A KING DOGGO
December 22, 2022
I'm not crying! You're crying!
February 10, 2024
Reviewed for THC Reviews
Santa Paws, Come Home is the third book in Nicholas Edwards’s Santa Paws series. In this one, our intrepid dog hero’s fame only grows when he tracks down a missing child shortly before Christmas. This puts him on the radar of an unscrupulous person who wants the intelligent canine for themselves and pays a couple of petty thieves to dognap him. After waking up in his abductors’ van, Santa Paws is frightened and disoriented. All he knows is that he must escape their clutches and get back home to his family. The only problem is that once he does finally give them the slip, he finds himself in New York City, a strange and scary place far from home. He decides to search for nice people who might help him, only to discover that while the people back home seem to love him, many of the people in this city are either scared of him or don’t like him. Relying on his instincts, he figures out which way to go, and along the way, he does receive assistance from some good people, while providing his special brand of help for others who need him. He also picks up a little friend to keep him company on his long journey. But will they be able to find their way home in time for the Callahans’ Christmas celebration?
I adored the first two books in this series, and this third one was equally as good. It gives off The Incredible Journey vibes as Santa Paws is lost far from home and just trying to find the way back to his family. He manages to find a few kind people who are willing to help him on his journey, as well as a little animal companion. This canine hero also can’t help wanting to help anyone he finds who might be in need, so along the way, he provides assistance for many folks who are awed by his intelligence and grateful that he came along when he did. Of course, back at home, the Callahans are beside themselves with sadness and worry, frantically searching for Santa Paws and hoping against hope that either they’ll find their beloved pup or he’ll somehow return to them before Christmas. I’d say that the bulk of this book is written from Santa Paws’s perspective and I was once again impressed with how well the author manages to get inside a dog’s mind and come up with plausible thought trains for him. The dog is so smart and helpful, this series reminds me of the old Lassie films and TV show, which I loved growing up. I can’t imagine this story and the series as a whole not entertaining kids (or the young at heart) who enjoy animals stories. Overall, this was another fun and heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Santa Paws, Come Home is the third book in Nicholas Edwards’s Santa Paws series. In this one, our intrepid dog hero’s fame only grows when he tracks down a missing child shortly before Christmas. This puts him on the radar of an unscrupulous person who wants the intelligent canine for themselves and pays a couple of petty thieves to dognap him. After waking up in his abductors’ van, Santa Paws is frightened and disoriented. All he knows is that he must escape their clutches and get back home to his family. The only problem is that once he does finally give them the slip, he finds himself in New York City, a strange and scary place far from home. He decides to search for nice people who might help him, only to discover that while the people back home seem to love him, many of the people in this city are either scared of him or don’t like him. Relying on his instincts, he figures out which way to go, and along the way, he does receive assistance from some good people, while providing his special brand of help for others who need him. He also picks up a little friend to keep him company on his long journey. But will they be able to find their way home in time for the Callahans’ Christmas celebration?
I adored the first two books in this series, and this third one was equally as good. It gives off The Incredible Journey vibes as Santa Paws is lost far from home and just trying to find the way back to his family. He manages to find a few kind people who are willing to help him on his journey, as well as a little animal companion. This canine hero also can’t help wanting to help anyone he finds who might be in need, so along the way, he provides assistance for many folks who are awed by his intelligence and grateful that he came along when he did. Of course, back at home, the Callahans are beside themselves with sadness and worry, frantically searching for Santa Paws and hoping against hope that either they’ll find their beloved pup or he’ll somehow return to them before Christmas. I’d say that the bulk of this book is written from Santa Paws’s perspective and I was once again impressed with how well the author manages to get inside a dog’s mind and come up with plausible thought trains for him. The dog is so smart and helpful, this series reminds me of the old Lassie films and TV show, which I loved growing up. I can’t imagine this story and the series as a whole not entertaining kids (or the young at heart) who enjoy animals stories. Overall, this was another fun and heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 5, 2024
The third book of the Santa Paws series suffers a lot of the criticism the first book had, which is where it is mostly the same thing happening on repeat throughout the story. Someone or something is in danger, Santa Paws senses it, then Santa Paws saves them.
It’s less a critique of the realism (since it’s a kids book about a heroic dog, you shouldn’t be after realism) and more a critique of how repetitive it is.
The book sadly also falls into the trap of having the antagonists be ‘ugly fat’ stereotypes who constantly eat, can’t do anything right, live with their mother and aren’t very smart. Like, it CONSTANTLY in every single scene they were in talks about them eating. (Although props for a healthy depiction of a homeless person without blaming being homeless on them)
The book uses the term “maniac” to describe some horses that are panicking, but one must remind themselves this is a late 1990s book. Still a bit jarring all the same, and not language you want kids to learn is fine to use.
It’s less a critique of the realism (since it’s a kids book about a heroic dog, you shouldn’t be after realism) and more a critique of how repetitive it is.
The book sadly also falls into the trap of having the antagonists be ‘ugly fat’ stereotypes who constantly eat, can’t do anything right, live with their mother and aren’t very smart. Like, it CONSTANTLY in every single scene they were in talks about them eating. (Although props for a healthy depiction of a homeless person without blaming being homeless on them)
The book uses the term “maniac” to describe some horses that are panicking, but one must remind themselves this is a late 1990s book. Still a bit jarring all the same, and not language you want kids to learn is fine to use.
January 20, 2026
Read this one with my elementary students. The kids enjoyed the pace and the excitement, as a dog called Santa Paws gets kidnapped, then escapes, then attempts a fraught journey homeward.
The book reminded me of Lassie television episodes from a hundred years ago. Santa Paws is a big-hearted dog who cannot pass by a human in need of assistance.
A great book for the child you know who loves animals.
The book reminded me of Lassie television episodes from a hundred years ago. Santa Paws is a big-hearted dog who cannot pass by a human in need of assistance.
A great book for the child you know who loves animals.
January 13, 2024
This is a wonderful book, which tells a difficult adventure story in a way which is not too negative for sensitive people. It shows the value of helping others, even when you are in difficult straits. Recommended for all ages! It is appropriate even when it is not the holiday season.
July 27, 2023
Fhh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
What a wonderful book. I believe any one would love 😍 this story.
May 15, 2016
2018
In this Santa Paws adventure story, Santa Paws gets dognapped by some evil crooks out to make a buck. They were hired by an outside party who wanted to add Santa Paws to his "collection," but thankfully Santa Paws is a slight bit smarter than your average criminal and manages to escape.
On his way home, he manages to rescue anything and everything he can find. He helps a homeless man see a sign to get back on his feet. He "rescues" a golf ball from the cup. He alerts people when there is a car crash nearby, helping to rescue the unconscious driver inside. He brought a little neighborhood their newspapers. And he rescues some really stupid kids playing chicken with a train. And, finally, he saves a little kitten, which he brings home and they live with the Callahan's happily ever after.
2015
In this Santa Paws adventure story, Santa Paws gets dognapped by some evil crooks out to make a buck. They were hired by an outside party who wanted to add Santa Paws to his "collection," but thankfully Santa Paws is a slight bit smarter than your average criminal and manages to escape.
On his way home, he manages to rescue anything and everything he can find. He helps a homeless man see a sign to get back on his feet. He "rescues" a golf ball from the cup. He alerts people when there is a car crash nearby, helping to rescue the unconscious driver inside. He brought a little neighborhood their newspapers. And he rescues some really stupid kids playing chicken with a train. And, finally, he saves a little kitten, which he brings home and they live with the Callahan's happily ever after.
2015
April 20, 2009
Santa paws has a great life. But one night, when he was in the car while the Callahans are at the mall, 2 adults kidnaps Santa paws, and they planned to sell it to a man for $50,000. Santa paws gets droven to places far far away from Oceanport. And he is a stray at New York city, departed from his family. Santa paws tries to find his way home, while the Oceanport police department are trying to locate Santa paws. Will Santa paws reunite with Greg? Or end up seperated from his family? You should read this book to find out.
October 24, 2015
I'm a little old for the Santa Paws books but they bring a smile to my face. This year I read the 3rd book in the series, "Santa Paws, Come Home". A lovely story about how the furry hero of Oceanport is "petnapped" by thieves. Being a German Sheppard/collie mix, Santa Paws is very smart. He's one of those dogs with a good sense of direction and a strong calling for home.
Both boys & girls will enjoy this heartwarming Christmas story, and it would even be good for a bedtime read-aloud.
Both boys & girls will enjoy this heartwarming Christmas story, and it would even be good for a bedtime read-aloud.
November 24, 2012
Note to all. This is NOT the forth book in the series. It is the third book. Read this one first. I started reading "Santa Paws to the Rescue" thinking it was the third book. It started mentioning this book and I quickly changed to this book.
This is a great book. I enjoy reading these books every Christmas season. I hope you all like them too.
This is a great book. I enjoy reading these books every Christmas season. I hope you all like them too.
January 26, 2010
I absolutely loved this book! It was amazing. It was cute funny, and definately caught my attention. I think it caught my attention the most though is b/c I love dogs, and this whole book is based on a dog story.
It's nice to read, but only if your a dog lover.
It's nice to read, but only if your a dog lover.
April 5, 2010
I absolutely loved this book. It was cute, sad, suspenseful in some parts. I just plainly loved it. It was definitely one of the other best books I've ever read! And any dog lovers out there, I would seriously recommend reading it.
December 4, 2014
Not a bad Santa paws book. Not the best but not the worst. Alright. I felt though that it did drag on a bit most during his travels. And I felt like the kitten was introduced kind of late. But I do enjoy this book.
Read
February 2, 2009I'm still reading this silly little book, because I have no other good books at home and no time or car to go to the library! It would be fun for a fourth grader!
August 11, 2009
Cute and Happy :)
May 19, 2010
This is also a really good book, and would recommend anybody who is also a dog lover!
August 27, 2010
this book is a good children book and it has a good meaning
November 18, 2010
So CUTE!
July 27, 2011
Wonderful children's novel
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews