SantaKid »

Not making any bones about his bid for success, James Patterson once declared he wanted to be known as the king of the page-turners. While that may seem like a pretty grand ambition, Patterson is as worthy of that title as any author working today.

When Warrie Ransom, the Big Boss of the Exmas Express Company, decides to buy Christmas and rename it Exmas, Santa Claus, Momma Claus, and their daugher Chrissie can't believe their eyes. Everything at the North Pole seems to change overnight—the elves stop making kids' favorite toys, the Christmas doves won't fly or sing, and no one seems to laugh anymore. It looks like Christmas is going to be ruined. But then Chrissie remembers something she had learned from her dad: you must believe in something bigger than yourself. With a little help from her dad's helpers, Chrissie—as santaKid—delivers presents to children on Christmas eve, sending Warrie Ransom back to where he came from! After all, when you believe in something, magic can happen.

Publishers Weekly

The bestselling adult novelist wraps up his first picture book with a big green bow on the shiny red jacket. But the contents may leave readers wanting. "Hiya! My name is Chrissie/ and I live at the North Pole./ Pretty cool, huh?" sets the oleaginous tone for this far-reaching fantasy. Why does Chrissie frequent Santa's Toy Workshop and play with the elves and reindeer? Because she's "Santa's little girl." She debunks some beliefs about her dad (he's heart-healthy and thin, for instance; he only sprouts a beard and dresses up for his annual sleigh ride) and wards off a hostile takeover of Christmas by the Big Boss of the Exmass Express company (who manufactures toys like Princess PeePee and PooPoo). Garland's crisp digital images add zip to the action and warmth to the bond between Santa and his daughter, but can't compensate for the didactic moral. Ages 3-6. (Nov.) Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.