Santa Clauses

Short Poems from the North Pole

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

You know that Santa can fly a sleigh, squeeze down chimneys, and circle the globe in a night. But did you know that another of his talents is writing haiku?

“December 1: White envelopes float / from my overfilled mailbox— / December’s first storm.”

“December 24: Which is packed tighter / the sack full of toys or the / red suit full of me?”

These twenty-five short poems—composed by Santa himself—give you a peek into life at the North Pole as the December days tick down to Christmas. See the hustle and bustle of the elves’ workshop, feel the serenity of moonlight on fresh snow, and find out how Santa and Mrs. Claus keep busy as Santa’s big night draws near.

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978-1-4677-1805-9
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978-1-4677-6506-0
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Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Holidays
Copyright 2014
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2014-09-01
Text Type Poetry
BISACS JUV070000, JUV017010, JUV030120
Dewey 811'.6
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Guided Reading Level L
ATOS Reading Level 4.0
Accelerated Reader® Quiz 166991
Accelerated Reader® Points 0.5
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Awards, Original artwork, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Author: Bob Raczka

Author of the art appreciation series, Bob Raczka's Art Adventures, Bob Raczka studied both art and advertising in college. He has worked as an advertising writer for 30+ years, and has published more than 30 children's books. His work has received multiple awards including the Claudia Lewis Award for his first poetry book, Guyku: A Year of Haiku for Boys, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor for Niko Draws a Feeling. Bob and his wife Amy have three grown children, Robert, Carl and Emma, plus two dogs, Penny and Pippa. He is based in Illinois.

Illustrator: Chuck Groenink

Chuck Groenink is an illustrator from the Netherlands. He grew up in a small town, climbing trees, exploring forests and drawing a lot. All things he still enjoys doing, only these days he lives in Syracuse, NY, with his wife and two scraggly cats.

Awards

  • Cybils Finalist, Nominated, 2015
  • NCTE Notable Poetry List, Winner, 2015

Reviews

The Horn Book Magazine

“A warm seasonal collection notable for its clever, gently comical visual details.” —The Horn Book Magazine

Booklist

“A heartwarming and cozy offering that encourages appreciating small moments of delight.” —Booklist Online

School Library Journal

“Quiet haikus written by Santa Claus are gift-wrapped in lovely folk-inspired, jewel-toned spreads…. A lovely and enticing addition.” —School Library Journal

Publishers Weekly

“The poems capture the sounds and sights of the season, indoors and out, while conveying the personality of the gentle, perceptive poet and his loving bond with Mrs. Claus….This is Christmas from the heart—with scarcely a toy in sight.” —starred, Publishers Weekly

Kirkus Reviews

“An oversize format gives plenty of room for intriguing illustrations with a muted palette and an Old World flavor…. Anyone interested in haiku or poetry for children will find this collection a rare treat.” —starred, Kirkus Reviews