by Dev Petty (Author)
A hilarious and heartwarming Christmas story about a moose who wants to be one of Santa's reindeer. This charming picture book comes from the comic minds of the the duo that brought you I Don't Want to Be a Frog and Don't Eat Bees.
Dear Mr. Claus,
I am writing to apply for the temporary Christmas reindeer position . . .
When Santa places a job listing in the North Pole newspaper for a replacement reindeer, Elmore the moose eagerly applies. Sure, he can't actually, you know . . . fly, but how hard could it be
In scene after scene of hilariously dedicated trying . . . and failing, Elmore perseveres in his dream to become a part of Santa's trusted team. Young readers will love Elmore's wry, funny letters to Santa as he continues on his quest. And they will shed a happy tear when the perfect opportunity arises for Elmore to shine simply by being himself.
Families at Christmas (and many Christmases to come) will love sharing this heartfelt, hilarious tale about a can-do moose who embodies the true spirit of the holiday.
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Santa's management skills are put to the test in this chuckle-inducing tale he recounts for the elves about his one-time search for a temporary Christmas Eve reindeer replacement. As the story goes, enthusiastic Elmore Moose answers Santa's classified ad via snail mail and lands an interview at the North Pole. The ensuing series of hand-lettered communiques and face-to-face meetings--during which Santa discovers that Elmore is neither a reindeer nor experienced in the art of flight--offer readers a jolly diversion. Like any great boss, Santa offers Elmore a sweet gig for which he's perfectly suited. Petty gives Elmore lots of giggle-worthy lines and an always sunny perspective, and Boldt's zippy digital artwork showcases bright-eyed characters and funny extras for readers to examine. It's a warm, comical take on the holiday temp-work trope. Santa is portrayed with light-brown skin; the elves are depicted with various skin tones. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
PreS-Gr 2--Santa Claus is hiring for lead reindeer. When Elmore the moose reads the ad in the newspaper, he decides to apply. His enthusiasm gets him an interview, but when he fails to fly, Santa sends him back home. Through a series of handwritten letters delivered back and forth between the two, Santa agrees to give Elmore multiple chances to prove himself. The letters give readers an inside peek to the emotions each character is feeling. With Santa's belief in him, Elmore keeps trying to improve himself; he even tries to fly. Mixed throughout the spreads are snowman, Mrs. Claus, various elves and reindeer, and a surprise animal named Abner that will make children chuckle when they see the kind of animal Santa has made a spot for at the North Pole. This book will have readers wondering what job Santa will eventually have for Elmore. When they finally see what sweet duties it entails, they will cheer for Elmore and clamor for the next book, as the author provides hints of a follow-up with a new ad involving elves. Christmas colors of green, red, and gold dominate the playful artwork. VERDICT Recommended. Children will love all the tenderness these kindhearted characters will add to the holidays.--Tanya Boudreau
Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
A delightful Christmas tale that has it all—holiday cheer, joy, and a most persistent moose.
Boldt's cartoon-style illustrations playfully embrace the absurdity of Petty's story.