A World of Cookies for Santa

Vibrant, glowing illustrations show children of different ethnic groups along with cultural traditions and decorations. The Christmas-cookie traditions of 32 countries (or sometimes a city or a state) are each described in a short paragraph, including the type of cookie, local name for Santa, and fun, related Christmas customs that will interest children . . . A delightful introduction to a popular Christmas treat and traditions around the world.

Copyright 2017 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission

Furman's first children's book takes readers on an appetizing world tour of Christmas traditions, highlighting the treats children leave for Santa and his regional counterparts--jam-filled nastar cookies for Sinterklaas in Indonesia, almond cookies and wine for coal miner Olentzero in the Basque Country, etc. Beginning on Christmas Island in the Pacific, Furman zigzags across the globe, stopping in 32 locales on her way to Hawaii. Though the descriptions of some countries' rituals are cursory, many offer intriguing details ("In Denmark, Julemande puts presents under the tree while the family eats Christmas dinner"). Gal's digital collages offer kaleidoscopic tableaus for the countries, mixing images of celebrating children, the featured confections, regional Santa figures, decorations, and more. Recipes for nine of the desserts wrap up this cheery book. Ages 4-7. Illustrator's agency: Morgan Gaynin. (Oct.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--All around the world, children wait for Santa Claus, Papai Noel, Father Christmas, or Grandfather Frost and leave sweet treats for him to enjoy. In Malawi, children thank Father Christmas with mbatata (sweet potato cookies). In France, children leave carrots, oats, or apples inside shoes for Gui, Pere Noel's donkey, and a slice of yule log with a glass of wine. And in the United States, children hang their stockings and leave a glass of milk and a cookie for Santa Claus. Each page depicts a Christmas scene and the holiday desserts in charming, brightly colored illustrations by Gal. Each page will leave readers hungry for cookies and curious to try new confections. An author's note and nine recipes are appended. VERDICT A mouthwatering choice for classrooms and libraries.--Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Each page will leave readers hungry for cookies and curious to try new confections. An author's note and nine recipes are appended. A mouthwatering choice for classrooms and libraries." -School Library Journal

"Furman's first children's book takes readers on an appetizing world tour of Christmas traditions, highlighting the treats children leave for Santa and his regional counterparts..." —Publishers Weekly

"Charmingly illustrated throughout by Susan Gal, 'A World of Cookies for Santa' is a truly multicultural celebration that families will return to year after year."—Midwest Book Review