Little Santa's Workshop (A Lala Watkins Book)

Baby-Toddler--Brimming with Christmas cheer and incorporating many Yuletide traditions in an economical 10 pages, this title is one of very few Christmas board books depicting Santa and Mrs. Claus as Black. Watkins uses brief, rhyming verse to take young readers on a whimsical journey through the marvels of Christmas in the North Pole, replete with toy-building, letter-opening, and baking lots of sugary treats. Rendered digitally in her joyful illustrative style, Watkins uses a bold palette and simple forms to make her characters and their surroundings practically leap off the page with jubilation. In addition to the eye-catching illustrations, the strides made in increasing representation in what has been a white-dominated genre for too long cannot be overlooked. VERDICT Wrapped up in the perfect package, this title is a necessary addition to any library's holiday collection.--Sarah Simpson

“Busy elves and lots of noise/ Helping hands all building toys!” This stocking stuffer–size board book focused on North Pole preparations follows Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the elves, all portrayed with brown skin, as they prepare for the Christmas rush. Loose art shows the dot-eyed figures checking the naughty and nice lists (“Letters from so many friends”), baking decorated cakes and cookies (“Sugar and oh so sweet!”), feeding candy canes to reindeer, drinking cocoa with a snowman, and dancing by a decked-out tree. Light rhymes emphasize seasonal jollity (“Santa’s workshop is lots of fun./ Ho-ho-home to everyone!”), while lively, warm art from Watkins depicts glad yuletide emotions across the workshop residents. Ages up to 3. 

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