Kirkus Reviews QR Code
SUPER SANTA by Bruce Hale

SUPER SANTA

The Science of Christmas

by Bruce Hale ; illustrated by Guy Francis

Pub Date: Sept. 14th, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-298363-3
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Scientific and mathematical considerations go into Santa’s round-the-world-in-one-night deliveries.

How many presents have been made at the workshop? How many miles will the sleigh travel in one night? How heavy are the stacks and stacks of toys? What kind of equipment is needed for all that weight traveling at such a high speed to stop on a roof? And what kind of heat- and pressure-proof suit must Santa wear underneath his red one to withstand the journey? All of this and more has been taken care of. Even when the conveyor belt jams and Santa leaves a half-hour late, he has the smarts to make up for lost time by flying east to west across the international date line. He completes his successful mission, devouring his 400 million cookies along the way. Readers are encouraged to remember the supportive Mrs. Claus and the tech-savvy elves when they’re opening their presents. Bright, busy illustrations dash from scene to scene with a frantic energy. A broad-chested White Santa Claus and a cheerful White Mrs. Claus oversee a team of elves with diverse skin tones and hair textures. This book will likely be a hit with precocious youngsters who are already skeptical of the Santa Claus tale. Others may prefer not to let the realities of science question their magic just yet. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A fun thought-provoker for the scientifically inclined.

(Picture book. 5-9)