SANTA'S HAT
by Linda Bleck & illustrated by Linda Bleck
Santa can’t find his hat on Christmas Eve, so he tries on lots of other types of headwear until Mrs. Claus and the elves solve his problem.
The setting is a traditional North Pole scene, with jolly elves, a sweet and helpful Mrs. Claus and the addition of two dogs: terriers named Bell and Bow. The dogs interact with Santa as he digs through a chest full of hats trying to find one to fit, until Mrs. Claus gives Santa a red-and-green knitted hat she has just finished. But the elves have some Christmas magic just for Santa, and they present him with a wrapped Christmas present containing either his original hat or an exact replica. Double-page spreads are filled with bright details of Santa’s cozy North Pole abode, and the two cute dogs add to the cozy ambiance of the Claus home. The story isn’t particularly funny or surprising, but it is simple enough for younger children just beginning to listen to stories with a plot. The mildly amusing scenes of Santa trying on all sorts of hats could be incorporated into a Santa-themed storytime, with the addition of some appropriate hats as humorous props.
Not particularly hilarious or inventive, but a simple and satisfying enough story for the season.
(Picture book. 3-6)