WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN
by Victoria Perla & illustrated by Mirna Kantarevic
No, Santa has not turned green from jealousy. He’s just become a part of the environmental movement to combat global warming. In November, Santa discovers a leak in his roof caused by melting snow, which causes him to investigate climate conditions at the North Pole. After seeing the damage to the polar ice cap for himself, Santa decides to take action by asking children for their help. The kids in the story make small changes in their lives to help reduce global warming, and Santa makes changes too. He starts using wind and solar power for his toy factory and wearing green-colored suits (except on Christmas Eve) to draw attention to the green movement. An introductory author’s note explains the reasons for writing the story (to explain global warming in a non-frightening way) and details the environmentally friendly materials and processes used in the production of the volume. While this isn’t strictly a Christmas story, environmental issues are important at any time of year, and this effort presents an entertaining introduction to the subject for younger children. (Picture book. 5-8)