The Dog Who Saved Santa [Hardcover]

True Kelley (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

The hilarious Christmas story of a dog who rids a young Santa of his slacker ways. It's Christmastime, and young Santa is doing a lot of sitting around. Every now and then he'll eat some fruitcake or watch TV, but the elves and Santa's dog, Rodney, do all the work. When Christmas Eve arrives and Santa falls asleep in the sleigh, Rodney takes charge. Soon, the determined dog has the North Pole buzzing with efficiency, and he even gives Santa lessons about what to eat to lookjolly and how to drive a sleigh. But will Rodney ever get Santa Claus to start doing his job?

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2–This funny book looks back at how the young Santa was a major slacker who delivered toys in a haphazard fashion and left messes behind before falling asleep on the job. After complaint letters come pouring in, Santa's trusty dog takes matters into his own paws. Using a self-help video, he gets Santa to straighten up and fly right to become the icon he is today. The cartoon artwork, done in acrylic, watercolors, and colored pencils, captures the endearing pup's antics and will give readers the giggles. An amusing, if silly, addition to most holiday collections.–Diane Olivo-Posner, Long Beach Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

This tale, which would have been more accurately titled The Dog Who Saved Santa from Himself, highlights the efforts of a pooch to transform a certain young, red-suited slacker into the jolly and industrious old elf we know and love. In the wake of a disastrous Christmas Eve during which Santa spends most of his time snoozing in the sleigh, his frazzled dog, Rodney, sends off for a set of self-help videos. He then not only proceeds to reorganize the chaotic workshop but also puts his master through a relentless series of drills and motivational talks. By the following Christmas, Santa, portrayed in Kelley’s cartoon illustrations as a slouching, beardless child at the beginning, has acquired a reformed attitude—along with the requisite belly and facial hair. Everyone who benefits from Santa’s annual visits owes Rodney—the most engaging Christmas canine since the star of J. Otto Seibold’s Olive, the Other Reindeer (1997)—a vote of thanks. Grades 1-3. --John Peters

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (September 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823421201
• ISBN-13: 978-0823421206
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,189,042 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

True Kelley has illustrated many children's books, including Hazel Nutt, Mad Scientist, winner of the Golden Duck Award for the best children's science-fiction illustrated book of the year, written by David Elliott. School Lunch is her first solo venture for Holiday House. She lives in New Hampshire.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1.0 out of 5 stars Terrible book, November 29, 2009

By 

karen "karen" (phoenix) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dog Who Saved Santa (Hardcover)

I borrowed this book from the library (thankfully) and read it to my kids. I thought it was awful - a terrible story - inspiring nothing good. Don't waste your money.

5.0 out of 5 stars Who knew Santa was a slacker as a child?, April 4, 2009

By 

Nik "Geek and all around good guy" (N. Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dog Who Saved Santa (Hardcover)

This book introduces us to Santa as a child. A spoiled, lazy, indifferent child. And to his clever dog, who teaches himself business, graphic design, and teaching in order to save X-mas. Rodney further serves as a coach and role model for this slacker of a Santa, who grows into the admirable old elf we know today.

Amidst saccharine and tired X-mas fare, this book stands out for its humor, good nature, and ultimately, the lesson it has to teach about teamwork, responsibility and doggedness. (I couldn't resist!) But it is never preachy, never boring, and delightfully funny and clever.

My daughter loves this book, and I think it's because she identifies with the child version of Santa, and appreciates the great effort that X-mas takes to produce.

5.0 out of 5 stars A new holiday classic that even a Grinch or a Scrooge could appreciate, November 3, 2008

By 

Giada L'Inverno "Never too old for children's... (Lahaina, HI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Dog Who Saved Santa (Hardcover)

After hundreds of tired and cliché Christmas stories about children dourly overcoming adversity or receiving "the perfect gift," this hilarious yet still heartfelt book provides a fresh take on the holiday. While Christmas today struggles to maintain its traditions and heritage in a changing world overcome by commercialism, this is the sort of lighthearted book that lets you step back and appreciate the real joy and warmth of the holiday spirit.

Kelley, known for creating lovable pup characters, does not disappoint with Rodney, a capable dog with the bigger picture in mind. The lively illustrations are filled with amusing details on nearly every page (another Kelley trademark) as this original tale of Santa unfolds.

Both children and adults will enjoy the amusing story and engaging art. This book is a Christmas must for anyone with a jolly sense of humor and a love for the holiday season.