Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present [Hardcover]

John Burningham (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1993

Late on Christmas Eve, after returning home from his rounds, Santa Claus realizes that he has forgotten to deliver Harvey Slumfenburger's gift and sets out on the long journey to Harvey's hut. By the author of Aldo.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Ever have one of those days? One late Christmas Eve, after delivering presents all around the world, Santa is finally crawling into bed when he makes a horrible discovery. Harvey Slumfenburger's present is still in his sack! His reindeer are already tucked into bed, but Santa must find a way to get that present to Harvey, a little boy who lives in a hut at the top of the Roly Poly Mountain. Wearily, he trudges out into the cold winter night. Fortunately, a veritable fleet of vehicles becomes available to assist him in his mission. When a jeep skids in the snow, a boy with a motorbike appears. When the motorbike can go no farther, a girl with skis picks up our wayward elfin hero. And once the present is finally deposited safely in Harvey Slumfenburger's stocking, Santa still has to make the return trip!

John Burningham's unique and exquisite style has won him many fans and honors over the decades, including a New York Times Book Review Best Illustrated Book for this droll story. A two-time Kate Greenaway Medal recipient, this compelling storyteller combines gently repetitive text with fantastic, unusual illustrations, using pen and ink, watercolor wash, and collage to create stunning works of art on every page. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Ages 4-8. This could be subtitled "How Santa Had a Long and Difficult Journey Delivering One Present." Relieved to be home after a long Christmas Eve, Santa tucks his reindeer into bed, heads for his own pillow, and then discovers that he's forgotten to deliver the one present that poor little Harvey Slumfenburger is likely to get. Rather than disturb his slumbering deer, he sets out on foot. He meets a man with an airplane, a man with a jeep, a boy with a motorbike, among others, and to each he says, "Excuse me . . . my name is Santa Claus. I still have one present left in my sack, which is for Harvey Slumfenburger, the little boy who lives in a hut at the top of the Roly Poly Mountain, which is far, far away. And it will soon be Christmas Day." While kids may be ready to hear that plaintive refrain again and again and again, parents who've read it a half-dozen times will be ready for bed themselves. However, the book's last line, which speculates on the nature of the gift, is a treat, either for dreaming on or for starting one of those mind-boggling preschool story hour "discussions" when everyone talks at once. Featuring his signature ink drawings with watercolor washes and incorporating some wonderful painted backgrounds as well as collage and scratchboard effects, Burningham's large illustrations will keep children rapt. An entertaining Christmas present from a man who knows his audience. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Candlewick (October 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564022463
• ISBN-13: 978-1564022462
• Product Dimensions: 11.9 x 10.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,488,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Favorite, April 29, 2005

By 

Amy Senk "Read it, Loved it" (Orange County, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present (Hardcover)

This book reveals Santa as he's never been revealed, starting with an exhausted Mr. Claus who is home after a long Christmas Eve journey. He really just wants to nurse a sick reindeer and get some sleep. Except, to his chagrin, he notices a lump in his sack and realizes he forgot to deliver a package. And this package, unfortunately, will be missed. It's for Harvey Slumfenburger, and it represents the sole Christmas booty that the young boy will get. You just know how much Santa wants to go back out to deliver this gift, but he does so without complaint.

Of course, the reindeer are tired and sick, so Santa has to find creative and sundry ways to the top of Roly Poly Mountain, where Harvey lives. He gets the present to Harvey and finds his way back, although it's a long and tiring journey.

My children love this story. The idea that Santa would go to such lengths is really appealing, and they adore trying to guess what Harvey's gift is. (The author smartly leaves us wondering). The story is about love, and any parent who has tried to obtain a hard-to-find toy or move mountains to get from work to the school play would completely relate.

Don't be put off by the monotonous aspect of Santa's trip, or the unfortunate tongue-tying name of the young boy. This book will be a Christmas favorite, one that brings parent and child together in understanding sacrifice and love and generosity of spirit, truly the things that make Santa and the season magical.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better to give than receive, December 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present (Paperback)

This is a heartwarming story about Santa's determination to ensure that every child has a wonderful Christmas morning. Santa's journey to Harvey's house on the top of Roly Poly Mountain teaches children and reminds adults that it is better to give than receive. The ending will spark conversations between all ages! Read this story every year to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Christmas Story, February 6, 2007

By 

S. Stovall "susie sunshine" (NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present (Paperback)

This book is so touching and adorable. One of those books that not many people are familiar with b/c it's older. I highly reccommend it. I believe it's out of print and so Amazon is a great place to find it! A must have for Santa belivers!