Santa Knows [Hardcover]

Cynthia Leitich Smith (Author), Greg Leitich Smith (Author), Steve Bjorkman (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

Alfie F. Snorklepuss doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, and he’s being a real pest about it. Cranky Alfie is everywhere—on TV, in the newspapers, over the radio—telling boys and girls what he thinks is the truth. Then, one Christmas Eve, the man in red himself packs up Alfie and brings him to the North Pole for an attitude adjustment, Santa-style.

Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith, along with illustrator Steve Björkman, have created a memorable Christmas story for believers and nonbelievers alike in this funny picture book about the importance of being nice, not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3–After extensive research, Scrooge-like Alfie F. Snorklepuss tries to prove to his sister and the world that There's no such thing as Santa Claus. However, on Christmas Eve, Santa whisks the boy off to his North Pole workshop where all is revealed, and Alfie returns home on Christmas Day a believer as well as a nicer brother. Children will relate to Noelle's feelings when her brother tries to discourage her belief in Santa, and cheer when he is proven wrong. However, Alfie's saying that he will be a nicer big brother at the end of the story seems overstated and a bit preachy, and there are also some confusing moments when scenes are not adequately described. Whimsical and expressive brush-and-ink color cartoon illustrations capture great emotion in the characters' faces and body language. Björkman's inclusion of details such as a laptop computer brings this story into the modern age, yet retains the old-fashioned sentiment. An additional read-aloud for storytime, sharing at bedtime, or independent reading.–Maureen Wade, Los Angeles Public Library
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Review

Kids will be drawn to Bjorkman's loose watercolor-and-ink illustrations...Alfie F. Snorklepuss is a newly minted winner -- Kirkus Reviews

This sweet story would make a nice addition to Christmas stories for young readers. -- Wee Ones Magazine

Your children will love this story. -- MyShelf.com

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (September 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525477578
• ISBN-13: 978-0525477570
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,762,025 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Everything you want in a children's book about Santa!, October 12, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Santa Knows (Hardcover)

Alfie F Snorklepuss thinks believing in Santa Claus is silly and sets out to prove it. He reads up on reindeer and flying, and flying reindeer. He studies maps and distances. He checks to see if any jet companies make sleighs. He decides to factor in the speed of light and changing time zones. There is no way this big elf is real, he tells the media outlets.

His sister, Noelle, is a true believer and she requests a nicer big brother for Christmas from the big guy. Nothing for Santa to do but grant her wish, even if it means shaking Alfie up a bit.

The illustrations in this book will draw you in. Santa and crew are in the traditional attire, but with an original twist. Alfie's pajamas bear all the "bah humbug" a little boy can carry.

Armchair Interviews ways: Little ones will love this one. The book is delightful, adorable, entertaining...everything you could want in a children's book about Santa.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Santa Knows Review, January 4, 2007

By 

Melissa K. Tacker (Marina, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Santa Knows (Hardcover)

I felt that the children that read this story really enjoyed it.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Better Watch Out!, October 5, 2006

By 

Kim Peek - See all my reviews

This review is from: Santa Knows (Hardcover)

Alfie F. Snorkelpuss doesn't believe in Santa, and he sets out to prove that Santa doesn't exist. He researches, weighs the evidence, and wages a campaign. No one listens, especially his little sister, Noelle.

On Chistmas Eve, Noelle writes a letter to Santa Claus. She wants a nicer big brother.

When Santa pops down the chimney, Alfie is face-to-face with the jolly old soul himself. Santa wastes no time explaining "elf science and technology" to Alfie, and then stuffs Alfie into his bag so Alfie can see for himself.

Santa makes a believer out of Alfie and Noelle has a very Merry Christmas.

This delightful book written by Cynthia and Greg Leitich Smith and illustrated by Steve Bjorkman is a must-have for your Christmas collection! SANTA KNOWS is an imaginative tale that explains once and for all how Santa gets so much accomplished in just one night.