Santa Calls
Dazzling art, high adventure in wild ride to North Pole.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that William Joyce's Santa Calls is a lushly illustrated, elaborate fantasy set in 1908. Orphaned cowboy kid Art, his little sister, Esther, and his best friend, Spaulding Littlefeets, a Comanche, travel in from their prairie home in Abilene, Texas, to the North Pole in a flying machine dubbed the Yuletide Flyer, sent by Santa himself. Once in Toyland, they have a grand adventure battling an army of Dark Elves and their evil queen. There's a snowball fight, the Dark Elves capture Esther, and there's a big battle to rescue her, but the weapons the kids use are a candy bomb and licorice sticks.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
It's 1908 and a package arrives at the Abilene, Texas, home of Art Atchison Aimesworth, an orphan who lives with his aunt, uncle, and little sister, Esther. The kids and Art's best friend, Spaulding Littlefeets, a Commanche, find instructions: "Open the box. Assemble the contents. Come NORTH. Yours, S.C." They figure out it's from Santa Claus, and Esther says, "Gee whiz. SANTA CALLS." Inside the box is a flying machine, but the basket they were to ride in is damaged, so they attach Spaulding's canoe. On Christmas Eve, they take off for the North Pole, where they meet Santa and battle Dark Elves and their evil queen.
Is It Any Good?
This wildly imaginative picture book has exciting adventure, glorious world-building, clever language, and a sweet sibling story with conflict, redemption, and resolution. Santa Calls takes readers on a mysterious journey to see Santa and his magical world and fight a noble fight, although they won't learn why Santa summoned them till they get back home.
The text is rich, colorful, and long, making it great for read-aloud. There's lots to look at in the detailed illustrations, so kids may want to linger on spreads before turning the page. The story is both sweepingly grand and intensely personal, as it follows a boy who learns not to underestimate his little sister.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Toyland at the North Pole looks like in Santa Calls. How is it different from the way it's been pictured in other books and movies? How have you imagined the place where kids' toys are made for Santa Claus to deliver?
What do you think of Art and Esther's relationship? What makes him change his mind about how valuable she is?
Have you ever imagined a flying machine to take you on wild adventures? Draw a picture of one you'd like to fly.
Book Details
- Author: William Joyce
- Illustrator: William Joyce
- Genre: Holiday
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
- Publication date: September 28, 1993
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 40
- Available on: Paperback, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: October 27, 2017
Our Editors Recommend
-
Jack Frost: The Guardians of Childhood
Jack Frost origin story is reassuring but confusing.
-
Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King: The Guardians, Book 1
Early days of Santa Claus are busy but not wholly engaging.
-
Letters from Father Christmas
Tolkien's magical North Pole tales delight all ages.
For kids who love holidays
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate