Santa in the City
By Diondra Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
The magic of Christmas is alive in this modern city story.
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What's the Story?
SANTA IN THE CITY follows the joyful Christmas countdown, turned question-filled journey of a young girl. Deja loves Christmas and counts down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until the holiday until one day her classmates make her doubt Santa Claus' existence. When Deja's mom learns that her daughter's belief in Santa Claus is wavering, she sets out to not only prove that he is real, but also that he visits the city where they live. The two embark on a journey through the city, where Deja begins to experience the magic of Christmas all around her. Despite worrying about a lack of parking spots for Santa's sleigh, no chimney in her apartment building, and less festive lighting than other parts of the city, Deja realizes that her city is just as worthy of a visit from Santa Claus. She soon learns that sometimes seeing isn't believing. Believing is believing when she gets a special surprise on Christmas morning.
Is It Any Good?
Author Tiffany D. Jackson and illustrator by Reggie Brown have created a fun Christmas story centered on the lived experience of those in the inner-city. Santa in the City is filled with holiday cheer and love. Deja serves as a wonderful role model, as she displays an inquisitive nature and determination. Readers will be in awe of the bright illustrations that were all created digitally, using Photoshop. This fun read for the family shows the importance of Christmas spirit, and that Santa cares about everyone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Santa in the City, Deja questions how Santa and his reindeer are able to deliver gifts to children all around the world. Do you believe Santa comes to visit you on Christmas Eve? Why or why not?
Deja's family has a Christmas Eve feast where they play games, dance, and talk to each other. Does your family have any Christmas Eve traditions? What is a tradition you'd like to start with your family?
Deja counts down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds until Christmas because it's her favorite holiday. What's your favorite holiday? Why?
Book Details
- Author: Tiffany D. Jackson
- Illustrator: Reggie Brown
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Dial Books
- Publication date: November 2, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 4 - 8
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: November 8, 2021
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