Description
“Oh! Look!” cried Julian’s mother. “There’s another present under the Christmas tree!”
Julian’s parents talk about Santa all the time but Julian thinks he’s getting too old to believe in him. Even so, he writes Santa a letter asking for a video game system. His parents think it might be a bit expensive, but Julian is confident Santa can afford it. Sure enough, on Christmas morning, there it is—the exact video game system he asked for. But Julian’s mother spots something else under the tree: a small package wrapped in dull brown paper. No one seems to know where it has come from. Then Julian tears off the paper…and discovers that just maybe he’s not too old to believe in Santa after all.
Children and adults alike will enjoy this humorous and touching story of how a young boy is transformed by a seemingly ordinary gift. Drawings by master illustrator Quentin Blake perfectly capture the magical spirit of the story.
Reviews
“The story is charmingly told… Blake’s colorful cartoons are as appealing as ever. The small trim size and cream-colored pages go well with the quiet story, making this a good choice for libraries that have plenty of big, jolly Christmas books and want some more thoughtful fare.” ―School Library Journal
“Blake’s relaxed and wiry-lined watercolors do much to convey a heartfelt turning point in a boy’s childhood.” ―Publishers Weekly
“Blake’s loose watercolor-and-ink illustrations and the volume’s small size complement the whimsical nature of the story.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“Blake’s typically charming, scribbly color-washed drawings illustrate the Murail sisters’ slim, engaging story… children who, like Julian, are ready to renounce Santa, will enjoy the suggestion that holiday magic may be real after all.” ―Booklist
“Santa’s Last Present is one magical Christmas story that will have children thinking. I am still thinking.” ―Kid Lit Reviews
More Details
AR Level: 3.4
F&P: GRL L, Gr 2, Genre F
Themes: Belief, Christmas, Gifts, Growing Up
