The Street Where Santa Lives
When a new neighbour arrives on the street, nearly everyone is too busy to notice. That is apart from one little girl who is sure that, with his red jacket and white beard he must be Santa Claus!
This timely, festive story celebrates the joy of community and subtly explores themes of working together, cross generational friendships and looking out for neighbours, especially around Christmas. This story is full of heart and imagination that is sure to engage young readers. The narrative moves at a pace that will keep even reluctant readers engaged and wondering if Santa is going to be ok by Christmas Eve!
The illustration is particularly enjoyable with its use of vivid, engaging colours. It helps to portray the diversity of the community living on one street, and within families. There is a particular joy in the modern imagining of Santa Claus in a red short-sleeved shirt and denim shorts fixing a motorcycle – something that is sure to get a giggle out of younger readers! The theme of togetherness is really brought to life by the illustrations, especially in the depiction of everyone gathered around one table having brought food to an ill elderly neighbour.
Christmas stories always have a sense of magic, but this story portrays a magic that exists daily, too, when we look outside ourselves and come together.
