★ 09/14/2015
Bailey and Godbout give Santa Claus a backstory in this sweetly funny account, warmly illustrated with soft, nostalgic pencil and pastel artwork. As a child, Santa’s booming “ho, ho, ho”—as well as his predilections for the color red, giving away his birthday presents, and cool temperatures—set him apart from other kids; his certainty, as someone who knows his own mind, follows him to his calling as an adult. The result is a clever take on the Santa myth that develops him as a character with his own thoughts and motivations (and that would pair nicely with Jon Agee’s similarly excellent Little Santa). Godbout’s cozy artwork gives the book the feel of a classic, while also offering some cheeky moments—as when a young Santa stands naked in front of an open fridge, trying to cool down. Ages 3–7. Author’s agent: Hilary McMahon, Westwood Creative Artists. Illustrator’s agent: Emily van Beek, Folio Literary Management. (Oct.)
SELECTION - Today's Parent 52 Jolly Christmas Books for Kids
PRAISE FOR When Santa Was a Baby:
"He’s an unusual baby: a booming voice, an interest in chimneys, a penchant for standing naked in front of the open refrigerator, enjoying the chill. Later, on Christmas, he rewraps his gifts and gives them to other children. His puzzled but besotted parents shower him with praise and predictions of future greatness. With retro-esque art featuring people whose giant black eyes look ever so slightly crazed, it’s a sweet, gently satirical answer to the eternal question, How did Santa become Santa?" —New York Times Book Review
“Delightfully illustrated, this will become a family favorite.” —Yakima Herald-Republic
"Simple illustrations with white backgrounds use textured surfaces and blurred edges that provide a nostalgic feel of remembered childhood. . . . There have been several recent stories about Santa's origins, but this one is the shortest and simplest, accessible to the youngest of Santa's fans." —Kirkus Reviews
"[A] clever take on the Santa myth that develops him as a character with his own thoughts and motivations. . . . Godbout’s cozy artwork gives the book the feel of a classic while also offering some cheeky moments – as when a young Santa stands naked in front of an open fridge, trying to cool down." —Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
"A fond, reassuring look at the eccentric childhood of a much-beloved holiday figure." —School Library Journal
"Warm, textured pastel and colored-pencil illustrations on generous double-page spreads enrich this gentle, humorous, love-suffused tale." —Horn Book Magazine
"Warmth and softness abound, with each character sporting rosy round cheeks and button-black eyes. The art evokes a vintage style that further strengthens and supports the book’s nostalgic appeal. When Santa Was a Baby will make a wonderful addition to any holiday-book collection. Sure to spread joy to readers of all ages year after year, much like the jolly old man in red himself." —Quill & Quire
10/01/2015
PreS-Gr 1—From the time he was born, Santa is a bit of a special child. From a booming laugh as a baby to a marked preference for red and cold weather as a toddler to the habit of rewrapping and giving away his presents, his ways set him apart from other children. Still, his parents adore him and know that someday he'll become something amazing—maybe a fireman, with all that red? Given his lifestyle choices, his eventual career as Santa Claus is the perfect one, as far as his proud parents are concerned. Santa as a youngster is a strapping, blond, cheerful lad, while his doting parents are plump and smiley—in one scene, his mom wears a cheerful sundress and hat while his dad sports a polo shirt and sandals with white knee socks. VERDICT A fond, reassuring look at the eccentric childhood of a much-beloved holiday figure.—Eva Mitnick, Los Angeles Public Library
2015-08-12
A little boy named Santa grows up with definite tastes of his own in this humorous story about the origins of Santa Claus. Even as a baby, little Santa is developing into his own person. He already has dimples and a cute little nose, "like a cherry." (Bailey effortlessly weaves recognizable snatches of "The Night Before Christmas" into the text throughout the book.) He doesn't coo like other babies—he just starts talking with a bold "HO, HO, HO!" Santa's supportive parents love everything about him, so they let him wear red clothes and allow him to give away his birthday presents to his friends. Little Santa trains a family of hamsters to pull a matchbox sleigh, and he is very interested in the chimney and the ashes in the fireplace. As Santa gets older, he and his much shorter best friend, green-clad Eldred, like to make toys together. The final pages of the understated, witty story show Santa growing into his adult life, fulfilling all his childhood interests and dreams. The last page shows cookies and milk left out for Santa Claus with a note from his still-doting parents. Simple illustrations with white backgrounds use textured surfaces and blurred edges that provide a nostalgic feel of remembered childhood. Young Santa shows characteristics that he will still have as an adult, including his round belly and jocular wave. There have been several recent stories about Santa's origins, but this one is the shortest and simplest, accessible to the youngest of Santa's fans. (Picture book. 3-7)
