Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
For weeks, Jack has been wishing for snow, but that preoccupation suddenly gives way to a new fascination for him and his classmates when a new substitute teacher, Mr. Clausen, arrives. The kids notice significant likenesses between the sub and a seasonal celebrity: he sports a white beard, is "more patient than most teachers," and has a "big laugh left most of the kids wide-eyed." The students are also intrigued by Mr. Clausen's appetite for reindeer-shaped cookies, his penchant for list making, and his interest in the aerodynamics of flying sleds. Larsen nimbly balances Jack's stubborn skepticism ("So he likes sleds.... Everybody likes sleds") with his friends' well-founded suspicions about the identity of their teacher who--in a fetching finale that involves a homework assignment and a sudden snowfall--makes a believer out of Jack. Bold watercolor and digital pictures by Morley may help do the same for young listeners. Paper snowflake instructions are included. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3--With the Christmas season approaching, Jack is hoping for snow, but every time he looks out the window, he is disappointed. Arriving at school one day, Jack finds a new substitute teacher at the chalkboard. Mr. Clausen bears an uncanny resemblance to a certain jolly holiday figure. He has a white beard, is remarkably patient with children, has a big (even merry) laugh, and enjoys cookies and milk. Jack's classmates suspect that Mr. Clausen is Santa, but Jack is not convinced. After all, everyone likes cookies. When Mr. Clausen has the students write their wishes on paper snowflakes, Jack still wishes for snow. It is never confirmed whether Mr. Clausen is Santa. However, the journey to finding out is a lighthearted exercise in hope and belief in the impossible as Jack wakes up to snow on Christmas morning. The illustrations are bright. The colorful winter apparel, classroom decorated with red and green paper chains, and cozy sweaters will kindle the holiday spirit. After the story, helpful instructions (complete with diagrams) prompt readers to make their own paper snowflakes. VERDICT A cheerful diversion perfect for most picture book holiday collections.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State University, OH
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Review by Horn Book Review
For weeks, Jack keeps wishing for snow. In the days leading up to Christmas, he and his classmates (a racially diverse cast) have a new substitute teacher, Mr. Clausen, who acts suspiciously like...well, you know. Jack is skeptical, but eventually does the homework: write a wish on a homemade paper snowflake. His gradual coming-around imbues the tale with holiday wonder, culminating in a Christmas-morning surprise: a snowy day. Morley's textured mixed-media illustrations in bold colors have an old-fashioned look and feel. Instructions for making paper snowflakes are appended: "Your snowflake wish can be a new family tradition!" Jeannie Coutant November/December 2019 p.30(c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Is Jack's substitute teacher really Kris Kringle incognito?Young Jack, who appears to be a child of color with light brown skin and straight, black hair, is wishing for snow. Kids in his class think that all of their wishes will come true when they notice that their substitute teacher, Mr. Clausen, has a lot in common with Santa Claus. He appears white with light skin and curly white hair, including a full beard. Beyond his physical appearance, he also: has a fondness for milk and cookies; wears a red shirt, green pants, and black boots; has a big laugh that "sounded a lot like a ho, ho, ho' "; knits stockings; makes lists; and uses a sled as a prop in science class. The titular "ho ho homework" is an assignment for the kids to make paper snowflakes and write their wishes on them. Jack is at first reluctant to do this because he is dubious about whether or not Mr. Clausen is, in fact, Santa Claus, but he ultimately does so, and he and "the whole neighborhood" wake to a white Christmas. The colorful, digitally enhanced watercolor art has an aesthetic that Tomie dePaola fans will recognize and enjoy. It depicts an apparently racially diverse classroom, but the children all seem to be united in a belief in Santa Claus, which feels unlikely.This school story for Christmas has a narrower audience than it depicts. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
