Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
It's Santa's "first Christmas delivering presents" in this lighthearted fare, but first Santa and the elves, all pink-skinned, need a team of animals to help pull the sleigh. With "only seven days until Christmas Eve," Santa sends a "Sleigh Pullers Wanted" ad--with "full benefits, including dental"--to all the animals. The next morning, an assortment of eager applicants embark on test runs, but the bunnies are "too bouncy," and the raccoons end up "making out like bandits" with the gifts. The monkeys seem to be the perfect crew--that is, until the mischievous bunch proves "too full of monkey business." With only three days left, Santa selects a team of friendly dogs, but when a squirrel appears, chaos ensues. Via bright, cartoonlike illustrations, wordplay, and plentiful dialogue bubbles, Willms presents a comical origin story for Santa's famous reindeer team. Ages 4--7. (Sept.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Horn Book Review
This silly story takes readers through Santa's hiring process for sleigh pullers. A want ad states: "Only one night of work each year. See the world." Also, "magic flying dust will be provided." Thirteen eager teams respond; some are dismissed right away (sloths: "Maybe one house a night?"; sharks: "Can we eat the presents?"). More animals are eliminated during the test run (elephants, cats). When Santa names Team Monkey as his "official SLEIGH PULLERS," the text announces, "THE END." It's not, and there's one more premature "THE absolutely real and final END" before it's down to just one team. "Did the reindeer have what it takes?" Of course, the "for real this time" ending is never in doubt. Willms's bright, lively illustrations match the text's energy and heighten its humor. Kitty Flynn November/December 2021 p.28(c) Copyright 2021. 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
On Santa's first Christmas delivering presents, there's a job opening at the North Pole. Almost everything is all set for Santa's new gig. The toys are made, the new sleigh is painted, and Santa's new suit looks great. With seven days until Christmas Eve, Santa posts a job description for sleigh pullers. Scores of animals show up for the interviews. Santa gives the top interviewees each a chance to show their skills on a test run, driving the sleigh through the air and landing it on a roof. Each team of animals has a major flaw, but the monkeys are organized and stick the landing. In the middle of the book, Santa hires the monkeys and "The End" of the story is declared. But then a monkey throws a snowball. The ensuing chaos means Santa must find a new team. The dogs? They do great. "The absolutely real and final End." Until a squirrel appears, and they dash off after it. With only two days until Christmas Eve, there is only one applicant team left. Can the reindeer do the job? This imaginative origin story is a humorous survey of the stereotypical traits of different animals. The illustrations have a fun meta energy perfect for interactive storytimes. Santa and the elves are depicted as White, and there's little diversity evident in the names of the children on his list. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A likely crowd pleaser for the preschool set. (Picture book. 3-6) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
