Dear Santa: For Everyone Who Believes in the Magic of Christmas

Instructed to write a letter to Santa, brown-skinned Parker’s classmates exaggerate good deeds, but he is truthful, aware that “Santa knew when kids were bad or good.” He confesses to various infractions: he fed his brussels sprouts to the dog, he didn’t brush his teeth “for eleven days” because two were loose, and he stayed up past bedtime to make his mother a birthday card. His honesty pays off on Christmas morn, when Parker discovers everything on his wish list under the tree—along with a letter from Santa praising him for admitting to, and taking responsibility for, his mistakes. Underscoring Hill’s upfront message, similarly straightforward digital cartoons by Joseph animate Parker and his peers, who (despite missing teeth) might be slightly older than the average Santa believer. Reproducible, festively bordered blank pages for kids to write their own letters to Santa wrap up this mild holiday tale. Ages 4–8. [em](Oct.) [/em]