Santa’s Trip: The Fold-Out Book That Takes You on a Journey

In a fold-out volume that shows the work of getting Santa out the door on Christmas Eve, Cassany and Hammer follow the titular figure from his North Pole residence to sleigh takeoff. Hammer’s candy-colored, unlined geometric illustrations pop against minimalist black or white backgrounds, depicting a pink-skinned Santa and the largely white-presenting elves in a bustling atmosphere. The often smiling elves dash across the folding pages checking lists, wrapping gifts, piling the sleigh with presents, and even directing reindeer traffic. Simplistic rhyming lines add to the party feel (“Name tags, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows/ Rainbow packaging with glitter that glows!”) in this aesthetically quirky tome that anticipates Santa’s arrival at “a window, a door or your fireplace.” Ages 3–5. (Oct.)