Stowaway in a Sleigh

Slipper, the cat first seen in Lost Cat (2013), has a chance encounter with Santa Claus that leads to an unexpected North Pole adventure. When Santa—or “Mr. Furry Boots,” as Slipper refers to him—visits her home, the cat sneaks into his now-empty bag. Santa unknowingly whisks her away on the sleigh back to his headquarters, where Ms. Furry Boots “let the cat out of the bag!” When Slipper starts to miss her home, Santa embarks on a return trip in his sleigh. As in his previous books, Mader excels at capturing the skulking movements of a curious cat, and his pastels exude a glowing warmth and softness: Slipper’s fur, Santa’s boots, and the fluffy snow all look real enough to touch. It’s a sweet, understated Christmas adventure that hums with the holiday magic that unfolds while children are nestled snug in their beds. Ages 4–7. Agent: Brianne Johnson, Writers House. (Oct.)