Elmore the Christmas Moose

Santa’s management skills are put to the test in this chuckle-inducing tale he recounts for the elves about his one-time search for a temporary Christmas Eve reindeer replacement. As the story goes, enthusiastic Elmore Moose answers Santa’s classified ad via snail mail and lands an interview at the North Pole. The ensuing series of hand-lettered communiques and face-to-face meetings—during which Santa discovers that Elmore is neither a reindeer nor experienced in the art of flight—offer readers a jolly diversion. Like any great boss, Santa offers Elmore a sweet gig for which he’s perfectly suited. Petty gives Elmore lots of giggle-worthy lines and an always sunny perspective, and Boldt’s zippy digital artwork showcases bright-eyed characters and funny extras for readers to examine. It’s a warm, comical take on the holiday temp-work trope. Santa is portrayed with light-brown skin; the elves are depicted with various skin tones. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)