How the Reindeer Saved Santa

Haywood and Greenaway medalist Ambrus have teamed up for previous Christmas books; this most recent effort shows Santa's sleigh in a state of decay and the reindeers whining for improved benefits. Santa acts decisively when he donates the sleigh to a museum, puts his eight mates out to pasture, and snaps up a helicopter. Unfortunately, there are problems: helicopters don't perch on roofs the way reindeer can; when Santa loses the key to the ignition of his whirlybird, he's sure Christmas is doomed. The reindeer help Santa deliver all the presents on time, and the helicopter is retired. Somehow, even to suggest that Santa's immortal chariot has a few rusty spots could be easily misconstrued by readers. No harm done, since his tango with technology is just a passing fancy, and Ambrus's illustrations, though a bit dated, are cheerfully bright. (4-8)