Hurry, Santa!

This board book from the late Caldecott Honor and Newbery Honor author-illustrator features Santa as he prepares for the big night. DePaola emphasizes the urgency of Santa’s situation from the opening lines, “Hurry, Santa!” repeated throughout. Standing at the mirror in his Christmas-themed bathroom, Santa pulls on his outfit: over red long underwear go green-striped suspenders, red pants, and socks with a heart on them, then his classic outer garments. Just as Santa finishes suiting up and heads out the door, however, he realizes an urgency of a different kind (“Oh no! He’s got to GO!”), resulting in a comedic shedding of bag, hat, coat, and mittens as he dashes back toward the bathroom. Characteristically warm drawings portray Santa and his animals—a cat, a dog, reindeer—with dot eyes and soft curves in gentle washes. A simple, resonant tale, assuring the littlest readers that even Santa must participate in everyday routines. Ages 1–5. [em](Sept.) [/em]