BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: A New Improved Santa by Patricia Rae Wolff

TITLE: A New Improved Santa

AUTHOR: Patricia Rae Wolff

ILLUSTRATOR: Lynn Cravath

PUBLISHER: Orchard Books, 2002

SYNOPSIS:

“The chimneys seemed smaller this year. I must be getting fatter. My clothes are old-fashioned, and my ‘Ho-ho-ho’ is so-so-so boring.”

So begins Santa’s quest for a new, improved self. He gets right to work…slimming down, pumping up, and becoming more fashionable. But do kids really want a yo-dude, skinny, cyber-Santa with spiked hair? Well, he seems to think so…at least at first. But by the time he climbs into his sleigh on Christmas Eve, he has learned that a new, improve Santa is one who is true to himself and to the spirit of Christmas.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THIS BOOK : Ever since I was a child…and even when my mother was a child and her mother before her…Santa has been that jolly, overweight old man with a white beard, red suit, and who drove a sleigh pulled by reindeer. But what if that isn’t what he looks like for OUR children? Author Patricia Rae Wolff offers many alternatives to St. Nick, including everything from punk rock with bell bottom pants to a cowboy or a dandy in a zoot suit! Illustrator Lynne Cravath’s whimsical illustrations had me chuckling at all the possibilities. Safe to say Santa came to his senses by the end of the book, but young readers will certainly enjoy the ride. A cute addition to any library!

RATING: ****4 Stars ****

RATING SYSTEM:

1 star…probably not worth your time.

2 stars…there are some things to like, but some elements could have been stronger.

3 stars…this story will appeal to some readers, but others might find it lacking something.

4 stars…strong story, nice illustrations, and should grab the attention of many readers.

5 stars…superbly written story, stellar illustrations, a must addition to any book lovers’ collection


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Fox is set to cook a nice meal until the main ingredient tries to escape! The chase is on as Fox and his friends scurry, hop, and lumber their way to catching those rumbly, tumbly taters. Friendship and teamwork go hand in hand during THE GREAT POTATO RACE! ***Coming soon from Story Catcher Publishing***

Hybrid published author, Donna L Martin, has been writing since she was eight years old. She is a 4th Degree Black Belt in TaeKwonDo by day and a ‘ninja’ writer of flash fiction, children’s picture books, chapter books, young adult novels and inspirational essays by night. Donna offers occasional BOOK NOOK REVIEWS of great children’s books and offers WRITERLY WISDOM to new and established writers. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, Alliance of Independent Authors, and Children’s Book Insider. Donna loves dark chocolate, going to the beach and adding to her growing book collection.

Want to connect?

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c/o Story Catcher Publishing

P O Box 27788

Knoxville, Tn 37927

Donna L

Hybrid award winning author; aspiring sketch artist; and 4th Degree Senior Certified Taekwondo Instructor. Host of BOOK NOOK REVIEWS. Member of SCBWI. Mom to fabulous son and adventurer delving into the tricky world of indie-publishing.

2 thoughts on “BOOK NOOK REVIEWS: A New Improved Santa by Patricia Rae Wolff

  • December 16, 2022 at 1:21 pm
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    How fun! Patricia Rae Wolff and I were in the same critique group in Illinois! I knew about Troll Bridge Troll (I have an autographed copy!), but I didn’t know about this one. Thanks.

    Reply
    • December 16, 2022 at 5:07 pm
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      I always felt blessed to be a part of your critique group in the Smokies, but I had no idea you rubbed elbows with so many talented writers over the years…;-)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Reply

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