Starred Review The question of how roly-poly Santa can squeeze himself down any chimney, and even insinuate himself into spaces that have no chimney, is quite a stumper. But this mystery is tackled head-on (and hilariously) by the multi-award-winning team of Barnett and Klassen (The Three Billy Goats Gruff, 2022). Starting with a wordless spread, the book shows Santa in profile against a black background, sizing up a brick chimney. He hands his red jacket to a Boynton-like vertical reindeer and then uses his thick black belt to cinch in his waist. This scene is followed by the big question, "How does he do it?" Then comes a cascade of possible solutions that include shrinking himself down to the size of a mouse or stretching himself out like taffy. More and more tricky situations are laid out, like how he gets into a home without a chimney (cue the image of Santa plopping out like an elongated drop through a kitchen faucet). Klassen's illustrations, done in graphite pencil and ink and finished digitally, fit the absurdist humor wonderfully. The conclusion at the narrator has no idea how Santa does it but is glad he can a great kicker.

A dynamic picture-book duo turn their attention to one of the great mysteries of our time.For those literal-minded children out there, this book serves to answer some essential questions about basic Santa-related logistics. We all know that Santa is supposed to go down the chimney to deliver gifts, but how? "Does he cinch up his belt? Or shrink himself down to the size of a mouse?" That particular speculation is accompanied by an image of a small Santa standing on the edge of a chimney looking down into the abyss. Synched perfectly with Barnett's gentle yet hilarious questions and often silly propositions ("Or does he slip through the pipes and come out of your faucet?"), Klassen's tan-skinned Santa is as funny and expressionless as a bearded Buster Keaton. Curiosity runs wild as Barnett ponders everything from Santa doing the laundry in children's basements to his ability to get along with every household dog he meets, while Klassen's there to bring each possibility to life. Don't look for any definitive answers in this story, though. As the last line states, "Santa goes up the chimney the same way he comes down. And I have no idea how Santa does that. But I'm so glad he can." For all that it leans heavily on absurdity, this book exhibits some serious heart. (This book was reviewed digitally.)In the market for an understated Christmas classic? Behold! A Christmas miracle! (Picture book. 4-7)

A dynamic picture-book duo turn their attention to one of the great mysteries of our time.For those literal-minded children out there, this book serves to answer some essential questions about basic Santa-related logistics. We all know that Santa is supposed to go down the chimney to deliver gifts, but how? "Does he cinch up his belt? Or shrink himself down to the size of a mouse?" That particular speculation is accompanied by an image of a small Santa standing on the edge of a chimney looking down into the abyss. Synched perfectly with Barnett's gentle yet hilarious questions and often silly propositions ("Or does he slip through the pipes and come out of your faucet?"), Klassen's tan-skinned Santa is as funny and expressionless as a bearded Buster Keaton. Curiosity runs wild as Barnett ponders everything from Santa doing the laundry in children's basements to his ability to get along with every household dog he meets, while Klassen's there to bring each possibility to life. Don't look for any definitive answers in this story, though. As the last line states, "Santa goes up the chimney the same way he comes down. And I have no idea how Santa does that. But I'm so glad he can." For all that it leans heavily on absurdity, this book exhibits some serious heart. (This book was reviewed digitally.)In the market for an understated Christmas classic? Behold! A Christmas miracle! (Picture book. 4-7)

The frequent collaborators take the simple question of the title and dive right in: “How does he do it? How does it work?” Klassen imagines a pale-skinned Santa on a rooftop making adjustments: he cinches his belt at the waist while a reindeer holds his jacket. More fantastic ideas bubble forth. Perhaps Santa has to “stretch out like taffy and step in one leg at a time”? Maybe the chimney renders Santa’s suit so dirty that he has to do laundry before going to the next house? And how is it that Santa charms all the dogs that would usually bark at strangers? Barnett sustains a wide-eyed, innocent tone throughout, and Klassen’s Santa appears amiable in this smart Yuletide comedy that visualizes everything from Santa sitting in his skivvies in front of a clothes washer to Saint Nick arriving by post. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)