A sedulous and quirky Santa, who sports bunny slippers and feels a “tingling in his whiskers” (his mustache sticks out like the hands of a clock at 10:10) as Christmas nears, prepares for the arrival of the holiday. He calls his reindeer home and tends to them, then shines his sled, carefully selects toys and climbs a stepladder to tie up his enormous pack. Muth's idyllic, wintry watercolors and pastels set the mood as “the night begins to thrum with magic, the kind of magic that makes reindeer fly.” Readers, like Santa, will feel the magic, too. Ages 4–7. <EMPHASIS TYPE=""ITALIC"">(Sept.)

Children get a different Santa than they are used to in a book that focuses on the quiet preparation that leads to Christmas. Far, far north, this Santa Claus is not a jolly old elf, but rather a thin, subdued fellow in a blue suit. There's no Mrs. Claus ll, Santa darns his own socks r are there busy elves. Just reindeer called home from a snowy wilderness who are fed parsnips and berries before their long journey. Alone, Santa readies his sleigh and visits a room with toys, where he picks one for each boy and girl in his book. Finally the night "thrums with magic," and Santa embarks on his vast journey. It's the air of magic and mystery, which prevails in both text and art, that will capture children's interest and allow them to accept a Santa who is not the norm. This is primarily true in the majestic outdoor spreads that are all stars and snow and sing of unknown possibilities. But even the cozy indoor scenes have a slightly unsettling feel that will intrigue readers. A new take on an iconic figure.

Santa, casually dressed in short blue pants, a gray-and-white striped shirt, a brown coverall apron, and bunny slippers, begins preparations for the big event. He calls the reindeer, polishes his sled, and consults his book. Thompson's quiet text captures the story's breath-held hush of anticipation leading to "the Christmas magic." Muth's tranquil watercolor and pastel illustrations display the snowy, remote setting.

Here's a Santa Claus unlike any other. He lives with just a young reindeer companion and a cat. He has no elves as helpers but gathers the toys from a collection in his house and loads the sleigh himself. He wears a blue suit with a golden star at the end of his pointed hat. The spare text focuses on the Christmas magic drawing near, and the final spread with Santa's sled rocketing skyward seems to symbolize the essence of that magical power. Muth's muted watercolor illustrations are an excellent match for the lyrical text, with the soft grays, deep, midnight blues and the blue of Santa's suit matching its melancholy quality. For those who find the jolly traditional Santa overbearing, this quieter approach may be a soothing alternative. (Picture book. 4-7)

K-Gr 4 This intimate look at Santas preparations for the big day starts with a tingling in his whiskers, which means that Christmas magic will soon arrive. Readers see the white-haired gent taking care of all the mundane chores: grooming the reindeer, darning his warm socks, shining the sleigh, and selecting and packing the gifts. When all is ready, the magic comes and Santa flies off to share it with the world. Muths haunting watercolor and pastel illustrations bring the simple story to magical life. Santas bunny slippers are a particularly charming touch. Best for one-on-one or small-group sharing, this gentle and lovely book is sheer enchantment. Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library