WHEN SANTA FELL TO EARTH
by Cornelia Funke
Scholastic Paperbacks
Hardcover: 9780439782043
Paperback: 9780545094436
Ages 9-12
176 pages

There are real Santas and then there are the "other" kinds. The "other" kind wants nothing to do with the real spirit of Christmas. The "other" kind uses a snowmobile instead of a sled and does not allow fairies, magic or reindeer. The "other" kind is exactly what Gerold Geronimus Goblynch is. He has the fine red suit, the rosy cheeks and the twinkling eyes, but behind this façade Goblynch is bent on destroying all the old, meaningful traditions. In its place he wants to make sure that Christmas is all about money --- that the parents will spend, spend, spend, and that he and his robot-like giant nutcrackers will have full control over all the spending. Who needs magic?
 
Niklas Goodfellow is the last true Santa. He is still very young and working hard to make sure that Christmas is not lost. Two of his partners are plump angels named Matilda and Emmanuel. He also has an invisible reindeer named Twinklestar and a collection of seven very fine toy-making elves. Although he finds himself in a dreary little town, after crashing his caravan, he is still busy trying to get things ready for the holiday.
 
Ben is curious about the strange trailer and the man inside. It's not long before he is actually sitting with Niklas, drinking hot chocolate and staring open-mouthed at the angels and elves flying around. Ben is totally convinced that Niklas is a true Santa, but he doesn't understand the mystery about the barred door and what dangers abound for the spirit of Christmas. Gradually the stories come out, and before he knows it, Ben and his friend Charlotte are involved in a true adventure to save Niklas and the old-fashioned Yule.
 
Ben has another set of problems, though, when his parents announce they are planning a trip to a warm, sunny place for the holiday season. This wouldn't be so bad, but Ben longs for snow and wants his mom and dad to feel the special things that make this season important. He would like to stay home for a change, but how will he make it happen? Trying to save Niklas, searching for a lost, invisible reindeer and learning that girls (Charlotte) aren't so bad, Ben is not sure if he can convince his parents to stay home for Christmas. Where should he start? A little magic turns out to be a big help in this situation.
 
Cornelia Funke's delightful little holiday story is blessed with a cast of wonderful characters. The dreadful giant nutcrackers seem like a great touch for anyone who has ever wondered why they look so scary. And the theory behind chocolate Santas will leave you thinking. Paul Howard's illustrations are fresh and charming; they are as much the story as the print is and add yet another beautiful dimension.
 
WHEN SANTA FELL TO EARTH will be an excellent addition to holiday collections and great fun for reading aloud.

   --- Reviewed by Sally M. Tibbetts (stibbetts@maine207west.k12.il.us)

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