Merry Christmas, Dear Mars - by Penny Parker Klostermann (Hardcover)

About the Book

It's Christmas Eve. The Martians have hung their stockings and decorated their trees in hopes that Santa will finally visit the red planet. But what are the excited Martians to do when Santa's sleigh shudders and shimmies and stops? Then teeters and totters and drops? It'll take a dose of Christmas magic and some help from the Outer Space Rescue Division to get this holiday back on track. Humorous, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations combine to make a perfect winter read-a-loud, destined to become a classic.

Book Synopsis

An out-of-this-world remix of the classic poem "A Visit from Saint Nicholas"!

It's Christmas Eve. The Martians have hung their stockings and decorated their trees in hopes that Santa will finally visit the red planet. But what are the excited Martians to do when Santa's sleigh shudders and shimmies and stops? Then teeters and totters and drops? It'll take a dose of Christmas magic and some help from the Outer Space Rescue Division to get this holiday back on track.

Humorous, rhyming text and vibrant illustrations combine to make a perfect winter read-a-loud, destined to become a classic.

Review Quotes

"Humor and fun radiate from this quirky and engaging retelling that children will enjoy at story hours or on their own. . .A fantastic addition to holiday book collections" --School Library Journal, starred review

"In Parker Klostermann's clever rhyming lines, the red planet's kind and inventive inhabitants answer a distress call when Santa's sleigh at last heads their way. Lourenço's brightly quirky Mars. . .adds a dollop of cosmic fun to Christmas Eve traditions loved across the galaxy. "-- Publishers weekly

"Playful, bouncy rhyming couplets are modeled after the original poem, with familiar themes sprinkled throughout and plenty of gadgets and gizmos for aspiring engineers and outer-space lovers alike. Dynamic illustrations convey movement and excitement in muted tones, with tons of fun, extraterrestrial details to spot. . .A fresh, interstellar Christmas adventure that's sure to be a read-aloud staple for the season." --Kirkus

"The rhyming 'Night Before -Christmas'-style text gets a (rocket) boost from the energetic digital illustrations' slightly retro vibe." --Horn Book

About the Author

Penny Parker Klostermann loves everything about the Christmas season. Although she's never spent the holiday on Mars, she imagines that celebrating with Martians after flying through outer space with Santa and the reindeer would be a Christmas that she'd never forget. Penny lives in Abilene, Texas, the official Storybook Capital of America, where inspiration is all around.

Estrela Lourenço is a Portuguese professional children's book author and illustrator, and also a storyboard artist for animation. She has been living in Ireland since 2009 and loves celebrating every out-of-this-world Christmas with her extended family.