The Street Where Santa Lives - by Harriet Howe (Hardcover)

About the Book

A young girl, convinced that Santa Claus has moved in next door, befriends him as he helps the neighborhood with his handyman skills, so when he falls ill, the community comes together to care for him, hoping he'll recover in time for Christmas Eve.

Book Synopsis

This charming Christmas story for children ages 3-7 explores the magic, wonder, and sense of community that are especially present during the holiday season.

When the young narrator announces that Santa Claus has moved in next door, Mom, Dad, and big sister Liv are less than convinced. But it doesn't matter; the narrator is convinced. And the more she gets to know her new neighbor, the more certain she is that he is indeed Santa Claus (but she can't figure out where his reindeer are).

It soon turns out that Santa Claus is very skilled at fixing things, and through his handyman kindness, he quickly becomes a good friend and neighbor to all who live on the street. So when he gets sick, the young narrator is quick to round up everyone in the community, who are all more than happy to help. But will Santa Claus be well in time for Christmas Eve?

Review Quotes

Howe and Christians center community in this likable story about a child's friendship with a new neighbor who bears a remarkable resemblance to Santa. Naturally, the youth's family remains skeptical of the neighbor's identity ("Dad says plenty of older men have white beards. Mom says it's rude to point at someone's belly"), but the light-brown-skinned protagonist persists. Though the would-be Saint Nick, portrayed with pale skin, expresses preferences that come as a surprise (favorite animal: not reindeer, but rabbits), some traits do seem to provide proof of potential Santa-ness--especially his ability to fix just about anything, a skill that the whole neighborhood comes to rely upon. When the child discovers that the family's bearded neighbor has fallen ill, she rallies support from other community members ("Santa needs you!"), with a positive outcome that occurs just in the nick of time. Bright undertones make unlined digital cartoons a joyous affair that ably matches text's spirited tone. Depictions include figures of varied abilities and skin tones. Ages 3-7. (Sept.)--Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Harriet Howe's first word was "book"- she's loved stories ever since, so it's a dream come true to end up writing her own. When not writing, Harriet works in television. But she's happiest with a pencil in one hand, a cup of tea in the other, brewing up her next story.

Julia Christians was born in 1984 and received her diploma in Communications Design at the University of Art in Brunswick in 2011. Since 2018, she has worked as a freelance illustrator. Julia lives in the deep, dark forest of the Harz Mountains, Germany, with her husband, two kids, and a pack of dogs.