Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Santa Claws
Illustrator: Gris Grimly
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 6
Chronicle, 2006 ISBN: 978-0811849920
Imagine a world where Santa is not a "jolly old elf." Instead imagine he is a large fat monster type creature who has horns on his head and who keeps snakes in his boots. Imagine that this Santa is called Santa Claws and that instead of having lovely reindeer to pull him across the night sky, this Santa is pulled through the air by a dragon.
In this Monster Town world where the ghoulish is wonderful and the disgusting is delectable, two little monsters, Mack and Zack, are eagerly preparing for the arrival of their yuletide hero hoping that he will bring them all kinds of dreadful and horrific treats. The two little monsters make Santa Claws all kinds of delicacies to eat including "poisonberry pies and crusty cookies topped with flies." Will the patience of these two little monsters be rewarded with the toys and games that they have been waiting for.
Children who are ready for a different kind of Christmas tale will love this book. With its often gruesome illustrations, its horrible characters, and its funny rhyming text, this is story which will tickle the funny bone and make the flesh creep.
