Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews

Santa Knows

Santa Knows

Cynthia Leitich Smith, Greg Leitich Smith
Illustrator:  Steve Bjorkman 
Picture Book
For ages 4 to 8
Penguin, 2006   ISBN: 978-0525477570

Alfie F. Snorklepuss is absolutely sure that there is "no such thing as Santa Claus" and he has decided that he is going to prove it. So Alfie goes to the library and after a great deal of research he determines that there is no way for one person to deliver millions of presents all over the world in just one night. Elated with his discovery Alfie tells everyone who will listen that "Santa is Fake!" And yet, though his research is sound, Alfie's words are ignored. No one wants to listen to his ranting and raving. His sister Noelle insists on hanging up her Christmas stocking as usual.

On Christmas Eve Alfie goes to sleep feeling sure that he will not be seeing a large man in a red suit during the night. To Alfie's amazement however, he does indeed see the one person whom he is sure does not exist and Santa sets about showing Alfie how it is possible to deliver millions of presents to children all over the world in just one night.

This is the prefect picture book for that child who is starting to doubt that Santa exists. Young readers who are true believers will be delighted to see how Alfie is made to see the truth in the end. A funny story with expressive and lively illustrations makes this a perfect just-before-Christmas title.