"The Santa Thief" - a bookwrap

Unwrapping

"The Santa Thief"

Authored by Alane Adams

Illustrated by Lauren Gallegos

Ages: 4-8
Grade Levels - PS-3



Editorial Reviews 

"The appealing illustrations glow with lamplight and provide many small details that ground this story in a Pennsylvania farmhouse in the 1920s, and Georgie’s dark eyebrows and freckles give him personality. VERDICT A pleasant, if slight, slice-of-life tale.”

―School Library Journal

"A delightful take on the theme of a boy and his dog, full of detailed―and frequently funny―images and a valuable message about paying attention to the needs of your neighbors." 

―Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Alane Adams is a children’s author, professor, and literacy advocate. She is the author of the Legends of Orkney fantasy mythology series for tweens and writes Early American picture books for young children. Adams lives in Southern California.

Unwrapping some wonderful illustrations for you

About the book

This heartwarming book is a perfect read for Christmas or to give as a gift.  

The setting is rutal Pennsylvania in the year 1929.  Georgie and his hardworking dad, the day before Christmas, set out to cut down the perfect Christmas tree for the festive occasion.  Georgie is excited because he has sent a letter off to Santa requesting a brand new pair of ice skates because his old ones are too small. He assures his father he is worthy of a new pair because he has been a good boy, he did all of his chores like he was asked, and he got very good marks in school so it's a ringer that his request should be granted.  Georgie's dad's reply makes him very sad indeed...

"Papa patted his shoulder." I don't know if Santa's coming this year, Georgie.  Times have been tough, even for Santa.  Maybe next year."

Georgie is devasated.  What's the use of having Christmas at all then if he can't get his skates. Might as well just cancel it.  He refuses to help his mom decorate the new tree and is sent to his room to think about what Christmas is really all about.

"Christmas isn't about the gifts," Mama scolded. "It's about doing something special for others. Why don't you go to your room and think about that?"

Poor George, Christmas is ruined for him... or is it?  While laying in his room he has an epiphany and decides to make Christmas a happy, memorable time for his parents instead of wallowing in his self-pit and woe.  He stays up most of the night designing himself a Santa suit from dad's old long johns and he creates perfect gifts to give to both his mom and to his dad.  Will Georgie get rewarded for his transformation from a Grinch's heart into one of unconditional sharing and giving?  

Georgie finally discovers the true meaning of Christmas and gets his just reward. 

The illustrations are life-like, colourful and so expressive.  This is the third picture book by award-winning Alane Adams and illustrator Lauren Gallegos, in the series of "Thief" stories.  This book will be a delightful and meaningful start to your holiday season.  I highly recommend this book. 

Storywraps Rating... 5 HUGS!!!!!

About the author

Alane Adams is the author of the Legends of Orkney™ series for middle grade readers, and The Coal Thief and The Egg Thief, historical picture books set in the 1920s. When Alane is not writing or talking to kids in schools about Reading Is A Superpower, she’s out hiking somewhere in the world or hanging out with her three boys in Southern California.

Alane is proud to be a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, the International Reading Association, The Literacy Research Association, and the California Reading Association.

About the illustrator

Lauren Gallegos earned her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Illustration from Cal State Fullerton in 2009 and has been freelance illustrating ever since. When it comes to children’s stories, Lauren has always loved books that warm the heart and touch the soul.

As a young girl she loved to pour over illustrations that were rich and full. Lauren still loves to create illustrations that take you to mysterious places and let your imagination run wild with possibilities. Her biggest illustration influences are Chris Van Allsburg, Loren Long, Chris Sheban, and Scott Gustafson to name only a few. Lauren has illustrated several children’s books already, and continues to look for opportunities to illustrate great stories with the desire to see how her work will impact the young minds of our future.

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