Hisako Aoki

Out for a walk one December day, a fox stumbles across Santa asleep against a tree in the woods, and thinking that Christmas has come early, gathers all of the other animals. When Santa, upon awakening, declares that he might not be in good enough shape to deliver presents this year, the animals are dismayed. Then the magical gift giver explains that presents aren't what the holiday is about, going on to tell them his favorite story—the true story of Christmas...

Originally published in author Hisako Aoki's native Japan as サンタクロースのすきなおはなし ("Santakurosu no sukina ohanashi / Santa Claus's Favorite Story"), this lovely Christmas picture book features a heartwarming story which emphasizes the original religious narrative around which the holiday is centered, one which is presented by a figure who has become a symbol of the more secular side of celebrations. That juxtaposition is certainly interesting, as is the gift giver's role in deprecating presents as a key aspect of Christmas. The accompanying artwork by expatriate Bulgarian illustrator Ivan Gantschev, who lives and works in Germany, is quite charming, both in its depiction of Santa and the animals, and of the Nativity story. I don't know that I loved this quite as much as I expected to, given the delightful cover and the appealing premise, but I still found it solidly engaging, and would recommend it to picture book readers seeking Christmas picture books bridging the religious/secular divide.… (más)