It's Christmas Eve in Brooklyn, New York, and Santa Claus is in trouble. Racing to complete his worldwide journey before Christmas morning, Santa is making his final stop when disaster strikes over Sunset Park. His sleigh begins to shake violently, forcing him to bring his reindeer down onto the roof of a brownstone below, right above eight-year-old Carmen, who has been watching the whole thing from her window.
When Carmen races up to the roof she finds Santa, his reindeer, and a sleigh that isn't going anywhere. The presents still need delivering. Christmas is slipping away. And Carmen, a resourceful Brooklyn girl who knows her neighborhood, has an idea that just might work.
Could the New York City subway system help save Christmas?
Told in irresistible rhyme with vibrant full-color illustrations by the author, Santa Rides the Subways is a joyful holiday adventure rooted in the urban energy and multicultural heart of Brooklyn. Funny, warm, and genuinely surprising, this is a Christmas story that reflects the real New York — its neighborhoods, its elevated trains, its children — and the one determined little girl who saved the night.
It's Christmas Eve in Brooklyn, New York, and Santa Claus is in trouble. Racing to complete his worldwide journey before Christmas morning, Santa is making his final stop when disaster strikes over Sunset Park. His sleigh begins to shake violently, forcing him to bring his reindeer down onto the roof of a brownstone below, right above eight-year-old Carmen, who has been watching the whole thing from her window.
When Carmen races up to the roof she finds Santa, his reindeer, and a sleigh that isn't going anywhere. The presents still need delivering. Christmas is slipping away. And Carmen, a resourceful Brooklyn girl who knows her neighborhood, has an idea that just might work.
Could the New York City subway system help save Christmas?
Told in irresistible rhyme with vibrant full-color illustrations by the author, Santa Rides the Subways is a joyful holiday adventure rooted in the urban energy and multicultural heart of Brooklyn. Funny, warm, and genuinely surprising, this is a Christmas story that reflects the real New York — its neighborhoods, its elevated trains, its children — and the one determined little girl who saved the night.
Do you love Christmas and reading books centered around the popular holiday, no matter the time of year? If you answered yes, then you'll want to share Santa Rides the Subways. In this humorous and exciting children's book, Santa's sleigh malfunctions, and he has a less-than-jolly reaction. Good thing Carmen was wide awake and saw Santa was in trouble, heard him crash onto her roof, and was eager to provide aid to him and his reindeer. She didn't have the skills to fix the sleigh, but she had a brilliant idea; the subway in Brooklyn runs all night, so let's use it to help deliver the rest of the presents. Santa, his sleigh, and reindeer didn't squeeze into several train cars. Now, that would've been a hilarious sight. No, the sleigh was attached to the front of the train, with the reindeer pulling it around town thanks to Christmas magic. What a creative idea! What an unforgettable illustrative sight!
Even though Santa's sleigh was in flight, he needed assistance in delivering the gifts. After Santa's repetitive, humorous plea, people from land and sea embraced the holiday spirit and became honorary elves. Even a cute tuxedo cat joined in on the save Christmas mission! As you imagined, Christmas was saved thanks to kind-hearted people and let's not forget, the ingenious idea by one darling child.
Santa Rides the Subways takes place in Brooklyn, New York, and Brooklynites will love that their city and the landmarks featured in the story. That said, you don't have to know these locations to love and appreciate great storytelling and artistry. Readers will love the vibrant and comical illustrations. They'll also love the unique storyline and how a little girl's brilliant suggestion saved the day for so many kids. Adults will like the rhyming aspect and Santa's repetitive speech block, which invites kids to anticipate and participate in story time. There were some plot holes, but still a highly enjoyable story!
Vibrant, amusing illustrations and surprises around every corner let's spread the joy of Christmas, teamwork, and kindness around the world: Let's read Santa Rides the Subways!
My suggested reading age is 8 years and under.