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Saturday, December 25, 2021

Santa Jaws, written by Bridget Heos and illustrated by Galia Bernstein. Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2021. $25.99 ages 4 and up


 

"Horn sharks trim the Christmas kelp
And top it (with a little help).

Finally, it's the special night. 
Families sing by lantern light. 

Cookiecutter sharks make treats
For Santa and his Christmas fleet.

Had you any idea that there was a Christmas book for your shark-loving child? Well, here you are. What a splendid way to spend a gift certificate! 

In a rhyming holiday story from the sea, Ms. Heos entertains her readers this story of sharks lining up to have a visit with Santa Jaws, just as children line up to see Santa Claus. Santa Jaws, a great white, is as accommodating to ocean creatures as he can be. Elfin sharks provide help with toy requests while horn sharks decorate kelp trees. Lantern sharks provide light in the depths for carolling. When Santa Jaws is ready to roll, the prow of a shipwreck provides the sleigh to carry the gifts, and is pulled by hammerheads. 

Together, they make visits to all underwater creatures while awed by the cheery sights that surround them on their journey. As Christmas morning dawns and tiny shark pups wake for the day to begin, Santa Jaws makes the return trip home for a much-needed rest. 

Rhyming couplets and the notion that Santa Jaws has an insatiable appetite for the toys he is leaving keep little ones listening as the story is shared. In a final double-page spread the author adds a quick note about the sharks that made an appearance here. 

The colorful, action-filled illustrations create an ocean environment that is sure to attract attention. Filling the pages with jolly, smiling sharks, shells and seaweed, while also creating lots of energy, makes for a Christmas story that will become a favorite of the shark enthusiast in your family.  

It's a romp! 

"FISHY CHRISTMAS TO ALL,
AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE
!"
                                                                                   



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