The title AND the events of this book imply that, for some reason, this year Santa was just not going to deliver any gifts to anyone. And in the end he only brought one gift to one village because they asked him directly. What’s going on? Is he only working part-time these days or something? Very curious. ( )

Santa Claus and the Christmas Surprise.

When their mountain village is snowed in for Christmas, Anna and Michael send their wish for a Merry Christmas winging to Santa, and that jolly holiday gift giver, thinking hard, comes up with the perfect present. Skiing down the mountainside, he deposits his gift in the center of the village, necessitating that everyone dig out to it, reconnecting all of the villagers who were previously separated, and leading to a wonderful community celebration...

When I picked up Santa Claus and the Christmas Surprise, I immediately recognized both the author and illustrator's names, and got very excited, having enjoyed their "other" holiday picture-book, The Gift from Saint Nicholas, quite a bit. Imagine my surprise when, getting it home, I discovered that it was the exact same book (even the same translation), simply with a new title. Originally published in German as Ein Geschenk vom Nikolaus, this lovely Christmas picture-book has been published in English again, by Edinburgh-based Floris Books, and I for one am glad! I am also glad that I revisited it, finding the story sweet and heartwarming - full of the holiday spirit! - and the artwork lovely. Recommended to anyone looking for beautiful Christmas picture-books. ( )

The Gift from Saint Nicholas.

Originally published as Ein Geschenk vom Nikolaus, this delightful holiday picture-book from Austrian children's author Dorothea Lachner, and Slovak illustrator Maja Dusíková, is the perfect selection for a St. Nicholas Day celebration! When the deep snow keeps everyone in Misha and Anna's village in their homes, the two children worry that their St. Nicholas Day celebration will be ruined, and make a wish that St. Nicholas will blow a path through the snow. The saint, hearing their plea, sends a gift that, while not exactly what they asked for, accomplishes what they want...

Having enjoyed this author's series of picture-books about quirky Meredith the Witch, I was curious to see how I would like her holiday title. It turns out that I liked it quite a bit! The heartwarming story, which emphasizes the importance of community - of spending time with family, friends and neighbors - rather than presents, is perfectly complemented by Maja Dusíková's charming illustrations, which reminded me a little bit of the work of Lisbeth Zwerger, but with a rounder, more "roly-poly" feeling. Her St. Nicholas on skis is particularly winsome! Recommended to young readers who celebrate St. Nicholas Day, or who are curious about it, and to all children who love Santa stories! ( )