Review by Zobia Alam
Candlewick Press, 2023
32 pages, Hardcover, $24.99 CAD, ISBN: 9781536223767
Picture Book, Ages 3-6
Fiction
Does he flatten himself and slide under your door? Or does he slip through the pipes and come out of your faucet?
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by the multi-award-winning duo Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen is delightful, humorous and magical – perfect not only for the holiday season but also an enchanting read throughout the year. It tackles a timeless mystery that has almost always lingered at the back of our minds: Santa’s secret journey into our homes on Christmas Eve.
When Santa first arrives at our rooftops, does he shrink himself or does he stretch out like candy to fit in through the chimney? What happens if he gets stuck on his way down? What if there’s no chimney at all? Does Santa slide in through the front door or does he come slipping down the water pipes? What happens next? How exactly does he make his way around the house? Barnett’s narrative explores this simple premise with several such creative possibilities that are silly, clever, and brilliantly funny all at once. The story unfolds as the readers follow Santa down the chimney, and into the house as he leaves presents under the tree and gobbles up a plate of cookies, possibly with his special night vision abilities. Barnett’s unique range of ideas with deadpan humour is likely to leave the readers giggling with amusement and bubbling with a whole lot of questions about Santa and his ways.
The playful and inquisitive tone of the narrative makes for a cosy read-aloud, sure to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity in young readers. This story might even encourage audiences to come up with their own whimsical versions of Santa’s journey down the chimney. Moreover, for adults, the story may serve as a window into a child’s mind and their endless imaginings where everything is possible. The theme of wonder makes this book an exciting read for children and parents alike.
Jon Klassen’s iconic illustration style beautifully accompanies the text on each page. For example, an image of a reindeer kicking Santa down the chimney with its hooves, or Santa doing his laundry to get rid of the soot. The illustrator explores the many different possibilities of Santa’s journey by depicting him as different objects too, such as a letter stamp on an envelope and a stream of water pouring into the kitchen sink. Klassen maintains his signature minimalistic style and muted sepia tones, with only pops of red for images of Santa. This deliberate choice effectively directs the reader’s attention to Santa’s antics throughout the book and significantly elevates the reading experience.
What particularly makes this holiday read special is the way it concludes. After proposing a roster of theories with playful scepticism, the story does not end with a grand reveal of Santa’s journey. Instead, Barnett and Klassen leave the readers contemplating whether it truly matters how Santa makes his way into our homes, as long as he does it anyway. Through this heart-warming revelation, How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? retains the holiday spirit in its true essence, suggesting that some mysteries are better left to the magic of Christmas and the joy that it brings.
Zobia is an undergraduate student at UBC pursuing psychology and creative writing. Her literary work explores a variety of themes, including culture, mental health, and identity. She is indefinitely inspired by the world around her, and seeks to capture the complexities and nuances of the human experience through her writing.
YOUNG ADULTING 