Santa Calls (The World of William Joyce)

William Joyce, the author and illustrator of George Shrinks, Rolie Polie Olie and other popular children's books, has a distinctive voice and style, and Santa Calls is consistent with his other works. Set in 1908 Abilene, it is the story of orphan Art Atchinson Aimesworth, his friend Spaulding Littlefeets and his sister Esther. One Christmas Eve Art receives a mysterious box and a summons to come to the North Pole -- signed "S.C." Intrigued (to say the least!), Art and his cohorts construct the machine inside the box and fly off to visit Santa, where adventures await them, Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet them, and Art renews his love for his sister. There is a surprise ending that lets us know that Santa and Esther have been in cahoots all along. This is a story that will appeal to children of all ages because there is mystery and adventure (and Santa!), and as they get older they will appreciate more of the story. The illustrations are colorful and full of details, so they will stand up under multipe viewings and repeated scrutiny, and the vision of Toyland is uniquely Joyce and reminiscent of pre-modern children's illustrations. A fun and heart-warming story.

Beautiful book!

I love Christmas books, and purchased this one after buying "Man on the Moon" and seeing the lovely illustrations in it. The book was beautiful, but the story seemed a little erractic as I didn't understand (like the boys) why Santa called them, and put the kids in danger. Then I got to the last page. And oh my, tears starting pouring down my face. This is my new favorite Christmas book. I bought it with a view towards my little one's Christmas book collection. But I think this one will be mine for a long, long time. One note is that the story is a bit advanced--I can't imagine a kid under the age of 6 really enjoying it. And definitely more geared towards boys than girls. That being said, I only have a girl, and can't wait to share this with her when she's older. I highly, highly recommend.

I bought this for my kids, now for my grand kids. I love this children's author his art work is amazing and beautiful. He uses antique red, green and cream tones that make the book look vintage. The pictures fill the page. This book is pure adventure, with Santa. Total joy!

One word for this book-EXQUISITE. This is true storytelling at its finest: a rollicking adventure from Texas through the icy tundra of the North Pole, villians that make you want to shake your fist and stomp your feet, and the lines that stick with you always: "The best of the old, the best of the new. The best that is yet to be." One of my all-time favorite books, hands-down. Poetry in motion, adventure around every corner.

Best Christmas book ever!! I was hesitant about a book that was based out of Texas because most are silly and don’t have much of a theme or a good storyline. However, this book warmed my heart at the end. The characters’ dialogue was authentic to the time period in which it was set. It has a great theme about the bond between siblings. Beautiful illustrations that matched the setting too. This will forever be a classic in our family.

The people who said the book is too dark or scary did not get (or did not read) the enclosed letters. It completely changes everything about the book. I won’t tell you how. That would spoil everything.

This is a delightful story with beautiful pictures. My four year old son enjoys the adventure but found "bad guys" a little scary. He always asks why they are taking the sister away and we often skip those pages but the story doesn't loose any of its charm. His friends don't seem to be bothered by it though so I guess not all four year olds are alike. The softly put moral is very nice as well. Despite my son being a bit scared, I would still recommend the book.

Outstanding.

I first purchased this book when my children were young. A family favourite read often. I love this quirky heart warming story and now purchase it for every new baby and child in my life

William Joyceの不思議な世界です。 ある日 ＳＣと書かれた大きな箱を見つけた主人公。 話は ぐんぐん不思議な世界へと。 おもしろいです！ 話の中に すっかり入り込んでしまいました。 終わり方も すばらしい。 ニューヨーカー紙、ニューヨークタイムズ紙、ニューズウイーク紙が 絶賛しました。 ”一度Joyceの世界に入り込んだら、あなたは決して離れたくなくなるでしょう”（ニューズウイーク紙）

Super story for young readers. Like this author.

プレゼント用に購入したがヒドイ破損品を送りつけられた！表紙はボロボロで数ページに折れ破れがありました。