Auntie Claus

Sophie Claus finds her great aunt, Auntie Claus, supremely "mysterioso" in this entertaining holiday tale, setting out to discover her older relative's secrets. Why does Auntie Claus wear a diamond key on a chain around her neck? Where does she disappear to on her annual "business trip," which lasts from Halloween to Valentine's Day? Stowing away in Auntie Claus's luggage, Sophie finds herself transported to the North Pole, where she is pressed into service as an elf, working in the mail-room. But although she is surrounded by the magic of Christmas, Sophie can't seem to take in Auntie Claus's number one rule - that it is better to give than to receive - until she finds her younger brother's name on a list of bad children, and realizes show more that he will not get any gifts this year. Her response proves that she does indeed have the Christmas spirit...

Although long aware of Auntie Claus, as well as its two sequels, Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas and Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays, it was not until this year (2016), that I finally got around to reading it. I'm glad that I did, as the story is great Christmas fun, offering a magical holiday fantasy featuring the extended family of that legendary gift-giver, Santa Claus. I liked that Sophie's transformation only came after lots of hard work, and that it was the result of her affection for her brother. Elise Primavera's artwork, done in gouache and pastel, is colorful and bright, capturing Auntie Claus' elegant figure, and Sophie's many magical adventures perfectly. Recommended to anyone looking for entertaining Christmas tales featuring Santa Claus and his gift-making factory/facility at the North Pole. show less

One of the things about growth is saying goodbye to books that are just not good enough. I’m happy to say I still enjoy this fun Santa riff. The illustrations with art deco inspiration are the star.

Good fun.

Sophie and her little brother are the most spoiled children, they have everything, and they get everything they want. Sophie’s aunt is very peculiar because she leaves just before Christmas and wont get home until months later but Sophie doesn’t know where, but she knows her aunt is up to something. Sophie decides one Christmas to hide in a box and stow away to see just where her aunt was going, Sophie finds herself in a truly Christmas adventure, learning exactly what it means when said, “It is far better to give than to receive.” I love this book because I was always a giver, I loved to give gifts, and this book really drives the notion of gratefulness, giving, and humbleness. I would completely recommend this story to every age.

This is my favorite Christmas book! When Sophie Kringle becomes curious as to where her Auntie Claus really goes on her annual Christmas business trip, she hides in a box and discovers that her aunt goes to the north pole! When she realizes her brother is on the naughty list, Sophie must decide what to do. This is a creative and exciting story that puts a twist on Christmas.

This is one of the first Christmas books I added to my collection for "when I have kids someday" ... now I have that kiddo and this book is so fun to read. Who wouldn't want to have such a magical Auntie who lived in an amazing NYC building. Great Illustrations - very colorful!

I can see how the world-building of this would lead to the sequels being better books, but I'm not sufficiently impressed with this to look for them.

Little Kid Reaction: When we read this in the afternoon, we had our preschooler's undivided attention. S/He didn't want to sit still for it at bedtime, though. Every time we read it, s/he wants to know more about Sophie and Auntie Claus.

Big Kid Reaction: This is a fun story. The narrative is descriptive and wholly necessary, but wordier than what our preschooler is used to. We are happy when s/he wants to sit for the whole story, 'cuz we like reading it to the end.

Pros: The story is imaginatively told and illustrated. The elements of Auntie Claus' lessons are laid out subtly, but obvious in the end. It artfully weaves the spiritual essence of the holiday with its secular presentation.

To read our full review, go to The Reading Tub®.