FICTION

But What if There's No Chimney

by Mandy Hussey
THOMPSON, Emily Weisner & . illus. by Kate Lampe. 24p. Indiana Univ. Oct. 2016. Tr $12. ISBN 9780253023926; ebk. $11.99. ISBN 9780253023933.
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PreS-Gr 1—When Ben and his father move to a new home without a chimney, the boy is concerned that Santa won't be able to visit on Christmas. Unable to be reassured by his friend, his teacher, or even mailman Fred, Ben sends Santa a message. The jolly old elf's response, a letter that encourages Ben to believe and "keep the meaning of Christmas alive," restores his faith and allays his fears. Inspired by the real town of Santa Claus, IN, the story is told almost entirely in rhyme that occasionally feels forced. The tale is accompanied by digital collage illustrations, and Checkermint, a small "Elf on the Shelf" derivative, hides on each page but is never acknowledged in the text.
VERDICT While this title may provide some comfort to younger children looking for answers to their own chimney woes, it will primarily be of regional interest.
Reviewed by Brooke Sheets, Los Angeles Public Library , Oct 01, 2016

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