The Street Where Santa Lives
by Harriet Howe, illustrated by Julia Christians
Interest age: 4 to 7
Published by Little Tiger Books, 2025
About this book
When an old man moves in next door, one little girl is convinced he’s Santa.
He has a white beard and he loves wearing red. He can fix things like bike bells and motorbikes – perhaps from practising with the elves? Neighbours drop by with their broken special things for him to fix, and the little girl makes him a ‘Santa’s workshop’ sign.
But when it gets colder, she can’t find him. She insists on checking on him – and he’s not very well. Luckily, she has a plan to help him feel better soon.
This gorgeous picture book is full to the brim with the real meaning of the festive season – love and community. We never find out whether the man really is Santa, but what matters is that everyone looks after each other.
There is a heartwarming, festive feeling at the end – enhanced by the illustrations, which are full of character and colour. The community depicted is a real mix of people, and the little girl is part of a mixed family.
This would be a useful book to start conversations about being neighbourly and kind – and empathy.
More books like this
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One Christmas in Our Building
by Johanna Lindemann, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier
4 to 7 years
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A Family Christmas
by Alana Washington, illustrated by Emily Nash
4 to 7 years
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Santa’s Wonderful Workshop
by Elys Dolan
4 to 9 years
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Santa’s Christmas Countdown
by Kathryn Jewitt, illustrated by Sebastien Braun
2 to 4 years
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