Don't Wake Santa
What’s inside...
In 'Don't Wake Santa,' children embark on a whimsical Christmas Eve adventure, tiptoeing around the house to prevent waking Santa Claus. The book incorporates interactive lift-the-flap elements that reveal surprises and advance the story, allowing children to help Santa deliver presents uninterrupted. In a parallel story, Barry the elf accidentally leaves the barn gate open, causing Santa's magical reindeer to escape. Readers are invited to help Barry find all eight reindeer before Santa awakens, enjoying a humorous, rhyming narrative and engaging lift-the-flap surprises on every double-page spread. This book makes an ideal Christmas gift for shared reading experiences.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it's important for Santa to get some rest before his big night?
How would you feel if someone woke you up while you were trying to sleep? What would you do?
What are some ways the characters in the book try to keep Santa asleep?
Can you think of a time when you tried to be very quiet? What was it like?
What would you leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve to help him on his journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, mimic the soft, tiptoe sounds from the story to make the experience interactive.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about sleep and rest, making connections to Santa's need for sleep in the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to develop their anticipation and narrative skills.
After reading, engage in a quiet activity like drawing scenes from the book to reinforce themes and enhance focus.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss and establish your family’s bedtime routines, linking them to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Patience
Explanation: In 'Don't Wake Santa,' the characters must wait quietly and patiently for Santa to deliver presents, teaching children the value of patience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to wait their turn while playing games or sharing toys with friends.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: The story illustrates the potential consequences of waking Santa, helping children understand that actions have effects.
Real-World Application: This can help children think about the results of their actions, such as cleaning up their toys to avoid tripping over them.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to keep Santa asleep, showcasing the effectiveness of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson by collaborating with siblings or classmates on projects or during group activities.
Example Lesson: Fostering Creativity
Explanation: To prevent Santa from waking, the characters come up with creative solutions, encouraging imaginative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to use their imagination to solve problems or create games.
Example Lesson: Respect for Others' Roles
Explanation: The book highlights Santa's important role and why it's crucial not to disturb him, teaching respect for others' work and responsibilities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect the roles and duties of family members and other community helpers.