How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
What’s inside...
The beloved, multi-award-winning duo of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen tackle a perennial question. When Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the faucet? What happens once he’s inside? Whether it’s shape-shifting or impromptu laundry use, Mac Barnett’s iconic talent for earnest deadpan humor and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny art honor the timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child’s fanciful explanations (and begging for further speculation), this latest collaboration by a New York Times best-selling team will find a secure spot among family holiday traditions.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some creative ways you think Santa might use to fit down all those different chimneys?
Why do you think Santa goes through all this trouble to deliver presents?
How do you imagine Santa feels when he successfully delivers all the presents?
What would you do if you were Santa and encountered a particularly tricky chimney?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think creatively and empathize with Santa’s challenges. Use open-ended questions to stimulate their imagination and reasoning. Validate their ideas and feelings, and share your own thoughts to create a bonding experience. Highlight Santa's dedication and relate it to the importance of perseverance and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases Santa creatively figuring out how to fit down different chimneys, demonstrating adaptability and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily activities, from tackling school projects to resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Santa’s efforts to deliver gifts quietly and thoughtfully show children the importance of considering others' feelings and comfort.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by being considerate and understanding towards family members and peers, realizing how their actions affect others.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, Santa persists in his mission to deliver gifts, underscoring the value of determination and persistence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether in learning a new skill or completing a challenging task.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The inventive solutions Santa employs to navigate chimneys highlight the role of creativity in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use their imagination to find novel solutions in their playtime or homework.