Santa Claus vs The Easter Bunny
on Goodreads (154)
What’s inside...
A Sunday Times Book of the Year 2018! Santa has a comprehensive workforce of elves and reindeer to aid in the gift-giving process, whereas the Easter Bunny is tasked with making and delivering all the chocolate eggs on his own. Frustrated with the demanding job, the Easter Bunny devises a clever, chocolate-centric plan with surprising results. This whimsical tale, described as 'wonderfully bonkers' by Jim Field, offers readers the choice to follow either the Easter Bunny's or Santa Claus' storyline. It serves as an amusing and unique holiday read for children aged 5-7, perfect for both Easter and Christmas.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny feel competitive with each other? How would you have resolved their situation?
How do the different personalities of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny affect their actions? Which character do you relate to more, and why?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and understanding from the story?
How did the illustrations help you understand the story better? What was your favorite part of the artwork?
If you could create a holiday character, what would they be like and what holiday would they represent?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with friendship and competition.
Discuss the importance of understanding and celebrating differences, using the contrasting characters of Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny as examples.
Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite scene, focusing on how the depiction contributes to the overall message of the book.
Explore the theme of resolution by asking your child how they think conflicts should be resolved, drawing parallels to the story's resolution.
Utilize the artwork to deepen understanding—discuss how colors, expressions, and environments in the illustrations add depth to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation over competition
Explanation: In the story, Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny initially have rivalry, but they learn to work together to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of teamwork and cooperating with others in school projects or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Understanding differing perspectives
Explanation: The book portrays both characters’ viewpoints, showing their unique challenges and feelings, which helps in understanding each side of the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider and respect different perspectives among peers and adults, fostering empathy and better communication.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny face obstacles that they overcome by thinking creatively and making compromises.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to navigate challenges and conflicts thoughtfully in their daily interactions and activities.
Example Lesson: The value of humor
Explanation: The playful, humorous interactions between the characters lighten the mood and resolve conflicts, highlighting the importance of humor in dealing with life's challenges.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to use humor as a positive tool to manage stress and build relationships.
Example Lesson: Celebrating differences
Explanation: The story shows how Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny each have their own unique traditions and strengths.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate the diverse qualities and talents of others in their community, promoting inclusivity.