Santa's Greatest Gift

From the very beginning, this picture book is a joy. Printed on deliciously thick, shiny paper, Leblond’s images are addictive. From the elves’ busy workshop to the map of Wales, there is always a little more to find. And there are so many perspectives! We look up into the sky with the elves, and down onto the sled from above – we even get a dolls’ house-style view of the inside of one of the homes Santa visits.



So I was already sold before I even began on the words, and they, too, bring their own pleasure. It’s a simple story – Santa has forgotten Gwydion’s present, despite his careful planning. Luckily, Santa comes up with a solution that makes everyone happy! It’s a tale told in poetry, with a confident and regular rhythm that carries us through the journey in an energetic manner. I liked the effective use of half-rhyme. It gives the story more flexibility and flow.



I suspect that Welsh children will derive huge pleasure from seeing within the book the names of towns and villages that they recognise. And the whole story focuses on Santa’s delivery to their own homeland. I think this is a terrific book, and should sell very well indeed at Christmas! ~Sally Owen @ www.gwales.com