Santa Calls
By William Joyce
The Story
A whiz-kid inventor gets a mysterious summons to the North Pole with his sister and best friend, but when the Queen of the Dark Elves takes his sister, he must abandon his questions and rescue her.
Why It's Special
For the kid who wants every Christmas story to have a real quest in it, not just a wish list — this one sends its hero straight into danger to save someone he loves.
- Big idea: Courage shows up when the people you love are the ones in trouble.
- Vibes: Old-fashioned adventure with a wintery, high-stakes edge — equal parts Christmas wonder and genuine peril.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy adventure stories with real stakes
- like to imagine themselves as inventors or heroes
- are drawn to Santa and North Pole mythology beyond the usual
- respond well to interactive touches like lift-the-flap letters
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: Why do you think Santa called Art, Esther, and Spaulding to the North Pole?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Art felt when he found out Esther had been taken?
- Real-life connection: Has a brother or sister ever needed your help? What did you do?
- Imagination: If Santa sent you a letter asking for help, what would you hope the mission was?
- Character: What do you think makes Art good at solving problems?
