LitPick Review
Bundle up for a trip to the North Pole! Lucy Goodshoe is the one bright light among the employees of North Pole Industries. She is a determined elf with an unwavering Christmas spirit. But when Lucy becomes Santa's new assistant, she discovers that Santa is not his jolly old self. In fact, he appears indifferent and unaware that malcontent Rudy is gleefully eroding the spirit of Christmas. Lucy is on a mission to redeem Santa, defeat out-of-control robots and drones, restore Rudy's loyalty, and create better jobs for the elves. But is this too much to ask of one lone elf? Perhaps not with the help of allies like Jay the food cart vendor, Perry the snow guard, and her mother Gertrude. Together, will they be able to bring back the joy and wonder of Christmas?
Opinion:
In Arun Narayanan's Saving Santa, readers are introduced to a hero of epic proportions. Elf Lucy Goodshoe is as spirited as she is determined. She generates feelings of hope, friendship, bravery, happiness, and kindness. The whimsical illustrations are detailed, bright, colorful, and perfectly complement the text. Though the marketed age range is 5-8, the book includes heavier themes such as disillusionment, death, capitalism, and the dangers of technology. Also, at 64 pages, the book may be a bit long for younger audiences, and it might not charm idealists who believe in the mystical magic of Santa. However, it is a worthy read for fans of parody and satire. So, for those who are ready for a satirical adventure that will keep them chuckling, grab a copy of Saving Santa.
