How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? It’s a question that many children ask themselves, or older siblings, or even parents during holiday time when Santa comes from the North Pole laden with gifts. But what if he can’t go down the chimney? Or worse, what if there is no chimney? These questions are posed by author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen. And they come up with all sorts of fun-filled possibilities that will entertain and delight children 4-8 years of age.
First, Santa is shown taking off his big red coat and pulling his belt very tight, so he better fits the chimney’s space. Then he places his body in the chimney headfirst! “Does he ever get stuck partway down and need one of the reindeer to give him a kick?”
One of the most delightful illustrations shows Santa in a basement, wearing only his underwear, while washing his clothes! They had become very dirty when he tried to get through the chimney. With clean clothes, then, Santa next tries to get into the house by flattening his body and slipping under the front door. That doesn’t work. Believe it or not, he has better luck moving through an outside pipe that delivers him to an inside kitchen faucet! The author and artist then take the reader to a wonderful scene where Santa, now inside and having been led to the Christmas tree by the family dog, can begin his important work of leaving presents for children all snug in their beds.
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen is holiday fun for children 4-8 years of age and the whole family. This Santa story is unlike any other. (Candlewick) 2023.
The Children’s Bookshelf is a production of WCMU. Links to the podcast and Activity Questions can be found at Children’s Bookshelf dot org.
Activity Questions for How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
Can you think of other ways Santa could try to get in the house to deliver gifts? Use your imagination as did the author and illustrator of this book. Have fun! NOTHING IS TOO SILLY.
Although the story does not show it, what do you think Santa left under the tree? Next, draw a picture of what you would want left under the tree for yourself. Now add a few gifts that you know your brothers or sisters wanted to find under the tree.
The illustrations are full of fun. What illustration is your favorite? Why?
