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Here, the freshness of carrots is approved for reindeer feeding."
In this colorful, cheerful Christmas story, young readers find themselves in the North Pole, visiting Santa's family, elves, reindeer, and workshop. In the North Pole, magic and joy are the day's flavors. Elves work together to make Christmas toys and holiday joys a bright reality for children across the globe. However, as readers venture through Santaland, they meet Elizabeth Claus, Mr. and Mrs. Claus' youngest, whose talent is working with Santa's bunnies. While everyone always hears about the elves and the reindeer, few know about Santa's bunnies. Elizabeth has a great responsibility, managing the bunnies and going so far as hosting "birthday parties (for each and everyone) / And baby showers for each mother bun." Young readers follow Elizabeth as she and her bunnies perform their duties, right up until Christmas Eve: "When all their labors are complete all of Santaland gathers in the square to send Santa on his trip all around the world."
This book's message is not only meant for the Christmas season. Its unique story combines with beautiful artwork to not only form a new type of Christmas story but also to teach young readers about responsibility. Young readers vicariously work with Elizabeth and her bunnies to make sure that Santa's big night is a success. For example, they see Elizabeth and her Angora rabbits testing "stuffed toy rabbits, mice, kitties, puppies, ponies, bears, llamas, koalas, sloths, giraffes, elephants, etc." Because this task is meticulous and precious, "Only Angora bunnies work in this department." As the story continues, young readers meet the Flemish Giants, who, because of their size, "work in FASHION DESIGN as models for all Santa's red suit fittings." Thus, young readers begin learning lessons about using their talents and abilities in specialized areas where those talents are needed. The bunnies also help Mr. and Mrs. Claus with their well-being: "Since bunnies are herbivores, they are responsible for Santa's and Mrs. Claus's diet of wholesome, fresh produce January through November." Through the bunnies' example, children learn how to use their gifts to help others be the best they can be.
Adults and children alike will enjoy the book's vibrant artwork, which, no matter the time of year, transports readers to the North Pole, where the hustle, bustle, and joy of giving and of the Christmas season never end. From the story's beginning, the special inclusion of bunnies into a traditional holiday setting establishes a diverse, inclusive community, and young readers quickly see the value of including others who may be different from them. Elizabeth's story is empowering, particularly to young female readers, as they see another young person not only tasked with great responsibility but also finding her purpose early on in life. More importantly, as young readers see Elizabeth and her bunnies interacting with the others in Santaland, they learn the value of working as part of a team and as part of a community. At its core, the book truly advocates an important message: "We are better together." This book may just become a new part of many families' Christmas tradition.