The Santa Shimmy

September 14, 2015
Most children miss out on seeing Santa on Christmas Eve, but not the exuberant girl who cuts a rug with him in this board book, one of four titles launching the Holiday Jingles series. Jones’s rhymes let readers join along (“Puff out your belly./ Stomp your feet./ Spin spin spin/ and then repeat”), and Randall creates a festive mood in images dotted with snowflakes, as well as arrows and wiggly lines to indicate movement. Dressed in layers of winter gear, the girl and Santa radiate infectious energy—plenty of children will be happy to dance alongside them. Simultaneously available: The Elf Boogie, The Reindeer Dance, and The Snowman Shuffle. Up to age 2.

October 1, 2015

PreS-An exuberant little girl, all bundled up in a puffy snowsuit, scarf, and hat, excitedly jumps, puffs, stomps, spins, shakes, and shimmies in anticipation of Santa's visit. A jolly and very rotund Santa joins in the movement with "a high, a low, and a ho, ho, ho." Cheerful, stylized illustrations are vaguely reminiscent of Little Golden books from the 1950s or 1960s but will appeal to modern audiences. VERDICT Despite the small (6 6) format, this is upbeat, lighthearted holiday fun that lends itself to group participation at preschool storytimes or in small classroom settings.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2015 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2015
A little tyke dances with old Saint Nick. Christmastime is here, and that means it's time for presents, parties, and dancing. The titular "Santa Shimmy" is presented here with plenty of lyrics that demand movement and coordination. Little ones are encouraged to "spin, spin, spin" and to "stomp your feet," standard movement fare, but sprinkled in are holiday specifics such as "scratch your beard" and "sneak around the room with a quiet tiptoe." The text is accompanied by bright, rounded illustrations that evoke children's holiday greeting cards. The whole enterprise is solid but not overly flashy. Parents looking for an active read to tucker readers out so they'll sleep soundly on Christmas Eve need look no further. An agreeably active Christmas read. (Board book. 1-3)

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