Waiting for Santa – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Christmas, picture book, family, fun, cats.
Children’s book title: Waiting for Santa.
Children’s author: Lucy Cochran.
Children’s illustrator: Heidi McKinnon.
Genre: Picture book.
Published by: Albert Street Books, an imprint of Allen and Unwin.
ISBN: 9781760526719.
Recommended for children aged: 3-6 year-olds.
First published: Hardback November 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: Early readers.
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Our review:
Ren and Harry have spent all morning writing their lists for Santa.
There are realistic requests like books and puzzles and some not so realistic ones like a kangaroo and a vending machine!
As the children get ready to go out to see Santa, Harry sneaks their cat Moloko into his bag, against his Mum’s wishes.
“But Moloko loves Santa!” Harry whispers to himself.
It’s a long drive to the shopping centre where Santa’s Grotto is. When the family finally arrive, it turns out that Ren and Harry are not the only ones who want to see Santa today. There’s a VERY long queue!
“I need a coffee,” says Mum.
“I need a charger,” says Dad.
“I need a toilet, says Harry.
Ren and Harry are soon tired of waiting and wonder if Santa is even in the store. They decide to let Moloko out of her bag to find Santa for them.
Harry knows that Moloko is very good at finding things. Unfortunately, Moloko is also very good at causing chaos! She charges through the department store, with the children following in her wake.
Moloko BOUNDS through the books!
Moloko GALLOPS through the gift wrapping!
On she goes, right up to the rooftop where a very special visitor all dressed in red is looking for the Grotto himself…
Moloko has saved the day! Ren and Harry finally get their own very special visit with Santa. And the best family photo ever!
Waiting for Santa is a charming Christmas picture book. The simple story of a wait-to-see Santa is enlightened by the antics of the adventurous feline Moloko, who gives Judith Kerr’s Mog a run for her money.
The illustrations are bold, inclusive and cheerful. The book’s Australian setting gives a different focus to the UK’s normal offering of idealistically snow-filled Christmas stories, with shorts and t-shirts replacing the usual hats and scarfs.
The accessible text is often immersed in the images, making for an interactive reading experience with lots of engaging dialogue. The chase scenes are a particular delight, and young children will love to act out Moloko’s dash through the various departments of the shop.
Waiting for Santa is an engaging festive picture book that is perfect for Christmas storytime sessions.
Many thanks to Allen & Unwin for the review copy.
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Browse our list of Christmas stories.
