Santa Calls

Written and illustrated by William Joyce

Part of the The World of William Joyce series

Three kids race to save Christmas from evil elves at the North Pole.

5.7/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,590 ratings

40 pages· 2,220 words· Est. 18 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Art Aimesworth, a young inventor and crime fighter, is summoned to the North Pole with his sister Esther and friend Spaulding. Santa needs their help against an army of evil elves. But when Esther is captured by the Queen of the Dark Elves, Art must embark on a daring rescue mission. Can he save his sister and Christmas itself? This thrilling holiday adventure promises mystery, danger, and a race against time.

From the publisher

Three kids venture to the North Pole to help Santa defeat an army of evil elves in this holiday classic from the brilliant mind that brought you The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Art Atchinson Aimesworth—inventor, crime fighters, and all-around whiz kid—journeys north with his sister, Esther, and his pal Spaulding, by special invitation from Santa himself. Why did Santa call them to the North Pole? Art wants to know. But when Esther is taken by the Queen of the Dark Elves, Art must put his questions aside and save his sister. This reissue of William Joyce’s epic Christmas adventure now comes complete with lift-the-flap letters from Santa himself!

Awards

Golden Kite Honor (1994)

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 40
Words: 2,220
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: AD480L

Themes & topics

Books about Santa Claus Books about Christmas Books about holidays Books about siblings Books about adventure and adventurers

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.7

out of 7

7.0

“This my favorite of all Santa books. It's a wonderful story of adventure and the reconciliation of siblings, placed in the setting of a creatively and wonderfully imagined world of the North Pole complete with gorgeous details in the story as well as in the illustrations. It is on the long side, but perfectly worth it.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

4.5

“This picture book is a little bit longer of the story, with more words, so older children might appreciate it more. The ending really made the book for me when you figure out why Santa had the children visit, and I love the special touch of the letters you can open at the end of the story. I also love the illustration of Santa Claus in this book!”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one