Guess Who's Coming to Santa's for Dinner?

Although I must admit that I don't always like the "signature" Tomie dePaola illustration style, this book was a welcome exception. As mentioned elsewhere, the abundance of rounded lines and the "Christmas-y" colors soften his sometimes more thick, one-dimensional look. The story concerns kind, patient, and nicely plump Santa and Mrs. Claus, as they attempt to throw a Christmas dinner party for their extended family and friends. These characters' behavior may ring a bell for anyone who has attended or given a holiday dinner. Unlike Mr. Claus, the guests are anything but saints: Adults and children alike argue, complain, sulk, and scowl (much of this by crabby, curmudgeony, cousin Ulla). Santa's brother Boris and his brother-in-law Bertie have a snowball fight, and the Claus' friend Lars brings an univited guest: A huge white animal who looks like a polar bear but--for some reason-- is called a walrus. It appears that each elative has his or her own little idiosyncracy: Uncle Alfred, the inventor, puts his "combination, all-in-one foot massager-back scratch on Santa, who then tumbles and falls. Olga is a would-be opera singer/producer, and dePaola presents a clever subplot about her putting on a Christmas pageant before dinner. Sister Sonja makes mashed potatoes by smashing them--uncooked--with the back of a frying pan! When dinner arrives, praise for the "spread" shares billing with complaints ("No hot dogs!," "I hate this table," and "Turkey--Again!"). Cousin James' "Fiery Flaming Plum Pudding" lives up to its name, almost setting the house on fire. Of course, by the next morning everyone is happy again (well, except for cousin Ulla, who steals the Christmas wreath...!), and all is forgiven and forgotten, although Mr. and Mrs. Claus have some cleaning to do. (This last scene is a bit confusing, as Santa stands over what looks like a turkey coming out of some gift wrapping.) Overall, the shenanigans of the realtives are quite funny and familiar, albeit exaggerated for effect. DePaola shows that this extended family really is extended; they come from many different countries and have distinct personalities and interests (although there are no discernable people of color). Children may like this version of Santa Claus: He's an approachable guy beset with some of the same big-family holiday problems experienced by many. The book is large enough for sharing with a roomful of students--or with members of a family when they get out of hand.

You can't suppress smiles when looking at an illustration by Tomie dePaola. His pictures are happy, bright, and somehow optimistic. With over 200 books to his credit (primarily children's titles), he's lost none of his enthusiasm and verve. Each successive book is fresh, new, and enjoyed by an eager host of fans. "Guess Who's Coming To Santa's For Dinner?" is typically exuberant dePaola, from the shiny green and red end papers to the bold full-color, full page illustrations. The book is a square (11 3/4" by 11 3/4", which makes Santa in his argyle socks more smilingly rotund than ever. As our story opens it's a few weeks before the big day and Santa decides to invite all of his family for Christmas dinner. Well, what a family that is! There's his brother, Boris, and his brood; Sister Olga, and her crew (including grumpy Cousin Ulla plus Mistletoe and Tinsel, their dog and cat). In addition, Santa wants to invite his pal, Lars. It was a bit surprising when Aunt Astrid arrived almost a day early to help Mrs. Claus in the kitchen. Not at all surprising was the fact that Cousin Ulla was the last to arrive. When most of the ladies adjourned to the kitchen, the men disagreed about what to watch on television. However, Sister Olga, an opera singer, saves the day (almost) by organizing a pageant. Dinner? That may be the biggest surprise of all. As always, Tomie dePaola enchants and entertains. - Gail Cooke