Harvey Slumfenburger's Christmas Present

WE LIKED THIS SIMPLE TO READ & UNDERSTAND STORY WITH THE WAY SANTA GOES FAR FAR AND AWAY beyond THE CALL OF DUTY TO GET HIS JOB DONE! WE HAVE 3 SONS 9 TO 4YRS. AND SO EACH WAS ASSIGNED A CERTAIN "REPEATED PHASE" ...(WHEN IT CAME TIME TO READ THEIR PHASE ON EACH OF THE PAGES) IT REALLY BROUGHT THE STORY TO LIFE & THEY DID ENJOY SOME OF THE TINY-EST LITTLE DETAILED SANTA'S ON HIS WAY TO ROLY POLY MOUNTAIN! THIS BOOK IS A KEEPER! DIFFERENT SPECIAL & GLAD TO HAVE IN OUR COLLECTION!!!

This book reveals Santa as he's never been revealed, starting with an exhausted Mr. Claus who is home after a long Christmas Eve journey. He really just wants to nurse a sick reindeer and get some sleep. Except, to his chagrin, he notices a lump in his sack and realizes he forgot to deliver a package. And this package, unfortunately, will be missed. It's for Harvey Slumfenburger, and it represents the sole Christmas booty that the young boy will get. You just know how much Santa wants to go back out to deliver this gift, but he does so without complaint. Of course, the reindeer are tired and sick, so Santa has to find creative and sundry ways to the top of Roly Poly Mountain, where Harvey lives. He gets the present to Harvey and finds his way back, although it's a long and tiring journey. My children love this story. The idea that Santa would go to such lengths is really appealing, and they adore trying to guess what Harvey's gift is. (The author smartly leaves us wondering). The story is about love, and any parent who has tried to obtain a hard-to-find toy or move mountains to get from work to the school play would completely relate. Don't be put off by the monotonous aspect of Santa's trip, or the unfortunate tongue-tying name of the young boy. This book will be a Christmas favorite, one that brings parent and child together in understanding sacrifice and love and generosity of spirit, truly the things that make Santa and the season magical.

We have to read this book multiple times every Christmas season. My son loves the great trouble that Santa will go to in order to reach poor little Harvey Slumfenburger on top of the Roly Poly Mountain, who will not be getting any other Christmas presents this year. It also gets us talking about how many people do not have enough money to buy everything they need or want. It has a message AND it's funny and entertaining. We really love this book.

I disagree with the designation of 4 - 8 years old as the reading level for this book. Students of 4 to 5 years old could not read this book themselves. I would say some first-graders, and most second and third-graders could read it independently. But it's a great story, whether it's read to children or by children. This story about a determined Santa, rope-climbing, skiing and traversing impossible terrain to reach Harvey on Roly Poly Mountain, is just inspired. Harvey is a little boy from a poor family who only gets one present each year - the one Santa brings. When Santa gets home and realizes the one present left in his sack was supposed to have reached Harvey, he immediately sets out to reach him - despite the fact he must get there without his sick and exhausted reindeer. This story captivated a class of kindergarteners - and it's not a really short book. When I got to the end, the students were clearly touched, and one sighed, "I love Santa." A second-grade teacher wants to borrow it now, to read to his class. Great Christmas story!

This is a heartwarming story about Santa's determination to ensure that every child has a wonderful Christmas morning. Santa's journey to Harvey's house on the top of Roly Poly Mountain teaches children and reminds adults that it is better to give than receive. The ending will spark conversations between all ages! Read this story every year to remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.