Review Detail

When I saw the cover of The Santa Trap by Jonathan Emmett, I knew I had to read it. From the darkly mischievous boy claiming the throne-like red chair to the background cluttered with contractions of some kind, I knew it would be a fun read.

Was it ever.

Bradley Bartleby has been bad since the day he was born. His parents are afraid of him and give him all he desires. But not Santa. Every year, Santa brings Bradley socks. This year, Bradley is determined to get what he feels he rightfully deserves. So, he sets out to trap Santa.

The deep hued illustrations by Poly Bernatene work in perfect unison with the story text. The expressions on Bradley’s face and his body language add a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek humor as each of his sinister traps are sprung not by Santa, but by himself.

The Santa Trap is a must-have addition to any library, even if for merely its humor. But it could also serve as a kindly reminder to even the most “spirited” of children that Santa is not to be trifled with. Try as one might to outwit the big man in red, one may find themselves the proud owner of a new pair of socks this Christmas.