The Street Where Santa Lives

THE STREET WHERE SANTA LIVES is a heartfelt picture book about community and kindness. When an old man who looks like Santa moves in to the house next door, a young girl is convinced that he is the real deal, even though her sister and parents disagree. As the year goes on, she befriends Santa and finds out that he is really good at fixing things. When he disappears just before Christmas, she finds out that he is ill, and she rallies the neighborhood to help him in return. At the end of the story, everyone comes together to share Christmas cheer and kindness.

What I loved: This is a really sweet story of community and the importance of being kind. The story flows nicely through the year and the events on their street, with the little girl leading the way to befriending Santa and bringing him into the larger community. The images are cute and fit the story well with the right level of detail to bring it all to life. The story is ultimately a sweet one of kindness and generosity that suit the season well.

As a small note, while the story does not answer any questions about Santa (or whether this guy is the real deal), it could raise questions for little ones about the character. That being said, the story is sweet whether children believe it is about the real Santa or not- and it doesn't close the door to it being a mistaken identity.

Final verdict: THE STREET WHERE SANTA LIVES is a heartfelt and endearing picture book about community and kindness that hits just the right tone for the holiday season.

When an older man with a long white beard and red jacket and hat moves onto her street, a little girl is determined that he is Santa, even though her sister Liv thinks it's embarassing to call him that! The little girl spends time with the man (after he tells her parents she's no bother), and the two talk and plant things in the local garden. When the man fixes the girl's bicycle bell, this leads to the creation of "Santa's Workshop" where neighbors can bring in small things for the man to repair. The girl helps out. As the weather turns colder, Santa doesn't show up at the workshop, and the girl is concerned. With her parents, she knocks on the door and finds out that Santa is ill. Posting flyers, the girl alerts the neighbors that Santa needs help, and they all descend with soup, food, and medicine to take care of their friend. Santa feels better just in time for Christmas.