Anyone who loves The Jolly Postman books will be charmed by Alan Durant’s Dear Santa Claus. A girl named Holly with a letter-writing history (Dear Tooth Fairy) now corresponds with the big man himself, receiving little letters that readers can pull out of envelopes. The correspondence is great fun, and Vanessa Cabban’s illustrations sizzle with Christmas spirit on both the pages of the book and each sheet of Santa’s stationery. Accompanying Santa’s letters are a small Advent calendar, a paper ornament and a reindeer guide, complete with jokes. Santa keeps asking Holly what she wants, but she’s afraid to voice her desire until the last minute. In the spirit of The Polar Express, Holly finally asks for and receives a midnight sleigh ride with Santa. Who could ask for more?
Valiant Women is a vital and engrossing attempt to correct the record and rightfully celebrate the achievements of female veterans of World War II.
