🎄REVIEW: "The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold" by Maureen Fergus and Cale Atkinson (Childrens Fiction, Picture Book)

THE DAY SANTA STOPPED BELIEVING IN HAROLD by Maureen Fergus Illustrated by Cale Atkinson
	Publisher: Tundra Books Genre: Childrens Fiction, Picture Book Publication Date: October 11th 2016 (Affiliate links)
Other Books by Maureen Fergus
Other Books Illustrated by Cale Atkinson
Description from Publisher:
Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn't think he's real. He WANTS to believe in Harold--after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas. Getting Harold's letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer... what would Christmas be without that? But Santa's just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold's not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists... with hilarious consequences.
My Rating:
My Musings:
Every year, I do a "Countdown to Christmas" with individually-wrapped books for my son. It's a mix of secondhand books, books from years before re-wrapped, and a few new ones. This book, The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold, will absolutely be one of this year's new ones! It is such a cute idea - using the feelings kids have when they start to doubt the magic of Father Christmas and flipping it around. Within just a few pages, I was filled with mirth at this wonderful story. "For one thing, I think his mom writes his Christmas letter." Seriously, how adorable is this? And this: "You're looking for reasons not to believe in Harold instead of just accepting him as one of the best, most magical parts of Christmas." This book just makes my Santa-loving heart happy. About halfway through, the reindeer suggest that Santa find proof. Then, we see that Harold is questioning the existence of Santa as well and also decides that he needs proof. Also within the first couple of pages, I fell in love with the art style and illustrations. I am a big fan of color in children's picture books and this book has rich colors that are gorgeous. It didn't escape my notice that Harold is either biracial or has a stepfather or adoptive father - the details aren't relevant, so it isn't explained - which I also thought was a sweet representation of other types of normal families. :) Anyone who loves the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus will also love this book, especially if they're children are beginning to question that magic. Definitely a great addition to your Christmas library!
My Source: I received a digital ARC from the publisher for an honest, unbiased review. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is my 100% own. This book has since been purchased (with no discount) since I loved it so much! :)

About the Author: Maureen Fergus
I was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba. When I was sixteen my family moved east; while there, I received an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Western Ontario and a Master of Business Administration from McGill University. Upon gradutating, I moved back to Winnipeg to embark upon my business career. I have worked in the aerospace, biopharmaceutical and financial services industries. I have also taught at the college level. When I was growing up, the idea of becoming a fiction writer never even crossed my mind. Then, six weeks after our first daughter was born, my husband Nick suggested that I give it a try. Thinking that it might be a good way to keep my brain stimulated in between diaper changes, I decided to do so. And you know what? That first time I reached my fingers toward the keyboard to write a story it felt as though I was slipping my hands into a pair of gloves that had been waiting for me my whole life. It was the first step on the long, challenging path that led to my becoming a published author. These days, life is busy. I went back to work in the business world as the part-time Managing Director of a Financial Services company five years ago when my youngest child started grade one, so two days a week I live in the fast-paced corporate world, three days a week (plus whatever other time I can manage!) I work on my writing. In between, I shop for groceries, make lunches, do laundry, clean the house, coach soccer, run twelve miles a week, study karate and hang out with my husband, our three kids and the family dog!
About the Illustrator: Cale Atkinson
Cale Atkinson is an illustrator/writer/animator currently residing in Kelowna Canada. Believing in tea more than sleep, Cale is constantly working on numerous projects. His work can be found in children’s books, animated shorts, television, and games. Companies Cale has worked with include Disney Hyperion, Tundra, Owl Books, Grosset & Dunlap, Scholastic, Pearson, and Marvel.
Giveaway/Excerpt