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Mitsuki Hoshi was born in 1973. She is a dedicated Amigurumi designer and has published 6 books on Amigurumi and knitting, including best-selling titles Ami Ami Dogs and Ami Ami Dogs 2. Her cute designs swiftly and widely gained popularity in the craft world. You can see her creations on her website (http://hoshi-mitsuki.com/). Christian Birmingham is a young artist of outstanding talent. In 1991 he graduated from Exeter College of Art and Design and has since illustrated several highly praised books, including The Magical Bicycle .
A smiling Santa in goggles and aviator helmet speeds up the Christmas Eve delivery system with updated transportation from his Far Northair sleigh. This futuristic-looking vehicle still uses eight reindeer, but additional propulsion is controlled through sophisticated equipment in the covered cockpit (including a built-in beverage maker with choices from hot chocolate to borsht). This interpretation of Moore's classic poem finds Santa making a delivery to a household with three children in a traditional, suburban neighborhood. The father of the family springs out of bed in a panic in one dramatic spread, with his hand seeming to stretch right off the page toward the reader. A diverse crew of helpers joins Santa on his Christmas Eve flight, with costumed elves from many countries and ethnic groups helping to unload the toys and clean the soot off Santa's red cape, furry pants and pointed boots. Elves and toys decorate the endpapers and also appear as spot illustrations at the end of the poem's verses, which are attractively framed with bold, red borders on alternating spreads. An interview of St. Nick by illustrator Watson concludes the volume. (Picture book. 3-7) (Kirkus Reviews)
