Peter Claus and the Naughty List

David, Lawrence

ISBN 10: 0385908423 ISBN 13: 9780385908429

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers, 2001

Synopsis

Naughty or nice? Peter Claus thinks this yearly question is most unfair. As Santa’s son, he should know. For the second year in a row his name appears on the dreaded Naughty List. That means no presents for Christmas! But Peter doesn’t remember misbehaving—at least not enough to deserve such a harsh punishment. Taking the reins to Santa’s sleigh, Peter rounds up all the naughty children the world over. He wants Santa to hear their side. Maybe then Santa will see that not receiving gifts at Christmas isn’t the fairest way to deal with kids who do bad deeds. Peter’s not sure if his plans will work, but he does know a lot of boys and girls need his help if they have any chance of waking up to a merry Christmas.
From the Hardcover edition.

About this title

Review:

Each Christmas, Santa's son, Peter, has the unpleasant task of checking the lists twice to see who's been naughty or nice. Destined for his second stint on the naughty list, Peter questions the fairness of the system. Still, "I didn't make the rules," Santa says. "But you know what they are." Peter certainly does--but he doesn't have to like it. This year, he's taking matters (and the reindeer reins) into his own hands, and for the small group of perfectly nice Naughties around the world, this may just turn out to be a bountiful Christmas after all.

This original tale from author Lawrence David and illustrator Delphine Durand, the imaginative creators of Beetle Boy, celebrates those brave rebels who won't stand for injustice. Peter is no rabble-rousing scoundrel, though. He's just a goodhearted boy who occasionally goes astray. But, as his wise old dad says, "All people do naughty things once in a while. It can't be helped. Saying you're sorry is what matters most." Durand's quirky, stylized illustrations feature sausage-shaped dogs, TV remote-control wielding reindeer, and chip-off-the-old-block-shaped-dad Peter Claus, with endearing sticky-outy ears and blond Beatles-style hairdo. (Ages 6 to 11) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author:

Lawrence David’s other picture books include The Land of Hungry Armadillos, Beetle Boy, and The Good Little Girl.

Delphine Durand has illustrated Beetle Boy.

About this edition

• Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0385908423
• ISBN 13: 9780385908429
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Durand Delphine