One of the most famous people in the world must be Santa Claus, aka Father Christmas (or whatever other name you may name for him), that very important present bringer. But have you ever wondered what Santa would do if he decided he needed a well-earned rest at Christmas just like the rest of us? He would probably use the time to take a holiday. But where would he go? Well he may have travelled the world delivering presents, but how much of it has he really seen and enjoyed? In Santa Selfie, Santa decides to do just that and leave the chilly North Pole for a winter holiday.
But Santa is world famous and trying to get a relaxing holiday isn’t easy – he’s recognised everywhere he goes!
Santa Selfie, is written by Peter Bently and illustrated by Anna Chernyshova. It is a festive romp that blends celebrity culture with yuletide charm, warmth and plenty of humour. A picture book aimed at young readers aged 3 to 6, this fun festive tale offers more than just seasonal sparkle – it’s a clever commentary on fame, identity and the universal desire for peace and quiet, all wrapped up in rhyming verse and vibrant illustrations.
Santa Selfie opens with Santa deciding to take a well-earned break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the chill of the North Pole. He hands over the reins of his present bringing duties to his trusty elves and sets off on a relaxing winter cruise. But as we all know, Santa is somewhat of a celebrity, and he very quickly discovers that being the most recognisable figures in the world comes with its own set of challenges. Whether he’s sitting by the pool on a cruise ship, sightseeing in Sydney, strolling along the Great Wall of China or just simply trying to enjoy a quiet lunch, he’s constantly mobbed by fans desperate for a selfie. “I must get a photo with Santa today!” is a repeating cry throughout the pages of the book, superbly capturing the relentless nature of celebrity culture in a way that’s both funny and relatable – even for young readers.
Overall, Santa Selfie is a fun Christmas-themed book. With its snappy rhyming text and engaging illustrations it is a joy to read. The rhythmic playful language, written by Peter Bently, keeps the story moving along briskly, while the wonderful illustrations, by Anna Chernyshova, bring the story visually to life with their vivid colours and comic humour.
While this is a fun tale of Santa trying to take a break but being recognised everywhere he goes, beyond the laughs, it offers a gentle message about celebrity and boundaries. His eventual realisation that the only place he can truly relax is back home at the North Pole in a familiar setting with his friends (although that doesn’t go as planned). For young page turners, this theme is subtly woven into the tale, which offers a chance to have discussions around emotions, personal space, the importance of rest and the pitfalls of being famous.
The story is told in playful rhyme adorned with illustrations that complement the text beautifully. With expressive characters on every page and featuring different dynamic settings it has plenty of humorous details to spot on each page. Young readers will be able to spot Santa doing yoga in a park to being chased by selfie-stick-wielding tourists. The artwork adds layers of comedy and charm that brilliantly elevates the story.
Santa Selfie is a delightful addition to any festive bookshelf. It’s funny, thoughtful and packed with personality – very much like Santa himself. For readers of Young Page Turners, it’s a perfect pick for the holiday season and some Christmas reading.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £7.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
Available to buy from Amazon here.
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