Project Description

The Santa Trap
by Jonathan Emmett
illustrated by Poly Bernatene
Price: $15.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-670-3
Publication Date: 10/1/2012
Page Count: 32
Size: 9-1/2″ x 12″
Age Range: 6 – 10
Language: English
GRL: N, Gr 3
Lexile: AD850L
Themes: Christmas, Consequences, Gifts, Pranks
BISAC 1: JUV017010 JUVENILE FICTION / Holidays & Celebrations / Christmas & Advent
BISAC 2: JUV019000 JUVENILE FICTION / Humorous Stories
Reviews
“The cleverly constructed plot unfolds with perfect comedic timing and dry wit, complemented by digitally produced mixed-media illustrations that have a suitably sinister, magnetic charm. Bernatene’s artwork uses dark colors, shadows and cinematic perspectives to bring Bradley’s world into believable focus.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW
“Bernatene’s cinematic mixed-media illustrations work wicked magic with Emmett’s darkly comedic prose, as Bradley’s plans backfire explosively. An ideal Christmas present for children who prefer Halloween.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“This funny, beautifully illustrated story will have you talking about the importance of ‘being good for goodness’ sake.” ―The Washington Post
“Bernatene’s digital mixed-media illustrations are a perfectly creepy fit to this unusual holiday tale…fans of the Addams Family and Emily the Strange shenanigans might appreciate the dark humor.” ―School Library Journal
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“The no-holds-barred humor—both author and illustrator are not afraid to pull out all the stops with Bradley’s inventive weapons—is refreshingly funny.” —Kirkus Reviews, Feature
“Bernatene’s bright, cartoony paintings offer proportions and distortions reminiscent of animated features like Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas….A solid find for readers more comfortable with videos than with stories on pages.” ―Booklist Online
“In a humorous twist ending, it’s Bradley who’s served his comeuppance (and another pair of socks). Bernatene’s digital illustrations bring the troublemaker’s beastliness to life in this cautionary tale disguised as a holiday romp.” ―The Horn Book Guide
“In the laugh-out-loud but decidedly iconoclastic ‘The Santa Trap’…a spoiled rich boy vows to ‘catch the fat fool and take every present he’s got.’” ―Newsday
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Awards
Best of 2012 List ―Kirkus Reviews, 2012
Storytelling World Resource Awards (Winner, Stories for Pre-Adolescent Listeners) ―Storytelling World Magazine, 2014
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Meet the Author

Jonathan Emmett, in addition to writing picture books, also writes and paperengineers pop-up books. He is the author of several books, including The Princess and the Pig, also illustrated by Poly Bernatene. He lives in England. You can visit his website here.
Meet the Illustrator

Poly Bernatene is a visiting professor at Buenos Aires School of Fine Art. He has worked in advertising, animation, and comics, and has illustrated over sixty children’s books. He lives in Argentina. You can visit his website here.