“With photorealistic precision, Austin depicts an exaggeratedly panicked young scholar from a variety of canted and slanted points of view as he runs, flies, sails, and flails his way down city streets… Children tardy and timely will laugh at this droll recitation.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Featuring a catchy cadence, Reiss’s rhyming tale and Austin’s pleasingly exaggerated artwork introduce a fresh-faced narrator… The narrative gives way to kid-pleasing nonsense as absurd incidents conspire to threaten the student’s perfect punctuality record… Austin’s wild and wily airbrushed illustrations make use of electric hues and skewed perspectives; large scale views present the earnest, wide-eyed hero manifesting an array of entertaining facial expressions. A surprise ending-complete with graphic details-wraps up this satisfyingly silly caper.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The poetic format of the story and the amazing illustrations will captivate readers…” ―Blue Mountain Town and Country Gazette

“This was a fun rhyming tale that kids will want to read over and over again.” ―It’s About Time, MaMaw

Children’s Choices ―International Reading Association, Children’s Book Council, 2004

Read Alouds too Good to Miss (Picture Books) ―AIME, 2008

Mike Reiss has garnered top awards as a television writer, including four Emmys and a Peabody for his work on The Simpsons. Reiss is also the author of several children’s books. He is a former president of The Harvard Lampoon and editor of The National Lampoon. He lives in New York.

Michael Austin is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, a creative director, and the illustrator of several books. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“Expansive oil paintings keep the energy high…” ―Publishers Weekly

“Santa sparkles throughout the pages, thanks to the illustrator’s contribution. The book, written in rhyme, captures Santa’s jolly essence perfectly.” ―The Oklahoman

“This humorously-written, imaginative book…is a must-have for K-5 Santa-lovers everywhere… In short, every page of this over-sized, hard back picture book is a story-starter.” ―Picture Book Depot

“The perfect post-holiday picture book the entire family will enjoy. The story is wonderful to read with its rhyming and perfect meter. The illustrations are collector worthy.” ―Kid Lit Reviews

The Original Art ―Society of Illustrators, 2007

Mike Reiss has garnered top awards as a television writer, including four Emmys and a Peabody for his work on The Simpsons. Reiss is also the author of several children’s books. He is a former president of The Harvard Lampoon and editor of The National Lampoon. He lives in New York.

Michael G. Montgomery has illustrated numerous children’s books. He attended Georgia Southern University and the University of Georgia. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.