“The story is charmingly told… Blake’s colorful cartoons are as appealing as ever. The small trim size and cream-colored pages go well with the quiet story, making this a good choice for libraries that have plenty of big, jolly Christmas books and want some more thoughtful fare.” ―School Library Journal

“Blake’s relaxed and wiry-lined watercolors do much to convey a heartfelt turning point in a boy’s childhood.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Blake’s loose watercolor-and-ink illustrations and the volume’s small size complement the whimsical nature of the story.” ―Kirkus Reviews

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“Blake’s typically charming, scribbly color-washed drawings illustrate the Murail sisters’ slim, engaging story… children who, like Julian, are ready to renounce Santa, will enjoy the suggestion that holiday magic may be real after all.” ―Booklist

“Santa’s Last Present is one magical Christmas story that will have children thinking. I am still thinking.” ―Kid Lit Reviews

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Marie-Aude Murail is the author of numerous children’s books. She lives in France.

Elvire Murail is the author of numerous children’s books. She lives in France.

Quentin Blake is a best-selling illustrator and author-illustrator of more than one hundred books and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal and a Bologna Ragazzi Award. In 1999, Blake was named the first Children’s Laureate of the United Kingdom. He lives in England and France. You can visit his website here.

“Blake’s characteristic watercolor cartoons pair perfectly with the silly text, creating another marvelous story about this eccentric but lovable lady.” ―School Library Journal

“Blake does more with squiggly black pen strokes and near-random splotches of color wash than many illustrators could do with much more, and he’s as giggle-inducing as they come. Excellent for read-alouds, and besides, it will remind you to pull out his Captain Najork stories once again.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Delightfully droll details in Blake’s characteristically eccentric text and drawings keep this tale rolling along at a smooth clip. Readers will close the book chuckling-and hoping for Mrs. Armitage’s reappearance in yet another mode of transportation.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Blake’s text is as spare and full of momentum as Mrs. Armitage’s car. The well-paced, humorous language is filled with sound effects that will delight story-hour crowds, and Blake’s lively, scribbled, color-washed sketches find the humor in the chaotic action and create a wining character in resourceful, always upbeat Mrs. Armitage.” ―Booklist

Quentin Blake is a best-selling illustrator and author-illustrator of more than one hundred books and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal and a Bologna Ragazzi Award. In 1999, Blake was named the first Children’s Laureate of the United Kingdom. He lives in England and France. You can visit his website here.

“Blake’s images of Angela fretting and fawning over her beloved bird are hilarious, revealing a range of exaggerated expressions on the face of the wild-eyed critter, who seems to know exactly how ludicrous he looks…. Appealingly offbeat, this droll tale is classic Blake.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“In the hands of a master like Blake, this relationship between an unconventional woman and a young bird, unmediated by softening agents, feels real and good and weird…. Add Blake’s idiosyncratic watercolors, which inspire affection and sympathy, and you have the rare eccentric/endearment nexus that emits its own strange wonderful light.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“While the story is told with Blake’s characteristic lighthearted charm and the illustrations are rife with comic detail, the issue of love that stifles rather than saves is handled with sensitivity.” ―School Library Journal

Quentin Blake is a best-selling illustrator and author-illustrator of more than one hundred books and the recipient of numerous awards, including the Kate Greenaway Medal and a Bologna Ragazzi Award. In 1999, Blake was named the first Children’s Laureate of the United Kingdom. He lives in England and France. You can visit his website here.