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The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold
Santa has a problem. This kid? Harold? Santa doesn't think he's real. He WANTS to believe in Harold--after all, Harold is one of the most magical parts of Christmas. Getting Harold's letters, eating the cookies he leaves out, feeding his carrots to the reindeer... what would Christmas be without that? But Santa's just not sure. Some of his friends are telling him they think Harold's not real. And the Harold that sat on his knee last Christmas looked AWFULLY different. Santa comes up with a plan to find out once and for all if Harold really exists... with hilarious consequences.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published October 11, 2016
About the author
Cale Atkinson
50 books168 followersCale Atkinson is an illustrator/writer/animator currently residing in Kelowna Canada.
Believing in tea more than sleep, Cale is constantly working on numerous projects. His work can be found in children’s books, animated shorts, television, and games.
Publishers Cale has worked with include Disney Hyperion, Tundra, Simon and Schuster, Doubleday, KidsCan Press, Owl Books, Grosset & Dunlap, GreyStone, Scholastic, Pearson, and Marvel.
Believing in tea more than sleep, Cale is constantly working on numerous projects. His work can be found in children’s books, animated shorts, television, and games.
Publishers Cale has worked with include Disney Hyperion, Tundra, Simon and Schuster, Doubleday, KidsCan Press, Owl Books, Grosset & Dunlap, GreyStone, Scholastic, Pearson, and Marvel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
May 12, 2016
Santa has stopped believing Harold is real. He is suspecting Harold is actually Harold's parents. He is sure Harold's mom is the one writing the letters, and his dad is the one leaving snacks for Santa. He also notices this year when Harold seated in his knees, he looked nothing like the year before. Santa has a plan. He will wait awake in Harold's living room on Christmas Eve to see if he really exists.
At the same time Harold has his doubts about Santa being real, and he also decides to spy on him to find out the truth. Finally on Christmas morning Santa and Harold see each other and both believe again.
It was really funny to read kids' arguments for not believing in Santa used in Santa's side. Also the illustrations are gorgeous. That said, I don't see the point in insisting a kid who has stopped believing in Santa in believing again. I don't allow my oldest kids to tell the "truth" about Santa to my youngest ones, so they can enjoy the magic of the illusion. But as soon as they stop believing, I let them go. It's part of growing up, and it's ok.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At the same time Harold has his doubts about Santa being real, and he also decides to spy on him to find out the truth. Finally on Christmas morning Santa and Harold see each other and both believe again.
It was really funny to read kids' arguments for not believing in Santa used in Santa's side. Also the illustrations are gorgeous. That said, I don't see the point in insisting a kid who has stopped believing in Santa in believing again. I don't allow my oldest kids to tell the "truth" about Santa to my youngest ones, so they can enjoy the magic of the illusion. But as soon as they stop believing, I let them go. It's part of growing up, and it's ok.
I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 2, 2016
I received this book from Netgalley/publisher in exchange of an honest review.
It isn’t Christmas by far (still 8 months to go), but when I saw this book on Netgalley I just wanted to have it so much. I love Christmas and while I never celebrated it for Santa (because I already did that during Sinterklaas), I know the feeling when you grow up and suddenly realize he might not be real. Well, that is what happens in this book, just the other way around. Santa is the one who has stopped believing. I just laughed because of the cover (the silliness!) and also because of the title (so creative and fun and interesting!).
Not in all children, oh no, but just in one little kid. Harold. Santa is all pouty and grumbly about it, he tries to talk to everyone about it, but no one is really helping (either they just think he is crazy for thinking this, or they agree with him). He has got all kind of silly ideas that are all easily disproved because kids do grow up, their parents first do Santa stuff for them, but later they do it themselves. But he won’t have anything of it.
But then we find out something else as well. About Harold this time! I won’t say what, but I did love that it was added, and it made me think, maybe if that happens is it also happening for Santa? Is Harold the first kid? Or have there been more kids like this? It is an interesting thing.
I also loved how it all ended, it made me really happy and gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. How delightful!
The illustrations are just gorgeous. Really gorgeous, lots of details, I love the style of drawing (it really made me feel super-Christmassy even though it is spring now, and I don’t even want to think of winter yet. The colours are warm and will make you warm inside as well.
All in all, this was a fantastical, magical, entertaining book and I would highly recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
It isn’t Christmas by far (still 8 months to go), but when I saw this book on Netgalley I just wanted to have it so much. I love Christmas and while I never celebrated it for Santa (because I already did that during Sinterklaas), I know the feeling when you grow up and suddenly realize he might not be real. Well, that is what happens in this book, just the other way around. Santa is the one who has stopped believing. I just laughed because of the cover (the silliness!) and also because of the title (so creative and fun and interesting!).
Not in all children, oh no, but just in one little kid. Harold. Santa is all pouty and grumbly about it, he tries to talk to everyone about it, but no one is really helping (either they just think he is crazy for thinking this, or they agree with him). He has got all kind of silly ideas that are all easily disproved because kids do grow up, their parents first do Santa stuff for them, but later they do it themselves. But he won’t have anything of it.
But then we find out something else as well. About Harold this time! I won’t say what, but I did love that it was added, and it made me think, maybe if that happens is it also happening for Santa? Is Harold the first kid? Or have there been more kids like this? It is an interesting thing.
I also loved how it all ended, it made me really happy and gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling. How delightful!
The illustrations are just gorgeous. Really gorgeous, lots of details, I love the style of drawing (it really made me feel super-Christmassy even though it is spring now, and I don’t even want to think of winter yet. The colours are warm and will make you warm inside as well.
All in all, this was a fantastical, magical, entertaining book and I would highly recommend it.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com
November 11, 2018
MY RATING: 3/5 STARS
I received a copy from Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books in exchange for a honest review.
I fell in love with Cale Atkinson's illustrations thanks to Sam at PRH Canada so I had to request this adorable copy even though it's actually written by him. I found the story to be perfectly fitting for the upcoming holiday festivities. I also found the title to be so refreshing---a twist on the day children stopped believing in Santa Claus.
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold is first told from Santa's perspective. He seems grouchy at first when Mrs. Claus asks him whether or not he wants to double check his list. It is only then is it reviewed that Santa is angry at everyone because he believes that he has been lied to this entire time. The best part of Christmas--a child named Harold--is a lie. He's not actually real but a fabric of imagination to cheer Santa along as he delivered presents to every child. However, on the other hand, we soon learn that Santa isn't the only one with doubts in his mind. Harold, a real boy, is starting to doubt Santa. How can someone travel around the world, delivering presents, eat cookies, all in one night? When they each decide to catch each other's lies, a wonderful surprise occurs.
I thought this story was cute. However, I found that this book was definitely intended for parents to read to their children due to the number of words on each page. I'm talking about paragraphs of text that no way can a child read through it by themselves. The book was gloriously illustrated as always. I found the facial expressions, contrasting details between Santa and Harold to be extremely clever, and the colours to be vibrant and lovely.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Definitely pick this copy up for the holidays! Your little one would love this when you read it to them.
I received a copy from Penguin Random House Canada and Tundra Books in exchange for a honest review.
I fell in love with Cale Atkinson's illustrations thanks to Sam at PRH Canada so I had to request this adorable copy even though it's actually written by him. I found the story to be perfectly fitting for the upcoming holiday festivities. I also found the title to be so refreshing---a twist on the day children stopped believing in Santa Claus.
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold is first told from Santa's perspective. He seems grouchy at first when Mrs. Claus asks him whether or not he wants to double check his list. It is only then is it reviewed that Santa is angry at everyone because he believes that he has been lied to this entire time. The best part of Christmas--a child named Harold--is a lie. He's not actually real but a fabric of imagination to cheer Santa along as he delivered presents to every child. However, on the other hand, we soon learn that Santa isn't the only one with doubts in his mind. Harold, a real boy, is starting to doubt Santa. How can someone travel around the world, delivering presents, eat cookies, all in one night? When they each decide to catch each other's lies, a wonderful surprise occurs.
I thought this story was cute. However, I found that this book was definitely intended for parents to read to their children due to the number of words on each page. I'm talking about paragraphs of text that no way can a child read through it by themselves. The book was gloriously illustrated as always. I found the facial expressions, contrasting details between Santa and Harold to be extremely clever, and the colours to be vibrant and lovely.
MY RECOMMENDATION
Definitely pick this copy up for the holidays! Your little one would love this when you read it to them.
December 2, 2016
My new Christmas favorite! Santa uses all the lines kids use when they start to doubt the existence of Santa Claus to doubt the existence of a boy named Harold!
December 28, 2017
I adored the idea of this book! I purchased this book as one of my sons books for "countdown to Christmas" I purchased it through bookoutlet.com during their black friday sale and besides the title I knew nothing about this book. But it was adorable, I loved how it was revers about Santa not believing in Harold, I loved that concept. I hope that when my son starts to question Santa (honestly he has no idea who Santa is ya know, cause well my son is 4 months old) that I remember this book and read it to him. 5 stars loved the premise and the illustrations!
December 12, 2017
This is a fun and creative concept. It is a fun twist on kids starting to doubt Santa is real.
August 14, 2019
So cute!
I love it just as much as my kids.
I love it just as much as my kids.
December 14, 2018
Ending is maybe a little weak, but it is a kids' book. This is easily one of my new Christmas favorites. Older kids will love it because it is longer and has some humor adults/parents will easily appreciate. This one was a hit at story time.
May 3, 2016
Every year, I do a "Countdown to Christmas" with individually-wrapped books for my son. It's a mix of secondhand books, books from years before re-wrapped, and a few new ones. This book, The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold, will absolutely be one of this year's new ones!
It is such a cute idea - using the feelings kids have when they start to doubt the magic of Father Christmas and flipping it around. Within just a few pages, I was filled with mirth at this wonderful story.
"For one thing, I think his mom writes his Christmas letter." Seriously, how adorable is this?
And this: "You're looking for reasons not to believe in Harold instead of just accepting him as one of the best, most magical parts of Christmas." This book just makes my Santa-loving heart happy.
About halfway through, the reindeer suggest that Santa find proof. Then, we see that Harold is questioning the existence of Santa as well and also decides that he needs proof.
Also within the first couple of pages, I fell in love with the art style and illustrations. I am a big fan of color in children's picture books and this book has rich colors that are gorgeous. It didn't escape my notice that Harold is either biracial or has a stepfather or adoptive father - the details aren't relevant, so it isn't explained - which I also thought was a sweet representation of other types of normal families. :)
Anyone who loves the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus will also love this book, especially if they're children are beginning to question that magic. Definitely a great addition to your Christmas library!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
It is such a cute idea - using the feelings kids have when they start to doubt the magic of Father Christmas and flipping it around. Within just a few pages, I was filled with mirth at this wonderful story.
"For one thing, I think his mom writes his Christmas letter." Seriously, how adorable is this?
And this: "You're looking for reasons not to believe in Harold instead of just accepting him as one of the best, most magical parts of Christmas." This book just makes my Santa-loving heart happy.
About halfway through, the reindeer suggest that Santa find proof. Then, we see that Harold is questioning the existence of Santa as well and also decides that he needs proof.
Also within the first couple of pages, I fell in love with the art style and illustrations. I am a big fan of color in children's picture books and this book has rich colors that are gorgeous. It didn't escape my notice that Harold is either biracial or has a stepfather or adoptive father - the details aren't relevant, so it isn't explained - which I also thought was a sweet representation of other types of normal families. :)
Anyone who loves the magic of Christmas and Santa Claus will also love this book, especially if they're children are beginning to question that magic. Definitely a great addition to your Christmas library!
I received an ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This is no way influenced my review. My opinion is my own.
April 27, 2016
Santa is in a funk because he has stopped believing in Harold, maybe all children! He doesn't understand how the Harold he saw last year could possibly be the same child he originally became acquainted with. Maybe Harold's parents are just pretending in order to get more presents? Harold is starting to feel the same way about Santa. On Christmas Eve, they both devise a plan to determine once and for all if the other is actually real. The ending will definitely leave you chuckling. The illustrations for this book are very amusing and full of detail. Anyone should be happy to add this to their holiday collection!
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair review.
February 10, 2017
This is the greatest book ever and I actually want my nephews to start to doubt Santa so I can read them this book.
April 27, 2016
I loved this one! All those excuses kids use for not believing in Santa, Santa uses for not believing in Harold. When the two finally meet, it’s adorable.
The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, and Santa is very, very round!
Possible Objectionable Material:
If you don’t want your kids to think about Santa, Jack Frost, or the Abominable Snowman, don’t go here. Dad drinks coffee. Harold sneaks out of his room at night.
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who loves Santa, regardless of age.
This review also posted at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, and Santa is very, very round!
Possible Objectionable Material:
If you don’t want your kids to think about Santa, Jack Frost, or the Abominable Snowman, don’t go here. Dad drinks coffee. Harold sneaks out of his room at night.
Who Might Like This Book:
Anyone who loves Santa, regardless of age.
This review also posted at http://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/20...
Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC.
June 10, 2019
RATING: 4 STARS
2016; Tundra/Penguin Random House Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
It is so sad when a child stops believing in Santa. I remember one Christmas eve seeing my dad eating the cookies and drinking the milk meant for Santa. At first I was angry that he would do that to Santa, but then I saw him put a gift in my stocking. When I saw that wrapping paper in the morning, I read that it was front Santa...and the magic of Santa ended. In this picture book, Santa is wondering if Harold is real. I really love the humour and story in this book, and the illustrations are amazing! This is a great book to add to your holiday collection.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
2016; Tundra/Penguin Random House Canada
(Review Not on Blog)
It is so sad when a child stops believing in Santa. I remember one Christmas eve seeing my dad eating the cookies and drinking the milk meant for Santa. At first I was angry that he would do that to Santa, but then I saw him put a gift in my stocking. When I saw that wrapping paper in the morning, I read that it was front Santa...and the magic of Santa ended. In this picture book, Santa is wondering if Harold is real. I really love the humour and story in this book, and the illustrations are amazing! This is a great book to add to your holiday collection.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
September 5, 2016
ARC supplied by publisher via NetGalley
December 1, 2016
Destined to be a new holiday classic, Santa is losing his faith in Harold for all the reasons that people usually give up on their belief in Santa. When Harold and Santa meet face, both of them are able to enjoy Christmas!
January 5, 2017
Such a delightful twist! Love the dolly poly Santa in the illustrations.
December 10, 2021
Delightful through and through. What a great twist on the typical believing-in-Santa crisis.
But the cover doesn't do this justice. Don't let the grumpy protester Santa image turn you away. Every illustration in the book evokes warm holiday feelings and a little bit of magic. You can search for the tiny touches added to each picture (which is my absolute favorite), like a narwhal on the cocoa mug or a pet that mimics its owner's emotions.
Still, I was hoping for the ending to go differently. So, I wrote part of it like I imagined it. Are you ready for a retelling of a retelling? Imagine this replacing the first two pages of Christmas morning in the book:
Harold's eyes opened with the first light of Christmas morning. He realized he had fallen asleep. And he had missed his opportunity to disprove Santa Claus.
Peeking around the armchair, he saw the milk was drained and nothing was left of the cookies but crumbs. He saw the stockings stuffed with goodies and presents sparkling under the tree. And he knew his parents could have done all these things.
But he realized something else. He loved Christmas. He liked the surprise of gifts little and big. He liked thinking about what he wanted and writing to Santa. He liked the reminder to be good during this season. He really, truly liked the idea of Santa Claus!
Harold might not have proven or disproven anything about Santa this year. (And he still wished he had!) Santa really might not exist. But Harold wanted him to exist. And so, there alone in his quiet living room, he decided to believe.
He believed Santa was real. And he was glad.
Harold's parents came into the room. "Too bad we don't know any little boys who'd like to open some presents from Santa," said Harold's mom, who'd spotted Harold hiding behind the armchair.
Aha! thought Santa, who had just woken up. Then he realized several things at once. This could be the moment that proves Harold isn't real. But it might just seem that way. There could be a reasonable explanation for Harold's absence. So he had a choice to make. He could choose to believe in Harold or not.
So, with a frown and a force of will, he chose...
"What about me?" said a young voice. Harold stepped out from behind the chair. "I would sure like to open some presents from Santa Claus."
Santa peeked out from behind the sofa. All his doubt and frustrations fell away, and his heart gave a wild leap.
But the cover doesn't do this justice. Don't let the grumpy protester Santa image turn you away. Every illustration in the book evokes warm holiday feelings and a little bit of magic. You can search for the tiny touches added to each picture (which is my absolute favorite), like a narwhal on the cocoa mug or a pet that mimics its owner's emotions.
Still, I was hoping for the ending to go differently. So, I wrote part of it like I imagined it. Are you ready for a retelling of a retelling? Imagine this replacing the first two pages of Christmas morning in the book:
Harold's eyes opened with the first light of Christmas morning. He realized he had fallen asleep. And he had missed his opportunity to disprove Santa Claus.
Peeking around the armchair, he saw the milk was drained and nothing was left of the cookies but crumbs. He saw the stockings stuffed with goodies and presents sparkling under the tree. And he knew his parents could have done all these things.
But he realized something else. He loved Christmas. He liked the surprise of gifts little and big. He liked thinking about what he wanted and writing to Santa. He liked the reminder to be good during this season. He really, truly liked the idea of Santa Claus!
Harold might not have proven or disproven anything about Santa this year. (And he still wished he had!) Santa really might not exist. But Harold wanted him to exist. And so, there alone in his quiet living room, he decided to believe.
He believed Santa was real. And he was glad.
Harold's parents came into the room. "Too bad we don't know any little boys who'd like to open some presents from Santa," said Harold's mom, who'd spotted Harold hiding behind the armchair.
Aha! thought Santa, who had just woken up. Then he realized several things at once. This could be the moment that proves Harold isn't real. But it might just seem that way. There could be a reasonable explanation for Harold's absence. So he had a choice to make. He could choose to believe in Harold or not.
So, with a frown and a force of will, he chose...
"What about me?" said a young voice. Harold stepped out from behind the chair. "I would sure like to open some presents from Santa Claus."
Santa peeked out from behind the sofa. All his doubt and frustrations fell away, and his heart gave a wild leap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2019
What I Loved:
We all know that there are children that are questioning if Santa is real; if happens all the time. What we may NOT have known is that SANTA questioned if Harold, a child, was real!
I loved that this book took a real life situation and flipped it over. The way the authors used this common occurrence, but changed the players had my entire family giggling. Santa questions Harold’s existence because of a variety of inaccuracies such as: Harold used to be really tiny and now he’s MUCH larger, Harold can’t really be the one writing the letters to Santa, it must be his mother, and so many other things! It was adorable!
How I Felt:
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold gives a child a reason to believe again. We go through the first half of the book listening to Santa’s long list of reason’s why he thinks that Harold isn’t real. Mrs. Claus listens and tries to bring Santa around, but he will not have his mind changed.
The book then takes us to the other side of this story. Harold, in his home, deciding that he’s going to wait up all night to see if Santa is or is not real. The book gives the reader a chance to see both sides of this story and I loved that while Santa was losing faith that Harold was real, Harold was losing faith that Santa was real.
Both of my children enjoyed everything about this book, and while I rated it a 5 star read, my kids gave it a 10 STAR RATING.
The illustrations were fabulous throughout the entire book. I loved how everything was rounded. Santa was adorable as a big circular Jolly Old Saint Nick.
The colors were bright and vibrant making every page a joy to look at and there was so much TO look at! The details that were added to each page made the story really come to life.
To Read or Not To Read:
This book is perfect for early elementary children. The story is adorable and will keep a young reader’s attention and have them asking to read it again and again.
All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
We all know that there are children that are questioning if Santa is real; if happens all the time. What we may NOT have known is that SANTA questioned if Harold, a child, was real!
I loved that this book took a real life situation and flipped it over. The way the authors used this common occurrence, but changed the players had my entire family giggling. Santa questions Harold’s existence because of a variety of inaccuracies such as: Harold used to be really tiny and now he’s MUCH larger, Harold can’t really be the one writing the letters to Santa, it must be his mother, and so many other things! It was adorable!
How I Felt:
The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold gives a child a reason to believe again. We go through the first half of the book listening to Santa’s long list of reason’s why he thinks that Harold isn’t real. Mrs. Claus listens and tries to bring Santa around, but he will not have his mind changed.
The book then takes us to the other side of this story. Harold, in his home, deciding that he’s going to wait up all night to see if Santa is or is not real. The book gives the reader a chance to see both sides of this story and I loved that while Santa was losing faith that Harold was real, Harold was losing faith that Santa was real.
Both of my children enjoyed everything about this book, and while I rated it a 5 star read, my kids gave it a 10 STAR RATING.
The illustrations were fabulous throughout the entire book. I loved how everything was rounded. Santa was adorable as a big circular Jolly Old Saint Nick.
The colors were bright and vibrant making every page a joy to look at and there was so much TO look at! The details that were added to each page made the story really come to life.
To Read or Not To Read:
This book is perfect for early elementary children. The story is adorable and will keep a young reader’s attention and have them asking to read it again and again.
All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
March 15, 2023
Right from the witty title, it's clear: This will be a witty book, unlike anything Santa or Christmas I've ever read.
Knowing that Maureen Fergus is the author, and being a bit familiar with her stellar work from "Buddy and Earl," my sense of humor is rolling up its sleeves.
Cale Atkinson's art is stylish and (to my eyes at least) delightfully wry. As if he's allergic to visual cliches.
Ah, wotta book! Definitely laugh-out-loud funny. Especially if you're a grownup and are already familiar to the point of boredom with similar skepticism about Santa, rather than from Santa.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE
At a low point in the drama...
"The terrible news traveled like a spooked arctic hare."
Indeed, stunningly realistic simile!
AND BY THE END, THE MOST WONDERFUL ENDING. TRUST ME ON THIS.
Though no spoilers from me, no no!
Knowing that Maureen Fergus is the author, and being a bit familiar with her stellar work from "Buddy and Earl," my sense of humor is rolling up its sleeves.
Cale Atkinson's art is stylish and (to my eyes at least) delightfully wry. As if he's allergic to visual cliches.
Ah, wotta book! Definitely laugh-out-loud funny. Especially if you're a grownup and are already familiar to the point of boredom with similar skepticism about Santa, rather than from Santa.
MY FAVORITE QUOTE
At a low point in the drama...
"The terrible news traveled like a spooked arctic hare."
Indeed, stunningly realistic simile!
AND BY THE END, THE MOST WONDERFUL ENDING. TRUST ME ON THIS.
Though no spoilers from me, no no!
January 23, 2018
“The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold” is funny and goofy and totally original. It’s such a perfect fit for the kids starting to get old enough to maybe think they might be too big for believing in all the magic and mystery of Christmas.
Santa has become skeptical about the existence of Harold, that it’s all just a plot for Harold’s parents to get all the Harold gifts for themselves. Meanwhile, Harold has also become skeptical about the existence of Santa, and doesn’t see enough proof that he exists.
Maureen Fergus has created such an original story that keeps bigger kids (and grown-ups) giggling. And, Cale Atkinson’s illustrations really manage to capture the attention of kids of all ages (my two-year-old was mesmerized).
Santa has become skeptical about the existence of Harold, that it’s all just a plot for Harold’s parents to get all the Harold gifts for themselves. Meanwhile, Harold has also become skeptical about the existence of Santa, and doesn’t see enough proof that he exists.
Maureen Fergus has created such an original story that keeps bigger kids (and grown-ups) giggling. And, Cale Atkinson’s illustrations really manage to capture the attention of kids of all ages (my two-year-old was mesmerized).
December 21, 2018
Santa is all broody and grumpy because he's started to suspect that at least ONE of the kids on his list - Harold - isn't real. He discusses his suspicions with Mrs. Claus, the Technology Elf, and his reindeer and eventually comes up with a plan to find out FOR SURE. Meanwhile, Harold is having a similar quandary. He can't quite convince himself to believe that SANTA is real, but he, too, has a plan to find out FOR SURE. On Christmas morning, both Santa and Harold are hiding in Harold's living room, and they end up surprising one another. They are both so happy to discover that the other is real that they spend the whole day playing together. This is a great book for kids and adults who have doubts about this holiday visitor from the North Pole. Super funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
This wonderful Christmas book is a twist on children who stop believing in Santa. One day, Santa starts to believe that maybe Harold isn't real. His friends like Jack Frost and the Abominable Snowman tell him he is silly to believe in Harold. He plans to find out if Harold is real or make-believe by staying up all night on Christmas Eve at Harold's house. This is a great book to keep the Christmas magic going just a little bit longer when children start to question whether Santa is real.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.
Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.
December 29, 2022
Santa knows that Harold is the magical part of Christmas... he's just stopped believing in him. A careful analysis shows that it's just Harold's mom writing the letter, and Harold's dad putting out the cookies and milk. There are just too many clues out there.
Why I started this book: Loved You're in Good Paws. Looking for more books by Fergus, I was absolutely tickled by this title.
Why I finished it: Fun premise, but I think that my expectations from her first book was too high. I will donate this to my library and continue the hunt for more books by Fergus.
Why I started this book: Loved You're in Good Paws. Looking for more books by Fergus, I was absolutely tickled by this title.
Why I finished it: Fun premise, but I think that my expectations from her first book was too high. I will donate this to my library and continue the hunt for more books by Fergus.
April 7, 2018
I love the story and illustrations but I'm not sure what age I would say to even read this to. It was cute and funny for me as an adults
May 24, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it’s very funny and the illustrations are marvelous. On the other, I’m uncomfortable with the way it perpetuates Santa. I come from a non-Santa family, but I’ve had students who were positive he is real only to find out their parents were behind it. One particular student was gutted when her parents told her; she was mad about it. I could see this book making the doubters feel guilty for doubting, yet someday those kids are going to find out there’s no Santa. And then how will they feel?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2020
Before finishing this book it became a clear contender for favorite Christmas book. I'm not sure who enjoyed the book more, my husband or my son. This story goes through and takes a cute spin on the classic kid getting too old and starting to doubt Santa. It was just absolutely adorable to see Santa in a different light if you will. This was something suggested last minute on here and I didn't think I was going to get it from our local library, but they filled it the day before we read it! So this was really exciting. I'm already ordering my copy for next year!
January 3, 2017
I found this book at Target and instantly asked "What did Harold do?" I skimmed the pictures and instantly wanted to know more. (Plus the book was on clearance - so YAY for saving some money!)
The book was cute and the overall story was great for kids! I'm willing to bet my son will get a kick out of it.
The illustrations are really what did it for me. The little things (like the cat and the turtle) just made this story that much more enjoyable!
The book was cute and the overall story was great for kids! I'm willing to bet my son will get a kick out of it.
The illustrations are really what did it for me. The little things (like the cat and the turtle) just made this story that much more enjoyable!
December 12, 2022
This book is so perfect for those kids who are starting to get the point of not believing in Santa. The illustrations are fun and bright color. I really enjoyed reading this story to Cassie. She still young that we have several more years before she stops believing. But she does have older siblings and one of which either knows Santa is not real or really close on figuring it out. So this book is so sweet. I love how Santa had to figure out in the end for himself. Not from asking his friends who ended up being wrong. I really enjoyed this story and Cassie really liked it. I recommend you to check it out.
July 28, 2017
The feeling is mutual: Santa doesn't believe in Harold and Harold doesn't believe in Santa. They both want to believe, they just want proof. So both of them come up with a plan ... a plan that is amazingly similar.
The details in the illustrations are delightful: the Narwhal on the coffee cup, the pet turtles' expressions, and many more. Fun stuff!
The details in the illustrations are delightful: the Narwhal on the coffee cup, the pet turtles' expressions, and many more. Fun stuff!
January 13, 2018
Really fun twist on Christmas books. Santa is starting to doubt Harold's existence, just as Harold is starting to doubt Santa's. Will their plans to find Evidence be successful? Very very cute.
And the illustrations are too much fun! I love the little pets accompanying Harold and Santa. Definitely will be adding this one to my Christmas storytime rotation next year!
And the illustrations are too much fun! I love the little pets accompanying Harold and Santa. Definitely will be adding this one to my Christmas storytime rotation next year!
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