Lesley Gibbes (text) and Stephen Michael King (illustrator), On the Hunt for Santa, Working Title Press, September 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922033109
On the Hunt for Santa by Lesley Gibbes and Stephen Michael King will be a delightful addition to holiday picture book collections. Fans of the duo’s popular Scary Night will recognise that On the Hunt for Santa mirrors it very closely, however, it can also stand alone as a story for those unfamiliar with the original.
The narrative follows three friends—Hare with a honey pot, Cat with a candy cane, and Pig with a plum pudding—on their mysterious journey through snowy landscapes. Along the way, the brave trio encounter various challenges, including chasm bridge, icy ground and a hungry snow wolf. But do they give up? Of course they don’t!
Fun language including rhyme, repetition and onomatope make the story an enjoyable read aloud, while the interactive elements will engage little ones. The illustrations by Stephen Michael King are charming, quirky and recognisable. They include little details throughout that keen viewers will enjoy exploring.
This is book is a great choice for kids aged 3+ as the festive season approaches. Just like Santa, they’ll be ‘thrilled to bits!’
Reviewed by Laura Holloway
