The Christmas Blizzard

An unusual heat wave at the North Pole forces Santa to move his entire workshop to Lizzard, Indiana, where temperatures are in the deep freeze. Unfortunately, a lack of snow deters the work, so young Maynard Jenkins pays a visit to an elderly neighbor lady rumored to be able to cast spells.

She is more than willing to help out, but the storm she conjures has unexpected and hilarious results. Ketteman's fanciful tall tale is sure to attract young listeners, and Warhola's comical ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture the text's exaggerated humor.

Particularly delightful are Santa's sunbathing elves and the bonfires lit to defrost the clouds. An appealing choice for holiday read-alouds or for older children learning to write their own tall tales.