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.
MAUREEN FERGUS is an award-winning author of books for kids of all ages. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, optioned for film and adapted for stage. Her illustrated books include InvisiBill; The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold; You're In Good Paws; Petal the Angry Cow; and Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans: Mad About Meatloaf. When not writing, Maureen runs, reads, bikes, bakes, works and hangs out with her husband, three kids and Buddy the Wonder Dog.
View titles by Maureen Fergus
CALE ATKINSON is an illustrator, writer and animator living lakeside with his family in Kelowna, British Columbia, whose books include Sir Simon: Super Scarer, Where Oliver Fits, Monsters 101, Unicorns 101, Simon and Chester: Super Detectives! and Simon and Chester: Super Sleepover!, to name a few. Cale is assisted in his artistic endeavors by Charlie, a wise and noble floof.
View titles by Cale Atkinson
SHORTLIST
| 2017 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
SHORTLIST
| 2017 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
SHORTLIST
| 2017 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
One of Today's Parent's 52 Jolly Christmas Books for Kids 2018
PRAISE FOR The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold:
“An amusing story with the welcome inclusion of a multiracial family.” --Kirkus Reviews
“A fun story and a great antidote to holiday skepticism.” --School Library Journal
"...deliciously fun." --Publishers Weekly
“This clever and funny book laced with slapstick elements flips a regular holiday story on its head. Santa proves a natural in his role as a skeptical detective, equal parts curmudgeonly and cuddly.” --Quill and Quire
“The artwork by Cale Atkinson is perfectly suited for the story - with its bright and overstuffed illustrations. While definitely evoking Christmas colours and themes, it never feels overdone. Atkinson also does great work capturing the facial expressions of all the characters.” --CM Magazine
“Relatable and entertaining, this tongue-in-cheek picture book turns a child’s inevitable disbelief of Santa Claus on its head.” --Booklist
“What kids will like: This extremely clever twist on “Is there really a Santa Claus?” anxiety will provoke jelly-belly laughs from kids and adults alike.” --USA Today
“Good reading skills will lend appreciation to this story of a flummoxed Santa.” --Midwest Book Review
About
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.
Creators
MAUREEN FERGUS is an award-winning author of books for kids of all ages. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, optioned for film and adapted for stage. Her illustrated books include InvisiBill; The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold; You're In Good Paws; Petal the Angry Cow; and Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans: Mad About Meatloaf. When not writing, Maureen runs, reads, bikes, bakes, works and hangs out with her husband, three kids and Buddy the Wonder Dog.
View titles by Maureen Fergus
CALE ATKINSON is an illustrator, writer and animator living lakeside with his family in Kelowna, British Columbia, whose books include Sir Simon: Super Scarer, Where Oliver Fits, Monsters 101, Unicorns 101, Simon and Chester: Super Detectives! and Simon and Chester: Super Sleepover!, to name a few. Cale is assisted in his artistic endeavors by Charlie, a wise and noble floof.
View titles by Cale Atkinson
Awards
SHORTLIST
| 2017 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
SHORTLIST
| 2017 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
SHORTLIST
| 2017 McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award
Praise
One of Today's Parent's 52 Jolly Christmas Books for Kids 2018
PRAISE FOR The Day Santa Stopped Believing in Harold:
“An amusing story with the welcome inclusion of a multiracial family.” --Kirkus Reviews
“A fun story and a great antidote to holiday skepticism.” --School Library Journal
"...deliciously fun." --Publishers Weekly
“This clever and funny book laced with slapstick elements flips a regular holiday story on its head. Santa proves a natural in his role as a skeptical detective, equal parts curmudgeonly and cuddly.” --Quill and Quire
“The artwork by Cale Atkinson is perfectly suited for the story - with its bright and overstuffed illustrations. While definitely evoking Christmas colours and themes, it never feels overdone. Atkinson also does great work capturing the facial expressions of all the characters.” --CM Magazine
“Relatable and entertaining, this tongue-in-cheek picture book turns a child’s inevitable disbelief of Santa Claus on its head.” --Booklist
“What kids will like: This extremely clever twist on “Is there really a Santa Claus?” anxiety will provoke jelly-belly laughs from kids and adults alike.” --USA Today
“Good reading skills will lend appreciation to this story of a flummoxed Santa.” --Midwest Book Review
