For these Christmas dates, some books that tell us about the main protagonists of these holidays cannot be missing. Although it is true that notable stories in this sense do not always reach our editorial office, this year has been productive, starting with the impressive work that Gema Sirvent has carried out for more than a year and the result of which has been The Unknown Christmas / El Nadal disconecegut (Takatuka), an incredible tour of the world through the traditions, characters and foods that star in these festive dates (10 years), magnificently illustrated by Armand. A book that tells us about the past but also about the new traditions that have been created in the world over the years, such as giving apples at this time of year in China.
More than a story, this is a compendium of all the questions that the arrival of Santa Claus raises in the mind of a child. How do you access it? Through the chimney? What if there isn’t one?… And what happens in houses where there is a dog? why don’t they bark? Is Santa Claus a friend of dogs? How Santa Claus comes down the chimney is illustrated by an author that we adore in this section. This is Jon Klassen, author of such interesting books as The Hat Thief, Circle, Square and I Want My Hat. Also in Catalan.
Another Santa Claus, but this time far from stereotypes, is the one recovered for these holidays by Blackie Books by the British writer and illustrator Raymond Briggs and published for the first time in 1973. Briggs won the annual Kate Greenaway Medal of the Library Association, which recognizes the best children’s book illustration of the year by a British author. This is a modern interpretation of the character, although he identifies himself the same, with his red suit and his big white beard. But that’s where the similarities end, because our Santa Claus is a grumpy old man who dreams of the arrival of summer and warm days and his favorite word is ‘damn’. Explained in a comic style, this Santa Claus is a realistic worker who lives in a standard house, with a dog and cat, but without elves or helpers. And although he grunts a lot, we recognize his love for the work he does.
We recover this magnificent story that the Pastel de Luna publishing house published in 2019 about the history of Santa Claus and how he can reach all homes in a single night. The Japanese author Hiroko Motai comes up with an interesting theory in Trillions of Santa Clauses, which many parents have kept as an ace up their sleeve to give the pertinent explanations on the day it is due. Marika Maijala gives color to these characters who end up multiplying throughout the book as if they were mushrooms… Simply charming. Also in Catalan.
Another magnificent recovery, this time published for the first time in 1963 by Robert Barry, who through rhyme tells us the story of a Christmas tree capable of delighting more than one family. Because everyone, starting with Mr. Viladomat, has enough of the top end of the tree to make it perfect. And what is left over for some is what others need. And so, from tip to toe and pulling because it’s my turn, we arrive at the house of the mice who this year will be able to enjoy a Christmas tree just like Mr. Viladomat’s, but in a reduced size, of course. Also in Catalan with the title L’arbre de Nadal by Mr. Eduald.
Here the objective is to prevent the Kings from only bringing us coal, as the subtitle of Com prepare the night of Reis says. And the book is halfway between the advice, the story and the instruction manual to have a good Twelfth Night and know how to receive their Majesties on such a special day. For example, not wearing stinky shoes and choosing a pair to put in the dining room that gives a good impression of us or preparing something delicious so that the Kings can regain their strength after such a long trip. Good tips for a magical night. In Catalan. The same publisher has also released El viatge del tions, by Mar Font and Mercè Canals (illustrations), a story about these special characters of Christmas tradition in Catalonia.