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Santa Is Coming to California



Last updated Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Author: Steve Smallman
Illustrator: Robert Dunn
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 1402275153
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2018

Synopsis: It's Christmas Eve, Have you been good? Santa's packed up all the presents and is headed your way! With the help of a certain red-nosed reindeer, Santa flies over:

San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge
Los Angeles: Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles: Griffith Observatory

"Ho, ho ho!" laughs Santa. "Merry Christmas, California!"

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you like to snack on when you're hungry?
•  Where are some of the places Santa visits?
•  Who will you spend the holidays with?

Vocabulary

•  Sleigh - a large, open vehicle that is usually pulled by a horse over snow or ice
•  Plummet - to fall suddenly straight down especially from a very high place
•  Mist - water in the form of very small drops floating in the air or falling as rain

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kind of snacks do you leave for Santa to eat?
•  Have you seen the Golden Gate Bridge before?
•  How many elves do you think Santa has?

Craft ideas:
•  Cut out a paper candy cane
•  Create a gingerbread man from a paper towel roll
•  Make a paper plate Santa mask
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/december-2018-family-the-spirit-of-giving/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!