Awards

• Short-listed for Book Sense Book of the Year Award (Children's) 1994

Overview

Art Atchinson Aimesworth -- inventor, crime fighter, and allaround whiz kid-journeys north with his sister, Esther, and his pal, Spaulding, by special invitation from Santa himself. But why did Santa call? Now available in a new hardcover edition, this truly Joyce-ian crusade features villains and swashbuckling adventure, concluding with a most spectacular and touching Christmas celebration. A holiday extravaganza like no other, by the creator of Rolie Polie Olie, Snowie Rolie, Sleepy Time Olie, Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures wirh the Family Lazardo, and George Shrinks.

Full Product Details

9780060211332

Table of Contents

Reviews

Joyce's version of a ride on the Polar Express is more style than substance. Just before Christmas, 1908, dashing boy-inventor Art Atchinson Ainsworth; his best friend, Comanche brave Spaulding Littlefeets; and his scorned little sister Esther receive an invitation (complete with futuristic flying machine) to visit Santa. Their visit is climaxed by Esther's dramatic rescue from the Dark Elves and their evil Queen. But why did you call for us? Art wants to know. Santa answers, Some secrets are best left unsolved. Art never finds out, but readers do, in two appended letters from Esther ( Dear Santa...what I really wish for is for my brother Art to be my friend ) and Santa ( I'm glad our little adventure did the trick ). Readers may be disappointed to find so unsurprising a gift in such glorious wrapping, but the huge illustrations, rendered with Joyce's usual cinematic, art-deco sensibility, burst with exuberant crowds and visual fanfares, melodramatic poses and clever jokes. Figures have the gloss and solidity of polished wooden models: Art looks like Will Rogers, and Santa like a benevolent tycoon, while the skies over Ozlike Toyland are filled with searchlights and fanciful balloons. Read quickly; linger over the art. (Kirkus Reviews)

Author Information

William Joyce lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, with his lovely wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Mary Katherine and Jack. They also have a dachshund named Rose and something else named Rex. Mr. Joyce has produced two animated television shows based on his books: Rolie Polie Olie and George Shrinks. He also produced and designed the animated feature film Robots. Every once in a while he does a cover for The New Yorker. His alarmingly optimistic picture books include Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo, Santa Calls, The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs, and Bently & Egg.He is currently futzing around on several books and stories that embrace the alleged healing power of heroically scaled silliness. William Joyce lives in Shreveport, Louisiana, with his lovely wife, Elizabeth, and their children, Mary Katherine and Jack. They also have a dachshund named Rose and something else named Rex. Mr. Joyce has produced two animated television shows based on his books: Rolie Polie Olie and George Shrinks. He also produced and designed the animated feature film Robots. Every once in a while he does a cover for The New Yorker. His alarmingly optimistic picture books include Dinosaur Bob and His Adventures with the Family Lazardo, Santa Calls, The Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs, and Bently & Egg.He is currently futzing around on several books and stories that embrace the alleged healing power of heroically scaled silliness.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available