The Boy Who Lived in Pudding Lane Review

The Boy Who Lived in Pudding Lane
by Sarah Addington
illustrated by Gertrude A. Kay
Pub. Date September 12, 2017

I received a free e-book copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Sarah Addington wrote The Boy Who Lived In Pudding Lane to satisfy her curiosity for she had to know where Santa Claus lived as a young boy and what his family was like and how we got started in the enchanting business of toy-making and gift-giving. The charming 1922 edition is now back in print. The original illustrations by Gertrude A. Kay have been restored and enlivened for the delight of children of all ages.

Sarah Addington has written a “new” Christmas classic.  This book is sure to become a family favorite.  In this very unique and imaginative version of Santa’s childhood, Sarah touches hearts with her combination of Santa lore and Mother Goose.  How can you go wrong with that combination?  You can’t.  This story answers many questions children have about Santa...Where did he grow up? Does he have any brother or sisters?  Has he always made toys?  Living in Old King Cole’s kingdom, Santa grows up with all the favorite nursery rhyme characters: baker, candlestick maker, Jack Sprat, fiddlers three, Mistress Mary, and his grandmother, Mother Goose.  The incorporation of these familiar nursery rhyme friends helps make the story more believable.  The illustrations are so comfortable with the soft colors and the 1920 style.  They are a wonderful visual for Addington’s book.  They illustrate the innocence of this story.

I think The Boy Who Lived in Pudding Lane should be an addition to all Christmas libraries.  This book will help children of all ages get into the holiday spirit. It could be partnered with a book of Mother Goose rhymes. I know my grandchildren will hear this marvelous story this Christmas season.  It will become a new family tradition!

The Boy Who Lived in Pudding Lane has a stocking full of classroom uses.  I know cheap Christmas humor, sorry.

1. The month of December classroom read aloud.
2. After reading, children could create and illustrate additional chapters to young Santa’s life, of course, featuring nursery rhyme characters.
3. Students could make additional illustrations to depict Santa’s childhood.
4. Toys could be researched...how they have changed over the years, safety regulations, and this year’s most popular toys.
5. Older students could research Sarah Addington’s writing.
6. This book could lead to a unit on Mother Goose.