Third Place Books welcomes authors and illustrators Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen to our Seward Park store for a very special storytime presentation of their new book How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?. This event is free and open to the public.
For important updates, registration is highly recommended in advance. This event will include a public signing and time for audience Q&A. Sustain our author series by purchasing a copy of the featured book!
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When Santa arrives at a child’s house on Christmas Eve, does he go down the chimney feetfirst or headfirst? What if he gets stuck? What if there’s no chimney? Maybe he slides under the door, as thin as a piece of paper? Or is it possible he pours himself through the faucet? What happens once he’s inside? Whether it’s shape-shifting or impromptu laundry use, Mac Barnett’s iconic talent for earnest deadpan humor and Jon Klassen’s irresistibly funny art honor the timeless question with answers both ridiculous and plausible, mounting in hilarity as the night continues. Channeling a child’s fanciful explanations (and begging for further speculation), this latest collaboration by a New York Times best-selling team will find a secure spot among family holiday traditions.
"Klassen’s illustrations, done in graphite pencil and ink and finished digitally, fit the absurdist humor wonderfully. The conclusion—that the narrator has no idea how Santa does it but is glad he can—is a great kicker."
—Booklist (starred review)
"A dynamic picture-book duo turn their attention to one of the great mysteries of our time. . . . Curiosity runs wild as Barnett ponders everything from Santa doing the laundry in children’s basements to his ability to get along with every household dog he meets, while Klassen’s there to bring each possibility to life. . . . For all that it leans heavily on absurdity, this book exhibits some serious heart.. . . . In the market for an understated Christmas classic? Behold! A Christmas miracle!"
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Barnett’s tone perfectly captures a child’s endless stream of imaginative conjectures, while Klassen’s droll idiosyncratic graphite and ink illustrations bring out the humor full force. . . . Another hilarious hit that will be a welcome addition to the lighter side of Christmas collections."
—School Library Journal (starred review)
"The frequent collaborators take the simple question of the title and dive right in. . . Barnett sustains a wide-eyed, innocent tone throughout, and Klassen’s Santa appears amiable in this smart Yuletide comedy that visualizes everything from Santa sitting in his skivvies in front of a clothes washer to Saint Nick arriving by post."
—Publishers Weekly
Mac Barnett is a New York Times best-selling author of many books for children, including Just Because, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault; A Polar Bear in the Snow, illustrated by Shawn Harris; John’s Turn, illustrated by Kate Berube; and Twenty Questions, illustrated by Christian Robinson. He lives in Oakland, California.
Jon Klassen is the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling books, I Want My Hat Back, The Rock from the Sky, and The Skull; he is also the creator of This Is Not My Hat, which won a Caldecott Medal and a Kate Greenaway Medal, and We Found a Hat, among other books.Originally from Ontario, Jon Klassen now lives in Los Angeles.
Together Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen have collaborated on nine children’s books, which received a wide range of accolades and honors, including three E. B. White Read-Aloud Awards and a Boston Globe–Horn Book Award. They also both serve as executive producers of the Apple Original Shape Island, based on their Shapes Trilogy.
Want a signed edition of the featured book, but can't make it to the event? Order through our website or over the phone, and write your request for a signature or personalization in the comments field at checkout. Please call the hosting store if you're placing your order within 24 hours of the event.
Third Place Books Events Code of Conduct: Third Place Books is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of event attendees and guest authors, during both online and in-store events. By registering for this event, you are agreeing to refrain from engaging in inappropriate behavior and harassment of any kind throughout the course of this event (i.e. racial slurs, profanity, hate speech, spam comments, etc.). Please note that any participants who engage in inappropriate behavior or harassment of any kind will be immediately ejected from the event.
For media inquiries, access inquiries, or questions about our Covid-19 policies, please email events@thirdplacebooks.com or call our Lake Forest Park store at (206) 366-3311.
