‘Santerella’ is a delightful and whimsical tale that fuses the enchantment of a fairy tale with the warmth of the Christmas spirit, making it an excellent addition to primary school libraries and a superb choice for festive classroom reading.

Suzy Senior’s expertise in creating engaging narratives for young audiences shines through in ‘Santerella’. This book takes the reader on a globetrotting adventure with Cinderella as she steps in to save Christmas, offering a fresh twist on two beloved narratives. The story encourages resilience and kindness, presenting Cinderella not just as a damsel in distress but as a proactive heroine ready to tackle challenges head-on.

Lucy Semple’s illustrations bring a lively and humorous dimension to the story, capturing the joy and the unexpected mash-up of Christmas and fairy tale elements with vibrancy. The illustrations will captivate children’s attention and spark imagination, making the read-aloud experience incredibly enjoyable.

For teachers, ‘Santerella’ opens up a world of teaching opportunities. It aligns well with traditional tales, character studies, and discussions about cultural celebrations. It is equally valuable for challenging stereotypes, fitting into lessons about equality and empowerment. Its rhythmic and rhyming text can be used in literacy lessons focused on poetic form and sound patterns, aiding in developing phonemic awareness and reading fluency. ‘Santerella’ is a must-have for educators looking to enrich their classroom with a story that is as heartwarming as it is empowering. It is a reminder that sometimes, the best gifts are not those wrapped in bows but the chance to rewrite our stories for the better.