Santa’s Dog

Meet Lance. He’s a dog with a pretty famous owner…Santa Claus! But when Lance falls out of Santa’s sleigh during his Christmas Eve deliveries, Lance finds himself in the caring arms of an animal shelter and is then adopted by a loving family. But what will happen next Christmas when Santa returns? Will Lance go back to his previous home or stay with the family who took him in?

Santa’s Dog is a wonderfully sweet book that manages to cover a lot of difficult topics in a matter of a few pages. The book touches on the importance of family, loss in several forms, separation, adoption, and more, and even though these are heavy subjects, the book never feels agenda-driven or hokey. It’s simply a book that takes place in a real and complex world, despite the bright colors and upbeat storytelling.

Although the military aspect of the story feels awkward at times — particularly in the middle of Santa’s speech — the book otherwise meshes well, creating a sweet, fun, and thoughtful Christmas story about the many remarkable gifts offered by a loving pet.

Santa’s Dog asks important questions and feels realistic, even in the midst of a magical Christmas adventure.