A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World



Last updated Thursday, December 8, 2022

Author: M.E. Furman
Illustrator: Susan Gal
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 0544226208
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Dec. 2022

Synopsis: A World of Cookies for Santa takes readers across the globe to see all the treats that await Santa on Christmas Eve. Head to the Philippines, where children leave out puto seko cookies and ginger tea for Santa; jet to Russia for a honey-spice cookie; then set out for Malawi for a sweet potato cookie! When you've returned home, the journey's still not over - M. E. Furman provides recipes for children to bake some of Santa's cookies for themselves.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite Holiday Tradition at your home?
•  Can you describe your favorite Christmas Cookie?
•  What treats do you leave out for Santa Claus visit on Christmas Eve?

Vocabulary:

•  Memory-something remembered from the past; a recollection
•  Stocking (Christmas stocking) -a long sock or similar receptacle hung up by children on Christmas Eve for Santa Claus to fill with presents.
•  Misbehave-fail to conduct oneself in a way that is acceptable to others; behave badly.
•  Chocolate-a food preparation in the form of a paste or solid block made from roasted and ground cacao seeds, typically sweetened.
•  Pinata-a decorated figure of an animal containing toys and candy that is suspended from a height and broken open by blindfolded children as part of a celebration.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do you envision Christmas Island looks like?
•  What sounds do you think you will hear when Santa arrives or departs your house on Christmas Eve?
•  Where do you hang your Christmas stocking?
•  What treat or toy is on the top on your holiday wish list?
•  Where is Santa’s last stop on Christmas Eve?

Craft ideas:
•  1) Easy: Is time to start planning for Santa’s arrival! What is your favorite holiday cookie? In anticipation of Santa’s arrival, draw your favorite cookie you would like to treat Santa. It can be a gingerbread man, chocolate chip or iced cookie. Or you can create your own Christmas cookie! Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, stencil, and scissors.
•  2) Easy: The Christmas Holiday is just a few weeks away. You can create a welcome or thank you holiday card for Mr and Mrs. Claus. I am sure they will love a greeting card from you. Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons
•  3) Moderate: What is your favorite holiday tradition? Write it down a few lines describing your family tradition and share your friends during our class session today Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!