Through the North Pole Snow; Polly Faber, illustrated by Richard Jones

On a snowy night, a little fox hunts for something to satisfy a hungry belly and a place to lay a tired head. Leaping and pouncing is fruitless until she tumbles through the snow and into the hands of a kind and weary old man with a great round belly and a fox-white beard. Fox’s new roommate is curious; he fills shelves with toys and receives a large amount of post. But who is? Will a Christmas Eve adventure uncover the mystery…

With the most wonderful of friendships at its heart, Through the North Pole Snow is a sweet and gentle festive story wrapped up in kindness and warmth. Richard’s delicate illustrations and Polly’s calming words offering an original and refreshing take on what Father Christmas gets up to when he’s not racing around the world delivering presents.

It is brave and bold to be the the polar opposite to the more traditional Father Christmas narratives which are often loud and excitable in their depiction of the busyness at the North Pole and the mad rush to get everything ready on time. Yet here it is, and it is exquisite. A soft and simple tale of an old man working hard throughout the year at his rural home, a white fox always by his side and even helping out when the opportunity presents whilst being blissfully unaware of what her companion is preparing for.

Children will of course know the identity of the old man long before the little fox works it out. If the magical front cover doesn’t give it away then there are some truly gorgeous clues in Richard’s artwork, from the hanging of a certain outfit by the fire to the stacks of letters on the table to the flash of a snowy white beard. 

Serene and inviting like fresh fallen snow, it will capture imaginations and leave children with wonderful new wonderings. Those who dream of a quieter Christmas will hold this one close to their hearts.

Recommended for 3+.