Santa’s Twin

Book title: Santa’s Twin
Author: Dean Koontz
Illustrated by: Phil Parks
Copyright: 1996
Publisher: Harper Prism
Cost at time of publication: $ 20.00
Reviewed by: Allen Klingelhoets
Jazma Online

Inner cover notes about book:

“Someone has stolen Santa’s bank card!”

Combining the tongue - in – cheek charm of a modern classic with the timeless magic of cherished holiday tradition, here is a new Christmas story guaranteed to delight children of all ages- including those who pretend to have grown up.

At the request of his fans, bestselling novelist Dean Koontz has created a contemporary masterpiece that is destined to take its place alongside “The Night before Christmas” and A Christmas Carol as a perennial Yuletide favorite.

Santa’s Twin is the hilarious story of two little girls, Charlotte and Emily, who set out to save Santa from his mischievous twin – Bob Claus – who has not only stole Santa’s sleigh, but has stuffed his toy bag with mud pies and cat poop, and broccoli! Plus, he’s threatening to turn Donner, Blitzen, and the rest into reindeer soup! And look at the mess he’s leaving under the tree!

How the brave but foolhardy sisters fly to the North Pole and rescue Santa from his “deeply troubled” twin is an utterly charming and unforgettable story that will add sparkle to your holiday season.

The first major new Christmas story in decades, Santa’s Twin is sure to bring joy that parents can share with their children. Lavishly illustrated with spectacular paintings by Phil Parks, this thoroughly modern masterpiece breathes new life and warmth into the world’s most beloved legend.

Read it aloud, preferably to someone whose laugh you want to hear.

And Merry Christmas!

Allen thoughts:

I thought this was marvelous tale about good and evil. I never thought that Santa might have an evil twin named Bob. He did not have same idea about Christmas as Santa. I was appreciative of art by Phil Parks hid images like snow men and even picture of Dean Koontz among story art pages. I spotted Dean Koontz book Mr. Murder on book shelf at Charlotte and Emily’s house. The story was told in poem form. It was full of modern day items like microwave oven. Bob put ten pounds of popcorn into children’s parent’s microwave. This was only one of multitude of evil deeds. The presents were meant for bad children even though Emily and Charlotte were very good children. The story tells how children capture Bob. It tells of how two girls take Bob back to North Pole. It is an adventure to rescue Santa. How they work with Santa to make Bob into better person is very imaginative. The story also tells how Santa can deliver so many gifts in one night. The story also tells how Santa is able to clean up the mess made by Bob earlier in Christmas Night. An example would be popcorn that was even bursting out of front door of Charlotte and Emily’s house Santa’ Twin story happens during one Christmas night.

I got my copy of Santa’s Twin from library. I also noticed sequel called Robot Santa: The Further Adventures of Santa's Twin. I also ordered this book from library.




The snowmen hidden throughout art pages was very craftily drawn by Phil Parks. Some were very difficult to spot. I even used magnifier glass to find some of snowmen. According to end page:

Now that you have finished the book, turn the pages, take a second look. In every picture you are sure to see a jolly snowman peering back at thee. Some of the snowmen are easy to spot, but many among them are not. Hiding, lurking- but none are mean- they’re keeping an eye on the scene. You see, snowmen work for the Claus, reporting to the North Pole because Santa must know who’s good or not, so he can avoid delivering toad snot to all good children who deserve toys. Santa is fair to all girls and boys. Never be mean or say something untrue, because a snowman may be watching you.


Allen Klingelhoets