Böcker av Kenneth Hutton

The children had played at the beaver pond all afternoon but now with the shadows growing longer and a coolness in the air they knew that it was time to head for home. A short walk through the little wood would find them back in their garden just in time for tea. The eldest and natural leader Erica heads up the little band as they follow the path into the trees. Eliel is next in line, and while he thinks he knows the way he is more comfortable following his older sister and little Grey is content just to follow where the others lead. After a while the path that Erica thought she knew so well has somehow become less familiar and the seeds of doubt have begun to creep in. 'Are we lost?' asks Eliel. 'I'm not sure,' replies Erica, 'but we ought to be home by now.' Before long they emerge into a clearing with several paths leading off but there are no signposts. Feeling tired and anxious, the children sit down to rest on an old log, little knowing that they will remember for ever and ever what is about to happen next.

They have been coming to a holiday cottage in Suffolk for as long as they can remember, and Ellie and Jack are familiar with every lane and byway, every stretch of beach and shingle, indeed every nook and cranny within easy reach of the cottage, and of course they have their own favourite places. On this the last day, before their holiday is over for another year and after much pleading, the children have been allowed out on their own and are heading down the lane in search of adventure. The Suffolk coast has always held out a hint of the supernatural, magic and alternative realities, but nothing has prepared the children for what is about to unfold. This will be a holiday they will never forget.

Santa's Last Call is for all children on the cusp of transition from childhood to adolescence set within the context of the age-old traditions of Christmas. It is also for parents who will want to help with the journey from the magical thinking of childhood to a more mundane reality while at the same time dealing with their own memories and feelings which come when a child begins to grow up and move on. This might be a little more tricky when there are siblings to consider and there is also the challenge of the peer group who will all be at different stages in the process.If more proof was needed, Santa's Last Call offers reassurance that you are not alone and that Santa is both mindful of his responsibilities and is here to help.