1 / 4How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? is a Christmas picture book by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen about imaginative ways Santa might get into a house. Its deadpan humour and illustrations make it a seasonal read-aloud for families with young children.
At a glance
- The story plays with the question of how Santa enters a home, imagining possibilities including getting stuck or finding no chimney.
- Mac Barnett wrote the story and Jon Klassen illustrated it.
- The listing presents it as a picture book for sharing with children aged 3–6.
Reference price: £7.99
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- A clear, playful premise gives families a question to revisit and discuss while reading together.
- Customer feedback highlights the humour and illustrations, with enjoyment reported for both children and adults.
- At 32 pages, it is a short-format picture book rather than a long read.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Walker Books |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 3 Oct. 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 32 pages |
| Reading age | 3 - 6 years, from customers |
| ISBN-10 | 1529517141 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1529517149 |
| Dimensions | 19.6 x 0.4 x 26.6 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 150 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Families looking for a Christmas-themed read-aloud for young children.
- Gift buyers seeking a humorous picture book for children around ages 3–6.
- Readers who enjoy imaginative storytelling and illustrated humour.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a non-seasonal story or a longer book.

Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
82% 82% - 4 stars
9% 9% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
2% 2% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback describes the book as delightful, particularly noting its humour, illustrations and story, and says it can appeal to children and adults. That response fits the listing’s short illustrated format and playful Santa premise, making it a plausible shared seasonal read. The supplied rating distribution is mostly five-star, though ratings alone do not explain individual experiences.
Positive themes
- Customer feedback highlights the humour and illustrations.
- The story and Christmas theme receive positive mentions.
Frequently asked questions
What is How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney? about?
It playfully considers how Santa might enter a house on Christmas Eve, including what could happen if there is no chimney or he gets stuck.
Who created the book?
The story is by Mac Barnett and the illustrations are by Jon Klassen.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 32 pages.
What age is it aimed at?
The listing gives a reading age of 3–6 years, with that age information attributed to customers.

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