Santa in the City

In her accessibly written picture book debut, Jackson centers Deja, a Black child of Jamaican descent who asks myriad questions regarding Santa’s methods of reaching her city home. When classmates instill seeds of doubt, Deja worries about Santa’s existence—and his limitations. Not only does her apartment lack a chimney, but her city does not look like classic Christmas towns: “Okay, but where does he park his sleigh? There’s no free parking spots on our block at night and ain’t none of them big enough for nine reindeers!” But as her mother, neighbors, and relatives offer reasonable explanations, Deja sees the light (“Makes sense”), and it’s revealed that Santa, who is also Black, has no issues visiting. Warm, imaginative digital art by debut illustrator Brown offer a nuanced portrait of Deja’s family and community in this reassuring book for any child who’s ever worried about Santa’s magic reaching them. Ages 4–8. (Oct.)