l e i g s S h a ’ t n a it s w a y t o
S
is on
o t k s g e n i s a B
To my family ... the best present ever x If you enjoy this book why not check out Eric's website http://ericjames.co.uk Written by Eric James Illustrated by Robert Dunn Designed by Sarah Allen With special thanks to Deborah Bradford First published by HOMETOWN WORLD in 2015 Hometown World Ltd 7 Northumberland Buildings Bath BA1 2JB www.hometownworld.co.uk Copyright Š Hometown World Ltd 2015 ISBN 978-1-78553-046-3 All rights reserved Printed in China 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
l s e a i S g t ’ n h a S i s o n it s w a y t o
g n s i toke s a B
C H
I
L
D
H
O O D
D
R
E
A
M S
Basingstoke casts a cool glow. T he Anvil lies snug under blankets of snow.
T he moon over
T he star-sprinkled sky is especially bright.
n t a ! He y S a n t a ! a S y e H s i t t o n i g ht ! i v e s a e l P
T he snowmen in Brookvale stand perfectly still, T heir hats and their scarves keeping out the night chill.
T he icicles sparkle as snowflakes drift down From Chineham to Popley and all across town.
T he Christmas trees twinkle, T he eggnog smells sweet, T he stockings are out (for the gifts, not your feet!)
T he bunting and paper-chains hang from the ceiling, And give the whole household that Christmassy feeling.
T hey scurry upstairs, for they’ve heard it is said T hat Santa comes once you’re asleep in your bed!
Excited young children with heads full of wishes Leave mince pies and big juicy carrots on dishes.
In South Ham the yawns become stronger and stronger. T he children of Kempshott can’t stay up much longer. From Oakridge to Old Basing, Hatch Warren too, T hey’re soon sleeping soundly. All children but you!
S A N TA S TO P HERE!
You stand at your window and gaze at the sky With hopes that you’ll see Santa’s sleigh
wh i z z
ing
You almost nod off, but see movement ahead...
by.
...A f lurry of white and some f lashes of red! You jump up and down as the shape becomes clear.
“
Hey Santa! Hey Santa! My home ’ s over here! ”
But something is wrong. T here are sparks EVERYWHERE. T he sleigh t w i s t s and t u r n s as it swoops through the air.
You’re wide awake now. You have had such a fright. T here’s no chance of sleep till you know he’s alright.
You think about Santa, his reindeer and sleigh.
“ Hey Santa! Hey Santa! I hope you’re o k ay!”
Yes, Santa is fine !
Eastrop Park
He is in Replacing the fuse for his sleigh (in the dark).
He
“U
P,
shouting ,
” Y ! A P, AW
so tug
n
eins, the r
, ignition e h t hits is sleigh. d h p n u A ts star h ic wh
U
EA ST RO P PA RK
only Sant d e e p ls agica m th Wi
a p o s s e s s e s , He v i s i t s
well o ver a thou sand add ress es.
g to
Ly
p ch
it
s, tin y r o o W gt n se i r u Fr o m e o v e. deli hh c s i a no its e s i a v He ing k a ut m w itho
Now Santa has been to all houses but one. He can’t go back home till this last house is done.
O Y s ’ It
, of course, but you’re still e s u o h wide UR
e a s h e t a ke s a s m a l l b r c l e s a b ov eak. r i c e H e him. e s u o hen y w s ’ t h e p i l l ow. Yo u ’ r e o u t l i ke a s that t i h d l i g ht An head r . u Yo
Yo u k n ow h e ’ s
aw a k
alrig
e.
ht !
He lands on the roof to the sound of your snores.
It’s Santa! It’s Santa! He’s coming indoors!
Bu
! H G t, AR Yo u
w a ke
eet. f r u o y o t ou j u m p y d n a p u You’re sure you forgot to leave Santa a treat.
d e? ! u r o s e n o e m o s ts for n e s e r p e v a e l a t Wi l l S a n You mus t go dow nsta irs
has food! e h e r u s a n d m a ke
You enter the kitchen and turn on the light, Not spotting the figure who ducks out of sight. You’re still half asleep, so you don’t find it weird T hat the broom has a hat
...and a coat
...and a beard!
You go to the cupboard to get the mince pies, And all without spotting his clever disguise. You open the fridge so you don’t hear the sound Of Santa, who’s running off...
...into your lounge!
With a plate in your hands, you head off to the tree. You’re feeling so sleepy you don’t even see A sight that would have your heart skipping a beat — T he curtains have sprouted...
…two Santa-sized feet!
Still sleepy, you head back to bed with a smile. T he panic is over. It’s all been worthwhile. You climb up the staircase, not once looking back, As a chuckling Santa takes toys from his sack.
Ho , ho, ho
Now Santa is leaving. His sleigh races high.
It
s p a r k l e s and f i z z les and l igh t s up the sky. T he
Brighton Hill
streetlights grow dim in the night.
He y S a n t a ! He y S anta! P lease have a safe f ligh t!
Soon Santa leaves Basingstoke’s suburbs behind, Where children are lovely and grown-ups are kind.
booms loudly, his voice full of cheer... And then he
“
o H
! o h ho
s a B
k o e t , s g in
se
e
u yo
ne
ea xt y
r !”