Santa's Sleigh is on its way to Croydon

l e i g s S h a ’ t n a S i s o n it s w a y t o

d o y n o r C

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 and Jim Mitchell Designed by Sarah Allen With special thanks to Liz Sheppard-Jones 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 978-1-78553-058-6 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

y d o o r n C

C H

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Croydon gives off a cool glow.

T he Town Hall 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 Selsdon stand perfectly still, T heir hats and their scarves keeping out the night chill.

T he icicles sparkle as snowflakes drift down From Selhurst to Purley 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 Norbury the yawns become stronger and stronger.

T he children of Selsdon can’t stay up much longer.

From Kenley to Norwood and Sanderstead 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 !

Lloyd Park

He is down in Replacing the fuse for his sleigh (in the dark).

He

“U

P,

shouting ,

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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

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LL OY D 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.

id ds

e

oo W to s, n o y d o d Wa gt n se m i o r r u F 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

Addiscombe

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 Croydon’s fine suburbs behind, Where children are lovely and grown-ups are kind.

booms loudly, his voice full of cheer...

And then he

! o h ho

, n o d y o r C “

o H

e ’ ll s I

ey

n ou

e

ea xt y

r !”