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This book offers up a modern-day twist on the traditional holiday song “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” Griffin uses colloquial language, phonetic spellings, and pseudowords in an attempt to deliver an updated version that readers will find relatable. The book cleverly compares Santa Claus’ famous annual trek from the North Pole in a reindeer-drawn sleigh to an alien spaceship or double-decker jet aircraft flying through the air and traveling across the sky.
The author’s comical characterization of old Saint Nick twice checking his infamous naughty or nice list conjures up images of Rocky Balboa shadowboxing before a fight. Griffin infuses this tale with merriment by alluding to Star Wars characters and depicting the North Pole as a festive gathering of laughing, prancing, and dancing reindeer and elves, with Mrs. Claus kicking off the revelry. Pop culture references and vibrant illustrations add to the story’s fun, quirky tone. The book ends with an inspirational message encouraging readers to celebrate who they are and strive to fulfill their potential.
The author's closing poem entitled “Love Never Ending” is touching. Full of metaphorical comparisons of the majesty of nature to the beauty of art, this poem speaks of an eternal devotion that transcends time, space, and dimensions. It is a promise to hold a loved one close, support them always, and never let them go. Griffin uses artistic license and sometimes cringeworthy slang to revitalize a Christmas classic. He then follows up the frivolity with a profound statement on the power and constancy of love. Fans of the familiar song who are interested in a different take on the original version might wish to peruse Griffin's offering.