Honestly this is just a riot. I wouldn't suggest you read this to the kids in lieu of the original story--unless your kids have an extraordinarily mature mindset that seeing Santa's reindeer ripped to shreds won't bother--but for the older set and horror fans this may do the trick. Kelley's clever substitutions flow well for the most part, but occasionally will falter. Its only to be expected, to keep the 'spirit' of the original certain phrases have to be in there, but they sound out of place given the context (such as Santa's jolly round belly jiggling with blood).

The illustrations are the creepier part I think. Little kids dreaming of sugared limbs? Undead reindeer flitting through the sky? Santa's bag of toys mysteriously filling with severed limbs? If nothing else it you'll look at the holiday differently! ( )