A peculiar sight caught Kristine Ensor's attention on her way to pick up her daughter from school. A worn-out logo-less semi-truck rumbled past, its driver's features strikingly familiar. The twinkle in his eye, genuine smile, and white beard reminded her of Santa Claus, but this time, his costume and mode of transportation brought a story to her mind. After all, did you ever wonder how the elves get their supplies?"  

Santa's Twin is the story of Santa's twin brother, Henry, and his cat named Jim. It's an early reader that uses rhyming, familiar words, and phrases to tell how Henry finds supplies so children don't get coal.  

Kristine is a local McHenry County author. She's spent the last eight years as a freelance author, writing blogs and website content before trying her hand at children's fiction. As a mom of a six-year-old, Kristine also has an interest in children's educational tools.

"Geography was never easy for me, but it's much easier to understand what's happening when you know the where." She wrote Santa's Twin with that in mind. In addition to being a fun and silly story, she hopes parents can use the book to encourage kids to learn more about the world. Parents can buy Santa's Twin and download a free world map at  https://kristineensor.com/. Children can follow along with the story as Henry and Jim travel to eleven different countries.

Families in the area can enjoy a live reading of the book this holiday season at the following locations:

Crystal Lake, IL

Downtown @ Santa's House

Saturday, November 30

12-1 pm

Cary, IL

The Pieceful Project

Saturday, December 7

1-4 pm

Shorewood, IL

Critical Grind & Game Cafe

Sunday, December 15