The only drawback I found to this highly entertaining book is that it does play into some unfortunate ethnic stereotypes. Babbo Natale of Italy resembles a mob boss a little more frequently than a Santa figure. Chinese and Japanese gift bringers are, naturally, against a female successor to the Kringle line. Also, while in Plinkbury, the children assume that a shopkeeper named Mr. Patel is not Christian. These things play a minor role in the story, but in a politically correct world, I found them a little distracting and disappointing. Underneath these stereotypes is a very rich and engaging story that children should heartily enjoy. I certainly did.