A debut book that applies a familiar plot to Santa's post- delivery homecoming: after a search through workshop and house fails to turn up a single elf waiting up for him (though the reader can see them hiding in every picture), a disappointed Santa is preparing to turn in when the cat leads him to a surprise party, just for him. The story is unexceptional, but children will be amused by the good-natured, cartoon-like illustrations. (Note to new artist: Please draw clock faces more accurately!) (Picture book. 3-9)