DISPLAY: Where Did Santa Come From?

Where Did Santa Come From?
These are books, some fictional and some informational, tell the origin of the Santa Claus legend.

Children's Novels
A Boy Called Christmas
By Matt Haig
Alfred A. Knopf, 2016. Fiction. 234 p.
Nikolas, the boy who would one day be known as Santa Claus, goes on a life-changing quest to the North Pole.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
By Frank L. Baum
H. Holt, 2003. Fiction. 175 p.
A human foundling child, adopted by a wood-nymph and raised by the creatures who inhabit a magical forest, grows up to be the immortal Santa Claus.

Picture Books
The Legend of St Nicholas
By Anselm Grun
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2014. Picture Book. 26 p.
An introduction to the saint who is the inspiration for giving.

The Bearer of Gifts
By Kenneth C. Steven
Dial Books for Young Readers. 1998. Picture Book. 32 p.
After a Laplander wood carver gives the Christ child a special present, he is inspired to bring gifts to other children, and becomes known as Father Christmas.

The Legend of St Nicholas: a Story of Christmas Giving
By Dandi Daley Mackall
Zonderkidz, 2014. Picture Book. 32 p.
As Nick does last-minute Christmas shopping, he sees several Santas and overhears one retelling the legend of Saint Nicholas, which he takes to heart as he examines his own attitudes towards gift-giving.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
By Adil Janeen and Frank L. Baum
R.P. Kids. 2009. Picture Book. 54 p.
A picture book version of Baum's classic tale of a human foundling child, adopted by a wood-nymph and raised by the creatures who inhabit a magical forest, grows up to be the immortal Santa Claus.

Children's Informational
The Real Santa Claus
By Marianna Mayer
Phyllis Fogelman Books, 2001. Informational. 32 p.
An account of the life and times of the Bishop of Myra, who lived during the fourth century and on whom the legend of Santa Claus was based.

Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend
By Julie Stiegemeyer
Concordia Pub. House, 2003. Informational, 28 p.
A retelling of the legend in which Saint Nicholas generously supplies the dowries for three girls from a poor family.

Santa: My Life and Times
By Martin Green
Avon Books, 1998. Informational. 128 p.
Old Kris Kringle himself tells the story of his life, throwing light on his childhood, on the workings of his toy shop, and on the mysteries of his Christmas Eve flight.

Santa Who?
By Gail Gibbons
Morrow Junior Books, 1999. Informational. 32 p.
Describes the origins and evolution of Santa Claus, from the Turkish Saint Nicholas to the jolly, red-suited Santa of today. Also discusses similar legendary figures in other cultures.

Comments

Review: The Mixed-Up Owl

The Mixed-Up Owl Written by Marzena Sowa Illustrated by Joanna Lorno New York : Hippo Park, 2025. Picture Book. When Owl can't sleep at night, he heads off to see if any forest animals can help him understand why, and even more so, how to fix it! Unfortunately, all the animals Owl runs into at night are asleep and all the animals he meets during the day are too rude or too busy to answer him. Will Owl give up or will a chance meeting with a grumpy hedgehog provide all the solutions Owl was looking for? The premise of an owl trying to stay awake during the day because all the other animals around him do is very fun. Kids who know that owls are nocturnal will get a kick out of Owl's confusion and be quick to try to tell him what's going on. Readers who don't know many facts about owls (or nocturnal animals in general) will get a brief introduction to the different ways animals sleep. The illustrations are charming, especially cute Owl and his expressive body langua...

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Real Castles Around the World Written by Kaitlyn Duling Vero Beach, Florida : Rourke Educational Media, 2025. Informational. 48 pages Take a trip around the world as you read about the most impressive castles ever built! Explore fierce fortresses, castles that have inspired stories, uniquely colorful castles, and the history behind them all as you Travel to Real Castles Around the World! Part of the Travel to Children s Book Series, this 48-page nonfiction book explores castles both past and present, the kings that inhabited them, and knights that fought to protect them! Lower the drawbridge, cross the moat, and travel to real castles from all around the world as you learn about our magical history with fun-filled facts and vibrant photos. History Book Features: Before- and after-reading activities. Extension activity. Glossary About Rourke Educational Media: We proudly publish respectful and relevant nonfiction and fiction titles that represent our diverse readers, and are designed to...

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Grounded for All Eternity By Darcy Marks New York : Aladdin, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, 2022. Fiction. 375 pgs. Malachi, Crowley, and Lilith are just your average, normal, middle-school kids. That is, if you consider living in the suburbs of Hell and having black feathered wings normal. They want to enjoy their school free vacation, but Hell is on lock down after the soul of Reverend Samuel Paris, leader of the 1693 Salem witch trials, escapes. Malachi and his friends travel to Earth, looking for some fun, but accidentally bring the Reverend's soul with them to modern day Salem, Massachusetts. Chaos ensues, and Malachi meets many new types of characters, such as witches, angels, and humans. Malachi and his friends must work together to return Reverend Sam's soul to Hell, or else all of Salem will be destroyed. Or worse, be grounded for all eternity. Read this book for the ultimate Halloween experience, and if you want to revisit the ...

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