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: Umami

Umami By Jacob Grant New York: Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2024. Picture Book. Umami is a little penguin who is sick of eating the same thing everyday, cold fish --ugh! She becomes determined to find new foods and flavors, so Umami begins a journey across the sea in search of something different to eat. She reaches a place with a plethora of delicious options, and tries bitter, sweet, sour, and foods with umami (just like her name!) among others. Umami decides to bring all these delicious new flavors back for the other penguins to try in a feast. But, will the other penguins enjoy this new experience? Filled with charm and humor, Umami is a diverse romp through a universal experience --am I willing to try something new? What will it be like? The idea of trying new foods and flavors make it especially relatable, and the appealing illustrations will have many readers ready to hop out on a culinary adventure. A humorous and sweet ending, caps off this delig...

Review: Faker

Faker By Gordon Korman New York: Scholastic Press, 2024. Fiction. 214 pages. 12-year-old Trey is used to starting over at a new school -- he has the routine perfectly memorized: make new friends, introduce his dad to the wealthy parents of his new friends, and "Houdini" themselves out of there before they get caught running their latest scam. Trey's dad is a master con artist, and Trey has just been promoted to full-partner. Their new scheme for the next big score brings them to the affluent suburb of Boxelder, TN where Trey's dad has cooked up a fake electric car company for investors to buy into. The only problem is that Trey is starting to grow tired of moving around and never putting down roots, especially after forming a fast friendship with Logan and developing a crush on Kaylee, a socially conscious girl in his class. As Trey longs for a normal life, is there any way he can convince his dad to get out of the family business? Gordon Korman is a perennial favorit...

Five Faves: Picture Books with Festive Treats

In my family, December marks the beginning of the holiday season, where we get to spend time together and do all of our favorite traditions. And, of course, eat lots of yummy food. I love that holidays look different for different families, but so many families have special foods they eat during the holidays. These are some of my favorite picture books about families making (and eating!) special holiday treats. These books might even give you new ideas of festive treats to try! The Last Tamale Written by Mendiola Orlando Illustrated by Teresa Martinez New York: Harper, 2024. Picture Book. Once a year, Luis' whole family gets together for their annual tamalada -- a party where they make tamales using a super-secret recipe. It's all love, family, and tradition until there is only one tamale left. Who will get it? It's an all-out family battle to decide who gets the last tamale. Colorful and humorous, this story is perfect for the holidays or whenever your family likes to enjo...

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