Synopses & Reviews
This enchanting tale, originally written more than 100 years ago by L. Frank Baum, marries all the magic and fantasy of
The Wizard of Oz to the classic Christmas tale.
Nicholas is a mortal child found in the forest and raised by a band of woodland fairies and elves, where he learns to whittle small trinkets and toys from wood. As he grows older, he makes it his mission in life to make children happy by carving and delivering toys. Such traditions like hanging stockings on the chimney, Clauss flying reindeer, and St. Nicks immortality are explained through Baums colorful narrative thread.
Award winning painter Charles Santore, who has interpreted such classics as Peter Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, and The Wizard of Oz, beautifully re-imagines this Christmas fairytale, which is sure to become a Christmas classic on childrens bookshelves.
Review
School Library Journal, October 2009 “The large format, brimming with plenty of lush full- and double-page paintings depicting fairies, sprites, Knooks, and a very comely young Claus, will appeal to many children.”
Publishers Weekly, 10/26/09
“…lavishly detailed…Santa’s evolution from humble woodsman to the man in the red suit will delight readers and answer a few questions to boot.”
The Columbus Dispatch, 11/15/09
“In 1902, the creator of The Wizard of Oz series published his imaginings of the origin of Santa Claus. St. Nick was raised by woodland fairies, grew to love children and wanted to be their champion, and eventually became immortal. Santore's page-filling paintings are equally magical.”
Synopsis
Taking the beloved symbol of merriment out of his conventional trappings and into the world of folklore, Baum gives Santa Claus an exciting life that evokes all the charm, warmth, and fantasy that have made his Oz stories American classics. Illustrations.
Synopsis
Santa Claus hasnt always lived at the North Pole...
About the Author
L. Frank Baum was born in 1856, to a wealthy family. He was weak in health as a child and spent most of his time reading in his fathers study. Baum created fantasy stories for enjoyment rather than moral learning, including the original American fairytale,
The Wizard of Oz.
Charles Santore is a nationally acclaimed illustrator. He is a recipient of the Society of Illustrators Award of Excellence, the Hamilton King Award, and the Alumni of the Philadelphia College of Art. His works are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and in many private collections. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.