I didn't realize L. Frank Baum had written a story about Santa until I saw it on my Serial Reader. So I couldn't resist reading The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.
In this depiction, Santa, a mortal, was raised by a fairy. He was good and kind and loved to make toys for children. This expanded into the annual Christmas Eve trek around the world with his reindeer pulling his sleigh.
Baum explains how these traditions started and grew, including hanging the stockings and the Christmas Tree. He even explains how Santa got around the problem when houses stopped having big chimneys that he could go down!
Most of us are familiar with Clement Clarke Moore's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, which is really titled, A Visit from St. Nicholas. Baum's book was originally published in 1902 and Moore's poem was published in 1823. So why didn't Baum use Moore's names for the reindeer? And in The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, there are ten reindeer. It doesn't really matter, but Moore's names have won out!
The story is enchanting and delightful to read. I think more young children should be exposed to The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.
Published by Bowen Merrill, 1902
eBook obtained from Serial Reader
56 pages
Rating: 4/5
I didn't know he had written a book about Santa Claus, either. It sounds like a delightful read.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of another classic Christmas book. Somehow with the fire, this year didn't get super Christmas-y this year and we didn't read any Christmas books or watch the specials.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very imaginative story and quite enjoyable for my kids. The illustrations are wonderful and I actually stopped and studied each one to take in all the details. Very entertaining read if you like the L. Frank Baum style - which I do. This is a great book to read to your children!
ReplyDeleteZia
You won't believe this Wall NJ maid service information