Review: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

by L. Frank Baum

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 176

Format: book

Goodreads:  L. Frank Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus was first published in 1902, two years after his Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Drawing on the attributes of Santa Claus from Clement Moore’s 1822 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (“The Night Before Christmas”), Baum chronicles Santa’s life from his childhood in an enchanted forest—the same forest that is the source of all magic in the land of Oz—to his destiny of sharing gifts and spreading love to his fellow man. Along the way we witness him making his first toys, learn the origins of the Christmas tree and Christmas stockings, and discover the stories behind many Christmas secrets, like why Santa slides down chimneys, how he picks his reindeer, and how he delivers all his toys in one night. Later adapted into multiple animated films, and published here with the original illustrations from the first edition, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus evinces the charm, warmth, and fantasy that made L. Frank Baum’s Oz stories American classics.


Kritters Thoughts:  Have you ever thought who Santa Claus was before he was the jolly grandfather figure?  Who raised him and how did all the traditions that go along with him begin?  This book answers all those questions and more.  

I had never even heard of this book's existence so when I got the email offering it to read and review, I knew I had to read and review it and share it here.  Divided into three parts, this great little book tells the reader of the story of this "man" from when a fairy adopts him and raises him in an enchanted forest and when he leaves them to share joy.  I loved how these magical creatures help him to find his life's work and then keep his life's work going.  

If you already knew about this book, let me know what memories you have of reading it.  I was excited to share it with my sister so she could share it with her girls!


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Penguin.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.