The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Yesterday's Classics) [Paperback]

Amelia C. Houghton (Author), Hokie (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 28, 2006

Draw close to the fire, all you who believe in the spirit of Christmas, whether you call it Santa Claus, or simply good will to men; and listen to the story of Nicholas the Wandering Orphan who became Nicholas the Wood-carver, a lover of little children. Follow him through his first years as a lonely little boy, who had the knack of carving playthings for children; then as a young man, busy over the little toys; then as a prosperous, fat, rosy old man, who overcomes all sorts of difficulties in order to attain his ambition, a toy for every child in the village. Learn how he started to drive a beautiful sleigh drawn by prancing reindeer; why he first came down a chimney; how he filled the first stocking; where the first Christmas tree was decorated; and finally how he came to be known as "Saint Nicholas" and "Santa Claus."

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I walked in on my wife and daughter the other evening to find my wife reading your delightful book to her daughter -- and her daughter is twenty-one! ... a perennial best." -- Earl Nightingale, radio columnist --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Publisher

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by Julie Lane is also available on audiocassette, in a two-tape set. The story is read by Bill (Salty Sam) Everett. Music is provided by the Crane Bassoon Quartet. The tape runs for 2 hours, 40 minutes. Parents travelling with children especially enjoy taking the tapes along. Everyone enjoys the story! (Great for pre-holiday travel.)

If you are an elementary teacher, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is a wonderful way to start a discussion of various holiday traditions with your students. A collection of ideas from teachers around the US and Canada, Ideas for the Classroom, is available, free of charge, from the publisher. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 148 pages
• Publisher: Yesterday's Classics (September 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159915191X
• ISBN-13: 978-1599151915
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #880,962 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author's son, January 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Hardcover)

My mother, Amelia Catherine Houghton, used the pen name Julie Lane when she wrote the Life and Adventures of Santa Claus. She died in 1989 after a long and satisfying career as a public school administrator and teacher. The illustrator, Hokie, was my father, who died in 1961. Hokie was the pet name that Amy gave him. I am so happy (and, of course, my mother and father would also be) to see that people from all over the U.S. have enjoyed mom's book as much as her own family and all of the children that listened to the story around Christmas time when it was broadcast over the school's intercom (my brother Tony was a principal, his wife was a principal, and six Houghton's were in the Dade County public school system. If you have any questions about the book's origin, background on the "Plot," etc. please email me at [e-mail] and I will be very happy to respond. Five stars...I'm proud of my mother and father and I give it 10 stars. Jon Houghton Pinecrest, Florida

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Family Tradition For Over 50 Years!!, April 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Hardcover)

This truly magnificent book has been a family tradition for over 50 years. I have the most fondest memories of my siblings and I sitting in our living room as children listening to our parents read 1 or 2 chapters per night. They would time it perfectly to have the last chapter read on Christmas Eve year after year. More than 30 years later, I continue the tradition with my own children. Although they find the first chapter sad and difficult to understand, my children have learned that the obstacles we encounter in life help shape us into who we are, with Nicholas being the perfect example.

My mother gave me my very own copy of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus when I got married. She wrote on the inside cover, "Dear Patty, I hope you enjoy this book for as many years as I have. May it always remind you of all the Merry Christmas' that we all shared. The years pass so quickly and we are fortunate to have so many happy memories. Love, As Always, Mother" This book will always be one of the most cherished parts of my life. Begin the tradition...

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause, November 13, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Hardcover)

What a beautiful story of how Santa Claus came into being . . it will let you believe! When my son was young, we would read it as a chapter book, we would start on the 8th of the month and read a chapter every day. As he got older, we would take turns reading it to each other. I give credit to Julie Lane for prolonging my sons belief in Santa Claus and he now carries the spirit of Santa Claus in his heart. I strongly recommend it for your bookshlf, no matter how old you are!!!!