Santa Who? [Hardcover]

Gail Gibbons (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 27, 1999 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

In telling the rich history of the Christmas gift-giver, Gail Gibbons draws upon many cultures. From the legend of Saint Nicholas to the Dutch Sinter Cleas, from "The Night before Christmas" to Thomas Nast's famous cartoons, her lively, well-researched text and sparkling illustrations show how the changing image of Santa became the beloved symbol of Christmas we know today.

Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2000, National Council for SS & Child. Book Council

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Turning to the legend of Santa Claus, Gibbons locates its roots in the life of a fourth-century Catholic bishop from Myra (now Turkey), then traces its development down the centuries. The art, like the text, is on the pedestrian side of sprightlyAmildly jolly but superficial. Ages 5-up. (Oct.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-With her typical thoroughness, Gibbons tells the story behind the legendary gift-giver and informs readers how he became the beloved symbol he is today. She traces the evolution from St. Nicholas of Myra to the modern-day Santa Claus and includes brief descriptions of similar figures found in other cultures. Watercolor, colored-pencil, and black-ink illustrations, done in the artist's trademark style, enhance the presentation. Chock-full of interesting Christmas trivia, this is the perfect book to use with youngsters who are wondering about Santa.-T.T.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (October 27, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0688155286
• ISBN-13: 978-0688155285
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 9.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,942,107 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gail Gibbons has published close to fifty distinguished nonfiction titles with Holiday House. According to "The Washington Post," "Gail Gibbons has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children's writer-illustrator." She lives in Vermont. Her website is www.gailgibbons.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Santa Through the Ages, June 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Santa Who? (Library Binding)

It has been a while since this book crossed my desk, but I felt I had to give a more informative review than the only other review here to date. While I don't recall all the details of this book I do remember being impressed with the thorough examination of the changes through the centuries of the idea of Santa Claus. I felt this book would be a very good way for an elementary aged child to learn more about the history of Santa than what they see watching Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer every December. I am not partial to any organized religion, especially christianity, and I was not offended by this book because I felt it was fairly objective. The author presents a clear picture of all the different people and legends that contributed to our idea of who Santa is.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars interesting and informative, November 28, 2007

By 

Just Me (here and there across the USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Santa Who? (Library Binding)

Very interesting book aimed at children but still entertainin and informative for adults. Addresses the cultural history of Santa. How he started and how the image of him changed through the ages. Covers Saint Nicholas, Santa customs around the world, the decision to make Dec. 25 Christmas Day, Father Christmas, winter solstice, elves in Scandanavian countries, Italy's Befana, early Christmas traditions in America, Washington Irving's description of Santa, Clement Clarke Moore's Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Thomas Nast's early drawings of Santa. Nicely illustrated, as well.

3 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars not appropriate for reading in the public schools, June 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Santa Who? (Hardcover)

This book, while it might be OK for reading at home, was inappropriately read to my 2nd grader's class by some school librarian who apparently thought the whole world is, or should be Christian. On the second page of text, the author describes Jesus Christ as a saviour, which might be true, but this is not what I send my kids to school for. Unfortunately, some school systems allow any books to be read, and purchased if the librarian thinks they are needed. What is needed is some concern for the constitution of the United States here (in Barnard, Vermont!) I guess if you're looking for a book about Santa, this is as good as any, if you're looking for a book to read in school, this is not it!