Santas of the World (Z) (Looking Into the Past: People, Places and Customs) [Library Binding]

George Ouwenijk (Author), George Ouwendijk (Author), Arthur Meier, Jr. Schlesinger (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1997 | Age Level: 9 and up | Series: Looking Into the Past: People, Places and Customs

Explains that people of various cultures from around the world have different ideas about Santa Claus or a comparable mythical figure who is often seen as a gift-giver.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-6--After a brief overview of the origins of the Santa Claus legend, this book examines the traditional gift-giving figures and customs of 24 countries and regions, devoting one page of text to each. The book has major problems. First of all, there is much repetition as many locales have almost identical legends and traditions. The countries are arranged in a random order rather than alphabetically or geographically, and there are some inconsistencies of information, e.g., in the entry for Holland the traditional gift-giver is called "Sinterklaas," but in the overview the Dutch gift-giver is called "Sintaklaas." Each page of text is accompanied by a different illustration of Santa Claus, and they all have an old-fashioned look reminiscent of Victorian Christmas cards. No explanation of these pictures is given and no artist or source is attributed, so it is unclear whether this is in fact how Santa is depicted in the various countries, or if these are merely generic pictures. For a much more interesting and in-depth look at the Santa Claus legend, stick with James Giblin's The Truth About Santa Claus (Crowell, 1985). This offering is neither informative nor entertaining; include it with the after Christmas returns.--EM

Copyright 1998 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Library Binding: 64 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea House Publications (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0791046788
• ISBN-13: 978-0791046784
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,721,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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