The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (Hardcover)

by L. Frank Baum (Author) "HAVE you heard of the great Forest of Burzee?..." (more)
Key Phrases: toy cat, Santa Claus, Laughing Valley, Master Woodsman (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A holiday classic from the author of The Wizard of Oz

Where did Santa Claus come from? In this classic tale from Oz scribe L. Frank Baum, the beloved symbol of Christmas is removed from his conventional trappings and placed into the world of imaginative folklore. From his humble beginnings in an enchanted forest of mythical creatures to his toy deliveries to all the world's children, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is a must read for all ages. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Gramercy (August 17, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0517205793
• ISBN-13: 978-0517205792
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,701,684 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A magical tale about the life of Santa Claus., December 6, 1997

By A Customer

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

Santa Claus. Two simple words that can make most children smile. L. Frank Baum once again has touched the spirits of many with his tale based on the legendary Santa Claus. I remember it being read to me by my father as a young child. As an adult, it is still magical with every reading. The story tells the tale of an abandoned baby in the woods who was adopted and raised by fairies in their forest. As Claus, a mortal, grows up among the fairies and other fascinating immortals, he learns all of their ways and secrets. When he is old enough, the Great Ak takes Claus on a journey to see how humans really live. After the trip, Claus leaves the fairy's forest to live on his own, for he has decided to try and help mankind. The first toy, was a cat that he had whittled, and painted to look real. It was given to a young, lost boy to comfort him. With this gift, and the help of his immortal friends, Claus began his legend of unselfish giving. Over the years, he was named a saint by the many who he touched. There are beautiful stories and illustrations of his gift-making and giving, along with those of the obstacles that he faced, including a fierce battle between good and evil immortals. From his adoption, to the night when Santa Claus became immortal, the book comes to life in the imagination. It is a tale that will touch children, as well as adults - perfect for nighttime reading during the holidays. As the holidays approach, I again look forward to losing myself in the spirit and magic,of Santa Claus.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MAGICAL BOOK!, May 29, 2000

By A Customer

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

Mike Ploog's adaptation of L Frank Baum's "Life and adventures of Santa Claus", is one of the most BEAUTIFULLY illustrated graphic novels available. Ploog's water-colour paintings bring so much life to this warm and exciting fairytale.

We meet Santa as an infant, and follow his upbringing as the only human among the hidden woodnymphs. As he grows older, he dedicates his life to help the humans (in his own generous way) against the evil and corruptive Awgwas.

This magical book will get you in to the Christmas-spirit. Children AND grown-ups will love this book!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HOW THE LEGEND GOT STARTED, June 6, 1998

By A Customer

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

The author of The Wizard of Oz deserves consideration and respect for the delightful fantasies he has provided the world. This syrupy recreation of Santa's youth, manhood and ultimate immortality is quaintly charming--if you are young at heart. There are several serious issues mentioned: if we are to die, why are we born at all? No outright religion is preached, but this is Baum's philosophy: "Everything perishes except the world itself and its keepers...but while life lasts, everything on earth has its use. The wise seek ways to be helpful to the world, for the helpful ones are sure to live again."

This book recounts how an orphan named Claus found his true calling--to bring joy to the children of the world. Every man has his own mission, but Claus' dilemma is the morality of giving gifts to rich children, when there are so many who are poor. One chapter deals with the age-old battle between Good and Evil.

Baum describes how each custom associated with the secular celebration of Christmas came into existence--without reference to the Nativity. Baum truly loved children, as he dedicated most of his writing to their enjoyment. He concludes about Sants Claus: "No one..was so greatly beloved as Santa Claus, because none other was so unselfish as to devote hismelf to making others happy. For a generous deed....spreads and leaves its mark on all nature and endures through many generations." A sentimental tale for children of all ages.