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Title: The Truth About Santa Claus by James Cross Giblin ISBN: 0-690-04484-4 Publisher: Harpercollins Juvenile Books Pub. Date: November, 1985 Format: Library Binding Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $15.89

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Average Customer Rating: 5 (1 review)

Rating: 5
Summary: A good non-fiction book for upper elementary about St. Nick
Comment: This 86 page non-fiction chapter book for upper elementary readers was published in 1985. It's illustrated throughout with black and white photos and illustrations, including classic images of Santa Claus, Sinterklaas (the Dutch version of Saint Nicholas), and images from stained-glass windows and religious art.

As an elementary school librarian, I've traditionally read the introductory chapters of this informative volume to sixth grade classes each year in the weeks preceding Christmas. Many students are amazed to learn that the fairy tale of Santa Claus is based on a tradition that goes back to a real person, who was a priest and bishop in the early Christian church. They love to hear the story about when young Nicholas secretly provided the dowries for three young women who were about to be sold into slavery by their poor father. Students immediately see the connection between this story and the Santa they are more familiar with.

I've always viewed this as a lesson in history, and as a way to replace the myth many of them have held with information on a person who really lived.

The book continues to discuss the origins of many Santa Claus traditions. Things are presented in a factual manner, and while religion is mentioned, it is not a religious book. It appears that this book is now out of print, which is unfortunate. Hopefully it can be updated and republished with color illustrations. There is another book with the same title listed here, which appears to cover some of the same territory, but in a picture-book format.

Another interesting book worth investigating is "The Saint Nicholas Secret," by Dennis E. Engleman, which discusses the author's rediscovery of the real Saint Nicholas as an adult.