Book Review #63

 When Santa Was A Baby

Author: Linda Bailey

Illustrator: Geneviève Godbout

Publisher: Tundra Books, 2015

ISBN:978-1770495562

Reading Level: 3 - 7 years

Main Characters: New baby Santa and his family. 

Plot: This book is about Santa as a baby and his supportive parents. There is nothing accurate about Saint Nicholas in this children’s story, it is centered around the unusual quirks that have made Santa into the fictitious character we know today. 

Settings: Santa's childhood environment. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Humor, Holidays, Christmas books.

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 

Why 5 Roars?

This is a cute book that pokes fun at the oddities of Santa and what his upbringing might have been like. 

Critical Analysis:
This fun, holiday, book reassures children that even unusual children have a special place in life. While finding your place in the world might not be easy, it is certainly worth it in the end. This book is an easy read and the illustrations are full of holiday spirit. 

"A fond, reassuring look at the eccentric childhood of a much-beloved holiday figure." ~~ School Library Journal

"He’s an unusual baby: a booming voice, an interest in chimneys, a penchant for standing naked in front of the open refrigerator, enjoying the chill. Later, on Christmas, he rewraps his gifts and gives them to other children. His puzzled but besotted parents shower him with praise and predictions of future greatness. With retro-esque art featuring people whose giant black eyes look ever so slightly crazed, it’s a sweet, gently satirical answer to the eternal question, How did Santa become Santa?" 

~~ New York Times Book Review

"[A] clever take on the Santa myth that develops him as a character with his own thoughts and motivations. . . . Godbout’s cozy artwork gives the book the feel of a classic while also offering some cheeky moments – as when a young Santa stands naked in front of an open fridge, trying to cool down." 

~~Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Connections: Santa Craft for Kids