Illustrator: Jim Keserich
Publisher: Palmary Press (July 1, 2011)
Source: Copy for Review from the Cadence Group
Audience: 4 to 8 years old
Description from GoodReads:
A delightful book with captivating illustrations, The Santa Club transitions your child from receiving gifts to experiencing the joy of giving. With sensitivity, faith, and love, The Santa Club tackles the serious question, "Is Santa Claus Real?" To be read with your child, this wonderful book not only answers that sometimes "dreaded" question but it also addresses the questions of why Santa comes at Christmas and who was the first Santa. The Santa Club is a wonderful parenting resource and a stunning children's book, and is sure to become an annual family favorite.
At some point, parents will hear the question - "Is Santa Claus real?" Kelly Moss seeks to tackle this question in her book The Santa Club. From the beginning, she warns children to only continue reading with a parent and never to share the information with other children unless an adult gives them permission.
As children progress through the story, they learn how to become members of The Santa Club. There is even a list of responsibilities at the end of the book and a certificate of membership. Moss has elected to explain about Santa Claus through the connection between St. Nicholas, and the birth of Jesus Christ as the basis for the spirit of giving that occurs at Christmas. Though the message is to help children understand that there is something good in giving not just receiving, the book relies heavily on the message of birth and purpose of Jesus Christ.
Since not all people who celebrate Christmas, celebrate the religious basis for the holiday, this book may not appeal to all readers. For those that do, this book presents a nice twist on the answer to "Is Santa Claus real?"
For more information: www.thesantaclub.net
