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asreadbykat's review against another edition
4.0
If you loved the Rankin-Bass stop-motion special, then you'll love this book it's based on. It's a different take on the origins of Santa Claus, before it became popular to do so. It's just a fun, light-hearted and cozy story to read during the Christmas season with some really nice messages to spread out.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
A lovely short Christmas story, dovetailing all the 'facts' about Father Christmas into an interesting origin story.
By the Wizard of Oz writer, this starts with a forest-set fairy tale feel, with a baby boy adopted by a fairy, raised to grow into the adult Klaus, who finds a talent for making toys...
We see how he finds his home, gains helpers, befriends reindeer, and begins to spread winter cheer with his lovely toys. We even learn how he seems to be immortal.
I wasn't sure to start with if I liked the style, but soon warmed to the fantastical forest setting and the character of Klaus.
This is a pleasant seasonal read for both adults and children, with a hint of magic about it - my son's a little young, but in a year or two (maybe age 5-7) this is a nice way of showing a child how the magic of Christmas came to be.
By the Wizard of Oz writer, this starts with a forest-set fairy tale feel, with a baby boy adopted by a fairy, raised to grow into the adult Klaus, who finds a talent for making toys...
We see how he finds his home, gains helpers, befriends reindeer, and begins to spread winter cheer with his lovely toys. We even learn how he seems to be immortal.
I wasn't sure to start with if I liked the style, but soon warmed to the fantastical forest setting and the character of Klaus.
This is a pleasant seasonal read for both adults and children, with a hint of magic about it - my son's a little young, but in a year or two (maybe age 5-7) this is a nice way of showing a child how the magic of Christmas came to be.
kberry513's review against another edition
4.0
Enjoyable, although it wasn't my favorite. I'd prefer to give it 3.5 stars but since it was solidly more than 3, I gave it 4. The Awgwas section in particular felt like it was out of synch with the rest of the story
whatsthestorywishbone's review against another edition
3.0
Chose to Listen to a Christmas book while stringing popcorn and cranberries this year instead of watching a movie and it may become a new tradition. I had never heard of this book but it was on a audiobook Christmas list and it was Frank L Baum so gave it a try. It was a cute story but there were too many descriptions of the “immortal” types for me. Just a bit too wordy, but I think that might have to do with the age of the story. Glad we listened but probably not a repeater.
mschrock8's review against another edition
3.0
I bought this for myself this season. A cute story of Santa Claus, his gifts and his travels.
In this story, Santa's original reindeer are: Glossie and Flossie, Racer and Pacer, Reckless and Speckless, Fearless and Peerless and Ready and Steady. I love this list!
In this story, Santa's original reindeer are: Glossie and Flossie, Racer and Pacer, Reckless and Speckless, Fearless and Peerless and Ready and Steady. I love this list!
brandifox's review against another edition
The start is a bizarre delight but it does grow tedious as Baum’s diligence to explain all the lore drags on.
ogreart's review against another edition
4.0
An utterly charming story. L. Frank Baum was one hell of a writer.
racheldrake's review against another edition
4.0
Was not totally what I was expecting but was a fun read. Frank L Baum has 100% got his very own, very recognizable writing style and it was so fun to hear his take on Santa Claus. Will likely make this a yearly tradition to read!
jewels_pg's review against another edition
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Excellent light read, nostalgic, a fairy tale.