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3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
This was such a lovely, sweet little book on the life of Santa Claus. It's almost like The Chronicles of Narnia meets Christmas. Baum wrote a very simple book that puts you in the spirit of the holiday.
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed this story of how Santa became to be. Magical and heartwarming. Would be a good book to read to children.
The legend of Santa Claus is impossibly tangled across time, cultures, and countries. Frank L Baum adds to the chaos by moving the origins of Santa to Oz (maybe?) and rewriting all the major mythology. For instance, did you know that Santa's real name is Neclaus*, and that his flying reindeer are called Glossie and Flossie, Racer and Pacer, Reckless and Speckless, Fearless and Peerless, and Ready and Steady?
Obviously, this is not a version backed up by popular tradition. The plot reminded me slightly of the stop motion classic Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, but with far more fairy tale tropes. There's even a bonus story at the end in which Claus is captured by demons seeking to bring selfishness and greed back into children's hearts at Christmas. Which is weird, since pre-Santa Claus there were ZERO toys in the world (????) - so what did children have to be so selfish and greedy about? Oh, yes, in case you missed it: Claus INVENTED toy making. Oz sounds like a pretty miserable place, doesn't it? (Honestly, I'm not even sure it is Oz. Aside from a generic gnome king, there doesn't seem to be any crossover between characters in the Oz books and this one.)
It was bold of Baum to write his own bizarre background for one of the most beloved and iconic characters in the world. It seems like he must have had some kind of agenda. At best, he wanted to inspire kids to be generous and kindhearted, like his homespun Santa Claus. At worst, he ambitiously sought in vain to usurp the Christmas story throne. The forgotten result is confusing and kind of pointless, yet every so often magical. Baum's version may not have gone down in holiday history, but it's not a terrible way to celebrate the season either.
*"Some people have spelled this name Nicklaus and others Nicolas, which is the reason that Santa Claus is still known in some lands as St. Nicolas. But, of course, Neclaus is his right name, and Claus the nickname given him by his adopted mother, the fair nymph Necile." Of course!
Obviously, this is not a version backed up by popular tradition. The plot reminded me slightly of the stop motion classic Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, but with far more fairy tale tropes. There's even a bonus story at the end in which Claus is captured by demons seeking to bring selfishness and greed back into children's hearts at Christmas. Which is weird, since pre-Santa Claus there were ZERO toys in the world (????) - so what did children have to be so selfish and greedy about? Oh, yes, in case you missed it: Claus INVENTED toy making. Oz sounds like a pretty miserable place, doesn't it? (Honestly, I'm not even sure it is Oz. Aside from a generic gnome king, there doesn't seem to be any crossover between characters in the Oz books and this one.)
It was bold of Baum to write his own bizarre background for one of the most beloved and iconic characters in the world. It seems like he must have had some kind of agenda. At best, he wanted to inspire kids to be generous and kindhearted, like his homespun Santa Claus. At worst, he ambitiously sought in vain to usurp the Christmas story throne. The forgotten result is confusing and kind of pointless, yet every so often magical. Baum's version may not have gone down in holiday history, but it's not a terrible way to celebrate the season either.
*"Some people have spelled this name Nicklaus and others Nicolas, which is the reason that Santa Claus is still known in some lands as St. Nicolas. But, of course, Neclaus is his right name, and Claus the nickname given him by his adopted mother, the fair nymph Necile." Of course!
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
medium-paced
This was a cute fanciful tale about the life of Santa Claus. I thought it was so good. I loved the details of the world and all the other creatures. I would recommend it.
A wonderful book that tells the story of how Santa Claus came into being and most importantly where reindeer came from. I loved this book and it made me feel really Christmassy.
Plot & Pacing
The plot was interesting and unraveled at a steady pace for a shorter book. While I know the basic Santa story, I wasn't expecting many of the elements in this book and never found myself becoming bored. The plot reminded me of a Rankin Bass Production (A Year Without A Santa Claus) or a short on Fantasia.
Setting & World-Building
The world building and setting was beautiful, though I kept expecting the North Pole. I loved the idea of fairies being involved from the beginning and the descriptions of everything felt magicial.
Characters & Development
Santa is called Claus for most of the book and I enjoyed seeing him grow up from a lost infant into an old, immortal man who brings happiness to children. His compassionate spirit made him likable and his journey helps one understand how he became the Santa we know today. I did feel a little miffed by one part in which he deems homes without any children present to be sad, though.
I liked the character of Necile, a wood-nymph who brings Claus under her wing when he is an infant and helps him throughout his life.
Blinkie the cat was lovable and I appreciated the character of Shiegra (especially during the model scene and the children's reactions of her figure as a toy!).
Other creatures, good and bad, are introduced, and either help or hinder Claus on his journey to being the most giving man on Earth.
Bessie was probably the most interesting child, though I did love that scene with the scared children (haha).
While I liked the reindeer well enough, their names and number do bother me slightly as they are different from what I've grown up with.
Character Relationships
I found the relationship Claus had with Necile to be sweet, his with Shiegra intriguing, and his feelings toward all of the children, whether they are good or bad, to be endearing.
Writing & Voice
The writing was whimsical and lovely, simple enough for a child or adult to enjoy. The story is told from an unnamed narrator but I got so wrapped up into the story that I forgot someone was even narrating it.
Climax & Ending
The climax is unexpected, though quickly solved. I thought it was an interesting dilemma for the mortal and immortal to have to go through. I liked the overall ending as it explains how Santa adapted to society becoming more modern and that it gives parents an excuse if their children ever get suspicious or catch them in the act. The explanations were clever!
Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Fun, Whimsical, and Endearing. Would highly recommend for Christmas reading!
The plot was interesting and unraveled at a steady pace for a shorter book. While I know the basic Santa story, I wasn't expecting many of the elements in this book and never found myself becoming bored. The plot reminded me of a Rankin Bass Production (A Year Without A Santa Claus) or a short on Fantasia.
Setting & World-Building
The world building and setting was beautiful, though I kept expecting the North Pole. I loved the idea of fairies being involved from the beginning and the descriptions of everything felt magicial.
Characters & Development
Santa is called Claus for most of the book and I enjoyed seeing him grow up from a lost infant into an old, immortal man who brings happiness to children. His compassionate spirit made him likable and his journey helps one understand how he became the Santa we know today. I did feel a little miffed by one part in which he deems homes without any children present to be sad, though.
I liked the character of Necile, a wood-nymph who brings Claus under her wing when he is an infant and helps him throughout his life.
Blinkie the cat was lovable and I appreciated the character of Shiegra (especially during the model scene and the children's reactions of her figure as a toy!).
Other creatures, good and bad, are introduced, and either help or hinder Claus on his journey to being the most giving man on Earth.
Bessie was probably the most interesting child, though I did love that scene with the scared children (haha).
While I liked the reindeer well enough, their names and number do bother me slightly as they are different from what I've grown up with.
Character Relationships
I found the relationship Claus had with Necile to be sweet, his with Shiegra intriguing, and his feelings toward all of the children, whether they are good or bad, to be endearing.
Writing & Voice
The writing was whimsical and lovely, simple enough for a child or adult to enjoy. The story is told from an unnamed narrator but I got so wrapped up into the story that I forgot someone was even narrating it.
Climax & Ending
The climax is unexpected, though quickly solved. I thought it was an interesting dilemma for the mortal and immortal to have to go through. I liked the overall ending as it explains how Santa adapted to society becoming more modern and that it gives parents an excuse if their children ever get suspicious or catch them in the act. The explanations were clever!
Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars. Fun, Whimsical, and Endearing. Would highly recommend for Christmas reading!
Oh my! What a magical, Christmassy fairytale, a treat! The simplicity and thoughtfulness of L. Frank Baum’s words are nearly perfect. Definitely will be a yearly re-read!
Baru tahu dongeng asal-usul Sinterklaas versi Oz, eh salah, versi L. Frank Baum. Cukup unik dan menyenangkan, terutama ttg makhluk2 abadi yg muncul. Ak yg Agung, Necile, Ratu Zurline dan teman2nya. Baru tahu juga knp sinterklaas bisa mengantar semua hadiah dalam semalam saja. :))
Ilustrasi sampulnya keren. Klasik dan nostalgik. Bacaan
#Scoop
Ilustrasi sampulnya keren. Klasik dan nostalgik. Bacaan
#Scoop