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ceruleanjen 's review for:
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
by L. Frank Baum
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!