The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus by L. Frank Baum

 

A baby boy was found in the Forest of Burzee by one of the leaders in the immortals world: Ak, the Master Woodmans of the World. The baby was eventually adopted by a Wood Nymph called Necille, who named the mortal baby: Claus. When he's grown up to a young man, Ak took him on a journey to see the dwellings of his fellow human beings, where he first realized that there are many unfortunate children live in poverty and sorrow.

He then decided to leave the Forest of Burzee, and lived among his fellow mortals in the Laughing Valley. The immortals provided for all his needs, including a pet cat called Blinky. With nothing to do, young Claus amused himself by carving a piece of wood to the image of Blinky.

One day Claus found a stranded boy during a snow storm, and took him to stay in his house. He gifted the carved Blinky to the boy as a "toy", and made him very happy. Thereupon the story about a young man in Laughing Village who carved beautiful images of animals spread across villages, and children travelled from everywhere to Claus' dwellings to get the toys. His immortal friends helped him with supplies. Claus decided to dedicate his life to create as many toys and dolls as he can to make children happy. That's how people started calling him a Saint, for he is a kindhearted man; hence the Santa Claus!

Then the story unrolls to how Claus made it a tradition to take a journey on his sledge, pulled by the deer, only one day at a year: Christmas Eve. Also, he is the first to bring the Christmas tree tradition, and... how hanging stockings near the fireplace is just a coincidence!

It's really a heartwarming Christmas-themed book for children, and a kind of reminder for adults, that a small kindness can bring so much changes, if only we do it by heart and out of selflessness.

Rating: 4/5