This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Scholastic.
This past weekend, we began with our Christmas tradition of visiting Santa at the Bartow Pell Mansion in the Bronx. Between my three girls, I know that I only have one true believer left. It is a sad thought but I know that they know the true meaning of Santa. As they got older, It is something that we didn’t really talk about since my youngest is always around. I always say, “I still believe” and I think now my older two know what I mean.
While we were outside, I asked them to take a look at Love, Santa by Martha Brockenbrough and see if they thought it would be a good book to share with their little sister when the time is right. They thought it was sweet and endearing and the perfect way to help her understand.
This year is not the year for my youngest. She just gave me her letter for Santa and I think I did shed a tear knowing that in her heart of hearts, she is a strong believer. We have been watching a few of the Christmas classics on tv and she refers to them as it they are nonfiction, or the absolute truth.
Next year, I might have to be ready for a note on my pillow, but for now I will cherish my believer and know that no matter what, I have raised each one of my girls to spread kindness and use the power of their imagination.
About Love, Santa
In a series of letters, a young girl writes to Santa to ask about the North Pole, Mrs. Claus, and of course, Christmas goodies. Year after year, Santa writes back, and a heartwarming relationship develops, until one year, the girl writes to her mother instead: Mom, are you Santa? Her mother responds to say that no, she is not Santa. Because Santa is bigger than any one person — we bring him out through kindness to one another and the power of imagination. This transformative tale spins a universal childhood experience into a story about love, giving, and the spirit of Christmas.
About the Creators
Martha Brockenbrough is the author of two books for adults and five books for young readers, including The Game of Love and Death, which earned four starred reviews and was a Kirkus Prize finalist, Devine Intervention, and The Dinosaur Tooth Fairy. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and their two daughters. Visit her online at marthabrockenbrough.com.
Photo credit Emerald England.
Lee White is an artist and teacher who loves watercolor, printmaking, and climbing trees. He spends his days splashing paint in his backyard studio, where there are absolutely no clocks allowed! He has illustrated more than fifteen books and shown in galleries across the country, from Los Angeles to New York. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and young son.
Love, Santa
By Martha Brockenbrough
Illustrated by Lee White
In Stores Now!
When you are ready for the truth about Santa, this book will be perfect to have under your tree.
For Parents and Kids ages 6-11 (for telling the truth about Santa)
Learn more about the book on Scholastic.com
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Do you have believers in your house? How did you explain Santa to your children?
This sounds like an excellent book. It is a tough time really if you have grown up with Santa to find out he isnt a real person. I remember the year I figured it out… my Mom made me an ‘elf’ and I helped pick out gifts for my brothers who still believed. Eventually we all were elves.
What a great book. Fortunately, my kids are still both believers but I worry about the day they ask me whether Santa is real.
It’s always a sad day when a child gets told the truth about Santa. We try and keep the fantasy alive for as long as we can.
#gift for every household, great book
The book just arrived, but I won’t be reading it till next year with my daughter.
What a sweet idea on how to gently reveal Santa. I didn’t know this existed! #AG
I shared this with my sister in law who has a daughter in this age bracket. She ordered the book and will be reading it to her come next season. Its a great explanation #AG
It is so much more magical when a child believes.
Marion
This looks like a great book I may invest in for my niece. When my daughter found out there was no Santa her heart was broken and she cried 🙁 It killed me
Sounds like an amazing book!
This sounds like a great book. It would be perfect for my grand daughters.
This sounds like such a nice idea. It’s a little sad when they don’t believe anymore.