Review: It's Not About You, Mr. Santa Claus by Soraya Diase Coffelt

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU, 

MR. SANTA CLAUS

The Love Letter Book Series

by Soraya Diase Coffelt

Illustrated by Tea Seroya

Children's Picture Book

ages 3+

Where Did Gift Giving Begin?

Christmas is one of the most important holidays celebrated in most countries around the world, yet the true origin of this special day is often missed. Almost everyone equates Santa Claus and the giving of gifts with Christmas, but what event was the catalyst behind this centuries-old tradition?

This delightfully illustrated children's story is sure to become a tradition for you and your family as the holiday rolls around each year. Christmas is a special time of celebration and one in which we have time to reflect on what is most important. 

MY TIDBITS

After reading the first two books in this series, my youngest two children and I were really looking forward to this one. 

This book - like the others in the series - begins with a little boy writing a letter, this time, to Santa Claus. Unlike the normal Christmas wish list, the boy decides to ask Santa Claus if he knows where all this gift giving really started. 

Being a Christian series, the history and background surrounding Christmas concentrates on the birth of Jesus Christ. It's always a delight to read this to the kids, but I love the way this author weaves Santa Claus in while telling the tale of Bethlehem. Neither the fun fantasy around the North Pole nor the respect for Christ's birth is lost as the little boy explains everything to Santa in his letter. So bonus points for that!

The illustrations are perfect--colorful and fitting to the story. They don't simply follow along with the written words, but add to the story. My daughter especially liked flipping through these again and again.

I also enjoyed the addition of King Herod to the Christmas story (someone who is often forgotten in traditional tellings). The 'evil' king's intentions add just the right dash of adventure which kids will love. . .and it's so fitting to the little boy writing the letter.

Summed up, this is a delightful read right before Christmas. I wouldn't recommend it to the youngest readers since the story is a bit longer for a picture book, but kids 4+ will enjoy it. It carries everything needed to explain Christ's birth, while 'allowing' kids to keep the tradition of Santa Claus. It's a book kids will love to listen to while drinking some hot chocolate, nibbling on a few Christmas cookies, and snuggling close together near the Christmas tree.

All about . . .

SORAYA DIASE COFFELT!!!

Author Soraya Diase Coffelt is a native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She is a widow, mother of two sons, lawyer, lay minister, and former judge. She loves ministering to children. Active in her church, she served as a parent volunteer in the children’s ministry and then as a volunteer lay children’s minister and leader for over 15 years. She has also participated in missionary trips to Honduras and the Amazon Region of Peru. Her late husband, Gordon, supported her wholeheartedly.

All proceeds from book sales will be used to help children in need in the U.S. and around the world. As the Stars of the Sky is a philanthropic project; a new nonprofit foundation dedicated to helping children by changing their lives. We greatly appreciate your help.


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