The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus »

Not only is L. Frank Baum s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz one of the most enduring and magical children s books ever written, it s also -- with its adventurousness and its lessons of resourcefulness, friendship, courage, and self-reliance -- one of the most American.

This fantasy of the origins of Santa Claus by the author of "The Wizard of Oz" books is a delight for children of all ages. Baum is at his best in creating a mythic and fantastic world into which the young Santa Claus is born. Originally published in 1902.

Publishers Weekly

Santore sets Baum's 1902 story about the origins of Santa Claus in a lavishly detailed wooded fantasy landscape. The wood-nymph Necile (she strongly resembles Waterhouse's “Lady of Shalott”) adopts a human child, who she names Claus. As he grows up and leaves the forest, he devotes himself to the welfare of poor children by building toys, eventually enlisting magic reindeer and constructing a sleigh. Santa's evolution from humble woodsman to the man in the red suit will delight readers and answer a few questions to boot. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)

Lyman Frank Baum began his career as a journalist but established his reputation by writing for children. In this children's fantasy, Santa Claus begins his life as an infant abandoned in the woods. He's adopted by a nymph and as he grows up we follow his adventures that eventually lead him to make the biggest decision of his life: to become the benevolent, gift-giving figure we all know.