1 / 7Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus
History Legends Real: Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver is an illustrated children's book retelling the story of Saint Nicholas through rhythmic poetry. It connects his generosity and Christian faith with the origins of the Santa Claus legend, and includes a message for adults to support conversations with children.
At a glance
- Rhythmic-poetry retelling pairs the history of Saint Nicholas with the Santa Claus legend.
- Colourful illustrations accompany a faith-centred story about generosity and Christmas giving.
- Includes a message for parents and caregivers to encourage discussion about faith and generosity.
- Listed for readers aged 4–8 and preschool through Grade 3.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a story about Saint Nicholas with context about how his generosity inspired Santa Claus traditions.
- The short 32-page length suits a focused read-aloud or seasonal story time.
- The included adult message gives caregivers and educators a prompt for discussing faith and generosity.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Publisher | IVP Kids |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Oct. 12 2021 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 32 pages |
| Reading age | 4 - 8 years |
| Grade level | Preschool - 3 |
| ISBN-10 | 1514001802 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1514001806 |
| Dimensions | 22.86 x 1.02 x 22.86 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Families looking for a Christian perspective on Christmas giving and the story behind Santa Claus.
- Parents, grandparents and caregivers reading with children aged 4–8.
- Sunday school teachers and Christian educators introducing Saint Nicholas through a children's story.
- Libraries seeking a faith-centred Christmas title.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a secular Santa story without explicit Christian themes.
- Buyers looking for a detailed adult biography rather than a short illustrated children's retelling.

Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
78% 78% - 4 stars
12% 12% - 3 stars
6% 6% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
3% 3%
Customer feedback highlights the Christmas themes, the retelling of Saint Nicholas's story and the illustrations. Readers also describe the book as educational and informative about his life and works. That feedback may matter to families seeking a seasonal read-aloud with historical and Christian context, while the listing's 32-page length points to a concise children's story rather than an extensive biography.
Positive themes
- Customers praise the Christmas story and its retelling of Saint Nicholas.
- Customers appreciate the illustrations and educational details about Saint Nicholas.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It retells the story of Saint Nicholas, presenting his kindness and faith alongside the legends that developed into the Santa Claus tradition.
What age is the book listed for?
The listing gives a reading age of 4–8 years and a grade level of preschool through Grade 3.
Does it include discussion material for adults?
The listing says it includes a message for parents and caregivers to help start conversations about faith, generosity and reflecting Christ's love.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 32 pages.

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