Santa, Are You For Real?

by Harold Myra

In Santa, Are You For Real?, children will discover that there really was a Saint Nicholas. Through colorful illustrations and a heartwarming story, children - and parents - will learn who the real Saint Nick was, when he lived, and why he gave gifts. Most importantly, you'll see how the original Saint Nick set an example for us today by keeping Christ at the heart of Christmas. Written by Harold Myra, President of Christianity Today, Inc., this trustworthy story is accompanied with fun, whimsical illustrations.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Christian, Kids, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1977

About the author

As a leader of Christianity Today International, Harold has been instrumental in creating an extremely successful nonprofit organization. Behind his leadership CTI has vastly expanded the number of magazines it publishes and the audience it reaches. The CTI website explains that more than 2.5 million readers currently receive the organization's 11 publications that include Christianity Today, Leadership Journal, Campus Life, Today's Christian Woman, Marriage Partnership, Christian History & Biography, Your Church, Today's Christian, Books & Culture, Christian Parenting Today, and Men of Integrity. In addition, CTI reaches additional people with these online offerings: PreachingToday.com, BuildingChurchLeaders.com, and the Christianity Today online magazine.

Reviews

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for the season. Have you taught your little ones about Santa, only to have their dreams dashed by other children? Or maybe you feel it's time to come clean but don't want your kids to think you lied to them. This is a great book to transition them from the pretend Santa to the historical St. Nicholas.

[Elijah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I much prefer the original hardcover edition illustrated by Dwight Walles.

[Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is Santa real? Well, yes and no.

Myra does a really nice job of explaining where the Santa legend came from, and how St. Nicholas loved God and people. Myra's story point kids to St. Nicholas' Lord, and shows them they do not need to sacrifice the magic and imagination in order to worship Him.

Nicely illustrated too.

I buy two or three of these every year for 4-6 year olds.

[Joy Gerbode]

This is a wonderful book to help children transition from a childhood belief in the magic of the North Pole, to an adult belief in the magic of St. Nicholas and giving through love, and help them become part of the magic of Christmas!

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good way for parents to cross the Santa bridge.

[Janiece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple picture book about the origin of St. Nicholas.

[Shana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great message but a little over my preschoolers head. Language is a little odd too -- the grammar just doesn't flow. Maybe b/c it was written in 70's?

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute. A little look at St. Nick.

[Annburnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this book. It explains the idea of Santa -giving to others in secret without recognition. Its just a wonderful book for the Christmas season.

[Pamela Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming retelling of the story of the real St. Nicholas who inspired the tales of Santa Claus that we enjoy today. A very gentle introduction to the real man.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good book to transition from the fantasy Santa Claus to the Historical Catholic Bishop St. Nicholas. Some parents would rather completely skip over the fantasy stage and go straight into the true Christian figure of Santa. The drawings are rather awkward but the concept of the book is great.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the premise behind the story and learning a little about the real St. Nicholas and connecting it to his love of God. Great story for teaching kids about the actual saint and learning about the real reason for the season <3.

[Annburnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[Lisa]

A little boy is tormented by his friends who say there is no such thing as Santa. Todd's dad tells Todd the story of Sait Nicholas who was indeed a real person.

[Robert Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book combines Jesus and Santa Claus. The story is sweet. The pictures are wonderfully done.

[Cws]

H-C-Myr