When Santa Wrote Back!

by Nathan Christopher, Pablo Pino (illustrator)

Deck the halls and get ready for hilarious holiday hijinks with this funny and heartwarming Christmas picture book for kids!

It's the holiday season, and Jake is determined to have the best, most present-filled Christmas ever! When he writes letters to Santa that include his never-ending gift requests, some speedy shipping suggestions, and a reminder for St. Nick to kindly reply, will Jake get all that he hopes for? Or will Santa teach him a valuable lesson in this delightfully charming story about the Christmas...when Santa wrote back!

A cleverly written picture book filled with festive art, fun-to-read rhymes, hilarious holiday magic, and a heartwarming message of what truly matters at Christmas, When Santa Wrote Back! is the perfect holiday gift or stocking stuffer for kids ages 3-7! Complete with a bonus spread of letter-writing tips from Jake, this book is also a wonderful addition to accompany the centuries-old holiday tradition of writing letters to Santa! A fun and special Christmas read-aloud to share!

Dear Santa,

I wrote you a week ago, didn't you get it?

I've managed to keep myself busy – don't sweat it.

My awesome new list is now ten pages long.

Start training your reindeer – they'll need to be strong.

And how many N's are in "venomous snake"?

I drew one in case I misspelled it.

Love, Jake

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Storytime

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 2025

About the author

Nathan Christopher is a former child and aspiring adult who enjoys spreadsheets and—perhaps more useful to his writing aspirations—making people laugh. He pens his stories (and his letters to Santa) in Windsor, Canada, where he lives with his wife and children—who ensure endless material and a conveniently sleepless schedule for writing.

Reviews

[Stephanie Lucianovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jiminy Christmas! I didn't think there was a book that could take on Christmas in a new way -- much less, one that rhymed and MUCH MUCH less, one that made me ... tear up? -- but this one did. Wow, what a way to NOT be didactic while still teaching something in a fun, affecting, and lovely way? I'm bowled over, to be honest. The idea and writing are both topnotch, and the art makes me see it on the big screen. A holiday classic!

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember writing letters to Santa as a kid, but he never wrote back. In When Santa Wrote Back, Jake writes a letter to Santa with his list of things he wants. He writes another and then Santa writes back. Jake answers with even more requests for Santa. There is a back and forth until Santa throws his hands up and abdicates his position, with Jake now becoming Santa. This book has a great message about the meaning of giving vs receiving gifts, but in a fun and amusing way. Although it was almost 100 degrees out when we read this book, my youngest got right into the idea of a long list of things he would want. He thought Jake was pretty greedy though and said he would never want all that stuff. We talked about the joy of giving and how it makes you happy to see someone enjoy what you gave them. It actually made me think about how I always tell my kids they don't need to give me anything. I know it makes my grandkids happy to see me open a gift and make a big deal over it. This story has a rhyming cadence, and is easy to read aloud. The illustrations are wonderful, large, colourful and fun to look at. Although the oldest doesn't believe in Santa, he understood the message of giving gifts vs receiving them. We enjoyed this book and I know we will read it again as it gets closer to the holiday.

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and silly read with a wonderful message at the heart of it. The back and forth letters were a great way to show the spirit of the holiday. It was especially fun getting to see Jake in the role of Santa. I also appreciated the rhyming used as it created a nice reading cadence for the kids. Also, the illustrations are darling. They’re vibrant, cartoony and fit the festive vibe perfectly. I definitely recommend this one.

eARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Wonderland

[Caroline David · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 3 year old keeps asking me to read this. He’s obsessed. The rhymes were funny and illustrations sweet. The overall moral of the story to be happy for what you have and to enjoy the giving instead of receiving was well executed.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jake writes Santa a letter of suggestions and demands, Santa takes the time to write back…and teach Jake a thing or two about true Christmas spirit. I look forward to reading this aloud to my great-nephews later this week!

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is clever and fun and it will definitely be a hit as a read aloud. But it will be seriously hindered by the tiny trim size. The story is fun, the rhyming text is fine, the illustrations lack a lot of appeal. This is a middle of the road book for me.

[Dow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute and clever story for Christmas. Kids will laugh while learning great tips for writing their letter to Santa.

[Theediscerning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quite joyous slice of sprightly seasonal fun. Jake writes a letter to the North Pole with his request list from Santa – and then another. So exasperated with the greedy kid is the old man that he for once replies – but that's not it by far. No, after a few swaps of missives Santa arranges a job swap – he gubbers off with his beach umbrella in his sack, leaving young Jake with the responsibility of being chief global gift-giver. And with the beard.

And all this is in verse? You betcha. Wonderful art, that is kinetic yet not OTT, great characterisation and lore regarding Santa and those who benefit from his delivery service – and of course the child as Santa, really make this distinctive. You can get Christmas films galore where some random old bloke ends up obliged to be generous and giving, but surely it makes more sense to force that upon any relevant child first. Greed is bad, Santa is good, and hopefully kids are too. This to me did so much that is fun and enjoyable and novel – and yet it shouldn't have, for the concept as I say sounds so bleedin' obvious. I should have seen this book years, decades ago – but the fact it came my way more recently is still a great pleasure. There's very little to get in the way of this being awarded a full five stars.

[Kay Hertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUF: a great reminder about the true spirit of Christmas, gently distilled into a humorous interchange between an initially cluelessly selfish little boy who learns a tough lesson from a fed up Santa!

Overall: 5🌟
Lesson/Plot: 5📍
Illustrations: 5🖌️

Suggested Ages:
Read To: 2-6 y/o
Read By: 5-8 y/o

Mom's Review:
This was such a cute story for the kids! As hard it can be, teaching graciousness, the art of giving back & not taking, less is more, thinking of others, etc., at a young age is crucial. And this book did it superbly!

"A's" Review:
(Pending)

"C's" Review:
(Pending)

Dad's Review:
(Pending)

(Full Traveling Book Family reviews to come!)

A very jolly thank you to Nathan Christopher and Sourcebooks Wonderland for the opportunity to read and review this giggle-inducing, feel-good book!

All reviews are our own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from SOURCEBOOKS Kids through NetGalley.
Jake learns a hard lesson about giving rather than receiving when Santa responds to his letters that include a 10-page list of toys he wants. Santa tries a gentle approach but then moves to a stronger lesson when Jake refuses to change his "give me" tone. To Jake's shock, Santa listens to his advice and goes on a vacation. This leaves Jake to be Santa. He discovers how much work this is and how rewarding it is when all of the letters and requests start arriving at his home. Of course, Santa returns and helps get everything back to normal. I appreciate the message and hope readers will also understand it. Christopher even offers tips for writing to Santa at the end of the book. The illustrations capture the various emotions in a humorous manner.

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so adorable, and a very fun read! The main thing that I liked about this book was the fact that it was written exclusively through the letters between Jake and Santa. It added to the overall uniqueness of this book and, in my opinion, made it a more interesting read. Yet another great thing about the writing was the rhyming pattern that the author used. It added a comfortable tempo to the story, and every single rhyme made sense and fit into the book perfectly. Lastly, since I have nothing bad to say about this book, the humor that was woven into the heart of this story was perfection. I have zero doubt that little kids will be giggling time after time as they read this book during the holiday season. Bravo!

[Kirsten Pendreigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to find a fresh take on Christmas -- but Nathan Christopher pulls it off in spades in this epistolary caper. Fun and very funny and also full of heart as young Jake gets carried away in his Christmas requests which range from a trumpet to a dinosaur egg to a piece of the moon. He'd even like Santa to bring him a snake (how many "n's" in venomous snake, he asks). Poor patient Santa tries to tone down Jake's acquisitiveness but finally gives up and hands over the thankless task to ... Jake himself. Once Jake realizes how much work being Santa requires, he comes to learn the true meaning of Christmas. Add this one to your seasonal rotation!!

[Heather Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is fabulous. I absolutely loved it! Jake's voice is hilarious, the rhymes are fun, and the twist when Santa writes back is perfect. It gave me The Santa Claus vibes in the best way, especially as Jake becomes Santa Claus in job and physically! The illustrations are full of charm and holiday cheer, and the scenes with Santa on vacation are laugh-out-loud funny. One of my favorite parts was the letter-writing tips at the end. It's a smart and meaningful way to tie it all together. This is a definite add to any holiday collection. Funny, festive, and full of heart. A new holiday favorite for sure.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I LOVE this book! After Jake bombards Santa with his increasingly long (read, very looooong) list, Santa writes back, reminding Jake that giving is often better than receiving. Jake doesn’t buy it, and after a further exchange of letters, Santa realizes that the only way Jake is going to learn is by walking a mile in Santa’s shoes—er, beard. With elves, letters to Santa, and yes, the beard foisted on him, Jake has no choice but to take on Santa’s job. Does he learn his lesson? I’ll let you read to find out. But I will say, When Santa Wrote Back will be your new favorite Christmas book!

[Kimberly Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about a new Christmas classic - my kids (and I) devoured this wittily-written, gorgeously illustrated book - the first instalment in a new series by debut author Nathan Christopher (an exciting new talent). It's hard not to fall for young protagonist, Jake, who's sassy, spirited and learns a thing or two about the true meaning of Christmas through hilarious hijinks, several outrageous requests and a fun story told through humorous rhyme and letters between Jake and Santa (don't miss out on the fun letter-writing tips at the back of the book!). A terrific find and the perfect gift for the holidays :)

[Meneka Repka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely obsessed with this book; so different from all the other holiday books I’ve read, jam-packed with fun, surprises, and the true lessons of Christmas. Nathan Christopher’s rhyming story is told through highly ambitious little Jake’s letters to Santa, but readers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what happens next. Pablo Pinto’s illustrations were a perfect fit for this- not only highly detailed, fun, and full of life and movement, but also super effective in conveying the ridiculousness of Jake’s predicament. Can’t wait to get this one for the littles in my life!

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHEN SANTA WROTE BACK
I think I’ve just found my new favorite rhyming picture book! I giggled all the way through! I’m obsessed! This one is destined to be a classic. Can’t wait to read it to my grandkids!

Nathan Christopher tells the hilarious story of a young boy named Jake who sends his very long and detailed Christmas list to Santa. And this time, Santa writes back with hilarious consequences. The funny, engaging, and colorful illustrations by Pablo Pinto are perfect! Ho Ho Ho and He He He! A must!

[Stephanie Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness…this book is adorable! I think we should all be reminded it’s better to give than to receive, and the author demonstrated this in such a clever way. It’s light-hearted and fun, and the illustrations are amazing, but the message and soul of the story shines through, and I believe children (and adults too) will benefit from it. I can easily see this being a favorite Christmas book passed down from generation to generation. Highly recommended!

(DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this title from NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own).

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jam-packed with bright, detailed illustrations, this is a rhyming Christmas story written as letters between Jake and Santa. As Jake’s letters becoming increasingly demanding – a jet pack! A dinosaur egg! A piece of the moon! – Santa switches from being Mr. Nice Guy to Mr. Time to Teach Someone a Lesson Guy. Off he goes on vacation turning his responsibilities over to Jake, who faced with reindeers on his front lawn, a tide of letters and an uncomfortable beard, has to figure out the true meaning of Christmas. A humorous tale, full of hijinks that kids are sure to love.

[A.J. Irving · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book will surprise and delight young readers! Get ready for lots and lots of giggles! Jake’s letters to Santa get more demanding and outrageous. “My awesome new list is now ten pages long. Start training your reindeer—they’ll need to be strong.” When Santa becomes frustrated, Jake suggests that he go on vacation. Then Santa puts Jake in charge! Told with hilarious rhyming text and adorable illustrations, WHEN SANTA WROTE BACK! by Nathan Christopher and Pablo Pino will definitely be a new Christmas favorite. Such a brilliant read-aloud with a heartwarming ending!

[Lydia Lukidis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, festive picture-book that plays out through letters between a boy named Jake and Santa. Jake’s gift list gets more and more absurd, Santa pushes back, and eventually Jake becomes Santa himself — which makes him see how much more joyful giving rather than receiving can be. The rhymes are playful, the illustrations are bright and lively, and the heart of the story shines without being heavy-handed. Perfect for Christmas read-aloud with kids aged about 3-7, especially to spark conversations about generosity and gratitude.

[Namita Mehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This funny and silly book about Christmas is a unique take on the holiday and kids will learn a thing or two about what to focus on, and not to focus on...and what the Christmas spirit is all about really! It's an important lesson to learn in this day and age where everything can be ordered in a click and consumerism is at an all time high! I loved the letters between Jake and Santa and the illustrations are great. I read this to my 7 year old and her best friend and they loved it! A good one to gift for the Holidays!

[Della Ferreri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is sooo funny! Jake, the child main character, gets a bit carried away in his Christmas letters to Santa - he wants a robot, a trumpet, a hot air balloon, a snake, a dog, and the list becomes ten pages long! Smartie-pants Santa has a trick or two up his sleeve as he writes back to Jake, then takes a vacation and appoints Jake as the replacement Santa. Jake eventually comes to realize it's not all about receiving gifts, but there are some funny twists along the way. With delightful rhymes and lively pictures, this is a sure-fire winner for Christmas!

[Jessica Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun Christmas book! Written in fast paced rhyme as young Jake fires off letter after letter to Santa (and Santa returns fire!), this is a (new) classic tale of giving vs. receiving and Christmas spirit. When Santa hands over the reins to Jake, Jake finally learns what it means to want things for others, not just yourself. The illustrations take the fun text up a notch. Two thumbs up!

[Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a kids book about a kid who creates a penpal relationship with Santa to learn that Christmas is about more than gifts. I am a sucker for a kids book with a lesson. I would say this book would be perfect to be read to kids 4-6 but would still have lessons for my 9 year old! The illustrations are great and the message is clear.

Thank you Sourcebook Kids, Nathan Christopher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a picture book that can ‘please’ across the age spectrum and this one is destined to be the new Christmas classic. I can’t wait to share it with my nephews, ages 4 and 9! Christopher’s comedic text reminded me of the movie Groundhog’s Day in the very best way, and Pino’s illustrations are merry and bright. A winning collaboration that delivers a ‘lesson’ (it’s better to give than to receive) most deliciously, thanks to excellent rhyme and plenty of laughs. This one’s a winner.

[Carrie Kruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the rollicking rhymes in this very cute Christmas book! Jake, a kid full of personality and with a Christmas list a mile long, gets even more than he bargained for after advising Santa, in one of his MANY letters:

"I seem to be sensing a little frustration,
so here’s my suggestion: you take a vacation!"

Heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny, this book also includes very charming "Tips for Writing to Santa" back matter. Bound to be a new holiday favorite!

[Precious Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS INCREDIBLE. My big overgrown self was smiling and enjoying this book, I’ll definitely purchase this to read to my son as he gets older. Such a beautiful message, it’s better to give then to always take. We have to remember to think about others and just not ourselves. Such a beautiful message. I really enjoyed this read.

Thank you NetGalley & Nathan for the opportunity to read this Arc!

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet book and a fresh take on a Santa Claus tale. I'm VERY picky with rhyme (so many rhyming texts set my teeth on edge with bumpy meter and forced word pairings) but the author pulls this off with aplomb. I love that he managed to suffuse a great lesson—be happy with what you have, and enjoy giving versus receiving—into a humorous text. The art is colorful packed with kid appeal. A great book to add to any festive collection!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Santa Wrote Back is an absolute gem in our holiday book collection. I laughed so hard I cried the first time I read it—and my daughter was in stitches too! The humour is clever and heartwarming, but what truly makes this book special is its deeper message: that the spirit of Christmas lies in giving, not receiving. It’s now our go-to festive read, and I can’t recommend it enough for families looking to add laughter and meaning to their holiday traditions.