What do you think?
Rate this book
Santa Claus: The Movie Novelization
Book
244 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 17, 1985
2 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Joan D. Vinge
135 books446 followersJoan D. Vinge (born Joan Carol Dennison) is an American science fiction author. She is known for such works as her Hugo Award-winning novel The Snow Queen and its sequels, her series about the telepath named Cat, and her Heaven's Chronicles books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 12, 2024
This book is magical. Magical in the sense that for the past three years, I've been wanting to read this, but every time December rolls around, it disappears without a trace somewhere in my house.
Well, this year, I finally found it! Because of course it would be in my drawstring Ghostbusters Proton Pack backpack in some random box in my closet. How could I forget?
On a side note, I also found some of my vintage Lord of the Rings paperbacks, so that's fun...
And speaking of fun, this book was too! I think it was actually a good thing I haven't watched the movie in a while. It made for a good story that really pulled me in. I didn't know what to expect as the story progressed and Joan D. Vinge was good at making the characters seem more real and not just checking boxes off while making the script into a novel.
Could you enjoy this without having seen the film? Of course! Though, fair warning, there are quite a few elf puns sprinkled throughout. I'm debating whether or not to use them out there in the real world after having read this or if I should have a bit more elf-control...
Anyway, highly recommended. The movie was great too, so check it out! However, for those who don't like 1980s special effects, I'd recommend just sticking with the book.
Well, this year, I finally found it! Because of course it would be in my drawstring Ghostbusters Proton Pack backpack in some random box in my closet. How could I forget?
On a side note, I also found some of my vintage Lord of the Rings paperbacks, so that's fun...
And speaking of fun, this book was too! I think it was actually a good thing I haven't watched the movie in a while. It made for a good story that really pulled me in. I didn't know what to expect as the story progressed and Joan D. Vinge was good at making the characters seem more real and not just checking boxes off while making the script into a novel.
Could you enjoy this without having seen the film? Of course! Though, fair warning, there are quite a few elf puns sprinkled throughout. I'm debating whether or not to use them out there in the real world after having read this or if I should have a bit more elf-control...
Anyway, highly recommended. The movie was great too, so check it out! However, for those who don't like 1980s special effects, I'd recommend just sticking with the book.
December 2, 2025
Since this is a novelization of a movie with "the Movie" in the title, does that make this "Santa Claus: the Movie: the book?"
Since reading Christmas books after the New Year is against the rules, I got this in just under the buzzer. I probably first saw this movie on HBO when I was eight or so, and we recorded it later after we got our first VCR. I was the right age for this kind of movie, and I remember when I thought of Joe as one of the big kids.
He's 10 years old in the book, but I guessing this actor, Christian Fitzpatrick, is closer to 12? I really can't tell. This was his only acting credit save for a small part in Vice Versa (another underrated movie), and I can't find his birthday because the internet is slacking!
The movie still holds a special place in my heart in spite of its flaws. (The poor thing has a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes... Ouch! Sure, it's pretty cheesy, but it's not that bad!) It was due to this movie that my sister and I started putting our letters to Santa in the fireplace to float away to the North Pole which my parents probably found incredibly convenient since they went to bed after we did, so they could look at the letters before Santa's magic grabbed them in the middle of the night and get some ideas about what we wanted.
As far as the book goes, the screen to page translation is about as close a one as I've ever seen, but it's also better written than most super-strict transcriptions. Some novelizations read like a screenplay just barely put into a prose format. Others embellish and add scenes to the point that it's almost a different story. This one hit it just right by giving us just the movie scenes, omitting and adding very little, and making it read like an actual book. That doesn't mean it's great literature, but I enjoyed it.
I put this on my "Child-Lit" shelf, but I'm not entirely sure if it belongs there. The sentence structure, vocabulary, and whatnot are just a tad advanced for elementary age children, but it's definitely a kid's story. If I hadn't seen this at the age I did, I don't think I'd have as much patience for its shortcomings. Santa Claus and magic aside, any adult could see that situations in this couldn't possibly play out the same way in the real world, and the cynical adult in me could really do a hatchet job on it. But adults aren't the target age group for the story, though I'm not sure most kids who are in that age range would be able to read it without help in a few places.
The actors brought a lot to the roles. Since I've seen the movie a million times and still catch it every couple of years, I can't help but see them play their parts in my mind. I'm not sure how someone coming to this book fresh would see it play out.
There was one big change, though. Patch the elf is accidentally insufferable in the movie, and you just want to smack him on occasion for being a dodo. In the book he's an intentional, arrogant asshole, and I wanted to kick him in the head all the time. A couple of things he does alllllmost earns him the role of villain, and if it weren't for B.Z., he'd definitely be given the honor of being the chief antagonist. Dudley Moore brought some charm to the character that wasn't found in the book.
This was my first exposure to Dudley Moore, and it was weird seeing him play such different, more serious roles when I got a bit older.
David Huddleston played Santa, and I confess this is pretty close to the picture I have of Santa when I imagine him in my mind if I see him as a real person instead of a cartoon.
And not that anyone cares, but he also played Sheriff Ep Bridges in The Homecoming. Oh, and apparently the big Lebowski which I've actually never seen. I know. Shoot me.
His wife Anya is played by Judy Cornwell.
I know her better now as the romance novel loving Daisy in the 90s Britcom Keeping Up Appearances, and it was also weird reconciling the disparities between the two characters.
Burgess Meredith had a cameo as the ancient elf.
This was long after his umbrella-toting, waddling days as the Penguin were behind him.
But the one who steals the show is John Lithgow as B.Z.
The opposite happens with him. I've seen him in several different roles, but every time I see one of those, my mind goes back to his over the top performance as B.Z. Make no mistake, it's not bad ham at all because it's exactly what it's supposed to be for this kind of movie; his performance is flawless and fits perfectly in the niche it's supposed to fill.
I'll leave you with "It's Christmas (All over the World)" sung by Sheena Easton which plays over the closing credits. I know it never made it onto the Christmas hit parade, but I love it, and it's pretty eightiestastic. Enjoy.
Since reading Christmas books after the New Year is against the rules, I got this in just under the buzzer. I probably first saw this movie on HBO when I was eight or so, and we recorded it later after we got our first VCR. I was the right age for this kind of movie, and I remember when I thought of Joe as one of the big kids.
He's 10 years old in the book, but I guessing this actor, Christian Fitzpatrick, is closer to 12? I really can't tell. This was his only acting credit save for a small part in Vice Versa (another underrated movie), and I can't find his birthday because the internet is slacking!
The movie still holds a special place in my heart in spite of its flaws. (The poor thing has a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes... Ouch! Sure, it's pretty cheesy, but it's not that bad!) It was due to this movie that my sister and I started putting our letters to Santa in the fireplace to float away to the North Pole which my parents probably found incredibly convenient since they went to bed after we did, so they could look at the letters before Santa's magic grabbed them in the middle of the night and get some ideas about what we wanted.
As far as the book goes, the screen to page translation is about as close a one as I've ever seen, but it's also better written than most super-strict transcriptions. Some novelizations read like a screenplay just barely put into a prose format. Others embellish and add scenes to the point that it's almost a different story. This one hit it just right by giving us just the movie scenes, omitting and adding very little, and making it read like an actual book. That doesn't mean it's great literature, but I enjoyed it.
I put this on my "Child-Lit" shelf, but I'm not entirely sure if it belongs there. The sentence structure, vocabulary, and whatnot are just a tad advanced for elementary age children, but it's definitely a kid's story. If I hadn't seen this at the age I did, I don't think I'd have as much patience for its shortcomings. Santa Claus and magic aside, any adult could see that situations in this couldn't possibly play out the same way in the real world, and the cynical adult in me could really do a hatchet job on it. But adults aren't the target age group for the story, though I'm not sure most kids who are in that age range would be able to read it without help in a few places.
The actors brought a lot to the roles. Since I've seen the movie a million times and still catch it every couple of years, I can't help but see them play their parts in my mind. I'm not sure how someone coming to this book fresh would see it play out.
There was one big change, though. Patch the elf is accidentally insufferable in the movie, and you just want to smack him on occasion for being a dodo. In the book he's an intentional, arrogant asshole, and I wanted to kick him in the head all the time. A couple of things he does alllllmost earns him the role of villain, and if it weren't for B.Z., he'd definitely be given the honor of being the chief antagonist. Dudley Moore brought some charm to the character that wasn't found in the book.
This was my first exposure to Dudley Moore, and it was weird seeing him play such different, more serious roles when I got a bit older.
David Huddleston played Santa, and I confess this is pretty close to the picture I have of Santa when I imagine him in my mind if I see him as a real person instead of a cartoon.
And not that anyone cares, but he also played Sheriff Ep Bridges in The Homecoming. Oh, and apparently the big Lebowski which I've actually never seen. I know. Shoot me.
His wife Anya is played by Judy Cornwell.
I know her better now as the romance novel loving Daisy in the 90s Britcom Keeping Up Appearances, and it was also weird reconciling the disparities between the two characters.
Burgess Meredith had a cameo as the ancient elf.
This was long after his umbrella-toting, waddling days as the Penguin were behind him.
But the one who steals the show is John Lithgow as B.Z.
The opposite happens with him. I've seen him in several different roles, but every time I see one of those, my mind goes back to his over the top performance as B.Z. Make no mistake, it's not bad ham at all because it's exactly what it's supposed to be for this kind of movie; his performance is flawless and fits perfectly in the niche it's supposed to fill.
I'll leave you with "It's Christmas (All over the World)" sung by Sheena Easton which plays over the closing credits. I know it never made it onto the Christmas hit parade, but I love it, and it's pretty eightiestastic. Enjoy.
December 18, 2025
It would be incredibly lazy and phoned-in to review a Christmas novel like this with a throwaway line like "it was magical and charming". Especially when I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. But what can I say? It was a magical and charming story. I chose well this season. Which is more than I can say for the last one ...
December 16, 2021
So, once upon a time, when I was a kid, this was a favorite movie of mine. Today, I still watch it at least once most Christmas seasons. But I had the thought recently, "hey, did this have a novelization?"... and it did... and I found it.
Now, I wasn't really expecting anything hugely different from the movie - and it isn't - but there were still some added scenes, or sections that filled in other scenes that definitely helped to make stuff I've always wondered make far more sense. Plus, it just helped to make the overall story that I've already know for so many years fuller and better. So this is definitely a surprise liked read!
Now, I wasn't really expecting anything hugely different from the movie - and it isn't - but there were still some added scenes, or sections that filled in other scenes that definitely helped to make stuff I've always wondered make far more sense. Plus, it just helped to make the overall story that I've already know for so many years fuller and better. So this is definitely a surprise liked read!
January 8, 2026
This book does what any good movie novelization does and goes deeper into characters development. It gives more clarification with inner monologues and the backstory that can’t be shown on screen. The history of this movie is The Selkind’s attempt at a cash grab after the success of Superman: The Movie. Despite that I’ve always loved this movie. It’s over the top production design and obvious love letter to New York. Santa seems to spend more time here than anywhere else in the world. It’s still a shot for shot telling of the movie but I understand there’s an expanded ending that’s better than in the film. Kinda can’t wait to get there.
December 23, 2018
I rarely give books 5 stars but I loved this book! The movie has been my favorite Christmas movie since it came out in 1985, when I was 5 years old. This book is a great novelization of the movie. It gives you more insight into the characters. I found this 1985 original copy at a used book store last year. A great find! Like finding a rare gem. (I've been waiting all year for Christmas to hurry up and get here so I could read it. Lol) As far as I know they no longer print this book even though the movie is still loved and watched every Christmas. If the original publishers are still around, I think I'll contact them and ask why they don't publish it again. People who love the movie would enjoy this book.
November 22, 2022
The Most Magical Story Ever Told - Santa Claus the movie is emblazoned on the cover.
Yes, there is magic in the joy a simple woodcutter and his wife share by making toys and giving them out every Christmas Eve.
On the last journey, they make to deliver gifts and share a meal with friends in their village, they travel through a blizzard. The reindeer pulling their sleigh stop, they've fallen asleep. Claus tries to wake them but they are in a trance. He gets back into the seat beside Anya his wife. The enchantment of the night overcomes them, soon they are both transported to a different realm.
The great Elf had foreseen someone who would help the Elves deliver the toys they made to the children of the world. When Claus and Anya were greeted warmly and offered a new home, much grander than they'd ever known. Santa Claus began his life's work.
Patch, was the Elf in charge of caring for the reindeer. He was also an inventor and determined to show his worth as a toy maker. When he built a machine that made toys on a production line he won the favour of Santa Claus. It wasn't to last and Patch was disheartened again. He tried to make Christmas better again and nearly ruined it.
The despicable toy maker in the world outside the North Pole, who only wanted money and not the joy of seeing children happy, welcomed Patch into his factory. Seeing an opportunity to make money and redeem his reputation, he decided to let Patch try his hair-brained scheme.
Patch was too innocent of the world-wise toy maker to see anything but the chance to prove to Santa he could make toys that would be loved. He didn't intend any harm to anyone but things didn't go as he planned.
It is a magical story and the love that exudes in the final pages is heartwarming.
I've not seen the movie but a friend of mine recommended I do.
Yes, there is magic in the joy a simple woodcutter and his wife share by making toys and giving them out every Christmas Eve.
On the last journey, they make to deliver gifts and share a meal with friends in their village, they travel through a blizzard. The reindeer pulling their sleigh stop, they've fallen asleep. Claus tries to wake them but they are in a trance. He gets back into the seat beside Anya his wife. The enchantment of the night overcomes them, soon they are both transported to a different realm.
The great Elf had foreseen someone who would help the Elves deliver the toys they made to the children of the world. When Claus and Anya were greeted warmly and offered a new home, much grander than they'd ever known. Santa Claus began his life's work.
Patch, was the Elf in charge of caring for the reindeer. He was also an inventor and determined to show his worth as a toy maker. When he built a machine that made toys on a production line he won the favour of Santa Claus. It wasn't to last and Patch was disheartened again. He tried to make Christmas better again and nearly ruined it.
The despicable toy maker in the world outside the North Pole, who only wanted money and not the joy of seeing children happy, welcomed Patch into his factory. Seeing an opportunity to make money and redeem his reputation, he decided to let Patch try his hair-brained scheme.
Patch was too innocent of the world-wise toy maker to see anything but the chance to prove to Santa he could make toys that would be loved. He didn't intend any harm to anyone but things didn't go as he planned.
It is a magical story and the love that exudes in the final pages is heartwarming.
I've not seen the movie but a friend of mine recommended I do.
December 4, 2023
Unlike the movie, this novelization goes into deeper detail about the mythos of the 'vendegums' or 'elves' as they prefer to be called. The role of the narrator is vital in the first part but then abandoned as the tale goes into the 20th century. The novelization gives a little more detail about the prophetic coming of the persona of Santa Claus and the elf culture. Like the movie, Claus, the woodcutter and toymaker and Anya, his wife (and their reindeer) get stranded in a blizzard and are saved by the 'vendegums' (elves). Claus is taken to their magical workshop in the Ice Mountains at the North Pole as was prophesied in elfen culture and mythology. The book details Claus' affirmation as Santa Claus, the deliverer of toys made by the elves; the legacy of Santa Claus, and the gift of immortality. The book introduces the mythology and traditions surrounding Santa Claus. develop.
In addition to the Clauses, Patch, the 'lead elf'; the Ancient Elf (the oldest elf), Puffy, the second elf; Towzer, a bright elf; and the reindeer are fleshed out more in the book. Each has depth and importance in the story. The novelization fleshes out the 20th century characters of Uncle B.Z., a corrupt toy company businessman; Joe, a streetwise orphan; Cornelia, B.Z.'s uncle; Dooley, B.Z.'s assistant; and Miss Tucker, Cornelia's nanny. These characters are one-dimensional and drain the story.
As a result, the second part of the book like the movie is a letdown. The charm of Patch's innocence is overshadowed by B.Z. and Santa Claus becomes a secondary character.
What could have been great is reduced to good because of the switch in narrative and character focus.
In addition to the Clauses, Patch, the 'lead elf'; the Ancient Elf (the oldest elf), Puffy, the second elf; Towzer, a bright elf; and the reindeer are fleshed out more in the book. Each has depth and importance in the story. The novelization fleshes out the 20th century characters of Uncle B.Z., a corrupt toy company businessman; Joe, a streetwise orphan; Cornelia, B.Z.'s uncle; Dooley, B.Z.'s assistant; and Miss Tucker, Cornelia's nanny. These characters are one-dimensional and drain the story.
As a result, the second part of the book like the movie is a letdown. The charm of Patch's innocence is overshadowed by B.Z. and Santa Claus becomes a secondary character.
What could have been great is reduced to good because of the switch in narrative and character focus.
December 7, 2024
Probably more of a 3.5 star read.
I am a big fan of this movie. I’ve watched it many times over the years. This is a really good adaptation of the movie that adds some backstory and details to the characters and situations. Really fun.
I am a big fan of this movie. I’ve watched it many times over the years. This is a really good adaptation of the movie that adds some backstory and details to the characters and situations. Really fun.
January 8, 2020
The story was kind of slow and just not that great. I have never seen the movie, so I can only judge the book. It was just okay. I skimmed parts of it.
April 23, 2020
I remember watching the movie when I was little. The book was okay (but so is the movie).
January 12, 2016
another read for the book/movie combo project that my sister and I are working on. An interesting story, but retold too often in various forms.
Read
December 22, 2017I got 61 pages in and didn't feel like continuing. I'm sure it's a great book and a great story but I just wasn't interested.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews