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A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World
A World of Cookies for Santa takes readers across the globe to see all the treats that await Santa on Christmas Eve. Head to the Philippines, where children leave out puto seko cookies and ginger tea for Santa; jet to Russia for a honey-spice cookie; then set out for Malawi for a sweet potato cookie! When you've returned home, the journey's still not over—M. E. Furman provides recipes for children to bake some of Santa's cookies for themselves. A World of Cookies for Santa is a multicultural celebration that families will return to year after year. Winner of the American Book Fest Best Book Award and the Moonbeam Book Award!
48 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 25, 2018
Children's Santa traditions from around the world, or more accurately, a mix of St. Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Santa traditions. Today we tend to use the names interchangeably and sort of lump them all together as one and the same. While some may say they are one and the same, others will say they are distinct and separate beings and occasions. From my admittedly limited knowledge, this book appears to have blended those traditions together. (The author's note at the end alludes to this as well.) I'm okay with that as this is a children's picture book; let's keep things simple while still celebrating the similar traditions.
It is interesting to see just how similar the customs are around the world. A treat is always left for Santa, and sometimes a little something for his helper(s). I wish there was a buffet where I could sample many of these cookies and sweet treats (okay, who am I kidding, ALL of the treats!). The rompope, eggnog flavored with coconut, sounds delicious. And I've always wanted to try one of those fancy looking Yule logs.
I think children will enjoy reading and learning about what other children around the world do to prepare for Santa. They will also find answers to some of their important questions like: How does Santa get into your house if you don't have a chimney? or How does Santa and his sleigh come if there isn't any snow where you live?
There are a few Christian references in the book, but I would not describe this as being religious in nature. I think Santa and all the Santa-like figures around the world are more a part of folklore than religious tradition. Sometimes they are intertwined but often they are not.
To sum it up, I found this to be a cheerful read celebrating the joy and anticipation felt by children all around the world as they eagerly await this holiday and Santa's visit.
It is interesting to see just how similar the customs are around the world. A treat is always left for Santa, and sometimes a little something for his helper(s). I wish there was a buffet where I could sample many of these cookies and sweet treats (okay, who am I kidding, ALL of the treats!). The rompope, eggnog flavored with coconut, sounds delicious. And I've always wanted to try one of those fancy looking Yule logs.
I think children will enjoy reading and learning about what other children around the world do to prepare for Santa. They will also find answers to some of their important questions like: How does Santa get into your house if you don't have a chimney? or How does Santa and his sleigh come if there isn't any snow where you live?
There are a few Christian references in the book, but I would not describe this as being religious in nature. I think Santa and all the Santa-like figures around the world are more a part of folklore than religious tradition. Sometimes they are intertwined but often they are not.
To sum it up, I found this to be a cheerful read celebrating the joy and anticipation felt by children all around the world as they eagerly await this holiday and Santa's visit.
December 21, 2024
In M.E. Furman's 2017 picture book A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World a cheerfully enlightening omniscient narrator engagingly invites young readers (and of course also listeners) to as the book title says follow along on Santa Claus' yearly global "trip" and with the first stop in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World being Kiritimati in the southern Pacific Ocean (also known as Christmas Island) which is one of the first inhabited places on Earth to experience Christmas Day and where children are shown by Furman as making sweet coconut macaroons for Santa Claus. And finally, after A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World largely goes westwards to focus on thirty-two destinations, one per page and each showing both textually and illustratively specific cookies as well as sometimes drinks being left for Santa Claus (and how he is called in the specific countries being featured) and often even treats for his reindeer or for his donkey, A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World finally ends in the US state of Hawaii where Santa Clause is given pineapple-macadamia nut bars to munch on.
So we learn in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World not only about Santa Claus' different names, for example Sinterklaas in Indonesia (but yes, M.E. Furman should in my opinion be pointing out that Indonesian Christians calling their Santa Claus Sinterklaas is obviously because Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony, since in Holland, Saint Nicholas is equally known as Sinterklaas), Kersvader in South Africa, Father Christmas in the UK, Naththal Seeya in Sri Lanka, Père Noël in France and in the Canadian Province of Quebec, Julemande in Denmark, Julenissen in Norway, Weihnachtsmann in Germany etc. but also about how children anticipate his arrival and how Santa Claus in his different incarnations delivers/leaves his gifts (that in Indonesia, children place their shoes near the door, in Ireland, stockings are hung at the foot of the bed, in the Ukraine Saint Nicholas leaves gifts and treats under children's pillows to name a few examples) and that Santa Claus does not only climb down chimneys, but also arrives on donkeys, uses magical keys, climbs through windows and that in Russia Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (Father Frost and Snow maiden) deliver gifts from a magnificent sleigh.
And in addition to all the delectable cookie descriptions (and I am glad that there are also some recipes included in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World although I do wish there were more than just nine of them), M.E. Furman also mentions interesting holiday customs in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World like the Noche Buena celebrations in Spain, where people enjoy singing and dancing after a big and joyous meal, and that in Argentina there are big fireworks displays for Christmas. However, and annoyingly so, the information regarding France and the thirteen deserts tradition Furman provides in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World is rather misleading, since this is a specific Yuletide custom in Provence (in one specific area of southern France) and for Furman to insinuate that this tradition is common all over France is presumptive at best and is actually totally wrong (not to mention that I have never heard of Père Noël having a donkey named Guy and that I wonder if for Père Noël, Furman has confused him with Saint Nicholas, whose feast day is grandly celebrated particularly in the Alsace region of France, who does indeed arrive seated on a donkey but who is definitely not interchangeable with Père Noël). Furthermore, considering that in the section on Germany for A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World the pepparkakor cookies are NOT German but are actual Swedish ginger cookies (and that in Germany, similar types of cookies are known as Pfeffernüsse, which are very much akin to pepparkakor but definitely not the same and that pepparkakor is also a Swedish and not a German word at all), I do have to admit that I am actually now left wondering whether M.E. Furman has made any other such mistakes in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World (and no, I do not really have either the time or the inclination to check this out at present either and that because there is also no bibliography provided by Furman, checking the text of A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World for other possible errors would be rather tedious or at least very well could be).
Now I have nevertheless still found A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World interesting and also a decently fun and engaging reading experience and that Susan Gal’s festive chalk on paper collages are colourful and nicely textured, both reflecting and enhancing Furman’s words with cheery mélanges of happy children, costumes, architectural landmarks, flora, fauna, tree decorations, domestic objects, and of course, food, and of course cookies. But because of the textual errors I have found in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World, I personally would only use A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World with and for young readers with discussions of said errors (as well as pointing out that in a number of the presented countries, Christians are actually a minority, that in India for example, most of the population is Hindu, and that in both Indonesia and Egypt, the majority is Muslim). And yes, before even considering A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World for educational purposes, I would definitely need to research each and every country featured by M.E. Furman to make sure there are no other factual errors like there are in the France and Germany sections (and that my three star rating for the combination of text and images is indeed really and maybe even overly generous of me but that I would also feel a bit guilty rating A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World with only two stars).
So we learn in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World not only about Santa Claus' different names, for example Sinterklaas in Indonesia (but yes, M.E. Furman should in my opinion be pointing out that Indonesian Christians calling their Santa Claus Sinterklaas is obviously because Indonesia used to be a Dutch colony, since in Holland, Saint Nicholas is equally known as Sinterklaas), Kersvader in South Africa, Father Christmas in the UK, Naththal Seeya in Sri Lanka, Père Noël in France and in the Canadian Province of Quebec, Julemande in Denmark, Julenissen in Norway, Weihnachtsmann in Germany etc. but also about how children anticipate his arrival and how Santa Claus in his different incarnations delivers/leaves his gifts (that in Indonesia, children place their shoes near the door, in Ireland, stockings are hung at the foot of the bed, in the Ukraine Saint Nicholas leaves gifts and treats under children's pillows to name a few examples) and that Santa Claus does not only climb down chimneys, but also arrives on donkeys, uses magical keys, climbs through windows and that in Russia Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (Father Frost and Snow maiden) deliver gifts from a magnificent sleigh.
And in addition to all the delectable cookie descriptions (and I am glad that there are also some recipes included in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World although I do wish there were more than just nine of them), M.E. Furman also mentions interesting holiday customs in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World like the Noche Buena celebrations in Spain, where people enjoy singing and dancing after a big and joyous meal, and that in Argentina there are big fireworks displays for Christmas. However, and annoyingly so, the information regarding France and the thirteen deserts tradition Furman provides in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World is rather misleading, since this is a specific Yuletide custom in Provence (in one specific area of southern France) and for Furman to insinuate that this tradition is common all over France is presumptive at best and is actually totally wrong (not to mention that I have never heard of Père Noël having a donkey named Guy and that I wonder if for Père Noël, Furman has confused him with Saint Nicholas, whose feast day is grandly celebrated particularly in the Alsace region of France, who does indeed arrive seated on a donkey but who is definitely not interchangeable with Père Noël). Furthermore, considering that in the section on Germany for A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World the pepparkakor cookies are NOT German but are actual Swedish ginger cookies (and that in Germany, similar types of cookies are known as Pfeffernüsse, which are very much akin to pepparkakor but definitely not the same and that pepparkakor is also a Swedish and not a German word at all), I do have to admit that I am actually now left wondering whether M.E. Furman has made any other such mistakes in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World (and no, I do not really have either the time or the inclination to check this out at present either and that because there is also no bibliography provided by Furman, checking the text of A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World for other possible errors would be rather tedious or at least very well could be).
Now I have nevertheless still found A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World interesting and also a decently fun and engaging reading experience and that Susan Gal’s festive chalk on paper collages are colourful and nicely textured, both reflecting and enhancing Furman’s words with cheery mélanges of happy children, costumes, architectural landmarks, flora, fauna, tree decorations, domestic objects, and of course, food, and of course cookies. But because of the textual errors I have found in A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World, I personally would only use A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World with and for young readers with discussions of said errors (as well as pointing out that in a number of the presented countries, Christians are actually a minority, that in India for example, most of the population is Hindu, and that in both Indonesia and Egypt, the majority is Muslim). And yes, before even considering A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World for educational purposes, I would definitely need to research each and every country featured by M.E. Furman to make sure there are no other factual errors like there are in the France and Germany sections (and that my three star rating for the combination of text and images is indeed really and maybe even overly generous of me but that I would also feel a bit guilty rating A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World with only two stars).
December 8, 2020
I loved this! But, then, I love books that show similarities and differences in customs for holidays around the world. So, it's my cup of tea. Still, I think it's done well. The illustrations are warm and evocative of each country depicted and the text is informative without being dull. There's not a story here, though. It's just small blurbs about various countries and what the children in those countries leave out for Santa (or whatever he may be called locally). Now, I imagine that these are vast generalizations as there are only a few sentences per country and certain local landmarks etc. so take with a grain of salt. Also note that some of the countries mentioned (such as India) have only a very small percentage of the population who actually celebrate Christmas.
Bonus points for the maps: the one inside the front cover shows Santa's route and highlights the countries discussed in the text and the map in back shows pictures of each cookie discussed and labels which country it belongs to. Fun! Though I had an issue with the handling of North America. In the chronology, Santa travels to the USA, then he goes to Canada, then he goes to Alaska and then Hawaii. I guess the author separated out Hawaii and Alaska because she wanted to highlight the tradition of Kanakaloka in Hawaii and... Eskimo cookies in Alaska (really? I'm not sure about that one) but it almost makes it sound like they are separate countries from mainland USA. Maybe it's by time zone, but I believe that Atlantic Standard Time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so Santa should have gone to Canada first and then it would have made sense to have the USA, Alaska and Hawaii grouped together. Maybe I'm missing something but I didn't understand why Canada is in between the continental USA and the Alaska and Hawaii. (Puerto Rico is mentioned before Costa Rica, Mexico and USA). I know it's a nit-picky thing and this IS a book about Santa flying around the world ;-) but since it's shelved as non-fiction at my library, I just felt like it would have been an easy fix and it would make just a bit more educational sense for children trying to keep track of the countries and locations. I guess it's a good springboard for a discussion of geography and time zones! ;-)
Overall, it's a charming book if you're into this sort of thing. Several recipes are included in the back and you can find more at:
www.worldofcookiesforsanta.com
Bonus points for the maps: the one inside the front cover shows Santa's route and highlights the countries discussed in the text and the map in back shows pictures of each cookie discussed and labels which country it belongs to. Fun! Though I had an issue with the handling of North America. In the chronology, Santa travels to the USA, then he goes to Canada, then he goes to Alaska and then Hawaii. I guess the author separated out Hawaii and Alaska because she wanted to highlight the tradition of Kanakaloka in Hawaii and... Eskimo cookies in Alaska (really? I'm not sure about that one) but it almost makes it sound like they are separate countries from mainland USA. Maybe it's by time zone, but I believe that Atlantic Standard Time is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time, so Santa should have gone to Canada first and then it would have made sense to have the USA, Alaska and Hawaii grouped together. Maybe I'm missing something but I didn't understand why Canada is in between the continental USA and the Alaska and Hawaii. (Puerto Rico is mentioned before Costa Rica, Mexico and USA). I know it's a nit-picky thing and this IS a book about Santa flying around the world ;-) but since it's shelved as non-fiction at my library, I just felt like it would have been an easy fix and it would make just a bit more educational sense for children trying to keep track of the countries and locations. I guess it's a good springboard for a discussion of geography and time zones! ;-)
Overall, it's a charming book if you're into this sort of thing. Several recipes are included in the back and you can find more at:
www.worldofcookiesforsanta.com
August 5, 2024
Reading this book is a great way to learn about the different Christmas traditions around the world. Watched a reading of this book on Youtube.
December 8, 2020
Where are all the multiculturalists out there to note that the art is pretty stereotypical? Most Egyptian kids don't have a view of the Pyramids from their bedroom window and the kids all look alike, only the hair and skin colors changing.
Cute, but too many generalizations. And kids who still believe in the commercial American Santa Claus may find all these other Christmas gift givers to be a bit confusing.
Cute, but too many generalizations. And kids who still believe in the commercial American Santa Claus may find all these other Christmas gift givers to be a bit confusing.
October 8, 2017
Focusing on the 'cookies' left for 'Santa' in 30 countries (and Bethlehem & Alaska) this allows readers to compare the treats, names for the gift giver, and a few other traditions that are woven in.
It seems there are as many different names of 'Santa' in each country as there are websites - a few I looked at don't agree with each other or with some of the names given in this book. I wonder what authoritative source the author used.
This book implies that these are Christian locations and gives no hint that perhaps not everyone in a locale celebrates Christmas (for example, less than 3% of the population in India is Christian). This website: first tells what percentage of a country's population is Christian, and then uses terms such as 'Indonesian Christians'.
This book does provide a quick cultural comparison. My favorite features:
-the inclusion of a few recipes in the back of the book
-maps on endpapers - especially the front showing Santa's route (although, some readers my wonder why he skips some countries!)
It seems there are as many different names of 'Santa' in each country as there are websites - a few I looked at don't agree with each other or with some of the names given in this book. I wonder what authoritative source the author used.
This book implies that these are Christian locations and gives no hint that perhaps not everyone in a locale celebrates Christmas (for example, less than 3% of the population in India is Christian). This website: first tells what percentage of a country's population is Christian, and then uses terms such as 'Indonesian Christians'.
This book does provide a quick cultural comparison. My favorite features:
-the inclusion of a few recipes in the back of the book
-maps on endpapers - especially the front showing Santa's route (although, some readers my wonder why he skips some countries!)
December 5, 2017
So many cookies I have never tried or even heard of! There are some recipes included at the end of the book, but there's still time to go online and look up others just in time for the holidays! This is a great introduction to how the different cultures celebrate Christmas. I loved the illustrations! So warm and cozy! I think after I bake some of these treats, I'll have to go back and enjoy them with a cup of tea or hot chocolate and this book! Kids of all ages will enjoy this!
October 26, 2022
I loved this book! I love learning about traditions around the world and this read won't disappointment. You'll discover all kinds of wonderful ideas from around the globe, and since recipes are included, you'll be able to add a few of these cookies to your own family traditions!
Ages: 4 – 8
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Ages: 4 – 8
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
January 10, 2018
I love this book! When I was a teacher in a Christian Montessori school, every December we did a unit on "Christmas Around the World". I put up a world map on the bulletin board and every day we had a lesson on how Christmas was celebrated in a particular country. We had families and teachers from all over the world, so oftentimes they would do the lesson on their home country. If not, I would do research and do the days or countries that no one else could do. At the end of the lesson, we would have cookies or another treat from that particular country and put up a Christmas card or picture from that country on the board next to the map with a piece of yarn leading to the country on the map. And yes, we had many of the treats mentioned in this book, although some of them are new to me! Great fun!
November 21, 2020
Children's nonfiction picture book. As Santa traverses the world, he finds various sweets and drinks left out for him, and often a treat for the reindeer as well. This book was both more and less than what I hoped for-- more different places featured, with more about the Christmas traditions than I expected; but less because not every country had a recipe for the sweets that were mentioned. The colorful illustrations make it child-friendly, but the text is a bit long to read as a single narrative. It could be fun to do a countdown to Christmas by reading some of the traditions (and making the cookies!) But even if only excerpts are read, this book is valuable for shedding light on experiences of children across the world. Now I really want some Mexican wedding cookies and also want to try the nanaimo bars.
January 4, 2018
From Argentina to Ukraine, from Alaska to Russia, through 32countries, we are led on an interesting journey to see what treats people leave out for Santa. Colorful illustrations with lots of detail by Susan Gal add to the fun. Includes recipes for some (but sadly not all) of the treats and a colorful map on the endpapers so we can see Santa’s trail on Christmas Eve. Teachers, librarians, parents, grandparents, etc. -- this would be a great book for Storytime.
December 29, 2021
This is a joyful and fun look at children's Christmas traditions around the world. Santa (and his helpers) certainly get a wide variety of snacks. I was surprised to see how many cultures have traditions of leaving Santa beer or wine!
December 29, 2017
It was neat to learn about the different Santa traditions of other countries. I am going to try out some of the cookie recipes!
December 31, 2017
What a great book to introduce the different traditions involving Christmas from around the world. I loved the interesting ways other countries and cultures celebrate this magical holiday.
March 7, 2021
(4.5)
December 20, 2017
First sentence: All around the world, Christmas is a time of giving. While Santa Claus (also called Papai Noel, Father Christmas, Grandfather Frost, and more) packs his sleigh with gifts for children everywhere, they're preparing their own sweet gifts for him. Follow along on Santa's tasty trip around the globe, country by country and cookie by "cookie."
Premise/plot: This picture book introduces readers to thirty-two stops on Santa's journey around the world. There are definitely more countries in the world than thirty-two. But for a picture book, thirty-two is a good place to start. The journey begins on Christmas Island with chewy coconut macaroons and ends in Hawaii with pineapple-macadamia bars. Santa doesn't always drink milk. Some children leave tea, while others leave beer or wine.
Some of the stops along the way:
Japan
In Japan, Hoteiosha brings gifts and fortunes to children. They believe he has eyes in the back of his head so he can watch for children who are misbehaving. After he leaves their gifts on their pillow, Hoteiosha enjoys a slice of strawberry-topped Christmas cake the children put out for him.
Sri Lanka
On Christmas Eve in Sri Lanka, children come home from midnight mass and hang their stockings on the tree. After Naththal Seeya (Christmas Grandfather) puts their gifts in the stockings, he munches on kokis, a lacey fried cookie, while he sips the Ceylon tea the island country is famous for.
My thoughts: I found this one fascinating. It would probably be better suited for older children. But I think readers of all ages will find Santa's journey interesting.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: This picture book introduces readers to thirty-two stops on Santa's journey around the world. There are definitely more countries in the world than thirty-two. But for a picture book, thirty-two is a good place to start. The journey begins on Christmas Island with chewy coconut macaroons and ends in Hawaii with pineapple-macadamia bars. Santa doesn't always drink milk. Some children leave tea, while others leave beer or wine.
Some of the stops along the way:
Japan
In Japan, Hoteiosha brings gifts and fortunes to children. They believe he has eyes in the back of his head so he can watch for children who are misbehaving. After he leaves their gifts on their pillow, Hoteiosha enjoys a slice of strawberry-topped Christmas cake the children put out for him.
Sri Lanka
On Christmas Eve in Sri Lanka, children come home from midnight mass and hang their stockings on the tree. After Naththal Seeya (Christmas Grandfather) puts their gifts in the stockings, he munches on kokis, a lacey fried cookie, while he sips the Ceylon tea the island country is famous for.
My thoughts: I found this one fascinating. It would probably be better suited for older children. But I think readers of all ages will find Santa's journey interesting.
Text: 5 out of 5
Illustrations: 3 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
June 15, 2022
3,75 stars - English Ebook
Although I am a Christian and celebrate Christmas with our kids and grandchildren as the birth of Jesus (as well as participating in the Santa story), I want my family to have an understanding that not everyone celebrates the way we do.
I try to educate them on other cultures and beliefs, so when they cross paths with someone who has a different background or belief system, they respond positively.
I want them to understand that our world is made up of hundreds of different people and places, but regardless how different we may seem on the outside, we are sometimes more alike that in seems.
This book takes us on Santa's journey throughout several countries on Christmas Eve, and details how different parts of the world celebrate their winter holiday (the book assumes they're all a version of Christmas). At the end of the book, there are six recipes for a region's traditional cookie, which gives you an opportunity to make the cookies with your kids.
Although I am a Christian and celebrate Christmas with our kids and grandchildren as the birth of Jesus (as well as participating in the Santa story), I want my family to have an understanding that not everyone celebrates the way we do.
I try to educate them on other cultures and beliefs, so when they cross paths with someone who has a different background or belief system, they respond positively.
I want them to understand that our world is made up of hundreds of different people and places, but regardless how different we may seem on the outside, we are sometimes more alike that in seems.
This book takes us on Santa's journey throughout several countries on Christmas Eve, and details how different parts of the world celebrate their winter holiday (the book assumes they're all a version of Christmas). At the end of the book, there are six recipes for a region's traditional cookie, which gives you an opportunity to make the cookies with your kids.
December 3, 2018
This book seems perfect for a family read-aloud during the holidays! It contains excellent cultural information about Christmas customs and traditions in thirty different countries from around the globe plus Alaska and Hawaii.
The journey begins on Christmas Island--Kiritimati--and finishes up in Hawaii. There is a color world map on the inside front cover pages which shows the route Santa takes in his journey around the world on Christmas Eve. The blurb about each country includes information about what the country calls Santa Claus, a bit about the country, and what treat the children there like to leave for Santa's visit to their home.
The art work in this book is exceptional! The children, Santas, and scenery depicted for each country/state are realistic and true to the diversity we are fortunate to have in our world. I enjoyed looking through the illustrator's renderings to see many images which are historic icons of the various Christmas customs of particular countries included in the book. For instance, in the illustration about Germany you will find a nutcracker and a Christmas tree. On the Mexico page there is a colorful pinata. The Bethlehem page features a drawing of Joseph walking next to the donkey on which Mary is riding as they search for a place to stay for the night.
I think this would be a great 'I Spy' book for children, middle-graders, and even tweens as they search for various symbols of the holiday season. The back matter includes an Author's Note with some additional details not included in the main text. The author graciously shares nine cookie recipes for families to make for Santa's visit on Christmas Eve! Baking is an excellent culminating activity for this fine book.
Finally, the back cover facing pages feature another copy of the world map mentioned above, except this time each country/state is coded with a number that matches an illustration of one of the cookies surrounding the map. Fun for everyone in the family!
Note: Several of the countries leave an alcoholic beverage for Santa to drink with his cookies while he is on his long journey. For instance, in Australia they leave him a glass of beer and in Great Britain they leave him a glass of sherry. I always left Santa a glass of milk and some homemade chocolate chip cookies when I was a child . . . 😇
This book is highly recommended for everyone who loves Santa and is interested in learning about Christmas customs around the world!
I borrowed this book from the non-fiction collection in the Children's section of the local public library.
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The journey begins on Christmas Island--Kiritimati--and finishes up in Hawaii. There is a color world map on the inside front cover pages which shows the route Santa takes in his journey around the world on Christmas Eve. The blurb about each country includes information about what the country calls Santa Claus, a bit about the country, and what treat the children there like to leave for Santa's visit to their home.
The art work in this book is exceptional! The children, Santas, and scenery depicted for each country/state are realistic and true to the diversity we are fortunate to have in our world. I enjoyed looking through the illustrator's renderings to see many images which are historic icons of the various Christmas customs of particular countries included in the book. For instance, in the illustration about Germany you will find a nutcracker and a Christmas tree. On the Mexico page there is a colorful pinata. The Bethlehem page features a drawing of Joseph walking next to the donkey on which Mary is riding as they search for a place to stay for the night.
I think this would be a great 'I Spy' book for children, middle-graders, and even tweens as they search for various symbols of the holiday season. The back matter includes an Author's Note with some additional details not included in the main text. The author graciously shares nine cookie recipes for families to make for Santa's visit on Christmas Eve! Baking is an excellent culminating activity for this fine book.
Finally, the back cover facing pages feature another copy of the world map mentioned above, except this time each country/state is coded with a number that matches an illustration of one of the cookies surrounding the map. Fun for everyone in the family!
Note: Several of the countries leave an alcoholic beverage for Santa to drink with his cookies while he is on his long journey. For instance, in Australia they leave him a glass of beer and in Great Britain they leave him a glass of sherry. I always left Santa a glass of milk and some homemade chocolate chip cookies when I was a child . . . 😇
This book is highly recommended for everyone who loves Santa and is interested in learning about Christmas customs around the world!
I borrowed this book from the non-fiction collection in the Children's section of the local public library.
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December 22, 2021
I enjoyed this book more than I expected and am glad we bought it. It was fun to read so many Christmas traditions from around the globe. You could definitely use this book as inspiration for a unit study.
December 8, 2017
What a great idea! I would have totally eaten this up as a kid who loved to bake! love that it introduces kids to holidays customs around the world through cookies!
December 21, 2018
A children’s book that gives you a small sampling of how Christmas is celebrated around the world.
I found the illustrations delightful and the cookie recipes interesting.
I found the illustrations delightful and the cookie recipes interesting.
January 6, 2024
Kids and Santa Claus traditions from different countries around the world. And Alaska and Hawaii.
December 3, 2017
Always good to share traditions to build understanding. Recipes are good also.
November 22, 2017
Covering a large number of countries in a picture book, this title would be a good addition for most public libraries who receive a lot of Christmas Around the World questions. It offers a strong jumping off point for most lower grades and the inclusion of the recipes is extremely helpful. Organizing the book as Santa would fly around the globe is a clever structure because it makes the similar traditions flow into one another (and it is a great Geography lesson).
November 7, 2017
M.E. Furman and Susan Gal's collaboration has created a gorgeous story that will yield visual and edible treasures. This is one of those instances where every page captures your attention. The end pages, in particular, are both delightful and educational. The map on the front details Santa's journey across the globe. While the back combines a numbered map with a mixed up collection of cookies; creating a fun, visual cookie matching game.
Following Santa's trip around the globe, M.E. Furman briefly describes the uniqueness of 32 Christmas celebrations around the world, including Santa's name, the location of gift delivery, and especially the treats - or gifts - left by the children. It is very diverse (culturally and physically) and includes traditions unknown to many children (and possibly adults).
This is truly an amazing picture book which will be sure to open discussions about the differences in weather (summer in Australia), traditions (leaving presents on/under pillows), and the universality of treats for Santa. Definitely a treasure I will add to my Christmas book collection.
Following Santa's trip around the globe, M.E. Furman briefly describes the uniqueness of 32 Christmas celebrations around the world, including Santa's name, the location of gift delivery, and especially the treats - or gifts - left by the children. It is very diverse (culturally and physically) and includes traditions unknown to many children (and possibly adults).
This is truly an amazing picture book which will be sure to open discussions about the differences in weather (summer in Australia), traditions (leaving presents on/under pillows), and the universality of treats for Santa. Definitely a treasure I will add to my Christmas book collection.
November 16, 2017
What is Santa called all across the world and what different cookies do children leave him? There are also some interesting beverages that he tries. Complete with recipes at the end of the book!
November 14, 2017
See how other children celebrate the coming of Santa Claus and what they leave for Sants's treat
November 5, 2017
Furman, M. E. A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World. PICTURE BOOK. Illustrated by Susan Gal. Houghton Mifflin, 2017. $17.
Join Santa at 32 of the different countries he visits on his yearly trip around the world. Furman gives his name, the most traditional cookie, and even the beverage that might be left for Santa. Furman also includes 9 recipes to try for your own international adventure.
I at first though that the book was too ambitious with info about so many countries, but each vignette works just right to offer a whirlwind glimpse, just like Santa’s visits. Maybe your family would start a new cookie tradition. I know I want to try out all of the cookies my self.
Pre-K, EL (K-3), GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Join Santa at 32 of the different countries he visits on his yearly trip around the world. Furman gives his name, the most traditional cookie, and even the beverage that might be left for Santa. Furman also includes 9 recipes to try for your own international adventure.
I at first though that the book was too ambitious with info about so many countries, but each vignette works just right to offer a whirlwind glimpse, just like Santa’s visits. Maybe your family would start a new cookie tradition. I know I want to try out all of the cookies my self.
Pre-K, EL (K-3), GIFT – ADVISABLE. Cindy, Library Teacher
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
November 3, 2017
LOVE this picture book on the various Christmas traditions around the world. The maps and matching cookies on the endpages are fantastic (along with the illustrations throughout!!) and am happy a few recipes were included as well. Quite a neat book :)
November 9, 2020
A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa's Tasty Trip Around the World
(children's book, nonfiction, seasons and holidays, Christmas, Christmas Around the World, geography, multicultural)
A World of Cookies is a nonfiction book that teaches about different types of cookies and the countries they come from. Each page features a cookie, the country it comes from, and a quick fact or two. I love that the author and illustrator made the conscious decision to portray children in their street or party clothes and not as goofy kids wearing stereotypical ones. For example, you will NOT see a little Dutch child who is blond and wearing a big white hat or wooden shoes. You will NOT see a German child wearing lederhosen and holding a beer stein.
If you are a teacher or homeschooling parent, this would be a good book for your geography (find each country on a map or globe), language arts (reading for information), and Christmas Around the World units. There are recipes in the book that you can use with your students as a fun enrichment or following directions activity.
Best for mid to upper elementary or families who like to bake together.
Kelly Wilson
Teacher / Blogger
Kelly's Classroom Online
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
(children's book, nonfiction, seasons and holidays, Christmas, Christmas Around the World, geography, multicultural)
A World of Cookies is a nonfiction book that teaches about different types of cookies and the countries they come from. Each page features a cookie, the country it comes from, and a quick fact or two. I love that the author and illustrator made the conscious decision to portray children in their street or party clothes and not as goofy kids wearing stereotypical ones. For example, you will NOT see a little Dutch child who is blond and wearing a big white hat or wooden shoes. You will NOT see a German child wearing lederhosen and holding a beer stein.
If you are a teacher or homeschooling parent, this would be a good book for your geography (find each country on a map or globe), language arts (reading for information), and Christmas Around the World units. There are recipes in the book that you can use with your students as a fun enrichment or following directions activity.
Best for mid to upper elementary or families who like to bake together.
Kelly Wilson
Teacher / Blogger
Kelly's Classroom Online
www.kellysclassroomonline.com
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