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Yes, Virginia: There Is a Santa Claus
In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor's response was a stirring defense of hope, generosity, and the spirit of childhood. His essay has been reprinted countless times since, and the phrase "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" has become part of American Christmas lore.
Based on these actual events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.
Based on these actual events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 28, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 28, 2025
A wonderful children's story based on real events!! There is a copy of the original newspaper article in the back of the book.
December 27, 2015
This was a fabulous choice to read to my 4 year old nephew. It's darling how the little girl Virginia writes a letter to the New York Sun about if Santa Claus is real, and the newspaper actually publishes a front page story declaring YES to bring about the Christmas spirit of bringing happiness to others. This is a heartwarming story with pretty illustrations, too. You can even collect the Virginia dolls to go with.
December 7, 2020
I've heard about this book a lot, but I've never actually read it. Earlier this year, I snagged it at our big book sale in town, so this Christmas season we finally read it!
At first, I was a little worried about reading this to my 6 year old. She was quite frustrated about why that one girl was so mean and telling all the kids there was no Santa. My daughter catches on things pretty easily, and I was hoping this wouldn't make her question it (she's too young to stop believing). But thankfully, she was just mad at everyone in the story.
The story itself was so sweet. I thought it was cute how she recognized that the guy collecting money for the poor was like Santa - giving away his coat, etc to help others. And the editorial was beautiful. It was hard to read in today's language though. My kids had no idea what most of the response was explaining so we had to break it down to smaller words they could understand. But I love the message about "acting" like Santa and providing the Christmas spirit to others and believing in something even though we can't see it.
I absolutely loved having a copy of the full editorial at the back of the book. I didn't realize this was actually a true story until coming on here for the review. It makes sense why the response is so wordy and uses some big words my kiddos didn't understand. I think this makes this story extra special, that it's a true event.
I would just suggest reading it first and then deciding whether to read it to your younger children. I'm thankful my daughter didn't question it as much, because it could have definitely made her start questioning this much sooner than expected. I don't think I'll add this to our "24 days of Christmas" book pile for the next few years. I'll keep it on MY bookshelf for a little while longer so we don't spoil that "magic" of Santa just yet.
At first, I was a little worried about reading this to my 6 year old. She was quite frustrated about why that one girl was so mean and telling all the kids there was no Santa. My daughter catches on things pretty easily, and I was hoping this wouldn't make her question it (she's too young to stop believing). But thankfully, she was just mad at everyone in the story.
The story itself was so sweet. I thought it was cute how she recognized that the guy collecting money for the poor was like Santa - giving away his coat, etc to help others. And the editorial was beautiful. It was hard to read in today's language though. My kids had no idea what most of the response was explaining so we had to break it down to smaller words they could understand. But I love the message about "acting" like Santa and providing the Christmas spirit to others and believing in something even though we can't see it.
I absolutely loved having a copy of the full editorial at the back of the book. I didn't realize this was actually a true story until coming on here for the review. It makes sense why the response is so wordy and uses some big words my kiddos didn't understand. I think this makes this story extra special, that it's a true event.
I would just suggest reading it first and then deciding whether to read it to your younger children. I'm thankful my daughter didn't question it as much, because it could have definitely made her start questioning this much sooner than expected. I don't think I'll add this to our "24 days of Christmas" book pile for the next few years. I'll keep it on MY bookshelf for a little while longer so we don't spoil that "magic" of Santa just yet.
January 11, 2024
1 problem with this book according to my daughter, Symphony. Girls should be able to deliver newspapers, too! Why is there a paperboy and not a papergirl? She then conducted research discover the truth and history of news paper delivery!
February 10, 2018
This beautifully illustrated book shares the story of Virginia who wrote the editor of The Sun to ask if there really was a Santa Claus. May her faith inspire us all to believe.
October 16, 2018
I think this would.be a good book to read about the time you have the "is Santa real" conversation with your kids
November 6, 2018
A nice rendition of the old story, this has fabulous illustrations and a nice message. A little long for reading in story time, save this one for older kids or reading to a kid on your lap.
December 26, 2018
I loved the artwork in this version of this tale. So adorable!
July 6, 2019
Such a good book my mom gave it to me when I was about 8!😁
December 28, 2019
This is sweet. Don’t read it with children unless you are already engaging in real conversations about Santa.
November 5, 2021
Delightful interpretation of the story and very appropriate art complements the text. This is a keeper!
December 30, 2021
Virginia is 8 and people keep telling her there is no Santa. So she writes to the newspaper to get to the truth, and the whole city is rewarded with the spirit of the Christmas season. A sweet story!
January 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this. It was a kid's book but it was well written and the illustrations were beautifully done.
December 26, 2023
Based on the true story of Virginia Hanlon writing to the NY Sun to find out the facts about Santa Claus.
December 23, 2011
This is the story behind the famous "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" letter, written back in 1897. It was a nice story, but I had a few problems with it. First, though I loved the style of the illustrations, I thought some of the details were inaccurate for the period. For example, I don't think kids wore barrettes in their hair, and in the opening 2-page spread, it looks like the two women aren't wearing coats while it's snowing, while the men are. Also, in the third 2-page spread, a girl named Taylor says Santa brought her a dollhouse. I don't think Taylor was a name used for girls back then. Aside from that it was a nice story, with the full letter from The New York Sun reprinted in the back of the book. Recommended Christmas reading.
February 27, 2011
Oh what an amazing book to read!
When your child comes to you asking that glorious question, "Is Santa real?" this is the book to read with them!
I absolutely LOVE this answer. I've been telling this to my son for years! He never really knew the commercial Santa Claus except what he sees on TV. But he always knew of his Spirit and the Spirit of Christmas, as well as the reason for the Season -- Celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Well written. Beautiful art work. Based on a true story. And they included the actual "Letter to the Editor and response" from the New York "The Sun" from back in the 1800s.
When your child comes to you asking that glorious question, "Is Santa real?" this is the book to read with them!
I absolutely LOVE this answer. I've been telling this to my son for years! He never really knew the commercial Santa Claus except what he sees on TV. But he always knew of his Spirit and the Spirit of Christmas, as well as the reason for the Season -- Celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Well written. Beautiful art work. Based on a true story. And they included the actual "Letter to the Editor and response" from the New York "The Sun" from back in the 1800s.
September 8, 2012
This little book is about the story of the little girl named Virginia who wrote into the newspaper to find out if there is really a Santa. It's fictionalized, of course, but at the end of the book is a copy of the original letter to Virginia as it was printed in the Sun, September 1897. In this story, Virginia is taunted by her "friend" about her belief in Santa, and so the letter writing commences. I have never heard why she sent in the letter, so I'm assuming they just came up with a pretty universal reason.
The text is charming, the pictures are just like what you see on the cover. An enjoyable snuggle-time read with your children during Christmas break. :)
The text is charming, the pictures are just like what you see on the cover. An enjoyable snuggle-time read with your children during Christmas break. :)
December 18, 2015
This is a charming 'modern' version of the traditional true story by the same name. This one is written more on a younger child level that they can understand. Even the 'true' meaning of Christmas is taught easily in this version. My nearly 4 year old granddaughter and I enjoyed sitting together and sharing this book. And the last page is "The Sun" and the original editorial written by the 'real life' Virginia and the answer that the editor gave her. I wished they had dated the paper but it does look like a newspaper and has the newspaper name etc. But over all really enjoyed this version of this story.
January 1, 2015
I really enjoy this story to personalize the story of Virginia's famous letter to the New York Sun editor. (The video is really good, too. THey've both been placed in my Holiday repitoire.) I think the illustrations are great, and unique. I appreciate the attempt to show the joy of childhood verses the times they lived in.
Most of all,... I really enjoy the letter from the editor to Virginia. It should be reread, often.
Highly recommend.
Most of all,... I really enjoy the letter from the editor to Virginia. It should be reread, often.
Highly recommend.
November 30, 2010
I love the classic edition as well as this cute little story. Very vibrant illustrations keep Holland interested even though the story is a little long for her. There is a DVD that uses the same illustrated characters and follows the book for the most part. Very cute. Of course I bought both at Macy's.
January 3, 2011
Updated version of the classic story of Virginia O'Hanlon's letter to the New York Sun. Personally, while the book was enjoyable for a reading, it's not a title I'd add to our mix of Christmas classics for my family. For elementary-school aged children it may prolong the "magic" (or even convince them otherwise if they are super-analytical and read between the lines).
December 8, 2011
I LOVE this book. I collect Christmas books to read with my kids and I picked this one up on a whim. I love everything about it. I read it tonight with my kids and Emily thought it was great. She wanted me to read it again. It gets to the heart of what Santa really means. Great story for kids of all ages.
November 13, 2014
Each year I enjoy reading the Yes Virginia editorial. It will live on in the hearts of all readers for years to come. The same can not be said of this book. The story is about what prompted Virginia to write the letter in the first place. It is charming and sweet, but not a forever kind of book.
December 14, 2010
I think this book appeals more to adults than children. The premise of the book and its message reasonates with adult feelings and perspectives. I especially would not read it to young children that still believe in Santa Claus! I did really like the illustrations!
March 21, 2012
I think I just read this book to my daughter at the wrong time. She believes completely in Santa and couldn't figure out why anyone was questioning his existence. If your child is old enough and asking this book is a good one to address the "is Santa real" question.
December 19, 2018
We received this book 2 Christmases ago and just fell in love with it. We also really liked the short movie it was made into. This has become a must read and watch each Christmas season...krb 3/4/15
Unwrapped this book last night...krb 12/19/18
Unwrapped this book last night...krb 12/19/18
December 28, 2010
All 3 kids (ages 11, 7 and 6) took something different from this story - and we all enjoyed it!
November 19, 2012
read this to my daughter cute book
December 14, 2012
The illustrations are super cute. A great story!
December 29, 2012
I read this at work and think it's such a precious story of believing in humanity and love and hope.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews