Must Be Santa

by Tim Moore, Pete Whitehead (Illustrator)

Who's got a beard that's long and white?
Santa's got a beard that's long and white!
Who comes around on a special night?
Santa comes around on a special night!
Special night, beard that's white!
Must be Santa! Must be Santa!
Must be Santa! Santa Claus!


The classic Christmas song Must Be Santa has been covered by music giants Bob Dylan and Raffi. Now, for the very first time, the fun and festive lyrics have been paired with adorable illustrations in this Big Little Golden Book hardcover edition. It makes the perfect gift!

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

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 13, 2011

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Horn Book (Spring 2012)

Based on the titular Christmas song's lyrics, this slight book portrays a down-the-chimney visit to a boy and girl. Digital-looking cartoon illustrations showcase Santa's "cap on head, / suit that's red. / Special night, / beard that's white." Fans of the popular song may enjoy the cheery visual depiction.



School Library Journal (October 1, 2011)

PreS-Gr 2-Charming, colorful cartoon illustrations accompany the classic song written by Hal Moore and Bill Fredricks in 1960. Structured as a call-and-response, the first page poses the question, "Who's got a beard that's long and white?" A page turn reveals the answer "Santa's got a beard that's long and white." Some questions and answers are on the same page. After every other verse, the list of features is reiterated, e.g., "Cap on head,/suit that's red./Special night,/beard that's white" followed by the chorus, "Must be Santa!/Must be Santa!/Must be Santa! Santa Claus!" Music is not included. A nice addition for storytime or classroom use.-Diane Olivo-Posner, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

[Tricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I adore books that can be sung and now the classic song "Must Be Santa" has been presented in a larger and more eye-friendly Golden Book format. A must-do for any December Boogie Woogie book-type storytimes!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book when I saw it on the shelf as it conjured up so many happy memories of teaching this song to my own children and pre-school children, as well as the hours I spent listening to the "Sing-a-long with Mitch Miller" Christmas album when I was little

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary: The classic Christmas song Must Be Santa has been covered by music giants Bob Dylan and Raffi. Now, for the very first time, the fun and festive lyrics have been paired with adorable illustrations in this Big Little Golden Book hardcover edition. It makes the perfect gift

[Tam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Both my boys (ages 4 & 9) enjoyed singing this book, rather than reading it. The illustrations are cute.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the popular song.-great repetition

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful illustrations bring this upbeat song to life.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adorable illustrations. Repetetive text. Supposedly based on a song. Should have included the music notes.

themes: bedtime, Christmas, Santa Claus

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read; for kids who love Santa. Descriptions of Santa in many ways; poetic; excitement builds as Santa arrives! Great for storytime.

[Andréa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it'd be impossible to read this story without singing it as the song.

[Nancy]

The illustrations were good. We used to sing this song at our Ward Christmas party, before Santa came out, so this brought back good memories.

[Valencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Santa!

[Miss Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short quick descriptions of Santa where kids have to guess who Santa is. toddler and up

[Cathy Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Reindeer Sleigh, come our way, ho ho ho, Cherry Nose, Cap on head, suit that's red, Special night, Beard that's white, Must Be Santa ! Santa Claus" Cute illustrations to the classic Christmas song.

[Elena · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring

Didn’t keep my 5 year olds interest. He loves to be read to but this was just boring. No real story.

[Chinook · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was fine - though I really need to brush up on the tune before I read it next year.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I need to learn the tune to this one, as I only really know the chorus.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another fun book based on song. As per usual, we read the book and then listen to the song for maximum enjoyment.