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How Santa Changed
Think you know Santa? Think again. Discover what Santa was like when he was young and the events that helped him become the jolly man we like so much.
How Santa Changed is a story that explains many of the familiar things we associate with Santa Claus, such as:
Why does Santa use reindeer to pull his sleigh? Why does he have elves help him make toys?
Why does Santa have a white beard?
Why does he walk with jolly and cheer?
Mrs. Claus is not left out either. If readers pay close attention, they will discover some of the strategies that helped her to become the most famous baker in history.
This book contains timeless lessons for both children and adults alike, but not in an annoying way. It’s a story that loved ones will want to read year after year.
How Santa Changed is a story that explains many of the familiar things we associate with Santa Claus, such as:
Why does Santa use reindeer to pull his sleigh? Why does he have elves help him make toys?
Why does Santa have a white beard?
Why does he walk with jolly and cheer?
Mrs. Claus is not left out either. If readers pay close attention, they will discover some of the strategies that helped her to become the most famous baker in history.
This book contains timeless lessons for both children and adults alike, but not in an annoying way. It’s a story that loved ones will want to read year after year.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 14, 2016
How Santa Changed, is the story of how author Karl Steam believes Santa evolved over the years. Starting out many years ago, a young, slim, happy Santa, made all the toys himself. He then delivered them to all the good boys and girls homes on Christmas Eve, with the help of his strongest moose.
Then the world grew, and more children were born. Cities were built and Santa struggled to make all the toys himself. After lots of fretting, that turned his beard white and made him sad, he enlisted the help of some magical elves. But now his sleigh was too heavy for one moose to pull, so he got two. But moose fight, so he needed a different animal to pull his sleigh – can you guess which he chooses?
He now had enough help to make and deliver all the presents, so Santa became jolly again, though he also liked one too many of Mrs. Claus cookies!
Karl tells a wonderful tale, that I’m sure young children will relate to, and adore. I love that it has been written in a rhyme, I also love the illustrations which are exquisite, and really do capture the heart of Christmas.
The story is touching and I’m sure that it would make a lovely bedtime story, though I feel with the classroom resources at the back, which includes discussion questions and activities, Karl has this more earmarked for a tale to be told in schools.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
Then the world grew, and more children were born. Cities were built and Santa struggled to make all the toys himself. After lots of fretting, that turned his beard white and made him sad, he enlisted the help of some magical elves. But now his sleigh was too heavy for one moose to pull, so he got two. But moose fight, so he needed a different animal to pull his sleigh – can you guess which he chooses?
He now had enough help to make and deliver all the presents, so Santa became jolly again, though he also liked one too many of Mrs. Claus cookies!
Karl tells a wonderful tale, that I’m sure young children will relate to, and adore. I love that it has been written in a rhyme, I also love the illustrations which are exquisite, and really do capture the heart of Christmas.
The story is touching and I’m sure that it would make a lovely bedtime story, though I feel with the classroom resources at the back, which includes discussion questions and activities, Karl has this more earmarked for a tale to be told in schools.
Reviewed by Stacey at www.whisperingstories.com
December 15, 2016
We just finished reading this wonderful story about Santa and how he came to be the jolly man we've grown to love and wait for ever Christmas. My kids love reading and listening to holiday stories so I let my eldest read this book to his brothers, and they were actually mesmerized by the beautiful illustrations within! Crisp and magical and lovely images of Santa, Mrs. Claus and the gifts and reindeers and children all over the world!
We also learned why Santa's sleigh was pulled by reindeers, how his hair grew white, how the elves became his helpers and how he got his big fat belly. Ho ho ho!
How Santa Changed was a great read. My kids have realized the value of generosity and helpfulness in every way. That there are times when we can't do things the way we planned them. That there are times when we need to rely on others to finish what we started.
My kids love this new story; they told me they haven't read a tale like this. We also liked that it was told in a rhyming way. How Santa Changed is a great addition to our growing holiday favorites!
We also learned why Santa's sleigh was pulled by reindeers, how his hair grew white, how the elves became his helpers and how he got his big fat belly. Ho ho ho!
How Santa Changed was a great read. My kids have realized the value of generosity and helpfulness in every way. That there are times when we can't do things the way we planned them. That there are times when we need to rely on others to finish what we started.
My kids love this new story; they told me they haven't read a tale like this. We also liked that it was told in a rhyming way. How Santa Changed is a great addition to our growing holiday favorites!
December 6, 2018
What a lovely Christmas tale! With a bit of a traditional flair, this story starts at the beginning and demonstrates how even Santa Claus had to learn a few things to become as wonderful as he is.
Santa Claus always wanted to make children smile with his gifts—hand-made ones from him alone. While this worked for many years, the world's population increased. Not only did he work constantly to make toys but even the moose pulling his sleigh couldn't handle the increasing weight of presents. Mrs. Claus tries to persuade him to find help, but he insists that children expect to have gifts from him and only him. One Christmas night, it all becomes too much and surprising things happen.
I'm not sure why, but I went into this book a little bit uncertain about what I'd find. My concerns were completely unnecessary. This is a wonderful Christmas story, which adds a lovely dimension to Santa Claus while not changing his image and sticking to the traditional atmosphere. Santa Claus is the warm-hearted character children love, and he loves the children. Mrs. Claus adds a nice touch with her cookie baking escapades. The look into Santa's past, only makes him more of an inspiration.
The illustrations fit the tale as nicely as marshmallows to hot chocolate. They accompany the text, making it clear what is happening but, at the same time, adding emotions and details in all the right ways. The style is more traditional like the story and has the same loving touch that Santa gives his toys. It's a treat to flip through them.
There's a nice message in the story too. Change is not always bad and sometimes necessary, and sometimes, this requires accepting help from others. It's a message of giving and accepting—right along Christmas lines.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this book so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
Santa Claus always wanted to make children smile with his gifts—hand-made ones from him alone. While this worked for many years, the world's population increased. Not only did he work constantly to make toys but even the moose pulling his sleigh couldn't handle the increasing weight of presents. Mrs. Claus tries to persuade him to find help, but he insists that children expect to have gifts from him and only him. One Christmas night, it all becomes too much and surprising things happen.
I'm not sure why, but I went into this book a little bit uncertain about what I'd find. My concerns were completely unnecessary. This is a wonderful Christmas story, which adds a lovely dimension to Santa Claus while not changing his image and sticking to the traditional atmosphere. Santa Claus is the warm-hearted character children love, and he loves the children. Mrs. Claus adds a nice touch with her cookie baking escapades. The look into Santa's past, only makes him more of an inspiration.
The illustrations fit the tale as nicely as marshmallows to hot chocolate. They accompany the text, making it clear what is happening but, at the same time, adding emotions and details in all the right ways. The style is more traditional like the story and has the same loving touch that Santa gives his toys. It's a treat to flip through them.
There's a nice message in the story too. Change is not always bad and sometimes necessary, and sometimes, this requires accepting help from others. It's a message of giving and accepting—right along Christmas lines.
I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed this book so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts.
February 14, 2017
Story
This seems to be a bit of a play on the old ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas story. It’s really quite well-written. The flow and rhythm is excellent, so it makes a wonderful read-out-loud story.
I spotted a few minor editing issues (i.e. “nonending” vs. “unending”, “walked with more jolly”) … though perhaps the author was simply taking some artistic license with his language usage.
Illustrations
Really gorgeous artwork throughout this whole book. I spent a lot of time poring over each page just to take in all the detail. I can’t say enough how beautifully this book was illustrated. The color work throughout is just stunning. Some of the full spreads are downright frame-able.
The text treatment isn’t great, unfortunately. Font choice is ok, but the text is just far too small–especially because the artwork is planned to provide ample space for larger text. It’s not illegible, by any means, but it’s harder to read than necessary.
Cover
There’s just so much whimsy and charm throughout all the artwork in this book, and the cover is no different. It’s such a warm and cozy cover, and I love the little elves taking a photo with the antique camera. Just gorgeous cover artwork all around.
Not thrilled with the text treatment, but (as you may have noticed) I rarely am. The font choice is just a bit blah. However, I DO love the author’s logo.
This seems to be a bit of a play on the old ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas story. It’s really quite well-written. The flow and rhythm is excellent, so it makes a wonderful read-out-loud story.
I spotted a few minor editing issues (i.e. “nonending” vs. “unending”, “walked with more jolly”) … though perhaps the author was simply taking some artistic license with his language usage.
Illustrations
Really gorgeous artwork throughout this whole book. I spent a lot of time poring over each page just to take in all the detail. I can’t say enough how beautifully this book was illustrated. The color work throughout is just stunning. Some of the full spreads are downright frame-able.
The text treatment isn’t great, unfortunately. Font choice is ok, but the text is just far too small–especially because the artwork is planned to provide ample space for larger text. It’s not illegible, by any means, but it’s harder to read than necessary.
Cover
There’s just so much whimsy and charm throughout all the artwork in this book, and the cover is no different. It’s such a warm and cozy cover, and I love the little elves taking a photo with the antique camera. Just gorgeous cover artwork all around.
Not thrilled with the text treatment, but (as you may have noticed) I rarely am. The font choice is just a bit blah. However, I DO love the author’s logo.
December 22, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect from the title of this book but was immediately drawn in by the nostalgic illustrations. It turns out that the plot of the book revolves around the changes that took place from the time Santa was a young man to the present.
In the beginning, young Santa, a magical elf, made and delivered all the toys himself with the help of one moose. As cities sprang up and the population grew, Santa could not pull his heavier sleigh with one moose. As the story continues, the reader learns how Santa came to rely on a team of reindeer, how he moved farther north, and the need to have additional helpers. Mrs. Claus even learned to bake, and Santa's slim shape evolved to the fat, jolly character of today. Recommended for children and adults as a read aloud or holiday bedtime story.
The illustrations in the book are beautifully done, even if the rhymes are sometimes a bit off.
In the beginning, young Santa, a magical elf, made and delivered all the toys himself with the help of one moose. As cities sprang up and the population grew, Santa could not pull his heavier sleigh with one moose. As the story continues, the reader learns how Santa came to rely on a team of reindeer, how he moved farther north, and the need to have additional helpers. Mrs. Claus even learned to bake, and Santa's slim shape evolved to the fat, jolly character of today. Recommended for children and adults as a read aloud or holiday bedtime story.
The illustrations in the book are beautifully done, even if the rhymes are sometimes a bit off.
December 19, 2017
Before Santa had help with reindeers and elves he made all the toys and traveled on his own. As time went on the world got bigger and santa could not do everything on his own so he searched for help.
The rhyming scheme is excellent and a great story to read out loud. The story really fits into Santa’s background that most of us know. It seems very plausible and shows Santa’s human side. The side that stresses, worries and gets tired.
I think only thing I am not fond of is the title, How Santa Changed. I don't really know what title would be better. I just felt like the title did not grab me and honestly did not make me want to read it.
Even though my issues with the title are there. I am glad I did read it. It is one of those surprise books that you think you are not going to like but then like it more than you did.
The rhyming scheme is excellent and a great story to read out loud. The story really fits into Santa’s background that most of us know. It seems very plausible and shows Santa’s human side. The side that stresses, worries and gets tired.
I think only thing I am not fond of is the title, How Santa Changed. I don't really know what title would be better. I just felt like the title did not grab me and honestly did not make me want to read it.
Even though my issues with the title are there. I am glad I did read it. It is one of those surprise books that you think you are not going to like but then like it more than you did.
December 5, 2018
I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
How Santa Changed is a children's book about how Santa became the Santa we know today. According to this story, he started out making toys and delivering them himself. As he got older and the world's population grew, he had to get more help. As Santa grew, so did Mrs. Claus. When they first got married, her cookies didn't taste very good but over the years, she perfected her recipe. Once she did that, Santa never had a flat belly again.
The text is cute and rhymes and the illustrations are colorful and very well done. How Santa Changed is a great book for children to read this time of year. It'd also be a good book for parents to read to younger children because the illustrations will keep their interest.
How Santa Changed is a children's book about how Santa became the Santa we know today. According to this story, he started out making toys and delivering them himself. As he got older and the world's population grew, he had to get more help. As Santa grew, so did Mrs. Claus. When they first got married, her cookies didn't taste very good but over the years, she perfected her recipe. Once she did that, Santa never had a flat belly again.
The text is cute and rhymes and the illustrations are colorful and very well done. How Santa Changed is a great book for children to read this time of year. It'd also be a good book for parents to read to younger children because the illustrations will keep their interest.
December 15, 2017
I don't know how many children wonder about Santa before he became that "right jolly old elf" of the famous poem, but Karl Steam decided to fill in the story. He does so in a book with delightful illustrations and a story that's fun to follow.
Following the cadence of the poem attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, Steam fits his story into a rhythmic pattern. I'm a stickler for natural rhythm in rhyming books so this one lost a star for me when I read it out loud.
Fortunately, the story is engaging enough to earn kudos as a cheery addition to the Santa Claus canon.
My thanks to the author for alerting me to the book and offering the opportunity to review it.
Following the cadence of the poem attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, Steam fits his story into a rhythmic pattern. I'm a stickler for natural rhythm in rhyming books so this one lost a star for me when I read it out loud.
Fortunately, the story is engaging enough to earn kudos as a cheery addition to the Santa Claus canon.
My thanks to the author for alerting me to the book and offering the opportunity to review it.
December 15, 2017
How Santa Changed is a cute 38 page storybook about how Santa went from being a one-man show to moving to the North Pole with some new helpers.
The pictures are absolutely gorgeous. They are bright and colorful. They tell a story so vividly that you do not even need the words to understand what is going on. I read the book in Kindle. If you do as well then it would need to be fully appreciated on a tablet or phone.
The pages contain between twelve to one line of writing. On double pages, there are some sides with no writing. Most pages contain about four lines.
The word choices would be good for a reader who had a foundation, as long as they had help with some more difficult words. It seems more like it is meant for an adult to read to children. Even though my children are all much older, we will be reading this book together this holiday season.
I just really wish that Karl Steam did not feel the need to rhyme. Without that, it would have been a solid five-star review. However, the rhyming scheme does not stay consistent throughout the book. It was apparent enough that I noticed and had to pause to see what happened to the temp of the book. It just constrained the writing too much.
If you love Christmas and tales of Santa then I strongly recommend this book. Even if you do not have young children you will be drawn into the artwork and the story that it tales. The first thing that I thought of when I finished this book is "Wow, I can't wait to share this with my kids" who are all teenagers.
The pictures are absolutely gorgeous. They are bright and colorful. They tell a story so vividly that you do not even need the words to understand what is going on. I read the book in Kindle. If you do as well then it would need to be fully appreciated on a tablet or phone.
The pages contain between twelve to one line of writing. On double pages, there are some sides with no writing. Most pages contain about four lines.
The word choices would be good for a reader who had a foundation, as long as they had help with some more difficult words. It seems more like it is meant for an adult to read to children. Even though my children are all much older, we will be reading this book together this holiday season.
I just really wish that Karl Steam did not feel the need to rhyme. Without that, it would have been a solid five-star review. However, the rhyming scheme does not stay consistent throughout the book. It was apparent enough that I noticed and had to pause to see what happened to the temp of the book. It just constrained the writing too much.
If you love Christmas and tales of Santa then I strongly recommend this book. Even if you do not have young children you will be drawn into the artwork and the story that it tales. The first thing that I thought of when I finished this book is "Wow, I can't wait to share this with my kids" who are all teenagers.
December 3, 2017
Realistic, old -fashion illustrations tell the story of Santa Claus becoming the man we know today. Santa faced a number of situations as his responsibilities grew and this book tells how he adapted. This picture book will delight and draw in the little ones over and over again.
December 13, 2017
This is a very cute Christmas story. It's a slightly different take on how Santa, as we know him, came to be. I love the illustrations, and the text is very easy to read. Looking forward to sharing it with my grandchildren when they get here for the holidays.
December 5, 2017
Very cute
It was very heartwarming moment . However there is a lot of rhyming . It was cute that it showed where Santa got the elves and the reindeer in the Rhyme and poem
It was very heartwarming moment . However there is a lot of rhyming . It was cute that it showed where Santa got the elves and the reindeer in the Rhyme and poem
December 11, 2017
This is a cute story
I wish the writer had included Mrs. Class's cookie recipe.
The writer should have included their mother's best cookie recipe too ;-)
I wish the writer had included Mrs. Class's cookie recipe.
The writer should have included their mother's best cookie recipe too ;-)
February 5, 2017
Today We Did
Over the years Santa’s job became bigger and more demanding and things had to change. One man could hardly cope with making all those toys and delivering them. Whilst Santa was initially resistant to change, Mrs Claus knew he needed help. Find out how reindeer, elves and Santa’s chubby, jolly belly came about.
How Santa Changed is a cheery Christmas book, perfect for reading aloud in the lead up to Christmas. The story is told through rhythmical verse, which is fun, and I really liked the ending.
One of the best features of this book is its gorgeous artwork. Each illustration is highly detailed and lovely to regard. We spent a lot of time just looking at the pictures.
How Santa Changed is suitable for preschoolers and primary school children.
*I received this book from the author as a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
Over the years Santa’s job became bigger and more demanding and things had to change. One man could hardly cope with making all those toys and delivering them. Whilst Santa was initially resistant to change, Mrs Claus knew he needed help. Find out how reindeer, elves and Santa’s chubby, jolly belly came about.
How Santa Changed is a cheery Christmas book, perfect for reading aloud in the lead up to Christmas. The story is told through rhythmical verse, which is fun, and I really liked the ending.
One of the best features of this book is its gorgeous artwork. Each illustration is highly detailed and lovely to regard. We spent a lot of time just looking at the pictures.
How Santa Changed is suitable for preschoolers and primary school children.
*I received this book from the author as a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive any other remuneration, and the review is composed entirely of my own opinions.
January 24, 2017
Reviewed By Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars
Mrs. Claus likes to bake cookies, but they’re always burnt. Santa likes to make toys for all the children of the world and he delivers them on Christmas Eve. His sleigh is so full, it took a mighty moose to pull it around the world. As the world grew, with more children and higher skyscrapers, Santa’s task of making toys for every child became overwhelming for just one person to do. The sleigh was too heavy for just one moose, so he added another. Only the moose didn’t get along and Christmas was in jeopardy until Santa found a herd of reindeer. Santa knew his task was no longer one he could do on his own. Changes had to be made and, in making them, Mrs. Claus’s cookies improved, so much so that Santa was eating them – a lot!
Change is never easy, but even Santa realized that he had to make some changes in his life and work. Karl Steam’s Christmas picture book story, How Santa Changed, is a delightful, rhyming story much in character with the ever popular poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore. How Santa Changed will also answer some of the age-old questions that children always ask, like why Santa uses reindeer and why he needs elves to help him make all the toys. And the ever famous question: why is Santa so big and jolly? This is a classic for any child’s Christmas bookshelf, a favorite that will be pulled out again and again to share with all generations of children.
Mrs. Claus likes to bake cookies, but they’re always burnt. Santa likes to make toys for all the children of the world and he delivers them on Christmas Eve. His sleigh is so full, it took a mighty moose to pull it around the world. As the world grew, with more children and higher skyscrapers, Santa’s task of making toys for every child became overwhelming for just one person to do. The sleigh was too heavy for just one moose, so he added another. Only the moose didn’t get along and Christmas was in jeopardy until Santa found a herd of reindeer. Santa knew his task was no longer one he could do on his own. Changes had to be made and, in making them, Mrs. Claus’s cookies improved, so much so that Santa was eating them – a lot!
Change is never easy, but even Santa realized that he had to make some changes in his life and work. Karl Steam’s Christmas picture book story, How Santa Changed, is a delightful, rhyming story much in character with the ever popular poem, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, by Clement Clarke Moore. How Santa Changed will also answer some of the age-old questions that children always ask, like why Santa uses reindeer and why he needs elves to help him make all the toys. And the ever famous question: why is Santa so big and jolly? This is a classic for any child’s Christmas bookshelf, a favorite that will be pulled out again and again to share with all generations of children.
December 3, 2016
MY THOUGHTS
First off the illustrations are wonderful. Adds to the story. I loved the cover. Sort of an old fashioned picture. This is sort of an informational book. I love the rhyming in it. It takes the reader through what Santa was like when he was a little boy and how he became Jolly Ole St. Nick. I just fell in love with this book. The author has given the reader a story that I have never seen before. The author gives you a bit on so many things that I bet you, I know I have never thought about. Why is the sleigh pulled by reindeer.? How did those little elves come to help with the toys? The book tells so much about Santa and he didn't leave out the Mrs, either. We get to learn about why and how she became the most famous baker in the world? This is a wonderful book with so much to learn. I enjoyed this book from page one to the end. SIMPLY GREAT!This would make a great Christmas Eve read for both the little ones and the young at heart. I would recommend getting a copy of this book, if not for the children or grandchildren, but for yourself. Santa's real. Just read the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Karl Steam and I voluntarily decided to review it.
First off the illustrations are wonderful. Adds to the story. I loved the cover. Sort of an old fashioned picture. This is sort of an informational book. I love the rhyming in it. It takes the reader through what Santa was like when he was a little boy and how he became Jolly Ole St. Nick. I just fell in love with this book. The author has given the reader a story that I have never seen before. The author gives you a bit on so many things that I bet you, I know I have never thought about. Why is the sleigh pulled by reindeer.? How did those little elves come to help with the toys? The book tells so much about Santa and he didn't leave out the Mrs, either. We get to learn about why and how she became the most famous baker in the world? This is a wonderful book with so much to learn. I enjoyed this book from page one to the end. SIMPLY GREAT!This would make a great Christmas Eve read for both the little ones and the young at heart. I would recommend getting a copy of this book, if not for the children or grandchildren, but for yourself. Santa's real. Just read the book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, Karl Steam and I voluntarily decided to review it.
December 7, 2016
The first thing that catches the eye when you open this book is the amazing 3D illustrations. They are vivid, colorful and so full of life, they deserve 5-stars rating by themselves. They are truly magnificent.
The story is a sweet, funny, rhyming tale about young Santa when his hair was still brown and his belly pretty flat. Back then Santa used to make all the Christmas presents by himself, and a mighty moose carried Santa's sleigh into the sky and all over the world.
Then the cities grew. Santa had to work all day to make toys for all the good boys and girls. He was so worried he wouldn't make it on time that his beard turn white! There were so many presents to deliver that one moose couldn't carry the sleigh by himself, adding one more could have solved the problem if those two could only get along and fly together in the same direction. Luckily, Santa came by some raindeers who were willing to do the job...
But this story isn't just a Christmas tale about how Santa became this loveable chubby folk figure, it has a profound message about seeking help from others in times of need.
Kids would enjoy reading the story and adults would enjoy it too. I laughed out loud when I got to the last page.
The story is a sweet, funny, rhyming tale about young Santa when his hair was still brown and his belly pretty flat. Back then Santa used to make all the Christmas presents by himself, and a mighty moose carried Santa's sleigh into the sky and all over the world.
Then the cities grew. Santa had to work all day to make toys for all the good boys and girls. He was so worried he wouldn't make it on time that his beard turn white! There were so many presents to deliver that one moose couldn't carry the sleigh by himself, adding one more could have solved the problem if those two could only get along and fly together in the same direction. Luckily, Santa came by some raindeers who were willing to do the job...
But this story isn't just a Christmas tale about how Santa became this loveable chubby folk figure, it has a profound message about seeking help from others in times of need.
Kids would enjoy reading the story and adults would enjoy it too. I laughed out loud when I got to the last page.
December 22, 2016
Santa Makes a Few Adjustments
Delighted with this story. Cute as can be. How Santa Changed gets five stars from me!
Ever wonder what Santa was like BEFORE he met Rudolph and the rest of the gang? Here's your chance. Written in rhyming verse much like Twas the Night Before Christmas, I fell in love with the story and beautiful illustrations. Originally, I read this book alone but decided it was too good not to share. Having a small audience after dinner tonight, I read aloud to my mother and my grown daughter. Both women found it as charming as I did. It's a fun story to read aloud and I can easily imagine my younger self begging Mother to, please, read it just once more. The illustrations, done by Steam, an illustrator and motivational speaker, are fantastic. This book is guaranteed to capture a child's imagination and wonder.
Steam's Santa is a younger version of the jolly old elf we all know and love today. Here, Santa is still trying to tweak toy production and delivery methods while Mrs. Claus tries to get the hang of baking sweets. Who knew reindeer were not Santa's first choice when it came to lugging a sleigh full of toys around the world? Highly recommend this clever holiday tale.
Delighted with this story. Cute as can be. How Santa Changed gets five stars from me!
Ever wonder what Santa was like BEFORE he met Rudolph and the rest of the gang? Here's your chance. Written in rhyming verse much like Twas the Night Before Christmas, I fell in love with the story and beautiful illustrations. Originally, I read this book alone but decided it was too good not to share. Having a small audience after dinner tonight, I read aloud to my mother and my grown daughter. Both women found it as charming as I did. It's a fun story to read aloud and I can easily imagine my younger self begging Mother to, please, read it just once more. The illustrations, done by Steam, an illustrator and motivational speaker, are fantastic. This book is guaranteed to capture a child's imagination and wonder.
Steam's Santa is a younger version of the jolly old elf we all know and love today. Here, Santa is still trying to tweak toy production and delivery methods while Mrs. Claus tries to get the hang of baking sweets. Who knew reindeer were not Santa's first choice when it came to lugging a sleigh full of toys around the world? Highly recommend this clever holiday tale.
December 22, 2016
What a delightful and different Christmas story this is. Illustrated in full colour and in a traditional style, How Santa Changed, tells the story of Santa as a young man, who loves to make toys for children. But as the years go by the burden of producing more and more toys takes its toll and the moose that pulls his sleigh can’t cope either!
Changes are needed if the annual task of delivering toys to children all over the world can be completed.
The story is told in rhyme in the style of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ – it’s a bright, cheerful and very seasonal read that I loved and I am sure children will love to find out how young Santa became the Jolly Old Elf that we all know.
There are a couple of clunky lines but otherwise the rhyming story worked really well. A lovely, quick read for Christmas!
Changes are needed if the annual task of delivering toys to children all over the world can be completed.
The story is told in rhyme in the style of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ – it’s a bright, cheerful and very seasonal read that I loved and I am sure children will love to find out how young Santa became the Jolly Old Elf that we all know.
There are a couple of clunky lines but otherwise the rhyming story worked really well. A lovely, quick read for Christmas!
December 22, 2016
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book with my grand kids and it brought a few smiles to our faces. It seems to me that this book has been created with a lot of love and joy and it is very obvious to me that the author really enjoys creating such wonderful books.
I have shared your stories with my own family and we have all found great delight in them. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. Five stars from us. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next.
This little gem will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor! Author and illustrator Karl Steam does an excellent job.
I have shared your stories with my own family and we have all found great delight in them. Thank you for sharing with us the gift that you have obviously worked so hard to refine. Five stars from us. We’ll be looking forward to seeing what’s coming next.
This little gem will have readers of all ages believing in the magic of Christmas. This is one to pull out every year and savor! Author and illustrator Karl Steam does an excellent job.
January 8, 2017
Truly a delightful book! The story is well done with a nice word flow. The pictures are beautifully illustrated. The book is not only about Santa, but Mrs. Claus has a story of her own going on throughout the book. The illustrations show most of her story, a little in each page. The elves too are included, but you need to watch for them. The book was read numerous times this holiday season and will continue to be in years to come.
December 4, 2016
Do you think Santa Claus suddenly appeared one day just the way kids see him today? Steam says no in this charming, rhyming story. Classroom resources are included.
April 16, 2017
Beautifully illustrated in the old traditional style, this rhyming picture storybook is a little gem.
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Santa-Ch...
https://www.amazon.com/How-Santa-Chan...
https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Santa-C...
https://www.amazon.ca/How-Santa-Chang...
See my review also at:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Santa-Ch...
https://www.amazon.com/How-Santa-Chan...
https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Santa-C...
https://www.amazon.ca/How-Santa-Chang...
December 14, 2017
One of the best parts about Christmas, is telling stories to kids about Santa. Their eyes light up, you can see their imaginations spinning, and for a few minutes, you've introduced them to some magic. While many stories focus on Santa as we know and love him today, few delve into how he became Santa, at least for kids. Luckily, there is now a wonderful book showing exactly that, adding more charm to the festive season.
Paired with beautiful illustrations reminiscent of the most picturesque holiday paintings, this story tells of how Santa found his elves, reindeer, and even how he got his big belly, thanks to Mrs. Claus and her famous cookies. Giving an illustrated history of the iconic symbol of Christmas was wonderful, and I think any child would enjoy exploring this book many times. The pictures were colorful and detailed, but still seemed as though they had a light frost on them, polishing off the Christmas spirit filling this book.
I would recommend it to anyone who has children to entertain around the holidays, or simply enjoys picture books for kids.
*I was given a complimentary eCopy of this book, from the author, to read in exchange for an honest review.
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