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Santa's Birthday Gift
If your child or grandchild has ever wondered where Santa fits in with the traditional Christmas story, now you can read them Santa's Birthday Gift. Finally, a book that ties two holiday traditions into one inspirational tale of wonder - as Santa brings gifts to baby Jesus. The cleverly-written, rhyming book reveals Santa's adventure from toymaker to star follower -- right into the heart of Bethlehem where he meets Baby Jesus in the manger. Delivering toys to a king is a touching experience for both Santa and readers alike, as they discover where the tradition began -- Santa makes a promise to Jesus to bring gifts to good boys and girls each year on Jesus' birthday. This delightful story is engaging and delivers meaningful lessons using recognizable nativity characters, and of course, Santa and Jesus. Author Sherrill S. Cannon says her inspiration for this book came from her granddaughter who, after hearing the Christmas story, asked, "But where's Santa?" Cannon has been weaving stories and poems even before she could write. She enjoys the creative process and says her goal in each book is to teach good manners, as well as caring for others. Her background is in physical education, sports photography and she also had a column in a newspaper. Cannon is already working on several new children's books.
24 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2009
2 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Sherrill S. Cannon
20 books209 followersI am the author of two books of poetry, A Penny for Your Thoughts & A Dime is a Sign, as well as ten published rhyming award-winning children's books, The Magic Word, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, Santa's Birthday Gift, Gimme-Jimmy, Manner-Man, My Fingerpaint Masterpiece, Mice & Spiders & Webs...Oh My!, The Golden Rule and My Little Angel and David's ADHD. I have also written seven published musical plays for children which are available at Lazy Bee Scripts. I am a magna cum laude graduate of The American University in Washington DC, and have been a teacher, photographer, publicist, stage manager, and a business administrator - as well as an author!
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 11, 2012
If you love a great Christmas story that has a fun and interesting twist, then you will love Santa's Birthday Gift. This delightful tale has both Santa and baby Jesus in the same story. How often do you see that? This gentle rhyming story revisits the story of Mary and Joseph and the birth of baby Jesus. You will also be invited along to share in the story of a very famous toy maker who loved good girls and boys. Young readers will see the gifts to baby Jesus from the wise men and a very special gift he received from Santa. Soft colored illustrations really bring this wonderful story of Christmas to life.
April 19, 2012
Book Title: "Santa’s Birthday Gift”
Author: Sherrill S. Cannon
Published By: Strategic Book Company
Age Recommended: 3+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: Another wonderful book from this author, I have often wondered what the best way to incorporate both Jesus and Santa into Christmas in such a way it would make sense to a child how the holiday could be about both aspects without losing the true reason and meaning. In this book, “Santa’s Birthday Gift” Santa is summoned to the birth of the Christ child and is given the ability to deliver presents all over the world to all the children in honor of Jesus’ birthday. I have to say her idea is magnificent and I cannot think of a better way to successfully combine the true spirit of the holiday, with a beloved tradition. I could see this book becoming a treasured read for this time of year, one that would be passed down for years to come. This is a truly beautiful story. Start your own Christmas tradition with this wonderful book.
Author: Sherrill S. Cannon
Published By: Strategic Book Company
Age Recommended: 3+
Reviewed By: Kitty Bullard
Raven Rating: 5
Review: Another wonderful book from this author, I have often wondered what the best way to incorporate both Jesus and Santa into Christmas in such a way it would make sense to a child how the holiday could be about both aspects without losing the true reason and meaning. In this book, “Santa’s Birthday Gift” Santa is summoned to the birth of the Christ child and is given the ability to deliver presents all over the world to all the children in honor of Jesus’ birthday. I have to say her idea is magnificent and I cannot think of a better way to successfully combine the true spirit of the holiday, with a beloved tradition. I could see this book becoming a treasured read for this time of year, one that would be passed down for years to come. This is a truly beautiful story. Start your own Christmas tradition with this wonderful book.
November 16, 2012
The night Baby Jesus was born Santa Claus saw the Northern Star shining down. After hooking up his reindeer he followed the star to Bethlehem where Baby Jesus lay in a manger Santa was so in awe he offered his heart to Jesus.
When Santa passed out gifts to everyone there his bag never seemed to be empty. He had enough toys to give children all over the world a gift in celebration of the Birth of Baby Jesus. Not only was Santa's heart full of love so seemed his bag of gifts for all the children. Christ is Love!
This is a definitely a wonderful way to explain in this rhyming story about how it is possible for Santa to have so many gifts to give out at Christmas. The author seems to get a lot of her inspiration because of her grandchildren and especially her faith in God.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from author Sherrill S. Cannon for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
When Santa passed out gifts to everyone there his bag never seemed to be empty. He had enough toys to give children all over the world a gift in celebration of the Birth of Baby Jesus. Not only was Santa's heart full of love so seemed his bag of gifts for all the children. Christ is Love!
This is a definitely a wonderful way to explain in this rhyming story about how it is possible for Santa to have so many gifts to give out at Christmas. The author seems to get a lot of her inspiration because of her grandchildren and especially her faith in God.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure
I received a free copy of this book from author Sherrill S. Cannon for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.
December 23, 2017
What a lovely children's book. I received this as a gift and voluntarily chose to review it. I've given it a 5* rating. Plenty of graphics to draw children's eyes but the story is told in a rhyming fashion that I loved. This story draws Santa into the birth of Jesus story. Can hardly wait to share this with my grandchildren.
April 29, 2015
My daughter and I read and reviewed this book for our website http://MotherDaughterBookReviews.com. Here's what we have to say:
DAUGHTER SAYS:
This book is about an “angel” named Santa who brings a gift to Baby Jesus. I liked the cover and the pictures in the book. I liked the pictures of Baby Jesus because he’s cute. My favorite part of the book is when Santa gives his gift to Baby Jesus. There is no least favorite part – I liked it all! The story made me feel happy. I liked that the story of Santa was in the story of Jesus. I learned that Santa is kind of like an angel. I learned that in this story, Santa made a promise to Jesus to bring gifts to kids around the world every year. I would recommend this book to boys and girls 5 years and older.
MOM SAYS:
What I liked and disliked about it:
If you have been following me for a while, you will already know that we are BIG, BIG fans of Sherrill Cannon and her wonderful books. You can check out our review of one of our favorites, Gimme-Jimmy. There are some things that Sherrill Cannon just does so well. She is a story-teller who uses rhyme to bring originality into tales which always contains a strong message for children regarding appropriate behaviour. In Santa’s Birthday Gift, Cannon provides us with a story to share with children who are curious about the relationship between Santa and Baby Jesus at Christmas-time.
I just really love the concept of this book. The story begins with the re-telling of the birth of Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and the coming of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts. The angels then come to visit the “small, holy boy” spreading the word about his birth. And then, we are introduced to an angel named Santa Claus who is a toy maker living at the North Pole. Santa also visits Baby Jesus with a sack full of toys and a unique gift which is a special promise to Jesus. Can you guess the promise made that magical night?
I am satisfied with the way that Cannon brings together these two stories. I know that some people would be offended by the idea that Santa could be an angel that was present at the time of Jesus’ birth, but I think it is really done in a very respectful way. I think Christians and non-Christians alike would like this story, because the underlying message is still about the glory of the birth of Christ and Santa is portrayed as someone who was inspired by Christ to share and spread His love.
One final word about the illustrations… These illustrations are not as “cartoony” as some of Cannon’s other books. They remind me of some of the older Little Golden books from decades ago and consequently they give the book a certain warmth that I really enjoyed.
My bottom line:
This is a wonderful Christmas picture book that my kids and I enjoyed reading. I would highly recommend this book to families with children ages 3 years and older.
*Santa’s Birthday Gift was provided to us free-of-charge by the author in exchange for our honest opinion.*
DAUGHTER SAYS:
This book is about an “angel” named Santa who brings a gift to Baby Jesus. I liked the cover and the pictures in the book. I liked the pictures of Baby Jesus because he’s cute. My favorite part of the book is when Santa gives his gift to Baby Jesus. There is no least favorite part – I liked it all! The story made me feel happy. I liked that the story of Santa was in the story of Jesus. I learned that Santa is kind of like an angel. I learned that in this story, Santa made a promise to Jesus to bring gifts to kids around the world every year. I would recommend this book to boys and girls 5 years and older.
MOM SAYS:
What I liked and disliked about it:
If you have been following me for a while, you will already know that we are BIG, BIG fans of Sherrill Cannon and her wonderful books. You can check out our review of one of our favorites, Gimme-Jimmy. There are some things that Sherrill Cannon just does so well. She is a story-teller who uses rhyme to bring originality into tales which always contains a strong message for children regarding appropriate behaviour. In Santa’s Birthday Gift, Cannon provides us with a story to share with children who are curious about the relationship between Santa and Baby Jesus at Christmas-time.
I just really love the concept of this book. The story begins with the re-telling of the birth of Baby Jesus in Bethlehem and the coming of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts. The angels then come to visit the “small, holy boy” spreading the word about his birth. And then, we are introduced to an angel named Santa Claus who is a toy maker living at the North Pole. Santa also visits Baby Jesus with a sack full of toys and a unique gift which is a special promise to Jesus. Can you guess the promise made that magical night?
I am satisfied with the way that Cannon brings together these two stories. I know that some people would be offended by the idea that Santa could be an angel that was present at the time of Jesus’ birth, but I think it is really done in a very respectful way. I think Christians and non-Christians alike would like this story, because the underlying message is still about the glory of the birth of Christ and Santa is portrayed as someone who was inspired by Christ to share and spread His love.
One final word about the illustrations… These illustrations are not as “cartoony” as some of Cannon’s other books. They remind me of some of the older Little Golden books from decades ago and consequently they give the book a certain warmth that I really enjoyed.
My bottom line:
This is a wonderful Christmas picture book that my kids and I enjoyed reading. I would highly recommend this book to families with children ages 3 years and older.
*Santa’s Birthday Gift was provided to us free-of-charge by the author in exchange for our honest opinion.*
December 22, 2011
“If your child or grandchild has ever wondered when Santa fits in the traditional Christmas story, now you can read them Santa’s Birthday Gift.Finally, a book that ties two holiday traditions into one inspirational tale of wonder—as Santa brings gifts to baby Jesus.”
Santa’s Birthday Gift is a wonderfully crafted story that explains both the birth of Jesus and Santa Claus’ spirit of gift giving. The story is written with such skill that it becomes plausible that Santa could have been there that night and this is how he began his yearly trips to good boys and girls. If your children, or you, want to know how Santa’s reindeer can fly, this story explains how. Have you ever wondered how Santa’s bag is always full of toys, no matter how many he pulls out? I have and this story finally explained in a way that makes sense.
There are really two stories in Santa’s Birthday Gift. The second is the amazing birth of baby Jesus. The traditional nativity story re-told in simple terms that most every child would understand. Still, the main story is how Santa Claus came to be. I really like this story. It can be leisurely read in one sitting and holds the reader’s (and the listener’s), attention throughout. This story will become a part of your Christmas tradition; it is that good and that inspiring.
Received from author.
Review courtesy of Kid Lit Reviews . . . http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2011/12/01...
Santa’s Birthday Gift is a wonderfully crafted story that explains both the birth of Jesus and Santa Claus’ spirit of gift giving. The story is written with such skill that it becomes plausible that Santa could have been there that night and this is how he began his yearly trips to good boys and girls. If your children, or you, want to know how Santa’s reindeer can fly, this story explains how. Have you ever wondered how Santa’s bag is always full of toys, no matter how many he pulls out? I have and this story finally explained in a way that makes sense.
There are really two stories in Santa’s Birthday Gift. The second is the amazing birth of baby Jesus. The traditional nativity story re-told in simple terms that most every child would understand. Still, the main story is how Santa Claus came to be. I really like this story. It can be leisurely read in one sitting and holds the reader’s (and the listener’s), attention throughout. This story will become a part of your Christmas tradition; it is that good and that inspiring.
Received from author.
Review courtesy of Kid Lit Reviews . . . http://kid-lit-reviews.com/2011/12/01...
December 12, 2012
Santa's Birthday Gift Review
12/11/20120 Comments
Santa's Birthday Gift
~Written by Sherrill Cannon
~Illustrated by Kalpart Team
Santa's Birthday Gift by Sherrill Cannon is an endearing story that helps children understand how Santa fits in with the Christmas celebration of Jesus' birth.
The story begins "in the small town of Bethlehem, long, long ago" where Mary gave birth to a baby whom she wrapped in swaddling clothes. High up in the sky a bright star filled the sky and lead the way for Kings and shepherds. But, far away in the North Pole an Angel named Santa Claus also saw the light and knew that God's child had been born. Santa was a toy maker and enjoyed making toys for all the children. Tonight he wanted to bring a special gift to the holy Child. Santa "traveled a long way, then ran out of snow, and wasn't sure how he'd be able to go. So he offered a prayer and he looked to the sky and suddenly his reindeer were able to fly!" What special offering will Santa have for the tiny baby laying in a manger?
Children will be inspired by Santa's heartwarming and selfless gift. They will also enjoy the delightful illustrations that visually reinforce the message within the story.
Santa's Birthday Gift is a touching story that is sure to become a Christmas tradition. I recommend picking up a copy.
12/11/20120 Comments
Santa's Birthday Gift
~Written by Sherrill Cannon
~Illustrated by Kalpart Team
Santa's Birthday Gift by Sherrill Cannon is an endearing story that helps children understand how Santa fits in with the Christmas celebration of Jesus' birth.
The story begins "in the small town of Bethlehem, long, long ago" where Mary gave birth to a baby whom she wrapped in swaddling clothes. High up in the sky a bright star filled the sky and lead the way for Kings and shepherds. But, far away in the North Pole an Angel named Santa Claus also saw the light and knew that God's child had been born. Santa was a toy maker and enjoyed making toys for all the children. Tonight he wanted to bring a special gift to the holy Child. Santa "traveled a long way, then ran out of snow, and wasn't sure how he'd be able to go. So he offered a prayer and he looked to the sky and suddenly his reindeer were able to fly!" What special offering will Santa have for the tiny baby laying in a manger?
Children will be inspired by Santa's heartwarming and selfless gift. They will also enjoy the delightful illustrations that visually reinforce the message within the story.
Santa's Birthday Gift is a touching story that is sure to become a Christmas tradition. I recommend picking up a copy.
November 30, 2010
Santa’s Birthday Gift is a delightful Christmas story told in rhyme. It begins with the birth of the Savior, the visit of three kings and angels spreading the news to the shepherds. You can feel the love of Mary as she cradles her newborn baby in her arms.
She held Him and rocked Him and gave Him her love,
For she knew that her baby was sent from above;
And our Christ who would help all the world to believe,
Was asleep in a manger that first Christmas Eve. – Sherrill Cannon
The author then surprises us with a visit from Santa. I was impressed with how delicately she brings out the legend of Santa and incorporates it into the story. She helps young children realize that Santa wants to celebrate the birth of Christ by giving to others. In this small way, he is presenting his own personal gift to our Savior.
I know for a fact that children love to listen to rhyme. It seems to stimulate their senses. I would recommend this book to any child who wonders why Santa comes into the picture.
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”
She held Him and rocked Him and gave Him her love,
For she knew that her baby was sent from above;
And our Christ who would help all the world to believe,
Was asleep in a manger that first Christmas Eve. – Sherrill Cannon
The author then surprises us with a visit from Santa. I was impressed with how delicately she brings out the legend of Santa and incorporates it into the story. She helps young children realize that Santa wants to celebrate the birth of Christ by giving to others. In this small way, he is presenting his own personal gift to our Savior.
I know for a fact that children love to listen to rhyme. It seems to stimulate their senses. I would recommend this book to any child who wonders why Santa comes into the picture.
Written by Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.”
January 2, 2013
Santa's Birthday Gift by author Sherrill S. Cannon is a book I wish my kids could have had as children.
Two Christmas stories are combined in one beautiful little book that is sure to become a traditional read at Christmas time for many families.
The author has created a delightful story that is both poignant and magical, keeping the real meaning of Christmas alive and answering the questions, who is Santa Claus and what does he have to do with the real meaning of Christmas?
This rhyming book takes Santa on an adventure from a simple toymaker to a star follower. He follows the star right into Bethlehem where he meets the baby Jesus. When he sees that gifts are being given to Jesus, he wants to give his most precious gifts too - toys! When he discovers something magical about his Christmas sack, he vows to bring toys to every child in the world in honour of the newborn King.
This book is a Reader's Favorite Winner and an Indie Excellent Finalist and one you are sure to enjoy with your children this each and every Christmas!
Two Christmas stories are combined in one beautiful little book that is sure to become a traditional read at Christmas time for many families.
The author has created a delightful story that is both poignant and magical, keeping the real meaning of Christmas alive and answering the questions, who is Santa Claus and what does he have to do with the real meaning of Christmas?
This rhyming book takes Santa on an adventure from a simple toymaker to a star follower. He follows the star right into Bethlehem where he meets the baby Jesus. When he sees that gifts are being given to Jesus, he wants to give his most precious gifts too - toys! When he discovers something magical about his Christmas sack, he vows to bring toys to every child in the world in honour of the newborn King.
This book is a Reader's Favorite Winner and an Indie Excellent Finalist and one you are sure to enjoy with your children this each and every Christmas!
April 19, 2012
My Review: This is the story about the wonderful birth of Jesus Christ and the story of Santa Claus (known to us British as St. Nicholas) and the spirit of giving.
I was surprised to turn the pages after reading about how the wise men knelt down and presented their gifts to baby Jesus to find the second part of the story talking about how an angel named Santa Claus woke to the starlight and knew that a Savior was born. He packed up his toys and travel to see baby Jesus. He arrived at the manger and he knelt before baby Jesus and promised on Christ’s birthday, he will deliver his toys to all the children everywhere.
Children will learn that Christmas is not only about receiving gifts but about the birth of Jesus.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I was surprised to turn the pages after reading about how the wise men knelt down and presented their gifts to baby Jesus to find the second part of the story talking about how an angel named Santa Claus woke to the starlight and knew that a Savior was born. He packed up his toys and travel to see baby Jesus. He arrived at the manger and he knelt before baby Jesus and promised on Christ’s birthday, he will deliver his toys to all the children everywhere.
Children will learn that Christmas is not only about receiving gifts but about the birth of Jesus.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
May 5, 2014
I struggled with my rating of this book. I absolutely love instilling the idea in children that Santa gives gifts on Christmas to celebrate Jesus' birthday. That message is presented beautifully here. I struggled a bit with the way he shows up at the nativity, even though the author herself prepared me for this. Perhaps I just don't want to confuse children that he was really there. Maybe if it had been part of a child's dream I might have been more comfortable with it. Still, the story is very sweet and a great way to teach children. As long as I read it with my child explaining my views about the first Christmas, I think this story is a great tool to teach with. It gives us a great deal to think about and starts a great discussion with children about Christmas and how we celebrate it.
I received an eBook in exchange for and honest review of this book.
I received an eBook in exchange for and honest review of this book.
July 17, 2011
Midwest Book Review: "Santa's Birthday Gift" is a charming children's Christmas book that explains origins of Santa's role in connection with the birth of the Christ child. "Santa's Birthday Gift" is beautifully written in a gentle versed narrative and illuminated with starlit illustrations of the Nativity including the jolly angel-elf in red known as Santa. Written in answer to a child's question about the traditional Nativity, "But where is Santa?", "Santa's Birthday Gift" is the perfect explanation of mysterious Christmas customs and traditions for young children. "Santa's Birthday Gift" will enchant inquisitive children of all ages
December 15, 2011
I love the way Santa's Birthday Gift tie the stories of Jesus and Santa Claus together. In my family we know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus but the kids also anxiously await to see what Santa brought them. This adorable rhyming story shows Santa role in Jesus' birthday. It also teaches the lesson of giving. This story is bound to become a Christmas tradition with its simple, but beautiful retelling of the nativity scene. What a wonderful way to teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas!
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
*A free copy of this book was given to me for a honest review. No other compensation was provided for this review.
November 3, 2013
Delight your young ones with this delectable tale of Santa's gift to baby Jesus. Sherrill brings a sensational perspective of the connection between Christ's Birth and Santa's giving. She does it all through profound rhyming.
This is a great way for all Christian families to implement the importance of Christ's birth without removing the tradition of Santa Claus out of the equation.
The book cover says it all! It is very felicitous and appealing. The title is equally appropriate.
What a wonderful way to begin the Holiday season!
I am delighted to review this book with a Five Stars rating.
I was generously sent this book by its author for an honest review, of which I have given.
This is a great way for all Christian families to implement the importance of Christ's birth without removing the tradition of Santa Claus out of the equation.
The book cover says it all! It is very felicitous and appealing. The title is equally appropriate.
What a wonderful way to begin the Holiday season!
I am delighted to review this book with a Five Stars rating.
I was generously sent this book by its author for an honest review, of which I have given.
May 18, 2014
Sherrill S. Cannon brings both the birth of Christ and Santa together in this heartwarming tale that gives us a deeper meaning to gift giving. She tells it in whimsical rhyme allowing children to be swept into a deeper meaning to both Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas.
In our age of commercialism we tend to lose the true meaning of Christmas. Yet it would be difficult for children and parents to give up such a wonderful legend as Santa. However in "Santa's Birthday Gift," Sherrill shows us how each can be a part of the other. Merging religion with popular culture this delightful little book is perfect way to explain the joy and miracle of the season.
A must read.
In our age of commercialism we tend to lose the true meaning of Christmas. Yet it would be difficult for children and parents to give up such a wonderful legend as Santa. However in "Santa's Birthday Gift," Sherrill shows us how each can be a part of the other. Merging religion with popular culture this delightful little book is perfect way to explain the joy and miracle of the season.
A must read.
June 17, 2012
This charmingly illustrated book merges the birth of Jesus with the legend of Santa, showing children how the greatest joy of the season is loving one another.
December 31, 2014
Santa's Birthday Gift
December 22, 2015
Santa fits perfectly in with the traditional Christmas story! PERFECT for reading out loud. Kid friendly, rhyming, cute illustrations, a great story!
December 2, 2016
Satisfies a childhood dillema
I wish this would have been dead to me when I was young! What a lovely way to tie in everything that makes Christmas so special for little ones!
I wish this would have been dead to me when I was young! What a lovely way to tie in everything that makes Christmas so special for little ones!
November 14, 2016
have read it, it's a good book for early readers for christmas!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews