Retold and illustrated by Ned Bustard.
Published by IVP Kids.
Ages – Elementary, 4-10
Winner of the 2021 Bronze Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
I don’t prioritize stories about Santa Claus and flying reindeer with my four young kids during Advent. But even though Santa is neither the focal point of our home nor a source of great offense, that doesn’t mean my kids aren’t asking questions about the guy in a red suit in all the books and movies and decorations at the mall in December. Which is why I was so grateful to discover Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard. I love resources—especially in the engaging form of a children’s book—to help my kids make sense of what they’re seeing in the world around them through the lens of faith.
In Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver, Bustard poetically retells the history of Saint Nicholas of Myra who the legendary Santa Claus is based on. Nicholas’ story is not sugarcoated, including being orphaned at a young age and facing persecution at the hands of Diocletian. Later in life, he settles in Myra where he generously served “the weak, sick, and needy” as a bishop. Bustard continues Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by including the imaginative story of Santa Claus, focusing on the theme of generosity shown by the greatest giftgiver, Jesus.
My favorite thing about this book is the tension it captures for people of faith. When asked about the inspiration behind the book, Bustard explained that while raising children he “wanted a way to teach the truth and enjoy the legends—while not confusing which is which.” Santa Claus doesn’t have to be a threat to our faith nor a character we have to push on our kids. His legend can be enjoyed for its imaginative creativity, while the historical figure he’s based on can encourage remembrance of God’s generosity toward us and our neighbors.
Just yesterday my six year old asked, “Is Santa Claus real?”
So, I pulled out Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver.