The Saint who would be Santa Claus:
The True Life and Trials of Nicholas of Myra

by Adam C. English

Baylor University Press, 2012

A careful look at the real historic person, Nicholas of Myra, this accessible account brings together primary source material, modern scholarship, and tradition over the centuries from many places to create a compelling account of Nicholas' life and why it has been so influential, even today. Fully annotated.

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Santa's Secret Story

by Cornelia Mary Bilinsky

Pauline Books & Media, 2011

Elementary age

$10.95

Rachel learns who Santa really is and how to share God's love

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The Legend of Saint Nicholas

by Demi

McElderry Books, 2003

List: $19.95

Ages: 5-10

Beautifully gilded illustrations tell the full story of St Nicholas, concluding, "Throughout the world today, whether he goes by the name of St. Nicholas, Sinter Klaas, or Santa Claus, this figure who shows enormous generosity, a love of children, deep care for the poor and needy, and a completely selfless nature is considered to embody the spirit of Christmas and the true spirit of the Lord."

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The Saint Who Became Santa Claus

by Evelyn Bence

Regina Press, 2002

List: $6.95

Ages: 4-8

Attractive small book tells two Nicholas stories (the dowry money and famine) and nicely relates St. Nicholas to Santa Claus, ending, "Most of all, Saint Nicholas wants us to thank God for the gift of the Christ Child, Jesus, who taught us how to love one another; and whose birth makes Christmas a Holy Day for all of us."

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24 Christmas Stories to Welcome Jesus

Ignatius Press

2011

Ages 4-9

Twenty-four stories for the days of Advent; fresh retelling of biblical and saints' stories, with modern and a few classic tales. Nicely illustrated. Originally from France.

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The True History of Santa Claus

by Nury Vittachi

PPP Company Limited, 2003

Ages: 9 and up (whenever questions about Santa Claus are asked)

$17.99

A ten-year-old boy, who stopped believing in Santa Claus when he was nine, has an adventure that causes him to believe again—this time in the real Santa, too. The tale includes Christmas Eve miracles, gifts, stockings, magic and snow, while being factual, historical and true to the story in Bethlehem. Highly recommended for children (and adults) asking questions about Santa.

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Saint Nicholas: The story of the real Santa Claus

retold by Mary Joslin

Lion Children's Books, Oxford, UK, 2003

List: $14.95 hardback or £4.99 paperback

Ages: 5 and up

Nicely illustrated picture book version of St Nicholas' best-known story of kindness and generosity.

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A St. Nicholas Story or The Fiercest Little Animal In The Forest

by Terri Reinhart

Patrick's Press, 2009

List: $12.95

Age preschool - primary children & families

Gentle story shows St. Nicholas' generosity and care for those in need as he enlists the help of the most unlikely animals. Helping others changes hearts. Story is in the Waldorf tradition. Soft full-color illustrations.
iPhone & iPad App; Android App, too

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The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale

retold by Aaron Shepard

Skyhook Press (Atheneum), 2010 (1995)

List: $10.00

Ages 4-8

Retelling of an Early American folk tale, the origin of "a baker's dozen"–St. Nicholas develops a spirit of generosity; beautiful detailed illustrations by Wendy Edelson. Now in a new 15th anniversary edition with pattern and recipe for St. Nicholas cookies

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Saint Nicholas

by Ann Tompert

Boyds Mills Press, 2000

List: $15.95

Ages: 4-10

This simply told story of St. Nicholas is based on both life and legend. Unusual mosaic style illustrations.

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Children of God Storybook Bible

by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Zondervan, 2010

List: $18.99

Age four - elementary age children & families

If you are looking for a children's Bible, you can't do better than this! 50 Bible stories retold for children, illustrated by 20 artists from around the world. Anyone who reads this Bible will know God loves them and how God wants people to live. Highly recommended. (Cover shown is UK edition)

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My Christmas Stocking: Filled with God's Love

by Crystal Bowman

ZonderKidz, Zondervan, 2006

List: $6.99 Board book

Ages: 3 and up

Shaped board book with simple introduction to Saint Nicholas and the stocking tradition; whimsical illustrations.

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The Secret of St. Nicholas

by Ellen Nibali

Fairland Books, West Friendship, Maryland, 2008

List: $16.95 paperback

Elementary age children & families

This story focuses on how a very young Nicholas used his inherited fortune to save three young women in secret. Full color illustrations.

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Christmas Is . . .

by Gail Gibbons

Holiday House, 2001

List: $6.95 paperback

Ages: 4-8

Good information about Christmas; begins with the Christ Child and introduces a number of Christmas symbols. The St. Nicholas pages tell of the gold landing in a stocking and make the connection to Santa.

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Santa Who?

by Gail Gibbons

Morrow Junior Books

List: $15.95

Ages: 4-8

Nice introduction to bishop St. Nicholas. Tells how Santa developed and the stories of other gift givers.

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Can We Help You, Saint Nicholas?

by Gerda Marie Scheidl

North-South Books, 1992

List: $6.95

Ages: 4-8

Originally published in Switzerland, this gentle story tells of animals helping a somewhat confused Saint Nicholas. Nice images of a Bishop Nicholas.

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Santa Claus: A Biography

by Gerry Bowler

McClelland & Smith, Toronto, Canada, 2005

List: $26.95

Excellent and entertaining account of how American Santa came to be. Fine background of Saint Nicholas and the book puts to rest a number of common myths concerning the evolution of Santa Claus.

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The Miracle of Saint Nicholas

by Gloria Whelan

Bethlehem Books, 1997

List: $14.95

Ages: 4-8

Story set in Russia tells of the enduring faith of a small village as a young boy's dream for the church evokes a miracle.

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Santa, Are You for Real?

by Harold Myra

Thomas Nelson, 1987

List: $7.99

Ages: 4-8

Rhyming story helps children discover that there was a real Saint Nicholas; keeps Jesus at the heart of Christmas. The author is president of Christianity Today.

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Nicholas: The epic journey from Saint to Santa Claus

by Jeremy Seal

Bloomsbury, New York & London, 2005

List: $24.95

Journey with this popular travel writer through time and across the globe to discover how and why Nicholas has evolved into Santa Claus and Father Christmas. Also published as Santa: A Life in the UK

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St. Nicholas: A closer look at Christmas

by Joe Wheeler & Jim Rosenthal

Thomas Nelson, London, 2005

List: $34.99

Generously illustrated full-color coffee table book will delight the eye with images of Saint Nicholas from around the globe, many full-page. Rosenthal, a great friend and associate of the St. Nicholas Center, provided the illustrations from his extensive collection of St. Nicholas postcards, church photographs and items reflecting popular culture.

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Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend

by Julie Stiegemeyer

Concordia Publishing House, 2003, 2005

List: $6.99 Board book edition

Ages: 4 and up

Nicholas is introduced through the well-known story of the three sisters who need dowry money. Simply told for young children, this shorter board book edition is good for use with both young and older children. We like it much better than the longer original version.

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Tales of the Tick-Tock Time Traveler: St. Nicholas's Secret

by Karla Johnson

Higher Life Development Services, 2009

List: $14.99

Ages: 6–9

Nicholas story woven into a time travel adventure with cartoon-style illustrations; tone a little preachy in spots.

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The Real St. Nicholas

Tales of Generosity and Hope From Around the World
Louise Carus

Quest Books, 2002

Adults

This book offers a St. Nicholas folktale or legend from around the world for each day in December. Stories to share that will help restore the true meaning of the holiday season.

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The Real Santa Claus

by Marianna Mayer

Phyllis Fogelman Books

List: $16.95

This story of St. Nicholas, the bishop who was the real Santa Claus, is lavishly illustrated with classic Christian art. Each page is a single story which could be read to younger children.

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The Secret of Saint Nicholas

by Mary Anne Kamols

Sid Harta Publishers, 2000

List: $5.95 paperback

Ages: 7-10

A gentle story written after the teacher-author's daughter asked if Father Christmas were real. Interesting blend of the Bishop of Myra's story and the development of Christmas gift-giving. Helps keep the magic of Christmas in an honest context.

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Wonderworker: The True Story of How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus

by Msgr. Vincent A. Yzermans

ACTA Publications, 2004 (1994)

List: $12.95

Ages: 12 and up

Written for a three-year old nephew to read when 13 or 14, this comprehensive, illustrated account helps people today understand how Nicholas became known as a Wonderworker and the evolution of modern-day Santa. An easy read, especially for adults who want to tell children about St. Nicholas, or just understand for themselves.

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The True Story of Santa Claus

by Paul Prokop

Pauline Books & Media, 2000

List: $5.95

Ages: 4-8

Santa Claus tells a young boy the story of Saint Nicholas and how Jesus asked him to continue looking after the world's children—and so he brings gifts every year and to remind children that Jesus is God's best gift.

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The True Story of Saint Nicholas

by Rebecca Benson Haskell

Alan C. Hood & Co., 2006 edition, (1964, 1997)

List: $16.00

Simple little book, suitable for Christmas Eve reading aloud.

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The Legend of the Christmas Stocking: An Inspirational Story of a Wish Come True

by Rick Osborne

ZonderKidz, Zondervan, 2006

List $6.99 Board book

Ages: 5 and up

Board book version with condensed text

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The Legend of the Christmas Stocking: The Inspirational Story of a Wish Come True

by Rick Osborne

ZonderKidz, Zondervan, 2004

List: $21.99

Ages: 5 and up

Loosely set in the early 1800s the story tells of a boy and how the story of Saint Nicholas leads to generosity.

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The Santa Papers
St. Nichols of Myra: the unofficial autobiography

by Wally Metts, jr

Kadesh Press, 2012

$6.95

Breezy, easy-to-read account introduces St. Nicholas, especially for evangelicals who may not know very much, if anything, about him. Told in contemporary vernacular in the saint's first-person voice.

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How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus: The True Story: PROJECT BOOK

by Bernie Marquis and Theresa Frances Myers

Pauline Books & Media, 1993

List: $4.50 paperback

Ages: 4-8

Activities and coloring pages reinforce the real St. Nicholas who points to the true center of Christmas.

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The Saint Nicholas Secret: A Story of Childhood Faith Reborn in the Heart of a Father

by Dennis E. Engleman

BookLocker.com, 2003 (Conciliar Press, 1999), List: $14.97 or ebook $9.97

A father's story of rediscovering St Nicholas, saint of the church, and sharing it with his children, with suggestions for parents from an Orthodox Christian perspective.

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