This enchanting tale, originally written more than 100 years ago by L. Frank Baum, marries all the magic and fantasy of The Wizard of Oz to the classic Christmas tale. Nicholas is a mortal child found in the forest and raised by a band of woodland fairies and elves, where he learns to whittle small trinkets and toys from wood. As he grows older, he makes it his mission in life to make children happy by carving and delivering toys. Such traditions like hanging stockings on the chimney, Clauss flying reindeer, and St. Nicks immortality are explained through Baums colorful narrative thread. Award winning painter Charles Santore, who has interpreted such classics as Peter Rabbit, The Little Mermaid, and The Wizard of Oz, beautifully re-imagines this Christmas fairytale, which is sure to become a Christmas classic on childrens bookshelves.

Author Biography

L. Frank Baum was born in 1856, to a wealthy family. He was weak in health as a child and spent most of his time reading in his father's study. Baum created fantasy stories for enjoyment rather than moral learning, including the original American fairytale, The Wizard of Oz. Charles Santore is a nationally acclaimed illustrator. He is a recipient of the Society of Illustrators' Award of Excellence, the Hamilton King Award, and the Alumni of the Philadelphia College of Art. His works are in the collections of the Museum of Modern Art, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and in many private collections. He lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.