When Santa Was a Baby

When Santa Was a Baby
Written by Linda Bailey & Illustrated by Genevieve Godbout
Age Level: 0-8 Years
Published October 13, 2015

I bet he would’ve made the “Nice” list.

In this hilarious, sturdy board book, it’s clear that the defining characteristics we all know and love about Santa were present since birth. He always loved red, preferred cold weather, coveted a team of reindeer, and enjoyed giving presents more than receiving them. The cartoonish illustrations (including a couple of young Santa’s bare tushy!) will have you and your little one giggling and grinning from ear to ear.

“What a lovely time Santa had opening his presents! He had an even lovelier time wrapping them up again and putting them in a sack.”

There is also a lovely message of acceptance throughout this book. It’s clear to Santa’s parents from day one that Santa is atypical, but they respond to each and every one of his idiosyncrasies with love and delight. Santa’s peers are also shown as accepting, warmly embracing his uniqueness. It’s wonderfully validating for young readers who are still coming into their one-of-a-kind selves, and utterly charming with its sweetness and silliness.