How I Became Santa Clause


Children - Educational
80 Pages
Reviewed on 12/01/2020
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Author Biography

Christopher Clause Kringle, born in New York City in 1900 but is better known as Santa Clause since World War II. Responsible for delivering presents under trees since 1908, and teaching kids how to be good since he was a boy. His life mission is equality, to rid the world of racism, and eventually obtain world peace. His mother's side of the family dates back to Saint Nicholas of Greece (AD 270-343), and besides bringing children presents one day a year, he enjoys spending time with his wife and best friend, Wally. His other goal in life is figuring out his family history.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

Do you ever wonder where Santa came from? In How I Became Santa Clause, we find out exactly how he became what he is today. Christopher Claus Kringle was born January 1st, 1900, which was well over a hundred years ago in New York City. He was a smart child who had parents that taught him how to read at an early age. When he was a boy, children did not receive gifts under the Christmas tree, until one year he decided to spend his money on gifts for his family and then wrapping them to be placed underneath the tree. Soon he was giving presents to all the children in the area. He kept his gift-giving a secret until his brother Wally found out, followed by his parents. They agreed to keep his secret and helped build and create the toys that Kringle would deliver. He met the elves on one of his flying trips and came across the North Pole. The elves were the first to call him Santa Claus. After Santa married the woman he loved, they moved to the North Pole where they are expected to live a very long time, thanks to the cold. He continues to give gifts every year and loves his job. He also encourages children to write to him.

I thought How I Became Santa Clause was a very fun and interesting read. It took a direction I wasn’t expecting but I loved it. I liked how Santa was born just an ordinary person, but from a young age onward was connected with some very important people in history. How Chris’s father worked at the Hershey chocolate factory and how he would help out there as a boy. How he knew Henry Ford and his family making Teddy bears to honor President Theodore Roosevelt. I also liked how it explained when he sent things that children that they might not have asked for but he knew what they needed, such as giving Paul McCartney a guitar instead of a trumpet, and how Shirley Temple wanted a Raggedy Anne doll but instead got dancing, singing and acting lessons which helped launch her career. There are tiny bits of history mixed in with Santa’s own. The photographs were great to look at and gave us an image of what was going on in the story. I thought Chris Kringle has delivered a very unique and memorable biography and I cannot wait to read more of his tales as the big man in red.

Jennifer Ibiam

How I Became Santa Clause by Chris Kringle is an interesting historical children’s book. It details the life and times of Santa Clause from his birth till the present day. This novel will appeal to children who love historical fiction novels. Born Christopher Clause Kringle in New York in the early 1900s, he was arguably the smartest kid of his time. His mother taught him to read and write at an early age. When he was five years, he started going to work with his dad. His parents raised him right and with empathy, which made him concerned about other kids. He wanted them to have a chance at a better life, including his destitute friend, Wally. From advocating for education to doing anonymous goodwill, owning a household business, and becoming one with the elves and reindeers, Clause’s adventure is unending.

How I Became Santa Clause by Chris Kringle is a beautiful book for children, which adults can also relate to. In the spirit of the approaching holidays, this novel reminds me that the season is about love and sharing. Clause showed selflessness, empathy, and courage, among other traits. It will be beautiful for children and adults to embrace these traits in this period and every other time. I loved the pictures because they looked like postcards from the past, making me nostalgic. The scroll writing pad and Birchwood background gave off the holiday rustic vibe. I loved it! Chris also shared some interesting information on different subjects, which I appreciated. It is so cool that this book is educative and fun at the same time. Now, I and everyone else can tell of the “fictitious” origins of Santa Clause.

Jamie Michele

How I Became Santa Clause by Chris Kringle is a children's fictional autobiography of the most famous Christmas staple in the Western world, Old Saint Nick. Kringle uses a letter writing format after making his apologies for waiting a couple of centuries too long to do it, but in the case of a man who has so much to cover, one must believe in many things, including that the story of his life is better late than never. The book is colorful and takes the appearance of a scrapbook with scrolled parchment paper and brown typed text set on a rustic wood planked space. The coolness of both the season and the winter weather gets a nod with a scattering of icicles and snowflakes. Photographs accompany Kringle's narrative in a combination of color stock and black and white, and Kringle relays an entire history of his life.

How I Became Santa Clause is a fun little book that does a good job in balancing the spirit of the story and answers to some of the most pressing questions children and adults alike want to know. How have you lived so long? Do you have brothers or sisters? What is Mrs. Clause's first name? Chris Kringle answers all of these questions and more, all the while opening the door just a little bit wider as the story unfolds and we are allowed an intimate view of all things Santa. As a San Francisco native, I had a Santa-sized belly laugh when Kringle mentions that a child only mentioned by the name of Joe asked for a basketball but, because Kringle always knows better, he was given a football instead. If anyone deserves a five-star rating on a memoir, fiction or non, it's going to be the man who decides whether I'm on the naughty or nice list and who also happened to give a San Francisco quarterback a fantastic career. Highly recommended.

Alyssa Elmore

Ever wonder how Santa came to be? Discover the history of Santa and the miracle that is Christmas in the classic children's fable, How I became Santa Clause by Chris Kringle. Santa was born at a very special time when the world needed hope and joy. At a young age, he started working with his dad at a well-known chocolate factory. From there, Chris slowly evolved into the unique man that he is today with a desire to spread love and happiness through gift-giving. After discovering elves in the North Pole, Chris worked with them to make toys for the good girls and boys that wrote letters to him. The elves would later give Chris the name Santa and help him deliver gifts all over the world. With a delightful blend of colorful and black and white photos as reference, you can see how Santa met his wife, how reindeer fly with the help of science, and how the elves assist Santa and Mrs. Clause. Discover little know facts about Santa and Mrs. Clause and become privy to Santa’s most secret of secrets.

How I became Santa Clause by Chris Kringle is certain to be a special holiday tradition that delights children and adults of all ages. Chockfull of history, I especially appreciated the educational value told through engaging stories and beautiful photographs dating back to the early 1900s. I loved the colors and parchment backgrounds. It made everything feel more festive and stimulated the imagination. Part history book, part picture book, the stories depicting Santa Claus will inspire readers while teaching fascinating facts about life at the turn of the century. Colorful, fun, and informative, this book is the perfect way to start the holiday season.