The Real Santa

by Nancy Redd (Author) Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Join one Black family on their journey to discover what the real Santa looks like in this joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer, from the New York Times bestselling author of Bedtime Bonnet.

It's not Christmas without Santa! But what does Santa truly look like? Does he match the figurines on the mantel, or the faces on our favorite holiday sweaters? Does he look like you or like me? Find out in this joyous and cozy celebration of family, representation, and holiday spirit! Destined to be a new classic, and perfect for any child looking to see some of themself in Santa Claus.

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Kirkus Reviews

Starred Review
This book should round out every holiday collection.

Publishers Weekly

Starred Review

Christmas preparations are underway for a Black child and their family, with a variety of Black Santas at the center, his visage "sitting on our Christmas tree, smiling on our gift wrap, and stitched on to my sweater"; a collection of brown-skinned Santa figurines also graces the fireplace mantle. As the pajama-clad family readies for Christmas Eve and reads together--canny readers will recognize the cover of the author's previous work--the excited protagonist grows increasingly curious about Santa's appearance. Determined to catch a glimpse, the child sneaks back downstairs, but falls asleep under the tree, only to be carried to bed by a Santa who "looks just like I hoped he would--// Santa looks just like me." Redd's representation of a Black family during the holidays radiates pride in self-identity, while Barlow's cozy mixed-media illustrations conjure the wonder of the season in this welcome, resonant tale. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Nancy Redd
Nancy Redd is an award-winning on-air host, a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author, a two-time Mom's Choice Award winner, an NAACP Image Award nominee for outstanding literary work, and a GLAAD Media Award nominee for outstanding digital journalism. She is also the author of the highly-acclaimed picture book BEDTIME BONNET. Called "the perfect combination of style and substance" by Essence magazine, Nancy holds an honors degree in women's studies from Harvard University. THE REAL SANTA was inspired by Nancy's family's own beloved Christmas traditions. Find Nancy online at www.nancyredd.com.

Growing up, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow was surrounded by art. Her passion for illustration grew after being introduced to the wonderful world of watercolor. She received her BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts and her MFA in Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts. Creating images and stories that speak to the hearts of children and those that guide them is her greatest joy. Charnelle currently lives in Indianapolis with her husband. When she's not drawing, she is baking, sewing or reading with a cup of tea by her side. Find her online at www.callmechartreuse.com.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593178140
Lexile Measure
570
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication date
October 20, 2021
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
JUV039000 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | General
JUV017010 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Christmas & Advent
Library of Congress categories
-

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