The Real Santa

by Nancy Redd, Charnelle Pinkney Barlow (Illustrator)

Overview

Join one Black family on their journey to discover what Santa looks like in this joyous tale celebrating identity, family and holiday cheer!

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780593178157
Publisher:	Random House Children's Books
Publication date:	11/09/2021
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	10.25(w) x 10.25(h) x 0.39(d)
Lexile:	AD570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

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 BEDTIME BONNET. 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.

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow had a passion for illustration that 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.

Editorial Reviews

★ 09/13/2021

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.)

Publishers Weekly

"This heartwarming depiction of a loving Black family experiencing a beloved holiday is a delight to behold and is just what many have been waiting for." —Kirkus, starred review

"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." —Publishers Weekly, starred review

"...Lovingly depicts the family engaging in holiday traditions and routines like braiding hair before bed. A warm tale for Kingle-curious kids." —Booklist

"Cozy, detailed art in Christmassy colors supports a joyous story of self-worth and inclusivity." —The Horn Book

"A satisfying Christmas tale that is overdue, and wonderful addition to the shelves." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher

11/01/2021

K-Gr 2—A Black child wonders what the real Santa will look like. He's seen Black Santas featured all over his family's home, and even on Grandma's car, but he is determined to stay up and meet Santa for himself on Christmas. When he asks other family members if they've ever met the real Santa, Grandpa replies, "Your mama wanted to take his picture once, when she was your age, but she couldn't stay awake." When mama surprises the little boy with a brand new camera as an early Christmas present, the little boy is now more determined than ever to get Santa's photo. After being tucked in on Christmas Eve, the young boy tiptoes downstairs to try and stay awake for Santa's arrival. Only after he drifts off to sleep does Santa arrive and carry the boy back to bed. Barely awake, the boy dreamily sees that Santa does indeed look just like him. Illustrations are done in the traditional red and green Christmas colors that portray a happy family celebrating the joys of the holiday season. VERDICT A satisfying Christmas tale that is overdue, and wonderful addition to the shelves.—Tracy Cronce, Stevens Point P.S.D., WI

School Library Journal

★ 2021-08-18
A Black child loves Santa but wonders what the “real Santa” looks like.

Santa’s brown face is all over this family’s home, on tree ornaments, gift wrap, and sweaters. When Grandma and Grandpa arrive to spend the night on Christmas Eve, Black Santa waves from their car window. A collection of Santa figurines adorns the mantel. The joyful protagonist adores all his Santas, but his parents and grandparents can’t help him figure out which one is the real Santa or what the real Santa looks like. The family prepares for Santa’s visit, reads a story together, and says goodnight. But the child creeps back downstairs and spends the night under the tree, trying to stay awake to see the real Santa. Of course, he falls asleep before Santa arrives, but there’s a lovely surprise when he is carried off to bed. This heartwarming depiction of a loving Black family experiencing a beloved holiday is a delight to behold and is just what many have been waiting for. In one spread, every member of the family wears matching red pajamas and green socks. The boy’s question about Santa’s appearance steers readers through the pages with a feeling of curiosity and suspense that is fully rewarded at the end: There’s no suspension of disbelief required and just a touch of magic. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

This book should round out every holiday collection. (Picture book. 3-8)

Kirkus Reviews