The Santa Club

By: Kelly Moss
Illustrated by: Jim Keserich
Publisher: Palmary Press
Publication Date: July 2011
ISBN: 978-0982134016
Reviewed by: Ellen Feld
Review Date: September 12, 2011

Christmas will soon be upon us, the holiday rush is in full, crazy, hurry-up-NOW mode, and you ask your child what she wants from Santa - a bike, the newest, gotta-have-it toy, or maybe a computer game? Instead of replying with her choice of gifts, she asks, “Mommy, is there a Santa Claus?” Oh, no, what now?

Every parent who celebrates Christmas with their children has faced the dilemma of when to have “that talk” about Santa. What do you say? When is the right time? Is your child ready? Author Kelly Moss has taken much of the angst out of that fateful day by writing a book that is the perfect accompaniment to the Santa discussion.

The Santa Club is meant to be read together, parent and child, and speaks directly to the young reader. It asks two very important questions – Is there a Santa Claus? Is Santa Claus real? – and explains that if you (the young reader) have asked these questions, then you may turn the page for the answer….

The handling of the truth is sensitive and quite clever. The author explains who Santa Claus is and then tells the reader why it is now time to join The Santa Club. She also explains why The Santa Club must be kept secret from other children and includes an “official” Santa Club certificate to be filled out by the new member. The book has a bit of a history lesson, with the revelation of who St. Nicholas was, and how he ties in with the birth of Jesus. Children will learn about Jesus’ birthday and why we celebrate today.

Quill says: When your child is ready, this book will help explain the truth behind Santa Claus in a fun and sensitive way.