Mac Barnett on Flipping Santa's Story: Santa's First Christmas

The Children's Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

Award-winning children's author Mac Barnett joins us to discuss his heartwarming new picture book Santa's First Christmas, beautifully illustrated by Sydney Smith.

In this fresh take on holiday storytelling, Santa experiences the magic of Christmas Day for the very first time, thanks to his thoughtful elves. Mac shares insights into the creative process and his collaboration with acclaimed illustrator Sydney Smith and reflects on how Christmas books create special yearly traditions for families. From the warmth of Christmas lights to sneaking tastes of cookie icing, discover how this charming story turns the traditional Santa narrative on its head while celebrating the joy of both giving and receiving during the holiday season.

Transcription: You can read the transcription on ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Children's Book Review⁠⁠.

Order Copies: Santa's First Christmas on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bookshop.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

About the Author: Mac Barnett is the New York Times bestselling author of many picture books, including the New York Times bestseller The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse; the Caldecott Honor Book and E.B. White Read-Aloud Award winner Sam and Dave Dig a Hole; and the Caldecott Honor Book and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award winner Extra Yarn. He also coauthors the bestselling Terrible Two series with Jory John. Mac lives in Oakland, California.