First published 2010
Robert Sullivan works as a senior editor at Life magazine. He decides to investigate the Christmas legend that has captivated children for generations. Each December, people tell stories about a cheerful old elf who travels with eight reindeer to deliver presents worldwide in a single night. Sullivan refuses to dismiss this as mere folklore. He contacts scientists, historians, zoologists, and Arctic explorers to build his case. Tony Vecchio runs the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. He tells Sullivan that reindeer don't just leap great distances. New research confirms they actually achieve flight. Arctic explorer Will Steger adds his testimony. He insists Santa Claus exists as genuinely as the presents he distributes. Sullivan compiles photographs and documentation to support these claims. His investigation reveals that solid evidence supports what many consider impossible. The book combines scientific inquiry with holiday wonder, showing how belief and fact can coexist in unexpected ways.
Genres: science, christmas, adventure, non-fiction
Vibes: thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: found-family
Setting: Arctic, Providence, Rhode Island
Period: December
96 pages · Hardcover · Skyhorse Publishing