In 1897, eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon wrote the New York Sun to ask a simple question: Is there a Santa Claus? The editor's response was a stirring defense of hope, generosity, and the spirit of childhood. His essay has been reprinted countless times since, and the phrase "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" has become part of American Christmas lore.
Based on these actual events, Yes, Virginia is the story of a little girl who taught a city to believe.
Publishers Weekly
Believers still take heart in the true account of eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's 1897 letter to the New York Sun asking if Santa Claus exists--and the resounding affirmative reply printed. Plehal dramatized these events for a 2009 animated TV special and adapts his version to picture book form. If some of the plotting stretches credibility (such as the discovery of Virginia's discarded letter in the trash), the combination of Bernardin's comically exaggerated characters and Plehal's modern, relatable dialogue gives the story some freshness. Ages 3–7. (Oct.)
Children's Literature - Beverley Fahey
A little girl's simple question and a New York Sun reporter's response are given a back story in this integral part of Christmas lore. In 1897, young Virginia is proud of the book she has made for Santa Claus and can hardly wait for Christmas Eve so she can leave it for him. The taunts of schoolmate Charlotte, who scoffs at the very idea of Santa, compels Virginia to seek his authenticity. Books in the library are interesting but not definitive and the skinny Santa with the scraggly beard at Herald Square embodies the kindness of Santa (his gave his coat to a poor woman) but admits he is not the real one. At her father's suggestion, Virginia writes to the Sun only to have her letter tossed in the trash. Moping and waiting for an answer, Virginia gives skinny Santa a new coat and her generosity prompts him to declare, "Today, you are Santa." When Charlotte finds the discarded letter and teases Virginia even more, skinny Santa heads to the Sun's office to demand respect for the little girl. With a change of heart, the reporter writes the now famous reply that appears in the next day's paper. Virginia is vindicated and a whole city comes to believe. Meanwhile her book is returned to her by a jolly rotund man in a red suit with a twinkle in his eye. While the story is sweet and predictable it has great appeal and will help parents emphasize the spirit of Santa and Christmas. Handsome watercolors capture the period perfectly although the children with their large heads and big wide eyes tend to be cartoonish. Overall it is a nice addition to the holiday genre. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey
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