Flight of the Reindeer: The True Story of Santa Claus and His Christmas Mission

by Robert Sullivan, Glenn Wolff (Illustrator)

Overview

Children have believed the legend forever: On one evening each year a jolly old elf and eight reindeer fly all night long to deliver gifts around the world. The fact is, solid evidence abounds. Robert Sullivan, a senior editor at Life magazine, diligently gathered documentation from scientists, historians, zoologists, and Arctic explorers to prove that Santa is not just a myth. First, the reindeer: Do they really fly? “We used to think it was just extended leaping,” says Tony Vecchio, director of the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. “But recent evidence has confirmed that it is true flight.” And Santa Claus? “He’s just as real as the gifts he brings,” reports Will Steger, the famed Arctic explorer. The gorgeous illustrations, convincing photos, and charming text make this book a special holiday gift.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781628732597
Publisher:	Skyhorse Publishing
Publication date:	11/08/2010
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	96
File size:	38 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Robert Sullivan is a senior editor with Life magazine and has written on natural history, Santalogy and Arctic topics for a variety of magazines. Glenn Wolff's nature drawings appear regularly in The New York Times and have graced several books, including It's Raining Frogs and Fishes. J. Porter, who served as art director of Flight of the Reindeer, is the award-winning art director of Yankee magazine.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The Reindeer by the River: It Was a Wondrous Thing.

PART ONE: The Echo of Hooves: Searching for Yesteryear's Deer.

PART TWO: The North Pole Today: On the Roof of the World.

PART THREE: The Miracle of Reindeer Flight: Mysteries Explained, Science Revealed.

PART FOUR: Eight Tiny Reindeer (Plus One): Santa's Starting Team and His Helpers.

Afterword: Like Down on a Thistle, Evermore: Work That Never Ends.

Editorial Reviews

Every December 24th, much of the world—young and old alike—looks to the skies, hoping for a glimpse of that magical sleigh pulled by tiny reindeer. In this well-researched compendium of fact, legend, photographs, drawings, and ancient artifacts, readers learn the science and history behind those flying reindeer. Voiced by an anonymous narrator, one can imagine a cozy evening by the fireside, listening to fantastical tales and adventures of one who has seen amazing things. Our guide takes us on a journey back in time and around the world, sharing insights from historians, scientists, explorers, and Santa's elite group of Helpers. Ancient carvings by the Inuit and modern-day photography show visual evidence of flying reindeer, while interviews and historical documents record first-hand encounters with these wonderful creatures. Scientific explanations of reindeer anatomy, maps of Santa's route, and diagrams of the sleigh lend further credibility to the question to which we all seek an answer: how does Santa do it? Much like the popular Ology books (Pirateology, Oceanology, and the like), Sullivan uses the nonfiction medium of an encyclopedia-like book to investigate the mythology surrounding the legend of Santa Claus and his flying reindeer. While perhaps more amusing for an adult audience who will understand the wry humor, photographic mash-ups, and "interviews" the author conducted, younger readers will pour over the illustrations and charts. And for all those who believe, this is a truly magical addition to any holiday library. Reviewer: Leah Hanson

Children's Literature - Leah Hanson