| Author/Contributor(s): | Plehal, Chris; Bernardin, James |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins |
| Date: | 9/28/2010 |
| Binding: | Hardcover |
| Condition: | NEW |
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.
Virginia’s doubts began when a classmate mocked her handmade scrapbook, insisting that Santa Claus was make-believe. Piles of reference volumes at the New York Public Library offered names from around the world, yet none could prove Saint Nick was real. In chilly Herald Square, a generous bell ringer offered a quiet demonstration of kindness, charity, and selflessness.
- American History for Kids: Introduces young readers to newsman Francis Church and his assistant Louis, capturing their newsroom debate over answering a child’s sincere letter.
- School Drama: When a classmate named Charlotte knocks Virginia’s book into the mud at the park, loyal best friend Ollie rushes in to help.
- Quest Adventure: Virginia and Ollie scour library shelves to discover holiday traditions across the globe, from Father Christmas in England to Sinterklaas in Holland and Babbo Natale in Italy.
- Winter Stories: Touched by a shivering street volunteer collecting for the poor, Virginia surprises him with a brand-new warm winter coat.