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

Sullivan, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1620879840 ISBN 13: 9781620879849

Publisher: Sky Pony, 2013

Synopsis

Did you know that Santa Claus returns to the North Pole 1,756 times during Christmas Eve? Or that he averages about 75 million miles over the course of 31 hours? Back in 1000 AD his sleigh was originally made of bone and ivory, but now it's entirely constructed of graphite and stainless steel, even providing a durable swivel seat!

Indeed, there has never been anything quite like Flight of the Reindeer. Most, if not all writers, have approached the adored Santa Claus tale in a variety of ways, but none have tried to explore the reasons behind it. Robert Sullivan provides documentation from Santalogists, historians, zoologists, and Arctic explorers to confirm that flying reindeer are anything but a myth, and that Santa Claus does, in fact, make his trek around the globe each Christmas Eve. Glenn Wolff's insightful and profoundly detailed illustrations impeccably coincide with Sullivan's comprehensive research to provide a classic for children and their parents. A must-have for the holiday season!

About this title

Review

Lest you think that Christmas is just a sentimental commercial venture perpetuated by misguided Victorian-era worshippers, Flight of the Reindeer offers proof positive that there is a Santa Claus and yes, reindeer really do know how to fly. Robert Sullivan, a senior editor at Life magazine, diligently gathered documentation from respected scientists, historians, zoologists, and Arctic explorers to prove once and for all that Santa is not just a myth. The gorgeous illustrations, convincing photos, and smoothly written text make this book an ideal gift for children who are teetering on the edge of nonbelief and an even better one for grownups who long ago gave up hope.

From the Inside Flap

Flight of the Reindeer Children have believed the legend forever: On one special evening each year a jolly old elf (with a taste for red suits) and eight tiny reindeer (plus one with a red nose) fly all night long to deliver gifts around the world. The fact is, solid evidence abounds—from scientists, historians, Arctic explorers and other experts—that this is not a legend at all, and that the children have been right all along. In Flight of the Reindeer, Robert Sullivan has gathered a wealth of evidence, including photos, illustrations and eyewitness accounts, both old and new, to present the wondrous story of The Christmas Mission. 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." In fact there is one remarkable breed that flies with a grace and speed unmatched in the animal kingdom. Dasher is one of this breed. So are Dancer, Donder and the other members of "The Team." And Santa Claus? "He's just as real as the gifts he brings," reports Will Steger, the famed Arctic explorer, who, ten years ago, became the first person ever to visit the elusive North Pole village. Steger returned with some astonishing photographic evidence of the village, as well as words of wisdom from the legend himself." I was surprised by how open he was and how much information he wanted me to bring back," says Steger. Indeed, it seems that while Santa feels strongly that he and his village must live and work in isolation, he is not at all reluctant to have us know certain things. In fact, he seems to want us to know. And now, with Flight of the Reindeer, we do.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sky Pony
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1620879840
• ISBN 13: 9781620879849
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 96
• Illustrator: Wolff Glenn