The Santa Clauses

The Santa Clauses retold by Achim Broger
Ilustrated by Ute Krause
Published by Dial Books
1986

     The trouble started when newspapers published the story that there was no such thing as Santa Claus.  The story spread like wildfire and soon children were  distraught. Who were they going to sent their letters to? Who would bring them their presents? Charlie just didn't believe it. He knew Santa Clause had to be real. "Actually Charlie was right. But there wasn't just one Santa Clause, there were several -enough to go around at Christmas among all the children in the world."
     The Santa Clauses called for an International Convention. They decided that since people didn't want to believe in them anymore, they might as well take a break and go on vacation.  Meanwhile, Charlie was home, "moping around his room," thinking about Santa Claus. His father takes him to his work at the post office, and it is there that Charlie finds a postcard sent to one of the Santas from the others who were vacationing in Miami Beach.  Charlie knows he needs to head to Florida and convince the Santa Clauses to get back to work.
     The Santa Clauses is a quirky and entertaining story. It's lively illustrations and original tale make for a delightful read.  At the end of the day, it goes back to this, Santa will always be real to those who believe in him...or them.