This week’s topic for top Ten Tuesday is Books I Hope Santa Brings/Bookish Wishes. And since I always have way too many books I hope Santa will bring for me on my various wishlists, I decided to do a twist on it instead – books for Santa that we will love too, very likely something in it for everyone. Or maybe books we could find on Santa’s bookshelf already. The list includes books ranging from picture books to mind-opening serious nonfiction and everything in between, so books for all ages of course too within.
I have read about half of these books and the others, I hope to get to them for they intrigue me …and if you have read any of them, do let me know your thoughts on them. I picked these books because they are set in the northern regions, close to the Arctic (or in the Arctic/North Pole!). 🙂
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Books for Santa that We Will Love Too
Arctic Dreams
Arctic Dreams by Barry Lopez
The book description says: “Arctic Dreams investigates the unique terrain of the human mind, thrown into relief against the vastness of the tundra and the frozen ocean. Eye-opening and profoundly moving, it is a magnificent appreciation of how wilderness challenges and inspires us.” Borrowed from the library now, and will get to this National Book Award winner on my break.
Why on Santa’s list: Well, wouldn’t Santa’s dreams be Arctic dreams, of a sort?
The Autobiography of Santa Claus
The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn
I started reading this one, and it is as delightful as it promises in the description: “Families will delight in each chapter of this new Christmas classic—one per each cold December night leading up to Christmas!” And since I started it later than the start of Christmas, it is more than a chapter a night so far! Plus, it is book one of a series, so i have more delightufl tales to read!
Why on Santa’s list: It is his life-story after all!
The Balloonist
The Balloonist by MacDonald Harris. Another current read via archive.org.
Book description: It is July 1897, at the northernmost reach of the inhabited world. Swedish inventor Gustav Crispin is determined to become the first person to set foot on the North Pole, and return, borne by hot air balloon. Making the expedition with two companions—an American journalist and a young, French-speaking adventurer—all three climb into the small wicker gondola and cuts the ropes. But as Gustav pursues his history-making ambition, and their flimsy balloon is battered by Arctic winds, his mind returns again and again to his fraught romance with the beautiful Luisa.
Why on Santa’s list: To satisfy his curiosity about the flying objects that went over his home.. for a change..
The Call of the Wild
The Call of the Wild by Jack London. I loved London’s White Fang and The Call of the Wild. I recall reading a comic version of these books along with the regular versions ages ago, and loved them both. The wild does call out to me every so often ..:-) While I cannot find the comic version I read so long ago, this edition illustrated by Sachin Nagar seems to be cool too from what I can see.
Why on Santa’s list: I am sure he would love to read Jack London…
A Farewell to Ice
A Farewell to Ice: A Report from the Arctic by Peter Wadhams.
A must-read nonfiction from what I can see in the description of this book. Have you read it? Do let me know your thoughts on this. On my TBR now.
Why on Santa’s list: He would want to be informed about the impact of global warming on his home
Ice Station Zebra
Ice Station Zebra by Alistair MacLean. I went through a MacLean phase when I was an older teen (I think) and Ice Station Zebra was one of my favorites!
Why on Santa’s list: I know he will enjoy these thrillers.
North Pole / South Pole
North Pole / South Pole: Pole to Pole: a Flip Book by Michael Bright. I have read and enjoyed other books by Bright before, and this one is no different. A great way to introduce young readers to the polar extremes of our world. (7 – 11 years, and up)
Why on Santa’s list: To put in the giftbags for young ones..
Santa Claus: The Magical World of Father Christmas
Santa Claus: The Magical World of Father Christmas by Rod Green. An enchanting read for all ages (3 – 6 years, and up).
Why on Santa’s list: I am sure he contributed a bit to this book…
Skipping Christmas
Skipping Christmas: A Novel by John Grisham. I did not realize that the Christmas With the Kranks movie series was based on a book. And I have only read a couple of Grisham’s courtroom dramas (a long time ago now).
Why on Santa’s list: What were the Kranks up to while skipping Christmas? Curiosity on Santa’s part…
A World of Cookies for Santa
A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World (nonfiction, 4 – 9 years, and up). Why wouldn’t this one be on Santa’s bookshelves? My review here.
Why on Santa’s list: He loves cookies after all, and this book would be next to him all the time 🙂
Extra, extra!
And a bonus read, one of my favorite reads about the south pole – Endurance by Alfred Lansing!
Related Reads and More
- It’s a Wonderful List of Holiday Movies Based on Books
- A Holiday Gift Guide for Kids of all Ages – Part One
- 15 Stocking Stuffers for Kids of all Ages Under $15 – Part 2 of Holiday Gift List
- Top Ten Tuesdays of Christmas Stories and Happy Holidays
- Festive Reads and More: It is the Season After All
- A Wonderful Medley of Festive Nonfiction Reads
- Bookish Gifts I’d Love to See Under the Tree
- This Christmas Pullover Hoodie featuring Santa Claus reading a book!
- And this stunning water globe lantern by your reading spot for that Santa spirit from the San Francisco Music box Company.
And Now, the End of This Post
Dear reader, have you read any of these books? Which one would you pick first? Which ones do you think Santa Claus might really have on his bookshelf? Well, really have is kind of stretching it since, I am asking about Santa Claus’s bookshelf after all!
I need to check out the book about cookies. This looks like a great book.
I love that Santa reads, too! Santa is a pretty awesome dude, and I can’t believe there are only a few more sleeps before he arrives.
These are wonderful books for the holiday! Would make great gifts!
The Autobiography of Santa Claus sounds like a delightful read, and I’m excited to discover more about Santa’s life story.;)
This is the ideal Holiday reading list, thank you! I love the selection and the fact that they’re all perfect for cozying up with a warm blanket and a hot cuppa on a chilly wintery night!
Some good ones here! I’m adding “A World Of Cookies For Santa” to my list of gifts for my nephew.
Oh my gosh, I love this twist! I wonder what books Santa would have on his bookshelf. Such a creative post 🙂
I like how we get a shot at Santa’s POV and essentially have book recommendations from Santa. This could be fun to play at with the children! Honestly, you know Santa would have all of these titles on his shelf, although I would like to read The Balloonist because it seems like a sweet story!
Aww, I love this twist. It’s lovely, and I’d bet Santa would approve of it. 🙂
Here is my Top Ten Tuesday post.
What a great list of books for the Holidays! I would love to read all of these books, but first North/South pole book 😍.
A World of Cookies for Santa! I love that book title. I’d buy that one for the grandbabes.
Haha, I love your twist on the topic. I bet Santa would love these books. Or, maybe he’s sick of the snow and would rather read about tropical islands. 🙂
These would make a great gift for someone special. These books sound great and I will have to check out some of them as well. Thanks for sharing these with us.