The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

By: L. Frank Baum

Narrated by: Rebecca K. Reynolds

Length: 3 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

An imaginative work first published in 1902, L. Frank Baum’s The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus tells the story of Claus, an orphaned boy raised by various immortal creatures in an enchanted forest. When he reaches adulthood, Claus is told to live among mortals; he is disheartened initially by poverty, war, and other negative aspects of humanity. He becomes well-known for his kindness to children, and this enthusiasm leads to the invention of the first toys.

Claus eventually makes it his life’s mission to bring joy to children, and this unfolds into an entertaining explanation of many Christmas traditions, including the hanging of stockings, Christmas trees, and gift-giving. After a lifetime of generosity the immortal creatures who raised him must consider whether Claus is worthy of immortality so that he may continue to bring joy into the lives of children.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus illustrates the depth of Baum’s skill as an author of children’s literature.

Public Domain (P)2020 Oasis Audio

BEYOND OZ: BAUM'S OVERLOOKED MASTERPIECE

I've had this book on my shelf for about thirty-five years. And thirty-five years ago was likely the last time I read it. So it was a thrill to listen to this new production. First, the story. L. Frank Baum was an imaginative storyteller. In my opinion, the best. This story of the "origins" of Santa Claus is most definitely from Baum's fertile imagination far more than it is of folklore. While it does not take place in Oz, some of the mentioned geography such as the forest of Burzee, appear later in Baum's Oz books, and Santa Claus himself appears as a guest at a feat at the end of Baum's "The Emerald City of Oz." Second, the production. After listening to this version, I have concluded that Baum's stories were written to be read aloud. The narrator, Rebecca K. Reynolds, is a masterful storyteller. Listening to this recording, I would imagine her reading to a group of children from a rocking chair. Her inflections are lively, and even when she deepens or raises her voice to create different characters, she maintains a consistent ethereal quality. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook.