When Santa Lost His Beard
What’s inside...
When Santa Lost His Beard is a heartwarming children's book by Nina Wahlund that tells the story of Santa Claus facing an unexpected dilemma when he loses his iconic beard right before Christmas. The loss of his beard causes a crisis at the North Pole, as Santa's identity and confidence are deeply tied to his fluffy white beard. The story takes readers on a magical adventure as Santa and his team of elves and reindeer search for a solution. Along the way, they learn important lessons about self-acceptance, the true spirit of Christmas, and the fact that one's appearance does not define who they are. The book emphasizes the importance of inner qualities over external appearances and celebrates the joy of giving and the strength of community support. It's a tale that resonates with readers both young and old, reminding everyone that the essence of the holiday season lies in love, kindness, and the bonds we share with one another.
Age
4-8
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Santa felt when he lost his beard? Why?
What would you do if you were Santa and lost something important?
Why do you think the beard is important to Santa?
How did the characters in the book help Santa? What does this teach us about helping others?
If you could create a magical solution for Santa, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more engaging.
Ask your child to guess what might happen next in the story to keep them thinking actively.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s experiences, such as a time they helped someone or lost something important.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps deepen their connection to the story.
After reading, ask your child how they would feel in a similar situation, promoting empathy and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of helping others
Explanation: In the story, when Santa loses his beard, the characters rally together to help him find it, showcasing teamwork and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of helping friends and family in need, reinforcing positive social behavior.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of unexpected challenges
Explanation: Santa losing his beard represents an unforeseen challenge, yet he and his friends persist to solve the problem, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay positive and determined when facing difficulties, building their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The characters use imaginative and creative methods to help find Santa’s beard, highlighting the importance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think out of the box and use their creativity to solve everyday problems.
Example Lesson: The spirit of giving
Explanation: The book reinforces the idea that the holiday season is not just about receiving gifts but also about the joy of giving to others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of generosity and are encouraged to practice giving in their own lives, fostering a sense of community.
Example Lesson: Identity and self-acceptance
Explanation: Despite losing a part of his iconic look, Santa remains a beloved figure, teaching children that appearance does not define one's worth.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop a healthy self-image and promotes acceptance of themselves and others regardless of physical appearance.