By: Jean Wyatt
*Available directly from our distributors, click the Available On tab below
Damian was upset because he could not afford a ticket to visit Santa’s Grotto in the mall.
But through a fire, a snowstorm, and an unexpected friendship, he became caught up in a magical adventure, and found out that the really amazing story of Christmas is much more exciting than Santa’s Grotto.
Jean Wyatt is married and has three children and five grandchildren.
She is interested in the real story of our world, and stories about real people’s lives.
The Real Story points the reader to the original story of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and to St.Nicholas, the origin of Santa Claus. The story is told from the viewpoint of a young boy, Damian, in a modern-day family trying to make ends meet, unable to afford the cost of visiting the local grotto. However, he discovers something much better, the real story. It is suitable for children in upper Key Stage 2, but if read to younger children parents should be aware of this spoiler alert: On page 13 Damian is told that stories of Father Christmas are made up and that stories about Nicholas developed into the Santa Claus myth. Children will relate to Damian and his mum, both realistically portrayed.
I really liked this children's book which told the story of a young boy who was feeling sad and left out because his Mum couldn't afford to pay for him to visit the local Santa's Grotto. He went to look at the shop and ended up getting lost but discovered the real meaning of Christmas after meeting a kind lady who helped him find the way home. Our six-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter enjoyed listening to the book. The pictures are pretty cool too!
This is a lovely story exploring the real meaning of Christmas. I read it with my 3 grandsons aged 9,7 and 5. The youngest one did not appreciate it but the other two loved it and asked questions. They were able to relate the story to what they had learned about the Christmas story in school. A delightful book that would make an excellent stocking filler.
“The Real Story” by Jean Wyatt-
This is a great story for young children during the exciting season of Christmas.
Skilfully woven together is much interesting information and many imaginative insights around Christmas. First is the accurate account of the ridiculous commercial Santa’s Grotto that generates exaggerated expectations of Christmas gifts. Injected is an element of drama, with a fire in the shopping Mall, a snowstorm, and Damian getting lost and frightened.
A rescuer gives a great account of the kind and generous Nicholas of Myra in Turkey. This anchors the story in history and geography as he became Saint Nicholas, and from this grew the whole distorted myth of Santa Claus. This is valuable and will be news to many adults as well as children. The caring deeds of Saint Nicholas lead back to Jesus, the one he followed, and we reach the real Christmas story. This was described so vividly that Damian felt he was actually meeting the baby Jesus in the manger and miraculously reached home in time for tea. Wonderful!
William A.M. Cutting
(Retired International Paediatrician, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather)
What a beautiful book which weaves well-rounded characters into a magical Christmas story. It is ideal for adults as well as children as it very skilfully presents deep insights into the true Christmas story. I used it on Christmas Day as my Christmas homily and so many positive comments were made. The book is delightful and a welcome addition to my Christmas books
