Reviewed by Philip Van Heusen for Readers' Favorite
"Dean Nowotny has hit a grand slam with Dear Maggie a Letter from Santa. This is the best children's Christmas book I have ever read. Not only does the author deal with the work that Santa and his elves do, be he also reminds children of the real "Reason for the Season." Dean shares the story of Jesus' birth and His life, death and resurrection without denigrating Santa. Too many stories sacrifice one aspect for the other. Dean realizes the importance of keeping the Santa schema alive while sharing the truth. Santa tells the story of Jesus, and his helpers join in. While remembering Santa, Dean shows how all of us need to know about Jesus and His eternal life. Read this book to and with your children while they are learning more about Jusus.
"...Dean Nowotny...does a masterful job of interweaving the two aspects (Jesus and Santa) in Dear Maggie. Your children will be thrilled by the skillful illustrations drawn by Sergio Drumond, depicting Santa, his elves, and the story of the life of Jesus. Dean uses easy-to-understand language so children of all ages can comprehend the importance of the Christmas story...This book can open the door to discussions on Christianity, Christ, and salvation. This could be the most important book you will every buy for your child."
(edited and highlighted by DMN)
"Dean Nowotny has hit a grand slam with Dear Maggie a Letter from Santa. This is the best children's Christmas book I have ever read. Not only does the author deal with the work that Santa and his elves do, be he also reminds children of the real "Reason for the Season." Dean shares the story of Jesus' birth and His life, death and resurrection without denigrating Santa. Too many stories sacrifice one aspect for the other. Dean realizes the importance of keeping the Santa schema alive while sharing the truth. Santa tells the story of Jesus, and his helpers join in. While remembering Santa, Dean shows how all of us need to know about Jesus and His eternal life. Read this book to and with your children while they are learning more about Jusus.
"...Dean Nowotny...does a masterful job of interweaving the two aspects (Jesus and Santa) in Dear Maggie. Your children will be thrilled by the skillful illustrations drawn by Sergio Drumond, depicting Santa, his elves, and the story of the life of Jesus. Dean uses easy-to-understand language so children of all ages can comprehend the importance of the Christmas story...This book can open the door to discussions on Christianity, Christ, and salvation. This could be the most important book you will every buy for your child."
(edited and highlighted by DMN)
Dean
Nowotny
Author
Dean and his wife Susan were in full time ministry for over twenty-five years in their home state of Massachusetts. They now live in Virginia near their two children and ten grandchildren. Dean has been a pastor for over 25 years and more recently has been an hospice bereavement coordinator for 15 years. He is currently fully retired!
Dean is also a professional Santa Claus making both in-person visits and virtual visits all around the world. Elsewhere on this website you will find how to learn all about Santa and what he can do.
Sergio
Drumond
Illustrator
Sergio is a painter, illustrator, animator and digital graphic artist with various degrees in Fine Arts and Advertising Art. He spent most of his live in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, where he studied art and worked as an illustrator. He has illustrated over one hundred published books. View his portfolio at:
sdrumondart.com
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Schedule a Santa Claus Visit Please visit my separate Santa Claus website for all information about how I can make your 2024 holiday season extra special. Again, I will be raising money for Agape International Missions (AIM). They are a Christ-centered ministry that rescues children and young women from trafficking and restores their lives. Where Santa can add some extra Christmas joy: home visits & parties / company parties / parades / tree lighting ceremonies / holiday bazaars & marketplaces / churches/ stores / schools / nursing homes / worldwide virtual visits website stillbelievesantaclaus.com Still Believe Santa Claus stillbelievesantaclaus@gmail.com phone (757) 619-0709 |
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Currently there are over 23 reviews on Amazon, all of which are 5 stars! Here are some excerpts:
"Wow! Finally a Christian book that takes the true meaning of Christmas and adds just enough Santa tradition to keep the 'Merry and Bright' in the story." Robin Probasco
"My 5-year-old loved this book!" Alethea Dillow
"...a beautifully written story that captivates your heart from the beginning...I highly recommend this book! You will not be sorry!" Dana McLane
"Reading and sharing 'Dear Maggie a Letter from Santa' will definitely be a new annual Christmas tradition for my family! For anyone struggling with the Santa vs. Jesus debate, here is your answer!...I highly recommend this book and encourage you to purchase more than one. Once you read it, you'll wish your ordered more for friends!" Jen. S.
"The book itself was wonderfully written and the illustrations are phenomenal. Highly recommend for a wonderful holiday read."
Kay Jeffries
"We give it a giant thumbs up. It's a dear story...highlighting how Christmas is ultimately about Jesus. We highly recommend for your child's Christmas book collection to be read year after year."
Bobos Babes
"Wow! Finally a Christian book that takes the true meaning of Christmas and adds just enough Santa tradition to keep the 'Merry and Bright' in the story." Robin Probasco
"My 5-year-old loved this book!" Alethea Dillow
"...a beautifully written story that captivates your heart from the beginning...I highly recommend this book! You will not be sorry!" Dana McLane
"Reading and sharing 'Dear Maggie a Letter from Santa' will definitely be a new annual Christmas tradition for my family! For anyone struggling with the Santa vs. Jesus debate, here is your answer!...I highly recommend this book and encourage you to purchase more than one. Once you read it, you'll wish your ordered more for friends!" Jen. S.
"The book itself was wonderfully written and the illustrations are phenomenal. Highly recommend for a wonderful holiday read."
Kay Jeffries
"We give it a giant thumbs up. It's a dear story...highlighting how Christmas is ultimately about Jesus. We highly recommend for your child's Christmas book collection to be read year after year."
Bobos Babes
How to get your copy of dear maggie A LETTER FROM SANTA
AMAZON - for prime members it is $10 (sometimes they will put it on sale, 8/24 it is $8.99) with free shipping:
https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Maggie-Letter-Santa-Nowotny/dp/1667859374/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=dear+maggie+a+letter+from+santa&qid=1674604630&sr=8-1
BARNES & NOBLE - both the Hampton and Newport News, Virginia stores have them in stock (might be in the backroom until Christmas season) Regardless of what they might tell you any B&N can order it for you.
BOOKBABY BOOKSHOP - this is the publisher. They are selling it for $10 plus approximately $5 for shipping and handling.
DEAN NOWOTNY / SANTA - I have a number of copies I will sell for $11 each, $12 if you need it to be mailed
ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: Target, Walmart, Books-a-Million and Thriftbooks.
INTERNATIONALLY:
Taiwan - books.com.tw
South Africa - Takealot
England - Blackwell's
Canada - AbeBooks
https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Maggie-Letter-Santa-Nowotny/dp/1667859374/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=dear+maggie+a+letter+from+santa&qid=1674604630&sr=8-1
BARNES & NOBLE - both the Hampton and Newport News, Virginia stores have them in stock (might be in the backroom until Christmas season) Regardless of what they might tell you any B&N can order it for you.
BOOKBABY BOOKSHOP - this is the publisher. They are selling it for $10 plus approximately $5 for shipping and handling.
DEAN NOWOTNY / SANTA - I have a number of copies I will sell for $11 each, $12 if you need it to be mailed
ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE: Target, Walmart, Books-a-Million and Thriftbooks.
INTERNATIONALLY:
Taiwan - books.com.tw
South Africa - Takealot
England - Blackwell's
Canada - AbeBooks
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WHEN SANTA LEARNED THE GOSPEL
This is an excellent book by Simon Camilleri. You can view it here and also purchase it from 10ofthose.com/us/products:
https://us.10ofthose.com/product/9781911272892/when-santa-learned-the-gospel-paperback This is a perfect prequel to Dear Maggie... Special thank you to 10ofthose for permission to include this YouTube video on my site. |
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Plot summary of Dear maggie a letter from santa
Maggie writes a letter to Santa in which she asks, "Santa is Christmas about you, or about Jesus, or about both of you?" He was more than glad to answer her question!
Unlike most children's books about Jesus and Christmas, this book does not stop at His birth, but continues on to tell of His ministry, His death on the cross and His resurrection and ascension. And most importantly, His offer of salvation!
Though Santa is featured in this book, Dear Maggie a Letter from Santa, is ultimately all about Jesus, which makes it perfect for parents who want their children to know what Christmas is really all about.
Unlike most children's books about Jesus and Christmas, this book does not stop at His birth, but continues on to tell of His ministry, His death on the cross and His resurrection and ascension. And most importantly, His offer of salvation!
Though Santa is featured in this book, Dear Maggie a Letter from Santa, is ultimately all about Jesus, which makes it perfect for parents who want their children to know what Christmas is really all about.
all the illustratons from dear maggie a letter from santa
You have my permission to copy these wonderful, vibrant illustrations by Sergio Drumond, and turn them into a PowerPoint and/or record them any way you want. Publically, it works extremely well to read the book while the images are projected on a screen. This would be perfect for Sunday School, Children's Church or for a portion of the Children's Christmas Program or your church's Christmas Eve Service.
If it is easier for you, please email me and I will send the entire PowerPoint as an attachment.
I only ask that in some way you communicate who the author and illustrator are and how to secure a copy. Better yet, buy copies to give out to the children!
If it is easier for you, please email me and I will send the entire PowerPoint as an attachment.
I only ask that in some way you communicate who the author and illustrator are and how to secure a copy. Better yet, buy copies to give out to the children!
"...whoever welcomes a little child...in my name welcomes me." Matthew 18:5
"'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them...'" Matthew 19:14